25 mins. ago
The recent American Legion Single-A State Tournament hosted by North Coos at Clyde Allen Field in North Bend was a big success because of a big community effort.
The Eugene Ole Athletics won the tournament and the Klamath Falls Falcons finished second, with both advancing to the Northwest Regionals in Medford.
"The coaches and players were super well-behaved," North Coos coach Brad Horning said. "The fans cleaned up after themselves. The umpiring, mixed between Douglas County and the local ****** ociation was very good."
In addition, the weather cooperated with sun and little wind and every game of the tournament started on time, Horning said.
A team of 10-12 members from the local American Legion post, led by Kevin Owens, ran the gate and concessions throughout the event.
#horning
The Eugene Ole Athletics won the tournament and the Klamath Falls Falcons finished second, with both advancing to the Northwest Regionals in Medford.
"The coaches and players were super well-behaved," North Coos coach Brad Horning said. "The fans cleaned up after themselves. The umpiring, mixed between Douglas County and the local ****** ociation was very good."
In addition, the weather cooperated with sun and little wind and every game of the tournament started on time, Horning said.
A team of 10-12 members from the local American Legion post, led by Kevin Owens, ran the gate and concessions throughout the event.
#horning
50 mins. ago
The Eagles have waived defensive end Ta'Quon Graham, the team announced on Sunday.
Waiving Graham opens a spot on Philadelphia's 90-man roster, so the Eagles will likely add another player soon.
Graham, who was buried low on the Eagles' defensive line depth chart, was a long shot to make Philadelphia's 53-man roster. He joined the Eagles' practice squad last season and re-signed with the team in March, but with the Eagles having a deep defensive line unit, the chances of him making the roster was always steep.
Graham previously spent five seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, finishing with 88 tackles and one sack in 51 games. He started 16 of those 51 appearances, carving out a decent career as a former fifth-round pick.
The Eagles will have tougher decisions to make later this summer on roster cutdown day. Letting go of Graham is just one of many moves that will be made over the next month.
#roster #defensive #team #line
Waiving Graham opens a spot on Philadelphia's 90-man roster, so the Eagles will likely add another player soon.
Graham, who was buried low on the Eagles' defensive line depth chart, was a long shot to make Philadelphia's 53-man roster. He joined the Eagles' practice squad last season and re-signed with the team in March, but with the Eagles having a deep defensive line unit, the chances of him making the roster was always steep.
Graham previously spent five seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, finishing with 88 tackles and one sack in 51 games. He started 16 of those 51 appearances, carving out a decent career as a former fifth-round pick.
The Eagles will have tougher decisions to make later this summer on roster cutdown day. Letting go of Graham is just one of many moves that will be made over the next month.
#roster #defensive #team #line
15 hours ago
In our last installment of the series "Old faces in different places," we looked at the quarterbacks. This time, we will take a look at the running back position. Running backs are at a premium this season, as they are every season, and with a slow turnover occurring at the position, some names did switch area codes, just not very many. Here's a breakdown.
Kenneth Walker III - Kansas City Chiefs
The reigning Super Bowl MVP was brought in to help stabilize the run game, which has been inconsistent of late. With Patrick Mahomes' injury last season, he will also provide security and get plenty of work.
Tyler Allgeier - Arizona Cardinals
Allgeier left the Atlanta Falcons to be a featured back and will now be a backup after the team drafted Jeremiyah Love out of Notre Dame.
#season #allgeier #position #kansas
Kenneth Walker III - Kansas City Chiefs
The reigning Super Bowl MVP was brought in to help stabilize the run game, which has been inconsistent of late. With Patrick Mahomes' injury last season, he will also provide security and get plenty of work.
Tyler Allgeier - Arizona Cardinals
Allgeier left the Atlanta Falcons to be a featured back and will now be a backup after the team drafted Jeremiyah Love out of Notre Dame.
#season #allgeier #position #kansas
16 hours ago
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson continues his hold-in in an attempt to land a new contract that will completely reset the running back market, with an extension expected to push toward $25 million annually. He and Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs seem to be colluding by both sitting out practices during training camp to put more pressure on their respective teams to get a deal done sooner rather than later. All signs indicate that the Falcons will eventually pay Robinson, but there are still some out there that would question if it's worthwhile. However, paying Robinson is the right call for the Falcons.
Certainly, a case can be made that paying running backs doesn't age particularly well given the relatively short shelf life of the position in the NFL. Given that Robinson has already gotten a high volume of touches during his first three seasons, there is an increased risk of declining production from here on, according to a June article from The Athletic's Austin Mock, who demonstrates that high-workload backs suffer a sharp drop-off after age 26.
However, the alternative to not paying Robinson and going with a cheaper running back option offers little upside to Atlanta. The idea that backs like Robinson and Gibbs can be readily replaced has been debunked recently by CBS Sports' Ryan Wilson, who argues that second-contract running back fears are overblown because elite, multi-dimensional talents like them are virtually irreplaceable and historically sustain high-level production after getting paid.
Looking closer at middle-round running backs drafted from 2018 to 2022 to gauge real 'replacement value' over a rookie contract, a typical mid-round running back produces roughly on par with Kenny Gainwell (1,185 rushing yards in four combined seasons), which pales in comparison to the 3,910 yards Robinson has put up in just his first three seasons. If you can land a player like Kyren Williams (3,824 combined rushing yards in his first four seasons), it closes the gap.
However, finding "surplus value" like Williams is a lot harder than people realize: less than 10 percent of mid-round backs in the sample produced for a combined 3,000 rushing yards over their rookie contract. And that level of production is a far cry from the over 5,000 rushing yards Robinson is on pace to achieve after four years if he has just another "average" season in 2026. It only underlines the notion that finding competent running backs like Gainwell to fill out a committee is relatively easy, but landing a true lead back like Robinson who can produce at an elite level is much more difficult.
#like
Certainly, a case can be made that paying running backs doesn't age particularly well given the relatively short shelf life of the position in the NFL. Given that Robinson has already gotten a high volume of touches during his first three seasons, there is an increased risk of declining production from here on, according to a June article from The Athletic's Austin Mock, who demonstrates that high-workload backs suffer a sharp drop-off after age 26.
However, the alternative to not paying Robinson and going with a cheaper running back option offers little upside to Atlanta. The idea that backs like Robinson and Gibbs can be readily replaced has been debunked recently by CBS Sports' Ryan Wilson, who argues that second-contract running back fears are overblown because elite, multi-dimensional talents like them are virtually irreplaceable and historically sustain high-level production after getting paid.
Looking closer at middle-round running backs drafted from 2018 to 2022 to gauge real 'replacement value' over a rookie contract, a typical mid-round running back produces roughly on par with Kenny Gainwell (1,185 rushing yards in four combined seasons), which pales in comparison to the 3,910 yards Robinson has put up in just his first three seasons. If you can land a player like Kyren Williams (3,824 combined rushing yards in his first four seasons), it closes the gap.
