29 days ago
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers saw the best and worst of Baker Mayfield in their first season-opening loss since 2020.
Tom Brady led them to a Super Bowl ***** le that season so 0-1 isn't an insurmountable deficit.
Plus, every team in the NFC South lost on Sunday.
Mayfield lost three fumbles that led to 17 points, including one that was returned for a score in Tampa Bay's 33-27 loss to Cincinnati. He also held the ball took long at times, taking four sacks. But Mayfield had an efficient game when he wasn't giving the ball away. He completed 23 of 28 passes for 216 yards and ran for 30 yards, including a touchdown.
If Mayfield protected the ball, the outcome would've been different.
#yards #buccaneers
Tom Brady led them to a Super Bowl ***** le that season so 0-1 isn't an insurmountable deficit.
Plus, every team in the NFC South lost on Sunday.
Mayfield lost three fumbles that led to 17 points, including one that was returned for a score in Tampa Bay's 33-27 loss to Cincinnati. He also held the ball took long at times, taking four sacks. But Mayfield had an efficient game when he wasn't giving the ball away. He completed 23 of 28 passes for 216 yards and ran for 30 yards, including a touchdown.
If Mayfield protected the ball, the outcome would've been different.
#yards #buccaneers
29 days ago
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers showed enough in their 33-27 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals to feel like they could have won. Instead, four lost fumbles, shaky pass protection, and defensive issues underneath turned a competitive performance into a 0-1 start.
Tampa Bay finished with 282 total yards, converted five of 10 third downs, and never punted. The Bucs also fought back from a 21-3 deficit and had the game within six points late, but the turnovers kept Cincinnati in control.
Here are the Buccaneers' Week 1 grades by position.
Baker Mayfield's game was almost a perfect reflection of Tampa Bay's afternoon. He completed 23 of 28 passes for 216 yards without an interception, added 30 rushing yards, and scored on a nine-yard run in the fourth quarter.
The number one problem for Mayfield was ball security. Mayfield fumbled three times and lost all three of them. One was returned 27 yards for a touchdown, another went through the end zone for a touchback near the goal line, and the third came on a fourth-quarter strip-sack while Tampa Bay was trying to complete its comeback.There is some living and dying by the sword with Mayfield. Part of what makes him unique is his willingness to fight through contact, extend plays, and create something when a play looks dead. When it works, everyone loves it. When it ends with the football on the ground, it looks reckless. Against Cincinnati, he pushed that line much too far.
#yards #lost #game
Tampa Bay finished with 282 total yards, converted five of 10 third downs, and never punted. The Bucs also fought back from a 21-3 deficit and had the game within six points late, but the turnovers kept Cincinnati in control.
Here are the Buccaneers' Week 1 grades by position.
Baker Mayfield's game was almost a perfect reflection of Tampa Bay's afternoon. He completed 23 of 28 passes for 216 yards without an interception, added 30 rushing yards, and scored on a nine-yard run in the fourth quarter.
The number one problem for Mayfield was ball security. Mayfield fumbled three times and lost all three of them. One was returned 27 yards for a touchdown, another went through the end zone for a touchback near the goal line, and the third came on a fourth-quarter strip-sack while Tampa Bay was trying to complete its comeback.There is some living and dying by the sword with Mayfield. Part of what makes him unique is his willingness to fight through contact, extend plays, and create something when a play looks dead. When it works, everyone loves it. When it ends with the football on the ground, it looks reckless. Against Cincinnati, he pushed that line much too far.
#yards #lost #game
29 days ago
The season opener is a game quarterback C.J. Stroud will probably want to forget.
While he had 274 passing yards and two touchdowns, he also had two fumbles, including one on the final drive that doomed the Houston Texans in their opener against the Buffalo Bills.
Stroud is already focusing on turning the page to Week 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
"It's part of the NFL," Stroud said. "You have to be able to learn from your mistakes and then go onto the next week and try to get a win. We have a tough Bengals team coming in here. They're really good. We have to be on our P's and Q's, try to win that game. We'll fix our issues by tonight and tomorrow, turn the page and keep moving forward. One thing that DeMeco [Ryans] said in the locker room that I agree with is, we're going to keep our chins high and our chests poked out. We did a lot of positive things, do we wish we won it? Yes. But at the end of the day it's a long season.
"You have to give us a little bit of credit there. I think I second his message with that."
#stroud #game #page #texans
While he had 274 passing yards and two touchdowns, he also had two fumbles, including one on the final drive that doomed the Houston Texans in their opener against the Buffalo Bills.
