The Indianapolis Colts open the regular season at home against the Baltimore Ravens.
To help us preview this matchup, Glenn Erby, the managing editor of Ravens Wire, answered a handful of our questions to provide some insights into this Baltimore team.
Ravens Wire: Minter has been organized, direct, and consistent since taking over. He brings energy without manufacturing it, and players have responded to his detailed but collaborative approach. He has also allowed his coordinators to establish their identities while remaining heavily involved with the defense. The biggest takeaway is that he appears comfortable leading the entire operation rather than simply functioning as a defensive-minded head coach. The regular season will present different challenges, but the transition from John Harbaugh has been smoother than many expected.
Ravens Wire: Baltimore's defensive front should be its biggest strength. The Ravens added Trey Hendrickson to a group that could regain Nnamdi Madubuike while also featuring Calais Campbell, Travis Jones, and second-round pick Zion Young. Roquan Smith and Kyle Hamilton give the defense elite talent behind that front. If Madubuike remains healthy, Baltimore should be able to stop the run without sacrificing its ability to pressure quarterbacks.
Ravens Wire: The interior offensive line is the primary concern. Baltimore will start Jovaughn Gwyn at center and rookie first-round pick Vega Ioane at right guard. Gwyn has never started an NFL game, while Ioane will make his regular-season debut against DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart. The Ravens are also installing Declan Doyle's offense, so communication and protection errors could occur early. Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry can cover plenty of weaknesses, but Indianapolis has the personnel to test that inexperienced interior.

#Ravens

NFL pundit Skip Bayless believes the Baltimore Ravens' biggest concern may not be Lamar Jackson's talent, but whether the quarterback will fully buy into a dramatically younger coaching staff.
Baltimore opens 2026 with Jesse Minter in his first season as an NFL head coach and Declan Doyle taking over the offense. Doyle is the league's youngest offensive coordinator and will call plays for the first time after serving as Chicago's coordinator under Ben Johnson last season.
During a segment on the "Gridiron" podcast with Aqib Talib on Friday, Bayless said Jackson needs a significant season for the sake of his résumé, but the ****** yst quickly turned his concern toward the coaching staff around the Ravens quarterback.
"If Jesse Minter were the new defensive coordinator in Baltimore, I'd be with you," Bayless said. "But he's the new head coach. So you have a baby head coach trying to figure out how to run the whole show as well as the defense."
Bayless's stronger warning, however, involved Doyle.

#bayless #season

The Baltimore Ravens have undergone significant changes entering the 2026 season, but elite talent, depth, and versatility remain central to their pursuit of a championship. Baltimore's veteran core will help Jesse Minter navigate his first season as a head coach. Some of those players, however, are also approaching crossroads because of age, injuries, salary considerations, or increased competition.
With the regular season approaching, here are five Ravens veterans entering pivotal seasons, along with one bonus candidate.
Bateman has repeatedly shown flashes of becoming a dependable playmaker, but injuries and inconsistent opportunities have prevented him from establishing himself as one of the NFL's most productive receivers.
The talent has never been the primary question. Bateman can create separation, stretch the field, and provide Lamar Jackson with a reliable target outside the numbers. What Baltimore needs now is consistent availability and production all season. Zay Flowers is firmly established as Jackson's leading receiver, while rookie Ja'Kobi Lane brings size and considerable upside to the position. Bateman must carve out a defined role within Declan Doyle's offense and capitalize on his opportunities. A productive season would strengthen Bateman's place within Baltimore's long-term plans. Another uneven campaign could force the Ravens to reevaluate the position.
Stanley remains one of the NFL's best left tackles when healthy, but age makes every season more significant.

#Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens reconstructed their coaching staff and strengthened several areas of the roster after falling short of the postseason. Those changes created renewed optimism, but they also increased the pressure on several returning players.
Baltimore's established stars will drive the team's championship pursuit. The Ravens' ability to close the gap in the AFC, however, could be determined by younger contributors becoming more consistent in expanded roles.
Here are five Ravens who must improve in 2026.
Simpson possesses the athletic tools to become a productive three-down linebacker, but Baltimore needs greater consistency from him alongside Roquan Smith. He must diagnose plays faster, take cleaner pursuit angles, and become more dependable in coverage. Teddye Buchanan and Jay Higgins IV give the Ravens additional options, placing even more importance on Simpson converting his physical ability into reliable production.
Rosengarten has gained valuable experience at right tackle, but the Ravens need him to take another step as a pass protector. His ability to handle speed rushers without consistent ****** istance would give Declan Doyle greater freedom with formations and route combinations. Baltimore cannot allow pressure from the right side to disrupt Lamar Jackson or force the offense away from deeper-developing concepts.