However, finding "surplus value" like Williams is a lot harder than people realize: less than 10 percent of mid-round backs in the sample produced for a combined 3,000 rushing yards over their rookie contract. And that level of production is a far cry from the over 5,000 rushing yards Robinson is on pace to achieve after four years if he has just another "average" season in 2026. It only underlines the notion that finding competent running backs like Gainwell to fill out a committee is relatively easy, but landing a true lead back like Robinson who can produce at an elite level is much more difficult.
#like
16 hours ago
It's never too early to get ready for the start of another NFL season. As training camps have begun around the league, we're releasing 2026 team previews in reverse order of our initial power rankings. Frank Schwab's previews will come out every weekday from now until early August, when he reveals his No. 1 team.
Play Yahoo's new College Fantasy Football game: Create or join a league now!
Here are the previews we've launched so far.
No. 32 Dolphins | No. 31 Jets | No. 30 Cardinals | No. 29 Browns | No. 28 **** ans | No. 27 Raiders | No. 26 Falcons | No. 25 Giants | No. 24 Saints | No. 23 Panthers | No. 22 Bucs | No. 21. Colts | No. 20 Steelers | No. 19 Vikings | No. 18 Commanders | No. 17 Bengals | No. 16 Jaguars | No. 15 Packers | No. 14 Chargers | No. 13 49ers | No. 12 Chiefs | No. 11. Bears | No. 10 Texans | No. 9 Eagles | No. 8 Cowboys | No. 7. Ravens | No. 6 Lions | No. 5 Patriots | No. 4 Broncos
(Grant Thomas/Yahoo Sports)
#early #august #play
Play Yahoo's new College Fantasy Football game: Create or join a league now!
Here are the previews we've launched so far.
No. 32 Dolphins | No. 31 Jets | No. 30 Cardinals | No. 29 Browns | No. 28 **** ans | No. 27 Raiders | No. 26 Falcons | No. 25 Giants | No. 24 Saints | No. 23 Panthers | No. 22 Bucs | No. 21. Colts | No. 20 Steelers | No. 19 Vikings | No. 18 Commanders | No. 17 Bengals | No. 16 Jaguars | No. 15 Packers | No. 14 Chargers | No. 13 49ers | No. 12 Chiefs | No. 11. Bears | No. 10 Texans | No. 9 Eagles | No. 8 Cowboys | No. 7. Ravens | No. 6 Lions | No. 5 Patriots | No. 4 Broncos
(Grant Thomas/Yahoo Sports)
#early #august #play
17 hours ago
Falcons running back Bijan Robinson is not fully participating in training camp as he seeks a new contract. Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski is not concerned about that.
Asked about his own communications with Robinson, Stefanski declined to get into specifics, but he said he was confident that the two sides are doing everything they can.
"I don't think it's fair to share those types of things," Stefanski said. "We all trust in the process of what's going on."
Stefanski says he doesn't hold it against Robinson that he is choosing not to practice until he gets the contract he wants.
"The NFL, you understand different things come up via all sorts of things, and contracts obviously are a part of that. It doesn't change relationships," Stefanski said.
#stefanski #kevin
Asked about his own communications with Robinson, Stefanski declined to get into specifics, but he said he was confident that the two sides are doing everything they can.
"I don't think it's fair to share those types of things," Stefanski said. "We all trust in the process of what's going on."
Stefanski says he doesn't hold it against Robinson that he is choosing not to practice until he gets the contract he wants.
"The NFL, you understand different things come up via all sorts of things, and contracts obviously are a part of that. It doesn't change relationships," Stefanski said.
#stefanski #kevin
18 hours ago
Props to Bayshore High's baseball program, which starts the new school year on a meaningful note. For the first time in school history, the Bruins were recipients of the American Baseball Coaches ******* ociation Team Academic Excellence Award for 2025-26 with a 3.62 GPA.
They were one of 10 state high school ballclubs honored.
"Can't give enough credit to every guy's willingness to be disciplined in the classroom all year. This goes way beyond baseball," said Head Coach Mike Rupp, who also credited ******* istants Scott Hutsko, Jerad Paparella and Armando Sierra.
The 2025-26 Bruins were seniors Gabriel Falcon, Jordan Greene, Angelo Magloire, Bryant Ortiz, Tucker Pope, Fabio Rondon and Carsen Smalley; juniors Diego Falcon, Israel Garcia, Daniel Hutsko and Jashun Judge; sophomore Diego Orozco; and freshmen Herminio Nieves, Sergio Oropesa Marchena, Ismael Rosario and Patrick Schaefer.
· Grenadene Harder is 100 years young.
#Baseball #falcon #diego
They were one of 10 state high school ballclubs honored.
"Can't give enough credit to every guy's willingness to be disciplined in the classroom all year. This goes way beyond baseball," said Head Coach Mike Rupp, who also credited ******* istants Scott Hutsko, Jerad Paparella and Armando Sierra.
The 2025-26 Bruins were seniors Gabriel Falcon, Jordan Greene, Angelo Magloire, Bryant Ortiz, Tucker Pope, Fabio Rondon and Carsen Smalley; juniors Diego Falcon, Israel Garcia, Daniel Hutsko and Jashun Judge; sophomore Diego Orozco; and freshmen Herminio Nieves, Sergio Oropesa Marchena, Ismael Rosario and Patrick Schaefer.
· Grenadene Harder is 100 years young.
#Baseball #falcon #diego
19 hours ago
We've officially entered the training camp edition of the Pittsburgh Steelers' countdown to kickoff. With fans needing to wait only 42 more days until the Steel City brand of football returns when the Steelers host the Atlanta Falcons on September 13, we'll take a look at the most recent and best players to ever wear No. 42.
Lynum, an undrafted free agent who signed with the Steelers out of the University of Pittsburgh, is the current No. 42 on the roster.
Tamon Lynum, 2026-present
James Pierre, 2020-2025
Morgan Burnett, 2018
#we 've #atlanta #falcons #university
Lynum, an undrafted free agent who signed with the Steelers out of the University of Pittsburgh, is the current No. 42 on the roster.
Tamon Lynum, 2026-present
James Pierre, 2020-2025
Morgan Burnett, 2018
#we 've #atlanta #falcons #university
1 day ago
Four years ago, when the Browns, Panthers, Falcons, and Saints entered a four-way competition for quarterback Deshaun Watson, Cleveland was the first team to which Watson said, "No thanks." A five-year, fully-guaranteed contract quickly changed his mind.
Still, there's been a lingering perception that Watson didn't really want to play for the Browns. Before too long, it seemed as if the Browns were counting the days until they could move on from Watson.
Will that change? On Friday, owner Jimmy Haslam kept the door open on Watson returning in 2027. On Saturday, Watson made his feelings for Cleveland clear.