Stroud is already focusing on turning the page to Week 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
"It's part of the NFL," Stroud said. "You have to be able to learn from your mistakes and then go onto the next week and try to get a win. We have a tough Bengals team coming in here. They're really good. We have to be on our P's and Q's, try to win that game. We'll fix our issues by tonight and tomorrow, turn the page and keep moving forward. One thing that DeMeco [Ryans] said in the locker room that I agree with is, we're going to keep our chins high and our chests poked out. We did a lot of positive things, do we wish we won it? Yes. But at the end of the day it's a long season.
"You have to give us a little bit of credit there. I think I second his message with that."
#stroud #game #page #texans
1 month ago
No. 4 Notre Dame rolled over the Rice Owls, 52-0, in the season's home opener for the Fighting Irish.
Notre Dame avoids the trap of falling to a heavy underdog early in the season, as it has in previous years. Instead, the coaches had the chance to get depth players game action, and the Irish should be well set up as the schedule gets harder going forward.
With a win like that, there are plenty of stars -- we have our top five stars below.
Notre Dame took the ball away four times as Rice struggled to hold on to the ball. Some fumbles were forced, some were not, but Notre Dame defenders hopped on four of them, including a Boubacar Traore scoop and score early.
Quarterback CJ Carr's favorite target took over the game early with two touchdowns. He had just four catches for 54 yards, but he was far more productive than the numbers indicate.
#four #irish #game #ball
Notre Dame avoids the trap of falling to a heavy underdog early in the season, as it has in previous years. Instead, the coaches had the chance to get depth players game action, and the Irish should be well set up as the schedule gets harder going forward.
With a win like that, there are plenty of stars -- we have our top five stars below.
Notre Dame took the ball away four times as Rice struggled to hold on to the ball. Some fumbles were forced, some were not, but Notre Dame defenders hopped on four of them, including a Boubacar Traore scoop and score early.
Quarterback CJ Carr's favorite target took over the game early with two touchdowns. He had just four catches for 54 yards, but he was far more productive than the numbers indicate.
#four #irish #game #ball
1 month ago
Texas A&M football's is looking for another 2-0 start under Mike Elko.
Since talking over in College Station, the former Duke head coaco has had really strong Septembers. He's 8-0 in this month, including last week's beatdown.
To open 2026, the Aggies got off to a bit of slow start in before demolishing the Missouri State Bears 50-0. A&M scored just one touchdown on its first four drives. Then, the Aggies flipped the switch. A&M quarterback Marcel Reed threw for 233 yards and two touchdowns on 21-of-30 passing, while the defense forced three fumbles and gave up 67 yards of offense.
MORE: What Texas A&M must do to make the CFP
The Sun Devils should be a much bigger challenge than the Bears of Conference USA. Head coach Kenny Dillingham has led his alma mater to a 19-8 record over the past two seasons, including a College Football Playoff appearance in 2024. Arizona State began its fourth year under Dillingham by crushing Morgan State 70-7, with quarterback Cutter Boley throwing for 387 yards and six touchdowns on 21-of-27 passing.
#college #bears
Since talking over in College Station, the former Duke head coaco has had really strong Septembers. He's 8-0 in this month, including last week's beatdown.
To open 2026, the Aggies got off to a bit of slow start in before demolishing the Missouri State Bears 50-0. A&M scored just one touchdown on its first four drives. Then, the Aggies flipped the switch. A&M quarterback Marcel Reed threw for 233 yards and two touchdowns on 21-of-30 passing, while the defense forced three fumbles and gave up 67 yards of offense.
MORE: What Texas A&M must do to make the CFP
The Sun Devils should be a much bigger challenge than the Bears of Conference USA. Head coach Kenny Dillingham has led his alma mater to a 19-8 record over the past two seasons, including a College Football Playoff appearance in 2024. Arizona State began its fourth year under Dillingham by crushing Morgan State 70-7, with quarterback Cutter Boley throwing for 387 yards and six touchdowns on 21-of-27 passing.
#college #bears
1 month ago
As Oak Grove football defensive lineman Deven Robertson celebrated a sack late in the second quarter against Hattiesburg, his crimson-colored, Oklahoma Sooner-branded gloves provided a pop of color that was a contrast to Oak Grove's all black uniforms.
The Oklahoma commit and the rest of the Warriors' defense were dominant in Oak Grove's 36-20 win over Hattiesburg on Sept. 12.
"We've got a good defense," Oak Grove coach Drew Causey said. "We've got guys over there that are really, really good."
The Warriors (2-1) held Hattiesburg (1-2) to 287 yards of total offense and forced two fumbles, one of which they returned 35 yards for a touchdown.
"The defense came and we played as a group," Robertson said. "We weren't selfish, we all came and played as one and played with effort."
#hattiesburg #defense #robertson #good
The Oklahoma commit and the rest of the Warriors' defense were dominant in Oak Grove's 36-20 win over Hattiesburg on Sept. 12.
"We've got a good defense," Oak Grove coach Drew Causey said. "We've got guys over there that are really, really good."