#Ravens

In a recent report, journalist Mark Brus mentioned that Manchester City are locked in a three-way battle for Atletico Madrid winger Alex Baena. It is believed that the Mancunian giants would have to rival Newcastle United and Aston Villa in the race to land the Spanish wide player.
Baena has made an excellent start to this campaign as he put in a few productive displays for Atletico Madrid in the final third. The 25-year-old has scored three goals and grabbed one ***** ist in three appearances for Diego Simeone's side in the league.
The Spanish talent is currently among the most talented wingers in La Liga. Hence, Man City would do well to lure him to the Etihad Stadium next year.
His current contract at the Madrid club will run out in the summer of 2030, which could make it tough for the Mancunian giants to snap him up on the cheap this January or at the end of the campaign.
MADRID, SPAIN – AUGUST 19: Alex Baena of Atletico de Madrid celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between Atletico de Madrid and Malaga CF at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on August 19, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

#baena #three #city #mancunian

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has issued a strong warning to his players as the team braces to face Real Betis on Friday at Estadio de La Cartuja.
'The Special One', who returned for his second stint at Madrid this year in June, is leaving no stone unturned to ensure a strong 2026 La Liga season for Los Blancos. Mourinho isn't letting the team's strong start, having won three out of three games, get into the players' heads, which is why he has already warned his team about the Betis challenge.
Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images
As the team braces for Friday's challenge, Mourinho said in the press conference that it has to be a great Real Madrid otherwise the team won't win. He further lauded the Betis team while acknowledging Madrid's recent good results. He also warned his team that winning at Betis' backyard won't be easy.
"It has to be a great Real Madrid, otherwise, they won't win," Mourinho said. "Betis, as you say, is a very good team. Real Madrid's recent results there speak for themselves . It is difficult to win there. To win, you have to be at your very best level. There is no other way," he concluded.

#real #mourinho #players

Baltimore Ravens head coach Jesse Minter understands the multifaceted dynamics involved in putting together the perfect football team. More impressively, Minter has frequently given accolades to his colleagues in press conferences, a show of his selfless nature and strong belief in interdependence.
As a former defensive coordinator, Minter is well aware that his eyes can't be everywhere on every play. This is why he deployed Anthony Weaver to designate the front seven of his defense in his current role. Minter will call the defensive plays, offensive coordinator DeClan Doyle will call the offensive plays, and quarterback Lamar Jackson will have the power to veto via audible. Minter and his staff seem to have honed in on a recurring design. Nickel and 3-4 personnel groups will appear on defense, while 11-, 12-, and 13-personnel groups will be seen heavily on offense.
Furthermore, the Ravens have a clearly defined infrastructure. This willingness to commit to both an offensive and defensive identity makes Minter's leadership role even easier. In 2026, Minter won't need a bunch of heavy, jargon- and aura-based speeches. Instead, he's focused on the product he puts on the field and not upholding some vain persona.
Ultimately, Minter trusts his staff, and his deferential disposition has allowed the team to foster a new identity. From media clips provided by the team administration to the preseason execution seen on broadcast, it's very clear that the 2026 Ravens will rely heavily on collaboration and cohesiveness to right their wrongs from a season ago.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens' Jesse Minter aims to lead with discipline, not to micromanage

#team #defensive #jesse #defense

The Baltimore Ravens announced the signing of offensive tackle A.J. Arcuri and tight end Nick Vannett to their practice squad on Tuesday.
Arcuri and Vannett completed the team's initial practice squad. However, veteran offensive lineman Chuma Edoga is expected to join the group after a successful workout on Wednesday, per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. The Ravens will have to clear a spot on Thursday to formalize the move, either by releasing a player or placing on on injured reserve.
Vannett, 33, has played for nine teams in his career, including a 18-month stint with the Saints in 2021 and 2022 while now-Ravens offensive coordinator Declan Doyle was serving as an offensive ****** istant on Sean Payton's staff. Doyle became the Broncos' tight end coach in 2023, so he likely worked closely with Vannett in New Orleans.
The familiarity between the two likely brought about this reunion in Baltimore, where the Ravens are short on experienced tight ends. Rookies Matt Hibner, Josh Cuevas, and Ty Pezza (practice squad) all flashed as pass-catchers in the preseason, but left plenty to be desired in the run game. Vannett brings a decade of experience as a blocker, though he only appeared in 10 games last year (four for the Vikings, six for the Rams) with 131 total snaps.
Arcuri, 29, was a Rams seventh-round pick in 2022 who appeared in eight games as a rookie and two in 2024. The Michigan State product has only played left tackle during the regular season with a Week 12 start against the Chiefs during his rookie year, but he has taken snaps at left guard and right tackle in the preseason, per Pro Football Focus. Arcuri's experience in McVay's system aligns with what the Ravens have been prioritizing along their offensive line this year.