"When I first got here, there was a lot of stuff going on, as the world knows," Watson told reporters. "But I don't have any bad feelings toward Cleveland. I love Cleveland. Me and my wife have our house on the east side, so we're here all the time. We were here this summer. If you ask around, I'm at pretty much all the restaurants, hanging out, so I haven't had a bad experience outside of different times in the stadium. I don't know why that narrative is out there that people think that I don't like Cleveland. My family and I have been enjoying our time here, if the opportunity shows up, we'll see where it goes."
The first step will be winning the starting job. The second step will be playing well enough to return. And the third step will be fending off any other teams that may want Watson, if he re-establishes himself as a high-level NFL starter.
#watson #feelings
Still, there's been a lingering perception that Watson didn't really want to play for the Browns. Before too long, it seemed as if the Browns were counting the days until they could move on from Watson.
Will that change? On Friday, owner Jimmy Haslam kept the door open on Watson returning in 2027. On Saturday, Watson made his feelings for Cleveland clear.
"When I first got here, there was a lot of stuff going on, as the world knows," Watson told reporters. "But I don't have any bad feelings toward Cleveland. I love Cleveland. Me and my wife have our house on the east side, so we're here all the time. We were here this summer. If you ask around, I'm at pretty much all the restaurants, hanging out, so I haven't had a bad experience outside of different times in the stadium. I don't know why that narrative is out there that people think that I don't like Cleveland. My family and I have been enjoying our time here, if the opportunity shows up, we'll see where it goes."
The first step will be winning the starting job. The second step will be playing well enough to return. And the third step will be fending off any other teams that may want Watson, if he re-establishes himself as a high-level NFL starter.
#watson #feelings
1 day ago
The Falcons held Day 4 of training camp on Saturday to a boisterous crowd, but the biggest news came off the field with the massive extension for Matthew Bergeron. Kevin Knight brings you his thoughts on Bergeron's contract and the most important notes for Saturday's practice. Fellow Falcoholics, welcome to another episode of The Falcoholic Live!
You can also listen to all of our video shows in an audio-only podcast format, available on all your favorite podcast platforms or by using the player below. The podcast typically posts a few hours after the live show records.
If you're interested in supporting the show, become a Channel Member or check out our Patreon page to unlock access to exclusive perks including Patron Q&A sessions, Discord perks, live shout-outs and more!
Be sure to check out the new community Discord server here! Come chat with your fellow Falcons fans about the show, the team, the NFL draft, and more.
You can watch the show here on The Falcoholic, but we recommend watching on YouTube for the best experience—including full 1080p HD video and access to the live Q&A in the chat. You can also access the show using your smart TV or device using the YouTube app for the real big-screen experience!
#using #falcons #falcoholic
You can also listen to all of our video shows in an audio-only podcast format, available on all your favorite podcast platforms or by using the player below. The podcast typically posts a few hours after the live show records.
If you're interested in supporting the show, become a Channel Member or check out our Patreon page to unlock access to exclusive perks including Patron Q&A sessions, Discord perks, live shout-outs and more!
Be sure to check out the new community Discord server here! Come chat with your fellow Falcons fans about the show, the team, the NFL draft, and more.
You can watch the show here on The Falcoholic, but we recommend watching on YouTube for the best experience—including full 1080p HD video and access to the live Q&A in the chat. You can also access the show using your smart TV or device using the YouTube app for the real big-screen experience!
#using #falcons #falcoholic
1 day ago
Falcons break the bank for emerging offensive line star originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Atlanta Falcons continue to invest heavily in the foundation of their roster, ensuring another key member of their young core will remain in Atlanta for years to come.
On Saturday, the Falcons announced they have signed starting left guard Matthew Bergeron to a four-year contract extension worth $96 million, including $60 million guaranteed, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. Bergeron was entering the final year of his rookie contract and would have become a free agent after the season.
The extension is another major statement from the Falcons' front office as it continues rewarding homegrown talent. Atlanta has made it a priority to secure its emerging stars with long-term deals, reinforcing a roster built around youth, stability and continuity.
General manager Ian Cunningham praised Bergeron's impact both on and off the field.
#sporting #bergeron #contract
The Atlanta Falcons continue to invest heavily in the foundation of their roster, ensuring another key member of their young core will remain in Atlanta for years to come.
On Saturday, the Falcons announced they have signed starting left guard Matthew Bergeron to a four-year contract extension worth $96 million, including $60 million guaranteed, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. Bergeron was entering the final year of his rookie contract and would have become a free agent after the season.
The extension is another major statement from the Falcons' front office as it continues rewarding homegrown talent. Atlanta has made it a priority to secure its emerging stars with long-term deals, reinforcing a roster built around youth, stability and continuity.
General manager Ian Cunningham praised Bergeron's impact both on and off the field.
#sporting #bergeron #contract
1 day ago
The Atlanta Falcons completed their fourth training camp practice this afternoon in Flowery Branch, Georgia. Fans poured into IBM Performance Field for the team's official "Back Together Saturday" event.
Matt Ryan even made an appearance, however, he stuck to his role as president of football and did not fill in at quarterback like fans probably hoped. On the bright side, Ryan and general manager Ian Cunningham got another one of the team's core players signed to a long-term deal.
In today's Falcons Wire Recap, Matthew Bergeron gets a contract extension, Kevin Stefanski praises James Pearce and Zachariah Branch, Jawaan Taylor's return timeline is revealed and we round up the best clips from Saturday's open practice.
Atlanta has signed left guard Matthew Begeron to a four-year contract extension, the team announced on Saturday afternoon. Bergeron, a second-round pick back in 2023, has quietly established himself as one of the better interior offensive linemen in the NFL over the last three seasons.
According to NFL insiders Mike Garafolo and Jeremy Fowler, Bergeron's new deal is a four-year, $96 million contract that includes $60 million in guaranteed money. Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham already re-signed Drake London and Kyle Pitts, and he was happy to reward another core player with a new contract.
#falcons
Matt Ryan even made an appearance, however, he stuck to his role as president of football and did not fill in at quarterback like fans probably hoped. On the bright side, Ryan and general manager Ian Cunningham got another one of the team's core players signed to a long-term deal.
In today's Falcons Wire Recap, Matthew Bergeron gets a contract extension, Kevin Stefanski praises James Pearce and Zachariah Branch, Jawaan Taylor's return timeline is revealed and we round up the best clips from Saturday's open practice.
Atlanta has signed left guard Matthew Begeron to a four-year contract extension, the team announced on Saturday afternoon. Bergeron, a second-round pick back in 2023, has quietly established himself as one of the better interior offensive linemen in the NFL over the last three seasons.