The Warriors (2-1) held Hattiesburg (1-2) to 287 yards of total offense and forced two fumbles, one of which they returned 35 yards for a touchdown.
"The defense came and we played as a group," Robertson said. "We weren't selfish, we all came and played as one and played with effort."
#hattiesburg #defense #robertson #good
1 month ago
Through three weeks of the 2026 high school football season, junior running back Mykheal Smith continuously showed that he was a worthy addition to Burke County after transferring from Richmond Academy in the offseason. He averaged over 100 total yards a night and scored two touchdowns during that span, while also being tasked with playing in the secondary for the Bears at safety.
Heading into a Week 4 matchup versus a Jones County squad that had allowed at least 40 points during the previous three weeks, it seemed like Smith and the Bears were in prime position to put up big numbers en route to a win.
That couldn't be further from what happened. The Greyhounds dominated the Bears in a 35-0 rout on Friday, Sept. 11. On offense they got whatever they wanted, particularly when it came to their rushing attack. Defensively, they forced four fumbles that were recovered and led to scores. The turnovers in particular will be a point of emphasis going forward for Burke County.
"It's one of those things where we just didn't get it done in terms of taking care of the football," Bears head coach Franklin Stephens said. "It's one of those things we've been stressing, especially after two weeks ago when we had a bunch of turnovers and fumbles."
Even beyond the turnover problems, Burke County didn't have much going when they did have the football. Outside of a near 30-yard punt return for Smith, he was relatively quiet on the night ― as was the rest of the offense.
#burke
Heading into a Week 4 matchup versus a Jones County squad that had allowed at least 40 points during the previous three weeks, it seemed like Smith and the Bears were in prime position to put up big numbers en route to a win.
That couldn't be further from what happened. The Greyhounds dominated the Bears in a 35-0 rout on Friday, Sept. 11. On offense they got whatever they wanted, particularly when it came to their rushing attack. Defensively, they forced four fumbles that were recovered and led to scores. The turnovers in particular will be a point of emphasis going forward for Burke County.
"It's one of those things where we just didn't get it done in terms of taking care of the football," Bears head coach Franklin Stephens said. "It's one of those things we've been stressing, especially after two weeks ago when we had a bunch of turnovers and fumbles."
Even beyond the turnover problems, Burke County didn't have much going when they did have the football. Outside of a near 30-yard punt return for Smith, he was relatively quiet on the night ― as was the rest of the offense.
#burke
1 month ago
During a beach outing, then-5-year-old Terry Potter Hedden III — now "Trey" to NMSU teammates and fans — picked up a football and threw a perfect spiral to his stepmom. It was then Hedden was destined to be a quarterback with a supportive blended family. His parents and stepparents "made sure I made every tryout. They took me to camps. They helped me meet the coaches I wanted to learn from." And they attended every game, including during his two years at Furman and this season with the Aggies. After a 10-percentage-point jump in accuracy from his freshman season, Hedden entered the portal to "raise the ceiling a little bit" in pursuit of future pro opportunities. NMSU head coach Tony Sanchez's spread attack offered protection (312 pounds an O-lineman) and speedy targets. Slot receiver TK King has been GPS-clocked at nearly 23 mph and laser-timed at 20.74 seconds over 200 meters. "The biggest thing for me is I've got to remember that on game day, he's a little bit faster than he is in practice," Hedden said of King. "When he's running a route, you can throw it out there and he'll turn it on. We talk about it in the meeting room. Go make him run 100 meters to catch the ball." King's average target depth is 21 yards. He has catch-and-dashes of 46, 42 and 34 yards. The Aggies have sets of four and five receivers or up to two tight ends. Running back James Jones has no fumbles or negative-yard rushes in 30 carries. Jones also is an effective blocker who can roll into the flats. Hedden is 80% accurate on screens, hitches and check-down throws. "The quarterback in this offense is really a distributor," Hedden said. "We really focus on the things we're good at, and we repeat those things, and find new ways to do those things every week. It's really been a lot of fun to play in this offense with these coaches."