#arcuri #practice

One Liverpool player was called out for a costly lapse shortly before Nottingham Forest's second goal at Anfield on Saturday afternoon.
With 20 minutes of normal time remaining, Oliver Glasner's team took the lead for the second time on the day as Morgan Gibbs-White converted a penalty that Clinton Morrison felt was 'harsh' on the home side.
The spot kick was awarded after Alisson Becker was adjudged to have fouled Neco Williams inside the box, with the Forest full-back the fastest to react to a throw-in taken quickly by Liam Delap.
Liverpool Echo journalist Ian Doyle observed that the passage of play which led to the penalty incident stemmed from a lapse in concentration by Jeremie Frimpong, who allowed Williams to run off him and then was too slow to react as the throw-in was taken.
The reporter posted on X: 'Forest win a penalty as Williams is downed by Alisson. All came from Frimpong switching off at throw.'

#Liverpool #frimpong #second

Birmingham City beat Wrexham 2-1 at the Racecourse Ground, with centre-back Phil Neumann scoring twice to secure all three points.
Neumann opened the scoring from close range in the 13th minute before Callum Doyle levelled for Wrexham shortly after half-time. The hosts had started to build momentum at that stage, but Birmingham responded quickly and Neumann struck again in the 63rd minute, heading home August Priske's cross.
Wrexham pushed for another equaliser late on and Kieffer Moore forced James Beadle into a save, while Sam Smith also missed from close range. Birmingham, though, managed the final stages well enough to protect their lead and see out the win.
Birmingham made the brighter start and threatened from a series of early set-pieces. Their pressure paid off in the 13th minute when Alex Cochrane delivered from the left and Neumann arrived inside the six-yard box to head past Anthony Patterson.
Wrexham gradually worked their way into the game. Moore tested Beadle with a header before Danny Imray forced another save from the Birmingham goalkeeper, but the visitors reached half-time with their one-goal advantage intact.

#neumann #moore #beadle

The Baltimore Ravens have spent years building one of the NFL's most recognizable football brands. They've been at this for three decades, and they are truly a class organization.
These days, they're home to one of the league's best quarterbacks, and there's no shortage of talent and swagger around him. Sometimes, the on-field product is breathtaking. Sometimes it's frustrating. Often, it's a mixture of both.
No matter how fans feel about the occasional fourth-quarter collapse or missed opportunity, some things can never be questioned. Baltimore is usually worth watching. Their fans are some of the most passionate, and they won't miss any opportunity to fill M&T Bank Stadium or settle around a television on game days.
That belief recently surfaced when ESPN's Ben Solak released his annual NFL watchability rankings. He placed the Ravens 11th overall entering the 2026 season. His rankings weren't based strictly on projected wins and losses. Instead, he evaluated teams based on big-play ability, star power, competitiveness, and their capacity to keep viewers glued to a second screen on Sundays. For Baltimore, the biggest selling point was obvious.
"If the Chargers are atop my list for offense that could be first in everything this season, then the Ravens are a close second. Lamar Jackson, a two-time MVP and still the league's preeminent dual-threat quarterback, has never had an offensive coordinator like Declan Doyle in his NFL career."

#baltimore

All of Real Madrid's transfer plans, at this point, depend directly on sales and the club have faced a dead end on that front.
After all, it is difficult to push for a player exit at a club of Real Madrid's stature where a contract with even a bench role is something players opt to push through.
Over the past month, Real Madrid have seen two players to be particularly transferable – Eduardo Camavinga and Raul Asencio – but both players have refused to leave and insist on proving their worth.
At this point, Real Madrid are in dire need of a new midfielder despite all that is being publicly portrayed. Camavinga's sale, on that front, is an essential prerequisite.
Camavinga has been exit-linked for a long time. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