According to NFL insiders Mike Garafolo and Jeremy Fowler, Bergeron's new deal is a four-year, $96 million contract that includes $60 million in guaranteed money. Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham already re-signed Drake London and Kyle Pitts, and he was happy to reward another core player with a new contract.
#falcons
1 day ago
Former Georgia Bulldogs linebacker CJ Allen has been activated off of the physically unable to perform (PUP) list by the Indianapolis Colts. Allen was the Colts' second-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft in April, and the linebacker appears to be fully healthy and is practicing following the announcement.
Allen was a superstar throughout his three-year tenure at Georgia. The linebacker is regarded as one of the top steals of the draft, and Allen is expected to emerge with an essential role on the Colts' defense in 2026. Allen was originally placed on the PUP list earlier this week due to a minor calf strain suffered prior to training camp, but the rookie now appears to be fully healthy.
Allen was credited with 205 total tackles, 4.5 sacks and one interception at Georgia from 2023-2025. The linebacker was projected to be a first-round selection in the draft by many ****** ysts and the Colts were able to land Allen late in the second round following his draft day slide. The former Bulldog has now seen his illustrious career in Athens come to an end, and Allen should compete for a starting linebacker role in Indianapolis following his activation from the PUP list.
A handful of former Bulldogs are set to make their NFL debuts this season in addition to Allen. Former Georgia big man Christen Miller may emerge with a significant role on the New Orleans Saints' defensive line, while star wide receiver Zachariah Branch will look to earn a starting role on the Atlanta Falcons' offense to begin the year.
Follow UGA Wire on Instagram, Facebook, X, or Threads for more Georgia football coverage!
#role #following
Allen was a superstar throughout his three-year tenure at Georgia. The linebacker is regarded as one of the top steals of the draft, and Allen is expected to emerge with an essential role on the Colts' defense in 2026. Allen was originally placed on the PUP list earlier this week due to a minor calf strain suffered prior to training camp, but the rookie now appears to be fully healthy.
Allen was credited with 205 total tackles, 4.5 sacks and one interception at Georgia from 2023-2025. The linebacker was projected to be a first-round selection in the draft by many ****** ysts and the Colts were able to land Allen late in the second round following his draft day slide. The former Bulldog has now seen his illustrious career in Athens come to an end, and Allen should compete for a starting linebacker role in Indianapolis following his activation from the PUP list.
A handful of former Bulldogs are set to make their NFL debuts this season in addition to Allen. Former Georgia big man Christen Miller may emerge with a significant role on the New Orleans Saints' defensive line, while star wide receiver Zachariah Branch will look to earn a starting role on the Atlanta Falcons' offense to begin the year.
Follow UGA Wire on Instagram, Facebook, X, or Threads for more Georgia football coverage!
#role #following
1 day ago
The Atlanta Falcons have signed left guard Matthew Begeron to a four-year contract extension, the team announced on Saturday afternoon. Bergeron, a second-round pick back in 2023, has quietly established himself as one of the better interior linemen in the NFL over the last three seasons.
According to NFL insiders Mike Garafolo and Jeremy Fowler, Bergeron has agreed to a four-year, $96 million contract extension that will keep him in Atlanta through the 2030 season. The contract is worth a reported $60 million in guaranteed money.
This is a big deal for the Falcons as Bergeron gives the team some stability up front. Atlanta just lost center Drew Dalman in 2025 and right tackle Kaleb McGary retired in the offseason.
The Falcons had $38,606,359 in salary cap ******* e available prior to Bergeron's extension, according to Over The Cap. The fourth-year guard was due to make $4,806,451 in the final year of his deal in 2026, so we will have to wait and see how his extension is structured.
Since entering the league in 2023, Bergeron has started 49 games at left guard for the Falcons. The former Syracuse standout played tackle in college before moving to guard under former Falcons head coach Arthur Smith.
#guard
According to NFL insiders Mike Garafolo and Jeremy Fowler, Bergeron has agreed to a four-year, $96 million contract extension that will keep him in Atlanta through the 2030 season. The contract is worth a reported $60 million in guaranteed money.
This is a big deal for the Falcons as Bergeron gives the team some stability up front. Atlanta just lost center Drew Dalman in 2025 and right tackle Kaleb McGary retired in the offseason.
The Falcons had $38,606,359 in salary cap ******* e available prior to Bergeron's extension, according to Over The Cap. The fourth-year guard was due to make $4,806,451 in the final year of his deal in 2026, so we will have to wait and see how his extension is structured.
Since entering the league in 2023, Bergeron has started 49 games at left guard for the Falcons. The former Syracuse standout played tackle in college before moving to guard under former Falcons head coach Arthur Smith.
#guard
1 day ago
In his rookie year of 2023, Falcons guard Matthew Bergeron became an instant starter. With three years under his belt, he's now getting his reward.
The Falcons have announced that Bergeron has been signed to a contract extension.
ESPN reports that it's a four-year, $96 million deal, with $60 million guaranteed at least for injury. (The full guarantees at signing weren't specified.)
Bergeron started all 17 games in 2023 and 2024. He started 15 games in 2025, missing two.
As a rookie, Bergeron was on the field for every offensive snap.
#year #started
The Falcons have announced that Bergeron has been signed to a contract extension.
ESPN reports that it's a four-year, $96 million deal, with $60 million guaranteed at least for injury. (The full guarantees at signing weren't specified.)
Bergeron started all 17 games in 2023 and 2024. He started 15 games in 2025, missing two.
As a rookie, Bergeron was on the field for every offensive snap.
#year #started
2 days ago
Tua Tagovailoa spoke Friday about his desire to keep bringing good vibes to the Atlanta Falcons as he addressed reporters during a training camp news conference. Throughout the 10-plus-minute media session, he beamed a smile.
Tagovailoa appeared relaxed, despite the fact that he's in the midst of a quarterback competition with Michael Penix Jr. and regardless of his recent injury. But Tagovailoa referred to the adage of focusing on controlling what you can control and noted that he believes the Falcons are holding him out of full practices out of precaution early in training camp.
That back tightness occurred sometime last week, according to the former Miami Dolphins signal-caller, who said the problem stems from a "flare up."
Both Tagovailoa and Penix were limited participants in Friday's practice. Tagovailoa, a 28-year-old one-time Pro Bowler coming off a six-season run with the Dolphins, took part in individual drills with other quarterbacks and completed a half-speed walkthrough with the offense late in practice, per ESPN, which reported that Tagovailoa didn't go through 7-on-7 or 11-on-11 sessions. Penix, a 26-year-old third-year pro still working his way back to 100% from a partially torn ACL that required season-ending surgery last year — his fifth season-ending injury in the span of eight seasons between his college and NFL careers — was in for individual drills and 7-on-7s on Friday, according to ESPN.
"I feel good," Tagovailoa said. "It feels good to be out there with the guys, be able to get some reps out there a bit, get some 1-on-1 reps, still be able to throw it to the guys."