The Aggies' base is chaos, with shifts, movements and glove-to-glove combat in the trenches and running lanes. "When things get so cranky, like how many blitzes and stunts, it looks like Star Wars to us," weakside linebacker Sone Aupiu said. His first two NMSU seasons, Aupiu played middle linebacker. He moved to will linebacker last year but still trains at all second-tier positions, including jack, the stand-up edge defender. Helped by playing on the narrow side of the formation, Aupiu has freedom to jump lanes. "When it comes to gap schemes, that's what I love," he said. "Coming my way to the boundary, I'm looking to hit 'em." His father grew up in Samoa, his mother in New Zealand, where rugby was the favored sport. He said he aspires to play professional rugby. But for now, Aupiu said, "I chose a different route, which was football. Everybody else on my mom's side chose rugby." Aupiu received a few college offers. But after an official visit to Las Cruces, he decided to be an Aggie. He said he had to adjust to the culture change from Long Beach, Calif., such as green chili served with everything. And to fatherhood — he and his wife have a 3-yea
The Aggies' base is chaos, with shifts, movements and glove-to-glove combat in the trenches and running lanes. "When things get so cranky, like how many blitzes and stunts, it looks like Star Wars to us," weakside linebacker Sone Aupiu said. His first two NMSU seasons, Aupiu played middle linebacker. He moved to will linebacker last year but still trains at all second-tier positions, including jack, the stand-up edge defender. Helped by playing on the narrow side of the formation, Aupiu has freedom to jump lanes. "When it comes to gap schemes, that's what I love," he said. "Coming my way to the boundary, I'm looking to hit 'em." His father grew up in Samoa, his mother in New Zealand, where rugby was the favored sport. He said he aspires to play professional rugby. But for now, Aupiu said, "I chose a different route, which was football. Everybody else on my mom's side chose rugby." Aupiu received a few college offers. But after an official visit to Las Cruces, he decided to be an Aggie. He said he had to adjust to the culture change from Long Beach, Calif., such as green chili served with everything. And to fatherhood — he and his wife have a 3-yea
1 month ago
Texas A&M football's toughest non-conference game is here, as Arizona State visits Saturday in a clash between the Southeastern Conference and the Big 12.
The Aggies got off to a slow start in Week 1 before demolishing the Missouri State Bears 50-0. A&M quarterback Marcel Reed threw for 233 yards and two touchdowns on 21-of-30 passing, while the defense forced three fumbles and gave up 67 yards of offense.
MORE: What Texas A&M must do to make the CFP
The Sun Devils should be a much bigger challenge. Head coach Kenny Dillingham has led his alma mater to a 19-8 record over the past two seasons, including a College Football Playoff appearance in 2024. Arizona State began its fourth year under Dillingham by crushing Morgan State 70-7, with quarterback Cutter Boley throwing for 387 yards and six touchdowns on 21-of-27 passing.
Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed (10) looks for an open receiver during the round one College Football Playoff game against Miami at Kyle Field on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025 in College Station, Texas. (Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman)
#texas #quarterback #arizona
The Aggies got off to a slow start in Week 1 before demolishing the Missouri State Bears 50-0. A&M quarterback Marcel Reed threw for 233 yards and two touchdowns on 21-of-30 passing, while the defense forced three fumbles and gave up 67 yards of offense.
MORE: What Texas A&M must do to make the CFP
The Sun Devils should be a much bigger challenge. Head coach Kenny Dillingham has led his alma mater to a 19-8 record over the past two seasons, including a College Football Playoff appearance in 2024. Arizona State began its fourth year under Dillingham by crushing Morgan State 70-7, with quarterback Cutter Boley throwing for 387 yards and six touchdowns on 21-of-27 passing.
Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed (10) looks for an open receiver during the round one College Football Playoff game against Miami at Kyle Field on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025 in College Station, Texas. (Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman)
#texas #quarterback #arizona
1 month ago
Winning the program's first state championship in 2025 - in his first season no less - hasn't affected St. Ignatius football coach JaJuan Lawson or his Wildcats one bit. Despite losing 38 seniors to graduation, including eight All-West Catholic Athletic League performers, St. Ignatius has been perhaps the most impressive team in the WCAL through two weeks. The Wildcats have recorded back-to-back identical 42-7 wins over two-time North Bay state champions San Marin-Novato and Marin Catholic-Kentfield.
Senior running back Luke Tribolet has been a workhorse with 34 carries for 208 yards and four touchdowns. Sophomore quarterback Isaac Liu has been terrific with 23 completions in 32 pass attempts for 350 yards and five touchdowns, three to junior Davion Moffett.
The defense has exceeded all expectations, led by junior linebacker Jack Riedy (12 tackles) and sophomore defensive back Casey Nelson (two interceptions, two caused fumbles, two recoveries).
"I don't think winning a state ***** le created any extra pressure on these kids," Lawson said. "We play in the most difficult league in Northern California. We're trying to get back to the top of the league honestly and that's what drives us. … New group, new goals."
The new goal is getting some revenge on Friday night and to beat one of the best teams in Northern California when the Wildcats visit Acalanes-Lafayette (2-0). The Wildcats, ranked seventh in the Metro Area, lost a wild 42-35 game last season in San Francisco to Acalanes, which is currently ranked No. 5 in the Bay Area.
#back #lawson #marin
Senior running back Luke Tribolet has been a workhorse with 34 carries for 208 yards and four touchdowns. Sophomore quarterback Isaac Liu has been terrific with 23 completions in 32 pass attempts for 350 yards and five touchdowns, three to junior Davion Moffett.