#madrid #camavinga

Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Declan Doyle has decided where he will work on game days during the 2026 season. Doyle will call plays from the coaching booth after using the preseason to evaluate whether the field or an elevated position provided the best environment.
"I'm going to go to the booth," Doyle said. "I had the Philly experience up there, and I thought it was really clean."
Doyle called plays from the booth during Baltimore's preseason opener against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Ravens produced a clean offensive operation in the 24-7 victory, avoiding the communication problems and unnecessary delays that can occur when a new coordinator handles game-day responsibilities for the first time. The preseason was always going to serve as a rehearsal for more than the players. Doyle needed to establish his play-calling rhythm, learn how quickly information would travel through the coaching staff and determine which location offered the best view of the defense.
The booth provides a wider perspective of defensive formations. Doyle can see safety rotations, coverage ******* ing and potential mismatches more clearly than he could from field level. That view should help him identify adjustments and anticipate how opponents are responding to Baltimore's personnel and formations.
The tradeoff is reduced face-to-face communication with Lamar Jackson and the rest of the offense between possessions. Doyle will rely on Baltimore's ******* istant coaches on the sidelines to deliver information and provide feedback while he studies the previous series from above.

#doyle #Coaching

One Liverpool player felt the wrath of both Andoni Iraola and Virgil van Dijk during the 2-2 draw against Newcastle on Sunday.
Milos Kerkez is now the undisputed first choice at left-back for the Reds after Andy Robertson's summer exit for Tottenham Hotspur, but the Hungarian endured a difficult afternoon at St James' Park.
He was outpaced by Anthony Elanga for the Magpies' opening goal in the first five minutes and struggled to make much of an impact going forward, with his performance criticised by Liverpool Echo reporter Ian Doyle.
In an article for the Liverpool Echo on Monday, that same journalist noted two separate instances involving the 22-year-old which earned him an earful from his head coach and his captain.
Doyle observed how Iraola 'struggled to keep his emotions in check' as Kerkez 'took an eternity' to close down Elanga before conceding a corner kick, with the Basque left remonstrating on the touchline as he was 'not a happy camper – at all'.

#first #andoni

Liverpool's opening day defeat at Newcastle raised a few obvious concerns, and the most glaring one sat on both flanks. In a difficult first half at St James' Park, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong struggled badly, with Ian Doyle of the Liverpool Echo putting it plainly: "Both Kerkez and Frimpong have been particularly shocking at left and right-back respectively."
That is strong language, but it fitted what unfolded. Newcastle scored early through Anthony Elanga after slicing through Liverpool's midfield far too easily, and from there the visitors never looked secure. The issue was not only the goal. It was the general sense of disorder. Liverpool had shots before the break, nine of them, but they barely tested Lukas Hornicek. For all the possession in spells, the attack looked loose and the defending looked looser.
Doyle added, "Each is on a booking, which is surely something Newcastle will look to expose as the game progresses. Might we see Tsimikas and Araujo in the second half?" That felt like the natural question. Once both full-backs were booked, every duel became risky and every Newcastle transition looked dangerous.
Frimpong's first half summed up the problem. There was little attacking thrust, his delivery was poor, and he kept giving the ball away. Kerkez fared no better. He was exposed for the opening goal, struggled with Elanga's pace and then wasted the few moments he had going forward. If your full-backs are meant to provide width, recovery pace and control, Liverpool got none of the three.
Photo: IMAGO

#kerkez #Liverpool #looked #half

Portugal have found a rather unexpected way to avenge their FIFA World Cup heartbreak against Spain.

Just over a month after Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. were knocked out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by their neighbours, Portugal got one back — not on a football pitch, but on a cricket field.

Portugal defeated Spain by 57 runs in the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Europe Sub Regional Qualifier C in 2026, ending Spain's campaign and keeping their own dream of reaching the 2028 T20 World Cup alive.

The football defeat had come in July, when Spain edged Portugal 1-0 in the Round of 16 at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington, USA. Mikel Merino scored the decisive goal in stoppage time of regulation time, sending Ronaldo's Portugal out of the tournament.

This time, though, it was Portugal celebrating at Spain's expense.
Led by former Australia international Moises Henriques, Portugal produced a composed performance to claim the crucial qualifying victory.

Spain captain Christian Munoz-Mills won the toss and chose to field, but Portugal built a competitive total of 160/6.

Dhavalkumar Norotam made 23 and Christopher De Freitas scored 39 as Portugal made a steady start without quite managing to dominate the Spanish attack. Henriques, meanwhile, contributed 18 but could not convert his start into a substantial innings.

Portugal accelerated late in the innings through Craig Cachopa, who struck 25 off 21 ****** , while Carlos Nunes added 15 off nine. Jeremy Martins provided an important final push with an unbeaten 18 off just eight deliveries.

Yasir Ali and Lorne Burns were Spain's best bowlers, taking two wickets apiece.

Spain's chase initially threatened to become interesting, but Portugal's bowlers quickly put the brakes on the pursuit.