#penix #good #dolphins
Tagovailoa appeared relaxed, despite the fact that he's in the midst of a quarterback competition with Michael Penix Jr. and regardless of his recent injury. But Tagovailoa referred to the adage of focusing on controlling what you can control and noted that he believes the Falcons are holding him out of full practices out of precaution early in training camp.
That back tightness occurred sometime last week, according to the former Miami Dolphins signal-caller, who said the problem stems from a "flare up."
Both Tagovailoa and Penix were limited participants in Friday's practice. Tagovailoa, a 28-year-old one-time Pro Bowler coming off a six-season run with the Dolphins, took part in individual drills with other quarterbacks and completed a half-speed walkthrough with the offense late in practice, per ESPN, which reported that Tagovailoa didn't go through 7-on-7 or 11-on-11 sessions. Penix, a 26-year-old third-year pro still working his way back to 100% from a partially torn ACL that required season-ending surgery last year — his fifth season-ending injury in the span of eight seasons between his college and NFL careers — was in for individual drills and 7-on-7s on Friday, according to ESPN.
"I feel good," Tagovailoa said. "It feels good to be out there with the guys, be able to get some reps out there a bit, get some 1-on-1 reps, still be able to throw it to the guys."
#penix #good #dolphins
2 days ago
Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa spoke about the back issue that has limited him in practice this week for the first time on Friday.
Tagovailoa said at a press conference that he started feeling "just some tightness" in his back sometime last week and that led to the decision for him to sit out Wednesday's opening practice of training camp. Tagovailoa has done limited practice work the last couple of days and said that the current plan is to continue taking things slow because of where they are in the calendar.
"I think just right now, it's just a precaution thing early on in camp and then we'll work through that," Tagovailoa said. "I feel great right now. Like I said, it feels good to be out there with the guys, be able to throw, continue to hear the plays, get in the huddle with the guys. All of that."
Tagovailoa said this is the first time he's experienced the back issue and that he's done a lot of work in a pool with the training staff to relieve the tension he's been under.
As of now, there's no timetable for when Tagovailoa will move up to a full practice workload but there wasn't much sign of concern from him or head coach Kevin Stefanski about how long it will be until that time arrives.
#tagovailoa #limited
Tagovailoa said at a press conference that he started feeling "just some tightness" in his back sometime last week and that led to the decision for him to sit out Wednesday's opening practice of training camp. Tagovailoa has done limited practice work the last couple of days and said that the current plan is to continue taking things slow because of where they are in the calendar.
"I think just right now, it's just a precaution thing early on in camp and then we'll work through that," Tagovailoa said. "I feel great right now. Like I said, it feels good to be out there with the guys, be able to throw, continue to hear the plays, get in the huddle with the guys. All of that."
Tagovailoa said this is the first time he's experienced the back issue and that he's done a lot of work in a pool with the training staff to relieve the tension he's been under.
As of now, there's no timetable for when Tagovailoa will move up to a full practice workload but there wasn't much sign of concern from him or head coach Kevin Stefanski about how long it will be until that time arrives.
#tagovailoa #limited
3 days ago
The next phase is officially in full swing. All 32 teams have now reported to training camp, and the news is already flooding in.
Kicking off the news cycle on Wednesday was word that Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson and Lions' Jahmyr Gibbs are sitting out their team's respective practices as they seek long-term extensions. The week has already brought several market-setting contracts, including a four-year deal worth up to $160 million for Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter and a two-year, $62.2 million extension for Browns cornerback Denzel Ward.
And on Thursday, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield expressed disappointment at the team not coming to an agreement on a contract extension. Late Thursday, one team did come to a deal with an old friend, as the San Francisco 49ers brought back Deebo Samuel on a reported one-year deal.
Fans around the league continue to await answers to a number of questions as training camps kick off, from who will win out the biggest quarterback battles (Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders? Kyler Murray or J.J. McCarthy?) to which of the league's new head coaches will find success in their new roles.
Follow along with Yahoo Sports for the latest NFL news as it all plays out:
#deal
Kicking off the news cycle on Wednesday was word that Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson and Lions' Jahmyr Gibbs are sitting out their team's respective practices as they seek long-term extensions. The week has already brought several market-setting contracts, including a four-year deal worth up to $160 million for Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter and a two-year, $62.2 million extension for Browns cornerback Denzel Ward.
And on Thursday, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield expressed disappointment at the team not coming to an agreement on a contract extension. Late Thursday, one team did come to a deal with an old friend, as the San Francisco 49ers brought back Deebo Samuel on a reported one-year deal.
Fans around the league continue to await answers to a number of questions as training camps kick off, from who will win out the biggest quarterback battles (Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders? Kyler Murray or J.J. McCarthy?) to which of the league's new head coaches will find success in their new roles.
Follow along with Yahoo Sports for the latest NFL news as it all plays out:
#deal
3 days ago
Two days into training camp for the Atlanta Falcons, and we're no closer to knowing who will start at quarterback Week 1 than we were back in March, when Atlanta signed Tua Tagovailoa to compete with Michael Penix Jr. for the job.
Tagovailoa was absent on Day 1 due to a reported back injury, while Penix remains limited to 7-on-7s and individual drills until he is fully cleared. The script was flipped on Day 2, with Penix getting a scheduled rest day and Tua returning for individual drills.
Thus far, undrafted rookie Jack Strand has gotten the majority of first-team reps. Looking ahead, the QB1 competition will likely have to be settled during the team's three preseason games.
Penix's injury status doesn't bode well for his long-term future in Atlanta. Tagovailoa's injury may keep the QB race close for now but if Penix doesn't get back soon, it will be hard for him to ever catch up. One anonymous NFC exec told ESPN:
"Penix being hurt isn't just a bad break for him," one NFC personnel executive said. "He was hurt all the time in college, and that was one of the big concerns."
#atlanta #individual #hurt #falcons
Tagovailoa was absent on Day 1 due to a reported back injury, while Penix remains limited to 7-on-7s and individual drills until he is fully cleared. The script was flipped on Day 2, with Penix getting a scheduled rest day and Tua returning for individual drills.
Thus far, undrafted rookie Jack Strand has gotten the majority of first-team reps. Looking ahead, the QB1 competition will likely have to be settled during the team's three preseason games.
Penix's injury status doesn't bode well for his long-term future in Atlanta. Tagovailoa's injury may keep the QB race close for now but if Penix doesn't get back soon, it will be hard for him to ever catch up. One anonymous NFC exec told ESPN:
"Penix being hurt isn't just a bad break for him," one NFC personnel executive said. "He was hurt all the time in college, and that was one of the big concerns."
#atlanta #individual #hurt #falcons
3 days ago
The Atlanta Falcons have announced the death of defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich's wife.
Cristina Ulbrich lost her "courageous battle with cancer," the organization announced on Thursday.