The defense has exceeded all expectations, led by junior linebacker Jack Riedy (12 tackles) and sophomore defensive back Casey Nelson (two interceptions, two caused fumbles, two recoveries).
"I don't think winning a state ***** le created any extra pressure on these kids," Lawson said. "We play in the most difficult league in Northern California. We're trying to get back to the top of the league honestly and that's what drives us. … New group, new goals."
The new goal is getting some revenge on Friday night and to beat one of the best teams in Northern California when the Wildcats visit Acalanes-Lafayette (2-0). The Wildcats, ranked seventh in the Metro Area, lost a wild 42-35 game last season in San Francisco to Acalanes, which is currently ranked No. 5 in the Bay Area.
#back #lawson #marin
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1 month ago
The San Francisco 49ers already are dealing with injuries along their defensive front. 49ers defensive tackle Alfred Collins was expected to play a large role in his second season, but is now out of the season after suffering a torn patellar tendon just days before San Francisco's season opener against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 10 in Australia.
As a rookie in 2025, Collins posted 17 tackles, a sack and forced a pair of fumbles. Collins is former second-round pick out of Texas.
Collins' injury puts more pressure on former Georgia Bulldogs first-round pick Mykel Williams to return to action. Williams suffered a torn ACL last season and is on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list to start the season. Williams will miss the 49ers first four games of the season.
Williams recorded 20 tackles and one sack in his rookie season (2025) with the 49ers. San Francisco needs him and the defensive front as a whole to be healthy. Coach Kyle Shanahan is hoping to get more production out of Williams in Year 2.
The 49ers will have to find a delicate balance of limiting Williams' snaps to preserve his health while still giving him enough playing time to develop into a defensive force. Williams can return for the 49ers Week 5 game against the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.
#collins
As a rookie in 2025, Collins posted 17 tackles, a sack and forced a pair of fumbles. Collins is former second-round pick out of Texas.
Collins' injury puts more pressure on former Georgia Bulldogs first-round pick Mykel Williams to return to action. Williams suffered a torn ACL last season and is on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list to start the season. Williams will miss the 49ers first four games of the season.
Williams recorded 20 tackles and one sack in his rookie season (2025) with the 49ers. San Francisco needs him and the defensive front as a whole to be healthy. Coach Kyle Shanahan is hoping to get more production out of Williams in Year 2.
The 49ers will have to find a delicate balance of limiting Williams' snaps to preserve his health while still giving him enough playing time to develop into a defensive force. Williams can return for the 49ers Week 5 game against the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.
#collins
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1 month ago
Another week of high school football brought about another week of impressive performances.
After Basha (AZ) linebacker Marc Duerson III was voted Super 25 Playmaker of the Week last week, it's time to have a look at some of the top performers from Super 25 teams in Week 3.
Below are five players who suit up for teams ranked inside this week's USA TODAY Sports Super 25 national high school football rankings and put on massive performances last week. While it says a lot to even make the list, the USA TODAY Sports audience is also invited to vote for who they believe should be named Super 25 Playmaker of the Week.
The fourth-ranked Buford Wolves spent last week hoping they'd get to boost their defense with the addition of Cedar Hill (TX) transfer Jalen Brewster, who ranks as the No. 1 overall prospect in USA TODAY Sports 2027 composite ranking. However, the five-star Texas Tech commit hit an eligibility snag with the GHSA, leaving him off the field in Week 3. Fortunately for the Wolves, they wouldn't need Brewster as Buford took care of business in a 41-7 win over Mallard Creek. In a game that both sides of the ball played well for Buford, it's fitting that one of the Wolves' two-way standouts finds his way on this week's list of Super 25 Playmakers. Buford senior Jameer Cantrell rushed for 16 yards on three carries and hauled in a 27-yard touchdown grab on offense, while also tallying two tackles, an interception and falling on a pair of fumbles in the win.
Don't be shocked if Baylor School running back David Gabriel Georges is a frequent flyer on these Super 25 Playmaker lists. The five-star Tennessee commit helped No. 13 Baylor (Chattanooga, TN) down Rabun Gap-Nacoochee (GA) 51-33 last week to help the Red Raiders improve to 3-0. In the win, Gabriel Georges rushed for 196 yards and three touchdowns on 16 carries, including this long touchdown rush:
#week #sports
After Basha (AZ) linebacker Marc Duerson III was voted Super 25 Playmaker of the Week last week, it's time to have a look at some of the top performers from Super 25 teams in Week 3.
Below are five players who suit up for teams ranked inside this week's USA TODAY Sports Super 25 national high school football rankings and put on massive performances last week. While it says a lot to even make the list, the USA TODAY Sports audience is also invited to vote for who they believe should be named Super 25 Playmaker of the Week.