Sebastian de Oliveira made the breakthrough early, while Martins also chipped in as Portugal reduced Spain to 32/3. Yasir Ali and Daniel Doyle Calle then began rebuilding the innings and gave Spain hope of mounting a serious chase.
Siraj Ullah Khadem changed the complexion of the contest in the 11th over when he bowled Yasir for 29.

With the pitch making life difficult for incoming batters, Portugal steadily tightened their grip. Khadem finished with impressive figures of 2/19, while Edward Fleming delivered the decisive blow with a three-wicket haul for just 13 runs.

Spain's promising chase soon turned into a procession, and Martins completed the job by bowling Lorne Burns as Portugal wrapped up a 57-run victory.

The triumph sends Portugal into the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier in 2027, putting them one step closer to a place in the global qualifying tournament for the 2028 T20 World Cup.

Portugal join Jersey and Denmark in the Europe Qualifier, while Scotland enter directly because of the exceptional circumstances surrounding their participation in the 2026 T20 World Cup. Italy and the Netherlands, meanwhile, advance directly to the Global Qualifier.

For Portugal,

The Baltimore Ravens have spent much of training camp adjusting to new voices, some in the huddle and many on the sideline. With that have come new expectations, but what else would you expect with a new coaching staff?
While the changes have touched every area of the roster, the Ravens spent two days testing themselves against one of the NFL's most aggressive defenses. Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores threw pressure packages, disguises, and coverages at Baltimore's offense that few teams can replicate.
Wide receiver Rashod Bateman believes one difference stands above the rest. It's year six for the former first-round selection, one representing the potential for a bounce-back. During a post-practice conversation with the Baltimore media, he shared a trait this Ravens team has that was foreign to other iterations of the team he has been part of.
"I would just say [we're] a very detail-oriented team. From head coach [Jesse Minter] to [offensive coordinator Declan Doyle] to [wide] receivers coach [Keary Colbert], everybody really harps on the details and the small things, and that's just not what we were in our past. I think, right now, we're just learning how to play fast, smart football. [We're] trusting the training, trusting the call [and] trusting our teammates. So, I think that's the difference right now, honestly. [We're] just building that team chemistry for sure."
Bateman's comments offered a revealing glimpse into why optimism has grown around Baltimore's offense. The Ravens aren't simply installing new schemes or learning new terminology. According to one of their veteran receivers, they're embracing a different level of detail, communication, and accountability.

#Ravens #spent #coordinator

DETROIT — LIV Golf finally has confirmed what's been quite clear for a while: The Michigan tournament is not happening. LIV Golf announced Monday afternoon it will crown its 2026 individual and team champions this week at its event in Indianapolis.
Michigan was supposed to host the season-ending team championship for a second consecutive year, from Aug. 27-30, but there have been countless signs for the past several weeks that Michigan's tournament was doomed, amid the league's ongoing funding crisis. There was no immediate word on financial implications for Saint John's Resort in Plymouth Township, where the tournament was to be hosted at The Cardinal. The resort is believed to have paid a seven-figure fee to LIV to host.
LIV Golf said fans who purchased tickets to the Michigan event will receive refunds, but didn't give any specific details on how or when refunds would be issued. The News has reached out to LIV Golf for clarity. LIV Golf still was selling tickets to the Michigan tournament until late last week, despite obvious signs the event wasn't happening.
"We are disappointed that the LIV Golf team championship will no longer be held in August," Kevin Doyle, COO of the Pulte Family Charitable Foundation, said in a statement to The Detroit News. "We were excited to welcome the event back after last year's tremendous reception from fans and the praise Saint John's Resort and The Cardinal received from LIV players. We wish LIV the best in the future. And we remain committed to making Saint John's Resort a place where the Michigan community comes to expect memorable, one-of-a-kind golf and resort experiences."
A LIV Golf representative told The Detroit News: "Details on refunds are being communicated directly to affected ticket holders."

#michigan #tournament #saint

The Crosstown Classic started with a soul-crushing extra-inning heartbreak for the White Sox with a Cubs walk-off. Despite the game staying close and competitive, poor challenges and sloppy defense doomed the South Siders. The Sox fell 7-5 in the opener.
The game got off to an ugly start after the White Sox went down in order and Pete Crow-Armstrong and Seiya Suzuki answered with back-to-back homers. With two outs, the Cubs threatened again with back-to-back singles, but Pedro Ramírez sent a ball right to Brenton Doyle, ending the first.
After wasting an ABS challenge to start the third, Sam Antonacci reached anyway when he was plunked. But that wouldn't yield any good results, as Shōta Imanaga shut down the next three White Sox batters. Luis Castillo seemed to have settled in by the bottom of the third, and the guys behind him helped strand the only baserunner in the frame.
The first hit for the White Sox came in the fourth via Miguel Vargas, right after a walk to Munetaka Murakami. Then, with one swing of the bat, Randal Grichuk gave the Good Guys the lead with a three-run homer.
Your browser does not support the video tag. Download the video.