Comments from Falcons fans across the country poured in for the Ulbrich family.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
"Cristina was a devoted wife, mother, and friend whose strength, grace, and resilience touched all who knew her. She was a constant source of love and support to Jeff, their family, and the broader Falcons community," they wrote in a statement.
#comments
Cristina Ulbrich lost her "courageous battle with cancer," the organization announced on Thursday.
Comments from Falcons fans across the country poured in for the Ulbrich family.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
"Cristina was a devoted wife, mother, and friend whose strength, grace, and resilience touched all who knew her. She was a constant source of love and support to Jeff, their family, and the broader Falcons community," they wrote in a statement.
#comments
3 days ago
Other NFL team previews: 32. Dolphins | 31. Jets | 30. Cardinals | 29. Browns | 28. ******* ans | 27. Raiders | 26. Falcons | 25. Giants | 24. Saints | 23. Panthers | 22. Buccaneers | 21. Colts | 20. Steelers | 19. Vikings | 18. Commanders | 17. Bengals | 16. Jaguars | 15. Packers | 14. Chargers | 13. 49ers | 12. Chiefs | 11. Bears | 10. Texans | 9. Eagles | 8. Cowboys | 7. Ravens | 6. Lions | 5. Patriots
Among the countless interesting tidbits in an ESPN story shadowing Sean Payton for a week before last season's AFC Championship game was one of Payton's "playoff myths" he shared with the team.
The myth he showed his players was, "We'll Be Back Next Year." Payton followed that by telling the team, "Nothing is promised."
The Denver Broncos had a remarkable season with a weird ending. Not long after the Broncos beat the Buffalo Bills in one of the most thrilling games of last postseason, Payton returned to the podium and shared with the media that Bo Nix had broken his ankle and was out for the rest of the season, including the AFC championship game.
The Broncos battled in that AFC ******* le game against the Patriots with Jarrett Stidham starting at quarterback, but one massive turnover by Stidham and a questionable fourth-down gamble in the first half, along with a blinding snowstorm in the second half, might have cost them a win and a chance to play in the Super Bowl. As Payton told the team before the game, being in that position might not happen again.
#team
Among the countless interesting tidbits in an ESPN story shadowing Sean Payton for a week before last season's AFC Championship game was one of Payton's "playoff myths" he shared with the team.
The myth he showed his players was, "We'll Be Back Next Year." Payton followed that by telling the team, "Nothing is promised."
The Denver Broncos had a remarkable season with a weird ending. Not long after the Broncos beat the Buffalo Bills in one of the most thrilling games of last postseason, Payton returned to the podium and shared with the media that Bo Nix had broken his ankle and was out for the rest of the season, including the AFC championship game.
The Broncos battled in that AFC ******* le game against the Patriots with Jarrett Stidham starting at quarterback, but one massive turnover by Stidham and a questionable fourth-down gamble in the first half, along with a blinding snowstorm in the second half, might have cost them a win and a chance to play in the Super Bowl. As Payton told the team before the game, being in that position might not happen again.
#team
3 days ago
The Atlanta Falcons have announced the death of defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich's wife.
Cristina Ulbrich lost her "courageous battle with cancer," the organization announced on Thursday.
Comments from Falcons fans across the country poured in for the Ulbrich family.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
"Cristina was a devoted wife, mother, and friend whose strength, grace, and resilience touched all who knew her. She was a constant source of love and support to Jeff, their family, and the broader Falcons community," they wrote in a statement.
#ulbrich
Cristina Ulbrich lost her "courageous battle with cancer," the organization announced on Thursday.
Comments from Falcons fans across the country poured in for the Ulbrich family.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
"Cristina was a devoted wife, mother, and friend whose strength, grace, and resilience touched all who knew her. She was a constant source of love and support to Jeff, their family, and the broader Falcons community," they wrote in a statement.
#ulbrich
3 days ago
Training camp is an opportunity for long shots and feel-good stories to make their names, and there might be no lesser-known quarterback receiving first-team reps than Jack Strand.
With the Atlanta Falcons' top two quarterbacks, Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr., held out of full-team practice on Thursday, Strand found himself handing off to Bijan Robinson and throwing to the likes of Drake London and Kyle Pitts.
Not bad for an undrafted rookie who less than a year ago was facing Division-II defenses at Minnesota State Moorhead.
When the Falcons opened camp, Tagovailoa was dealing with some back tightness and Michael Penix Jr. not yet cleared for full-team activities, it left Strand as the only fully healthy quarterback on the roster after the team released Trevor Siemian with a non-football injury designation.
"I didn't think about it too much," Strand told the Falcons' official website. "I'm coming into training camp and everything just trying to take it day by day. Keep attacking every day. Keep getting better every day. Whether I'm getting a bunch of reps or I'm not getting as many reps. Whatever reps that I do get, whether it's in Indy, whether it's in RVA, whether it's in team, anything, I'm just going to try to attack those reps and try to keep getting with those. And then also from watching the guys around me."
#falcons #getting #tagovailoa
With the Atlanta Falcons' top two quarterbacks, Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr., held out of full-team practice on Thursday, Strand found himself handing off to Bijan Robinson and throwing to the likes of Drake London and Kyle Pitts.
Not bad for an undrafted rookie who less than a year ago was facing Division-II defenses at Minnesota State Moorhead.
When the Falcons opened camp, Tagovailoa was dealing with some back tightness and Michael Penix Jr. not yet cleared for full-team activities, it left Strand as the only fully healthy quarterback on the roster after the team released Trevor Siemian with a non-football injury designation.
"I didn't think about it too much," Strand told the Falcons' official website. "I'm coming into training camp and everything just trying to take it day by day. Keep attacking every day. Keep getting better every day. Whether I'm getting a bunch of reps or I'm not getting as many reps. Whatever reps that I do get, whether it's in Indy, whether it's in RVA, whether it's in team, anything, I'm just going to try to attack those reps and try to keep getting with those. And then also from watching the guys around me."
#falcons #getting #tagovailoa
3 days ago
The Green Bay Packers worked out 10 players on Thursday, including four wide receivers. Apparently, one of them took, as the Packers signed Kaden Prather, formerly of the Louisville Kings, to a contract, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Prather was a seventh-round pick of the Buffalo Bills last season before he suffered a hamstring injury that led to him being waived with an injury settlement in late August.
With the UFL-winning Kings, Prather finished fifth on the team in receiving yards, posting nine receptions for 148 yards over nine games.
Since Prather's release from Buffalo, he had workouts with the Seattle Seahawks (October), Atlanta Falcons (December) and Miami Dolphins (December), but his tryout with the Packers was the first one that has been reported since he finished the UFL season.
Currently, Green Bay's only injury at the receiver position is to Brenden Rice, who is dealing with a hamstring injury. The Packers' roster is full, meaning that Prather's addition needs to come with a corresponding roster move. That move has yet to be announced.