The fourth-ranked Buford Wolves spent last week hoping they'd get to boost their defense with the addition of Cedar Hill (TX) transfer Jalen Brewster, who ranks as the No. 1 overall prospect in USA TODAY Sports 2027 composite ranking. However, the five-star Texas Tech commit hit an eligibility snag with the GHSA, leaving him off the field in Week 3. Fortunately for the Wolves, they wouldn't need Brewster as Buford took care of business in a 41-7 win over Mallard Creek. In a game that both sides of the ball played well for Buford, it's fitting that one of the Wolves' two-way standouts finds his way on this week's list of Super 25 Playmakers. Buford senior Jameer Cantrell rushed for 16 yards on three carries and hauled in a 27-yard touchdown grab on offense, while also tallying two tackles, an interception and falling on a pair of fumbles in the win.
Don't be shocked if Baylor School running back David Gabriel Georges is a frequent flyer on these Super 25 Playmaker lists. The five-star Tennessee commit helped No. 13 Baylor (Chattanooga, TN) down Rabun Gap-Nacoochee (GA) 51-33 last week to help the Red Raiders improve to 3-0. In the win, Gabriel Georges rushed for 196 yards and three touchdowns on 16 carries, including this long touchdown rush:
#week #sports
1 month ago
Brandon Graham's first retirement was a brief one, but he says the second one will be a lasting exit from the football field.
Graham said at an event on Tuesday, via Rob Kuestner of NBC Philadelphia, that he is "officially done" playing football. Graham retired after the Eagles won Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans in February 2025, but the defensive end returned to the team in October and played in 10 games for the team.
Graham spent his entire NFL career with the Eagles. The 2010 first-round pick has the franchise record with 215 regular season appearances and he played in 13 playoff games, including both of the franchise's Super Bowl wins.
Graham had 495 tackles, 79.5 sacks, 23 forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries in those 215 regular season games. He added 21 tackles, 5.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in the playoffs. One of those forced fumbles came against Tom Brady late in the fourth quarter of Philadelphia's Super Bowl LII win.
#bowl #first
Graham said at an event on Tuesday, via Rob Kuestner of NBC Philadelphia, that he is "officially done" playing football. Graham retired after the Eagles won Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans in February 2025, but the defensive end returned to the team in October and played in 10 games for the team.
Graham spent his entire NFL career with the Eagles. The 2010 first-round pick has the franchise record with 215 regular season appearances and he played in 13 playoff games, including both of the franchise's Super Bowl wins.
Graham had 495 tackles, 79.5 sacks, 23 forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries in those 215 regular season games. He added 21 tackles, 5.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in the playoffs. One of those forced fumbles came against Tom Brady late in the fourth quarter of Philadelphia's Super Bowl LII win.
#bowl #first
1 month ago
The Los Angeles Rams look to take a big first step in their championship campaign when they play the San Francisco 49ers in their season-opener from Melbourne, Australia. Not only are the Rams trying to kick off their season with a win against their rival, becoming the first NFL team to win a game in Australia, but that would also give them an instant advantage in the race for the NFC West.
However, the 49ers have championship ambitions of their own, with newly hired defensive coordinator Raheem Morris looking to give San Francisco the edge over his old team. On Monday, the Rams learned that Morris will have his top weapon on the defensive line active. ESPN's Nick Wagoner reported that star defensive end Nick Bosa will play in the contest, per Morris.
Bosa, the 2022 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, played in three games last season before he tore his ACL, ending his season. In those games, Bosa had 17 total tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.
The Rams are set to start Alaric Jackson and Warren McClendon Jr. at tackle, with David Quessenberry set to be their backup.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 49ers star Nick Bosa to play vs. Rams in Week 1
#francisco
However, the 49ers have championship ambitions of their own, with newly hired defensive coordinator Raheem Morris looking to give San Francisco the edge over his old team. On Monday, the Rams learned that Morris will have his top weapon on the defensive line active. ESPN's Nick Wagoner reported that star defensive end Nick Bosa will play in the contest, per Morris.
Bosa, the 2022 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, played in three games last season before he tore his ACL, ending his season. In those games, Bosa had 17 total tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.
The Rams are set to start Alaric Jackson and Warren McClendon Jr. at tackle, with David Quessenberry set to be their backup.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 49ers star Nick Bosa to play vs. Rams in Week 1
#francisco
1 month ago
On Friday, the USC football team defeated Fresno State 39-0 at the Coliseum. With the victory, the Trojans improved to 2-0 on the 2026 season.
Following the game, USC head coach Lincoln Riley spoke to the media. Here are some of the highlights of what he had to say:
"Excited about the win. Really excited about the shutout. Obviously, it's hard to do. Doesn't happen very often in college football these days. We played at our standard for a higher level tonight, and that was really great to see on all sides. I think the excitement, energy in the Coliseum, energy with our football team was pretty consistent the whole way through. I think we played better as a football team than we did in week one. And that's what you got to do. It may sound boring, cliche, whatever, but that's how you get good, right? You just have to keep taking steps. I thought we attacked it on the short week. I thought the team really prepped well and was really just ready to play this game."