#back #good #walk

Jesse Minter notched his first win as the Baltimore Ravens' head coach on Saturday night, taking down the Philadelphia Eagles by a score of 24-7.
"It was a great experience," Minter said after the game. "I want to give a ton of credit to our coaching staff."
Offensive coordinator Declan Doyle led his unit to 440 yards and 31 first downs, dominating with long drives throughout the game and putting up lopsided time-of-possession and play-count numbers. On the other side of the ball, Minter and defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver oversaw a near-shutout; the Eagles' only points came with 2:24 left in the game after averaging just 4.0 yards per play and going 0-for-9 on third down.
Special teams was the Ravens' shakiest area with second-year kicker Tyler Loop missing an early 49-yard field goal and rookie punter Ryan Eckley shanking his first pro attempt for just 31 yards. Both bounced back later in the game, but their performance did little to quell questions about the team's specialists.
Minter also gave a "major shout-out" to undrafted rookie quarterback Joe ****** nano, who completed 22 of his 28 passes for 224 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Minter even downplayed the turnover, saying that he "liked the throw that he made" and crediting Eagles cornerback Kelee Ringo for making a great play.

#down

The Baltimore Ravens earned a 24-7 win in their 2026 preseason opener, securing a wire-to-wire victory in Jesse Minter's head coaching debut.
Here is the Baltimore Beatdown staff's reaction to the win:
A very encouraging start to Jesse Minter's debut season. The offense looked smooth and got the young skill guys active early while the defense completely shut down the Eagles offense. Ja'Kobi Lane, Elijah Sarratt, and Matthew Hibner showed flashes of their potential roles in Declan Doyle's offense. A few UDFA's made strong impressions, with Joe ***** nano being the standout. Looking forward to seeing more growth in the next two games. — Mark Myers
While you can never glean much from any preseason game, there was a lot to like for the Ravens against the Eagles. Multiple young players impressed, including rookies Vega Ioane, Ja'Kobi Lane, Elijah Sarratt, Mathew Hibner, and Joe ***** nano. The defense was suffocating and nearly pitched a shutout, which makes me even more excited to see what the starting unit can do in Week 1 under Jesse Minter. The only real wart on the night for me was the missed field goal by Tyler Loop. Loop is under extreme pressure in his second season after a missed field goal ended Baltimore's playoff hopes last season, and tonight's blunder will only give more life to criticism. — Dustin *****
The Jesse Minter era got off to a great start as the Ravens secured a comfortable preseason victory, something the franchise has done plenty of times over the years. Tyler Huntley performed well in starting action at quarterback and the Ravens received promising showings from their rookie offensive class. Elijah Sarratt, Matthew Hibner and Jakobi Lane led the team in receiving, while Adam Randall rushed for 46 yards with a touchdown. On defense, cornerback Keyon Martin helped boost his stock further with a starring performance. The defense as a whole was dominant, not allowing a score until late in the fourth quarter with the game out of reach. Here's hoping this sets the stage for more stalwart defensive outings for the 2026 season. — Frank Platko

#defense #sarratt #hibner

The Bears scored 24 points and put up 235 yards in the second half of their 34-10 preseason win over the Browns on Saturday. Head coach Ben Johnson revealed after the game that wide receivers coach/assistant head coach Antwaan Randle El called the plays in the second half.
"Has anybody ever had a better first outing than Antwaan Randle El?" quarterback Tyson Bagent said, via Dan Wiederer of TheAthletic.com. "That's just who he is. He's always prepared. He knows the ins and outs of the playbook. So really, it was not surprising — at least for us on the sideline."
Randle El, who turns 47 next week, impressed Johnson and the quarterbacks with the way he handled the call sheet.
"He did a phenomenal job," Johnson said. "He was part of the quarterbacks' meeting [Friday] night, and we were talking about what was on the call sheet and their favorites and all that. I think it was a phenomenal experience for him. I know our guys really rallied around that."
Declan Doyle was the Bears' offensive coordinator last year, but Johnson called the plays. Thus, Johnson allowed Doyle to leave for Baltimore to become the Ravens' offensive coordinator and play-caller this season.