Back in 2025, The Athletic's Dane Brugler ranked Prather as the 40th overall receiver in the class and labeled him with a free agent grade. Here was Brugler's blurb on Prather:
#green #kings #hamstring
With the UFL-winning Kings, Prather finished fifth on the team in receiving yards, posting nine receptions for 148 yards over nine games.
Since Prather's release from Buffalo, he had workouts with the Seattle Seahawks (October), Atlanta Falcons (December) and Miami Dolphins (December), but his tryout with the Packers was the first one that has been reported since he finished the UFL season.
Currently, Green Bay's only injury at the receiver position is to Brenden Rice, who is dealing with a hamstring injury. The Packers' roster is full, meaning that Prather's addition needs to come with a corresponding roster move. That move has yet to be announced.
Back in 2025, The Athletic's Dane Brugler ranked Prather as the 40th overall receiver in the class and labeled him with a free agent grade. Here was Brugler's blurb on Prather:
#green #kings #hamstring
3 days ago
AI is now greatly advancing both sides of the cybersecurity war, with data increasingly favoring attackers. This isn't an isolated data point, as Check Point's 2026 Cyber Security Report, its 14th annual study, found that organizations fell victim to an average of 1,968 cyberattacks per week back in 2025, a 70% increase from 2023, as attackers increasingly make use of automation and AI to move more quickly and operate across a number of attack surfaces at the same time. Meanwhile, Mandiant's M-Trends 2026 report further highlights the timeframe problem: 28.3% of revealed vulnerabilities are now exploited in less than 24 hours, with time-to-exploit effectively negative when ******* aults arrive before patches.
That narrow window between vulnerability discovery and attack is exactly the dynamic that is altering business security budgets, and Wall Street sees CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:CRWD) as one of the companies best positioned to gain from it. In fiscal Q1 2027, the company's revenue reached $1.39 billion, up 26% year-over-year, while ending ARR was a record $5.51 billion, up 24%, with net new ARR of $256 million increasing 32% year-over-year, indicating an acceleration rather than a slowing in the pace of new business. Profitability scaled alongside the expansion, with non-GAAP net income growing to $283 million from $184.7 million the year before.
Although CrowdStrike's underlying trajectory remains robust, its valuation multiple is the key source of concern for institutional investors. Shares are currently trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 119.92x, which is a significant premium above prominent cybersecurity rivals such as Palo Alto Networks (84.74x), SentinelOne (39x), and Zscaler (32.72x). At almost 120x forward earnings, the current stock price requires sustained mid-to-high 20% annual revenue growth and continued margin improvement over several years to justify trading levels in hindsight.
Against this backdrop, Stifel's July 17 price target increase to $230 from $220, following investor meetings with CrowdStrike's CFO on AI tailwinds, fiscal 2027 confidence, and Falcon Flex traction, reads as sell-side confirmation of a growth story already supported by the company's own numbers, rather than primary evidence for it.
The firm also cited a growing sales pipeline supporting confidence in CrowdStrike's net-new annual recurring revenue guidance increase issued last quarter, as well as management's stated willingness to increase the size and pace of acquisitions, which would be funded with a combination of stock and debt.
#revenue
That narrow window between vulnerability discovery and attack is exactly the dynamic that is altering business security budgets, and Wall Street sees CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:CRWD) as one of the companies best positioned to gain from it. In fiscal Q1 2027, the company's revenue reached $1.39 billion, up 26% year-over-year, while ending ARR was a record $5.51 billion, up 24%, with net new ARR of $256 million increasing 32% year-over-year, indicating an acceleration rather than a slowing in the pace of new business. Profitability scaled alongside the expansion, with non-GAAP net income growing to $283 million from $184.7 million the year before.
Although CrowdStrike's underlying trajectory remains robust, its valuation multiple is the key source of concern for institutional investors. Shares are currently trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 119.92x, which is a significant premium above prominent cybersecurity rivals such as Palo Alto Networks (84.74x), SentinelOne (39x), and Zscaler (32.72x). At almost 120x forward earnings, the current stock price requires sustained mid-to-high 20% annual revenue growth and continued margin improvement over several years to justify trading levels in hindsight.
Against this backdrop, Stifel's July 17 price target increase to $230 from $220, following investor meetings with CrowdStrike's CFO on AI tailwinds, fiscal 2027 confidence, and Falcon Flex traction, reads as sell-side confirmation of a growth story already supported by the company's own numbers, rather than primary evidence for it.
The firm also cited a growing sales pipeline supporting confidence in CrowdStrike's net-new annual recurring revenue guidance increase issued last quarter, as well as management's stated willingness to increase the size and pace of acquisitions, which would be funded with a combination of stock and debt.
#revenue
4 days ago
Allen Park — One day after star running back Jahmyr Gibbs missed the Detroit Lions' first training camp practice of the year, coach Dan Campbell said he's "not sweating" the negotiation tactic but did think an extension would be done by now.
Gibbs, the No. 12 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, became extension-eligible this offseason and is expected to receive a deal that pays him north of $20 million annually.
According to a photograph from the Lions' website, Gibbs arrived in Allen Park for camp Tuesday. He and Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson are reportedly holding in for new deals as they look to reset the running back market.
"I shouldn't have said 'bellcow,' right?" Campbell joked, implying that he gave Gibbs too much leverage when he said during the spring that the team was going to "hang our hat" on him. "'Well, hey, Coach said bellcow.'"
Campbell said he's unsure whether Gibbs will return to the practice without a new deal, and mentioned Gibbs had "a little bit of a back" issue during the conditioning test but didn't indicate that it was something serious.
#camp
Gibbs, the No. 12 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, became extension-eligible this offseason and is expected to receive a deal that pays him north of $20 million annually.
According to a photograph from the Lions' website, Gibbs arrived in Allen Park for camp Tuesday. He and Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson are reportedly holding in for new deals as they look to reset the running back market.
"I shouldn't have said 'bellcow,' right?" Campbell joked, implying that he gave Gibbs too much leverage when he said during the spring that the team was going to "hang our hat" on him. "'Well, hey, Coach said bellcow.'"
Campbell said he's unsure whether Gibbs will return to the practice without a new deal, and mentioned Gibbs had "a little bit of a back" issue during the conditioning test but didn't indicate that it was something serious.
#camp
4 days ago
Other NFL team previews: 32. Dolphins | 31. Jets | 30. Cardinals | 29. Browns | 28. ****** ans | 27. Raiders | 26. Falcons | 25. Giants | 24. Saints | 23. Panthers | 22. Buccaneers | 21. Colts | 20. Steelers | 19. Vikings | 18. Commanders | 17. Bengals | 16. Jaguars | 15. Packers | 14. Chargers | 13. 49ers | 12. Chiefs | 11. Bears | 10. Texans | 9. Eagles | 8. Cowboys | 7. Ravens | 6. Lions
There aren't many teams through NFL history who won 14 games and a conference championship.