"We did some great things. He makes things challenging on the other side, and I think what you saw was our belief in it was even higher than it was in week one. When we went back and watched week one, we did a lot of good things. Obviously, the first unit did, but when they weren't good, it's just a lot of us not trusting it at times, and I don't want to hide under, 'Well it's young guys and the twos' or things like that. It doesn't matter;we're gonna need them all. So I thought we trusted it more, and saw that he's going to do some things, alongwith our staff, to put us in some good positions, and I thought our guys played fast and confident. That's a group that challenges you in a lot of different ways because of how multiple they are, all the different personnel groupings that they play in. They return some good football players on that team. So for us to limit them the way we did, especially stopping the run, allowed us to get a chance to get after them up front, and then created some opportunities in the secondary. It was obviously a really good performance."
"We had some opportunities where we protected well and were able to do it. Our drives were pretty completemost of the game. We had a couple of things that we didn't like; we messed up a few things. I had a couple bad calls, and then obviously the turnovers. We had two fumbles and we didn't convert a third and a fourth and one in the red zone. We played pretty good other than that, but you can't have that, right? That's just not good enough. So we have to be better there. We have to be more consistent. We were still a little sloppy early in the run game. We made some explosive plays in the pass game, but we have a lot of work to do."
#things #Football #game #week
Following the game, USC head coach Lincoln Riley spoke to the media. Here are some of the highlights of what he had to say:
"Excited about the win. Really excited about the shutout. Obviously, it's hard to do. Doesn't happen very often in college football these days. We played at our standard for a higher level tonight, and that was really great to see on all sides. I think the excitement, energy in the Coliseum, energy with our football team was pretty consistent the whole way through. I think we played better as a football team than we did in week one. And that's what you got to do. It may sound boring, cliche, whatever, but that's how you get good, right? You just have to keep taking steps. I thought we attacked it on the short week. I thought the team really prepped well and was really just ready to play this game."
"We did some great things. He makes things challenging on the other side, and I think what you saw was our belief in it was even higher than it was in week one. When we went back and watched week one, we did a lot of good things. Obviously, the first unit did, but when they weren't good, it's just a lot of us not trusting it at times, and I don't want to hide under, 'Well it's young guys and the twos' or things like that. It doesn't matter;we're gonna need them all. So I thought we trusted it more, and saw that he's going to do some things, alongwith our staff, to put us in some good positions, and I thought our guys played fast and confident. That's a group that challenges you in a lot of different ways because of how multiple they are, all the different personnel groupings that they play in. They return some good football players on that team. So for us to limit them the way we did, especially stopping the run, allowed us to get a chance to get after them up front, and then created some opportunities in the secondary. It was obviously a really good performance."
"We had some opportunities where we protected well and were able to do it. Our drives were pretty completemost of the game. We had a couple of things that we didn't like; we messed up a few things. I had a couple bad calls, and then obviously the turnovers. We had two fumbles and we didn't convert a third and a fourth and one in the red zone. We played pretty good other than that, but you can't have that, right? That's just not good enough. So we have to be better there. We have to be more consistent. We were still a little sloppy early in the run game. We made some explosive plays in the pass game, but we have a lot of work to do."
#things #Football #game #week
1 month ago
The Alabama Crimson Tide have lost a commitment in their 2028 recruiting class. Three-star linebacker Ryquan Butler decommitted on Sunday, according to a report from Brendan Sonnone of 247Sports.
Butler is from Loachapoka, Alabama, and committed to Alabama on July 7. He picked the Crimson Tide over the FSU Seminoles, Ole Miss Rebels, Auburn Tigers, and several other programs.
He is ranked as the No. 521 overall player and No. 34 linebacker in the 247Sports composite. The 6-foot-3, 205-pounder is also the No. 19 player from Alabama.
While the loss stings, Alabama's 2028 recruiting class is still in a great place. They still have the top 2028 recruiting class in the country with six commitments overall, including three-star linebacker Dustin Henry. Four-star quarterback Kingston Preyear, the No. 44 player in the country, is their highest-ranked commit and the leader of the group.
Butler was enjoying an excellent start to his junior season before he decided to reopen his recruitment. In two games, he recorded 27 tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss, three quarterback hurries, and two forced fumbles for Loachapoka High School. He also plays on offense, carrying the ball 11 times for 92 yards and four touchdowns.
#linebacker #crimson
Butler is from Loachapoka, Alabama, and committed to Alabama on July 7. He picked the Crimson Tide over the FSU Seminoles, Ole Miss Rebels, Auburn Tigers, and several other programs.