#called

DETROIT — A blister affected Chicago White Sox starter Davis Martin in Thursday's outing that ended with an ejection.
A day later, the right-hander landed on the 15-day injured list with the blister on his right middle finger.
"We decided that there's a good chunk of skin gone, how that's going to affect me throwing the baseball?" Martin said Friday afternoon. "A lot of questions popped up where it made sense to put me on the IL and get it taken care of."
Martin's IL stint was one of several moves announced by the American League Central-leading Sox ahead of a big three-game series against the second-place Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. The Sox brought up pitchers José Urquidy and Tyler Schweitzer from Triple-A Charlotte and optioned right-hander Tanner McDougal to Charlotte.
Chicago baseball report: Cubs pen could get a shot in the arm, while Brenton Doyle fits in well with White Sox

#Baseball

During my tenure at Pinstripe Alley—hell, during my entire time as a baseball fan—I've never been shy about delving into the team's history and exploring the lives of its long roll call of players, both incredible and regrettable. We provide plenty of other coverage on the current-day activities of the teams, so I like having one spot per day on the schedule to open the ol' books and tell a story.
Whether it's remembering championship teams, Top 100 players, or notable free agent signings, there's always something out there to explore. For the past three years, we've celebrated the 25th anniversary of the 1998-2000 Yankees dynasty by doing a diary on all their regular season and playoff activity. The final pages were written this past October, so it's time for a new daily project.
With that in mind, we'll ring in the new year by beginning the Yankees Birthdays series. Every day in 2026, we'll have a new Yankees figure to discuss whose birthday happened to fall on that day. Some days will feature far more famous stars than others! But that just adds to the challenge and our interest in the exercise. As a spoiler for today, that's exactly what you'll see soon for January 1st.
Happy new year and happy 365 days of Yankees birthdays!
January 1: Charlie Devens
January 2: David Cone
January 3: Luis Sojo
January 4: George Selkirk
January 5: Art Fletcher
January 6: Don Gullett
January 7: Alfonso Soriano
January 8: Jason Giambi
January 9: Ralph Terry
January 10: Del Pratt
January 11: Loren Babe
January 12: Iván Nova
January 13: Darrell Rasner
January 14: Chet Brewer
January 15: Matt Holliday
January 16: Jack McDowell
January 17: Chili Davis
January 18: Michael Pineda
January 19: Fernando Seguignol
January 20: Kevin Maas
January 21: Andy Hawkins
January 22: Brian Dayett
January 23: Johnny Sturm
January 24: Neil Allen
January 25: Les Nunamaker
January 26: Brian Doyle
January 27: Fred Heimach
January 28: Lyn Lary
January 29: John Habyan
January 30: Hipólito Peña
January 31: Duke Maas

#maas #brian

Jake Doyle-Hayes is aiming to put his injury issues behind him as he prepares for the new season with Exeter City.
The 27-year-old missed the final three months of last season after undergoing surgery but returned to action in Monday's 2-0 Carabao Cup first round loss at Devon rivals Plymouth Argyle.
"Everything's gone well, everything went to plan," Doyle-Hayes told BBC Radio Devon.
"The physios have been really good with me and done everything they can to get me to where we are now and ready to go for the first game of the season," added the midfielder, who suffered a serious ankle injury while at Hibernian.
Doyle-Hayes' first-half appearance against Plymouth Argyle was his first competitive football in six months [Shutterstock]

#plymouth #argyle #injury

For the first seven innings, it certainly seemed like the White Sox (61-57) channeled the Pope in the series opener, mashing three solo home runs for three of their four runs in front of a 40,000-person crowd, all wearing Pope hats.
Unfortunately, the Chicago bullpen wasn't as blessed, and wound up blowing the save in the top of the eighth, allowing the Reds (57-61) to come all the way back and steal the game in the top of the 10th, 5-4.
Righthander Sean Burke looked as good as ever, and outside of a solo home run given up to Eugenio Suárez, he was completely under control, only surrendering one run on three hits while striking out eight along the way. Burke put together three true 1-2-3 innings in his seven innings of work: the first, third and fourth (he technically recorded four outs in the third, with Héctor Rodríguez reaching on a dropped-third strike). In fact, Edgar Quero was just as devoured by Burke's knuckle curve that dove out of the zone to the ground as Rodríguez, who completely whiffed. The pitch was so far out of the strike zone that it didn't even appear in the MLB Gameday feed:
Offensively, the South Siders were looking great early in the game, blasting three solo home runs and an RBI double to go up four runs, 4-0.
The White Sox were averaging a long ball an inning through two, beginning with Brenton Doyle smashing a first-pitch, leadoff home run in the first, and Edgar Quero following it up with one of his own in the bottom of the second, giving Burke and Chicago a pair of insurance runs early in the game.