The list of Super Bowl participants who won 14 games and then were ignored like the New England Patriots were this offseason might be a party of one.
It seems odd. The Patriots had a magnificent season with new coach Mike Vrabel, who won NFL Coach of the Year. Quarterback Drake Maye would have won NFL MVP in his second NFL season had just one voter flipped his or her first-place vote from Matthew Stafford to him. Typically, that profile gets hyped up all offseason as the next in line to win a Super Bowl or two. Instead, the most you've heard about the Patriots this offseason had to do with Vrabel's off-field missteps.
The Patriots being dismissed started late last season, when talk of strength of schedule crept into the conversation in a way it rarely has in NFL circles. It was the third easiest by DVOA since 1978, according to Aaron Schatz of FTN Fantasy, with only the 1991 Bills and 1999 Rams having an easier schedule. The chatter about strength of schedule probably cost Maye the MVP award. It was also probably overdone.
#offseason
There aren't many teams through NFL history who won 14 games and a conference championship.
The list of Super Bowl participants who won 14 games and then were ignored like the New England Patriots were this offseason might be a party of one.
It seems odd. The Patriots had a magnificent season with new coach Mike Vrabel, who won NFL Coach of the Year. Quarterback Drake Maye would have won NFL MVP in his second NFL season had just one voter flipped his or her first-place vote from Matthew Stafford to him. Typically, that profile gets hyped up all offseason as the next in line to win a Super Bowl or two. Instead, the most you've heard about the Patriots this offseason had to do with Vrabel's off-field missteps.
The Patriots being dismissed started late last season, when talk of strength of schedule crept into the conversation in a way it rarely has in NFL circles. It was the third easiest by DVOA since 1978, according to Aaron Schatz of FTN Fantasy, with only the 1991 Bills and 1999 Rams having an easier schedule. The chatter about strength of schedule probably cost Maye the MVP award. It was also probably overdone.
#offseason
4 days ago
New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel is confident that tight end Eli Raridon will be able to play with NFL-level speed next season.
Speaking at a press conference, Vrabel spoke highly of Raridon and the vision that he has for him for next season. The Patriots are clearly expecting a lot from the rookie third-round draft pick after losing veteran Julian Hill to a season-ending injury.
Austin Hooper also left for the Atlanta Falcons in free agency.
"New offense," Vrabel said. "New scheme. New NFL. Capable, willing learner. We'll see when pads come on. Things change. But I think he's tried to play with the speed that we felt like he had, and may not always have shown."
Raridon is in line to be the Patriots' backup tight end behind Hunter Henry next season. He went for 482 receiving yards in his final collegiate year at Notre Dame and was highly-touted for his skills as a receiver and a blocker.
#raridon #highly
Speaking at a press conference, Vrabel spoke highly of Raridon and the vision that he has for him for next season. The Patriots are clearly expecting a lot from the rookie third-round draft pick after losing veteran Julian Hill to a season-ending injury.
Austin Hooper also left for the Atlanta Falcons in free agency.
"New offense," Vrabel said. "New scheme. New NFL. Capable, willing learner. We'll see when pads come on. Things change. But I think he's tried to play with the speed that we felt like he had, and may not always have shown."
Raridon is in line to be the Patriots' backup tight end behind Hunter Henry next season. He went for 482 receiving yards in his final collegiate year at Notre Dame and was highly-touted for his skills as a receiver and a blocker.
#raridon #highly
4 days ago
She was there in 1980 when lightning struck, instantly suspending play, and when it happened a second time in 2024.
She was there in 2016 when fans were sent home because the end zone paint wouldn't dry.
From her seat in Section 3BB, Judy Vollono has seen a lot of football at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game.
On Aug. 6, the Plain Township resident will attend her 57th game to watch the Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. She'll be accompanied by her daughter Ann Maddux and grandson, Sam.
Vollono still has the tickets from her first game on Sept. 13, 1969, when the Green Bay Packers defeated the Atlanta Falcons 38-24. The first Hall of Fame Game, which now kicks off the NFL preseason, was played in 1962.
#game #fame #first
She was there in 2016 when fans were sent home because the end zone paint wouldn't dry.
From her seat in Section 3BB, Judy Vollono has seen a lot of football at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game.
On Aug. 6, the Plain Township resident will attend her 57th game to watch the Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. She'll be accompanied by her daughter Ann Maddux and grandson, Sam.
Vollono still has the tickets from her first game on Sept. 13, 1969, when the Green Bay Packers defeated the Atlanta Falcons 38-24. The first Hall of Fame Game, which now kicks off the NFL preseason, was played in 1962.
#game #fame #first
4 days ago
On Tuesday, Tennessee **** ans general manager Mike Borgonzi met with the media and touched on the upcoming offensive line competition at training camp. He said he was pleased with where the team was at this stage of the preseason, with active battles at center and right guard taking center stage.
Center Austin Schlottmann and guard Cordell Volson will get the first crack at winning the starting job, but they will rotate and face challenges from Pat Coogan and Jackson Slater early in camp.
During the press conference with head coach Robert Saleh, Borgonzi hinted at potential additions to the interior of the offensive line, and it appears he was serious. On Wednesday, the **** ans worked out Oregon State guard Joshua Gray and Northern Iowa guard Jared Penning.
Gray doesn't have any NFL experience, but did spend 2025 with the Atlanta Falcons on their practice squad after going undrafted out of Oregon State. The 6-foot-5, 299-pound guard signed a reserve/futures contract with the Carolina Panthers, but was waived in July ahead of training camp.
Like Gray, Penning also spent his rookie season on a practice squad with the Baltimore Ravens after going undrafted out of Northern Iowa in 2025. He re-signed a reserve/futures contract with the Ravens in January and was earlier in July.
#gray #oregon #state #northern
Center Austin Schlottmann and guard Cordell Volson will get the first crack at winning the starting job, but they will rotate and face challenges from Pat Coogan and Jackson Slater early in camp.
During the press conference with head coach Robert Saleh, Borgonzi hinted at potential additions to the interior of the offensive line, and it appears he was serious. On Wednesday, the **** ans worked out Oregon State guard Joshua Gray and Northern Iowa guard Jared Penning.
Gray doesn't have any NFL experience, but did spend 2025 with the Atlanta Falcons on their practice squad after going undrafted out of Oregon State. The 6-foot-5, 299-pound guard signed a reserve/futures contract with the Carolina Panthers, but was waived in July ahead of training camp.
Like Gray, Penning also spent his rookie season on a practice squad with the Baltimore Ravens after going undrafted out of Northern Iowa in 2025. He re-signed a reserve/futures contract with the Ravens in January and was earlier in July.
#gray #oregon #state #northern