#first

After squeaking out an important series win against the Cleveland Guardians this past weekend, the South Siders look to carry that momentum into a new three-game set against the Cincinnati Reds. Ideally, the Sox can take care of business while holding down first place as the Detroit Tigers and the Guardians bat each other up over the next few days.
The good news is that on top of the wizardry that Mike Vasil contributes to the team, the Good Guys can channel the Pope and those powers-that-be, as 38,000+ fans in attendance on the South Side will be sporting a "Pope hat" from tonight's giveaway.
Standing room only at Sox Park? All for this glorious hat:
The South Siders have their ace on the mound, as righthander Sean Burke makes his 20th start of the season. Burke ranks 15th in baseball with 144 strikeouts while holding a 27.4% strikeout rate, ranking in the 81st percentile among MLB pitchers. Burke's excellent extension while walking batters at a lower rate (7.4%) has helped maintain his dominance over the last several starts. In his last seven games, he's posted an excellent 1.74 ERA across 41 1/3 frames with just a 0.92 WHIP, striking out 57 against just nine walks. The White Sox rank last in innings pitched for starting pitchers, so Burke going at least six innings in five of his last six starts has been helpful to keep a struggling offense in games.
With a lefty on the mound against the South Siders, Will Venable is calling on his right-handed hitters to hold it down at the plate tonight. Chase Meidroth is getting a second consecutive day of rest, so Sam Antonacci will slot in at second base, with Randal Grichuk batting cleanup and playing left. Colson Montgomery is also getting an off-day in the field, locking in as the DH with Luisangel Acuña subbing in at shortstop. Brenton Doyle will also continue to lead off with Meidroth out, and he wasn't too shabby the other day, even tallying a couple of hits on Sunday with a stolen base and run scored.

#south #pope

The Baltimore Ravens have completed more than a week of physical training camp practices. Saturday's preseason opener against the Philadelphia Eagles will provide Jesse Minter and his staff with a different type of evaluation.
The question is how many established starters will participate.
Baltimore has several stars with nothing to prove during an exhibition game. The Ravens also have newcomers learning new systems, rookies competing for important roles and several position battles that won't be settled until later in the preseason. Here is an early projection of which Ravens could sit and which players have legitimate reasons to play against Philadelphia.
Jackson hasn't appeared in a preseason game since 2021, and there is little reason to believe Baltimore will change its approach Saturday.
Declan Doyle's new offense creates an argument for giving Jackson limited work, but the Ravens can generate valuable repetitions during three upcoming joint practices. Protecting their two-time MVP should remain the priority.

#jackson

The Baltimore Ravens will host the Philadelphia Eagles in Saturday night's preseason opener, providing the first look at Jesse Minter's team against an NFL opponent.
Whether Lamar Jackson will be part of that debut remains uncertain.
Minter hasn't announced a plan for Jackson or Baltimore's other established starters. The decision presents an interesting debate because the Ravens are installing a new offense under coordinator Declan Doyle while adjusting to a new coaching staff. Jackson would benefit from facing an unfamiliar defense. Baltimore must weigh those potential gains against the obvious risk of injury to its franchise quarterback from playing in an exhibition game.
Jackson's last preseason appearance came in 2021. The Ravens have become increasingly cautious with their most important players, preferring to generate competitive work during training camp and joint practices.
Baltimore has three joint practices scheduled later this summer. The Ravens will work against the Minnesota Vikings before the second preseason game and host the Washington Commanders ahead of the finale. Those sessions can provide Jackson with game-like repetitions in a more controlled environment. According to Baltimore's official website, joint practices are one reason most starters could remain sidelined until Week 1.

#jackson #preseason

Amid all the uncertainties around Real Madrid's midfield in recent weeks, one player whose future was called into question was Aurelien Tchouameni.
The Frenchman has been a mainstay in Los Blancos' midfield for a few years now, but Jose Mourinho's demand for a new defensive midfielder and the club's links with a big-money move for Rodri threw his future into a grey area.
After all, Manchester United have been interested in the Frenchman for a long time, and he was considered an ******* et who can generate significant revenue should the club require it.
As clarified by Fabrizio Romano earlier today, however, Tchouameni's future is now clear beyond doubt, and Real Madrid have decided that he will stay.
Mourinho counts on Tchouameni. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

#future #frenchman #midfield #jose