He is ranked as the No. 521 overall player and No. 34 linebacker in the 247Sports composite. The 6-foot-3, 205-pounder is also the No. 19 player from Alabama.
While the loss stings, Alabama's 2028 recruiting class is still in a great place. They still have the top 2028 recruiting class in the country with six commitments overall, including three-star linebacker Dustin Henry. Four-star quarterback Kingston Preyear, the No. 44 player in the country, is their highest-ranked commit and the leader of the group.
Butler was enjoying an excellent start to his junior season before he decided to reopen his recruitment. In two games, he recorded 27 tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss, three quarterback hurries, and two forced fumbles for Loachapoka High School. He also plays on offense, carrying the ball 11 times for 92 yards and four touchdowns.
#linebacker #crimson
1 month ago
How much premier talent is on the Houston Texans' roster entering 2026?
In ESPN's most recent projections for who will be the top 100 players in the NFL this season, there are five Houston Texans players who made the list. Four of them were on defense: defensive ends Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter, as well as cornerbacks Derek Stingley and Kamari Lassiter.
Houston's one player on offense who made the list was wide receiver Nico Collins.
The Texans' defense only got better in the offseason with the addition of Jadeveon Clowney. Anderson had 20 tackles for loss, including 12 sacks, as well as three forced fumbles last season, and with the trio of Anderson, Hunter and Clowney, he could hit those numbers again this season, as the entire defensive line will be a handful for opposing offensive lines.
Anderson, who became the highest-paid non-QB in the NFL after a breakout season last fall, appeared at No. 14. The second Texan on the list was cornerback Derek Stingley, who was named an All-Pro last season for the second year in a row.
#anderson #season #list #last
In ESPN's most recent projections for who will be the top 100 players in the NFL this season, there are five Houston Texans players who made the list. Four of them were on defense: defensive ends Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter, as well as cornerbacks Derek Stingley and Kamari Lassiter.
Houston's one player on offense who made the list was wide receiver Nico Collins.
The Texans' defense only got better in the offseason with the addition of Jadeveon Clowney. Anderson had 20 tackles for loss, including 12 sacks, as well as three forced fumbles last season, and with the trio of Anderson, Hunter and Clowney, he could hit those numbers again this season, as the entire defensive line will be a handful for opposing offensive lines.
Anderson, who became the highest-paid non-QB in the NFL after a breakout season last fall, appeared at No. 14. The second Texan on the list was cornerback Derek Stingley, who was named an All-Pro last season for the second year in a row.
#anderson #season #list #last
1 month ago
49ers defensive end Sam Okuayinonu won't play against the Rams on Thursday and he will miss at least three more games as well.
The 49ers announced that they placed Okuayinonu on injured reserve on Saturday. They also announced the previously reported signing of defensive end Khalid Kareem off of the Falcons' practice squad.
Okuayinonu is out with a foot injury. He had 74 tackles, six sacks and two forced fumbles in 31 games for the team over the last two seasons. He also had six tackles in two playoff appearances last year.
Kareem joins Nick Bosa, Keion White, and Romello Height at defensive end for the 49ers. Bosa is returning from a torn ACL and there's been no definitive word from the team on his status for the opener.
#Rams
The 49ers announced that they placed Okuayinonu on injured reserve on Saturday. They also announced the previously reported signing of defensive end Khalid Kareem off of the Falcons' practice squad.
Okuayinonu is out with a foot injury. He had 74 tackles, six sacks and two forced fumbles in 31 games for the team over the last two seasons. He also had six tackles in two playoff appearances last year.
Kareem joins Nick Bosa, Keion White, and Romello Height at defensive end for the 49ers. Bosa is returning from a torn ACL and there's been no definitive word from the team on his status for the opener.
#Rams
1 month ago
In ESPN's most recent projections for who will be the top 100 players in the NFL this season, there are five Houston Texans players who made the list. Four of them were on defense: defensive ends Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter, as well as cornerbacks Derek Stingley and Kamari Lassiter. Houston's one player on offense who made the list was wide receiver Nico Collins.
Anderson was the first Texans player on the list, coming in at No. 15 after his All-Pro season and finishing the year as the runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year. He's also the No. 4 defensive player, trailing only Los Angeles Rams' Myles Garrett (No. 1), Denver Broncos' Patrick Surtain (No. 7) and Green Bay Packers' Micah Parsons (No. 13).
"Anderson has an effort similar to that of players on their rookie deals trying to prove themselves in the NFL. Throughout the course of training camp, he has been extra disruptive," D.J. Bienn-Amie wrote. "He's getting to that point where he realizes if he wants to shut practice down, he can shut it down," defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins said. So, expect a better Anderson after his massive contract extension"
Signature stat: Anderson has the third-highest pass rush win rate in the NFL since entering the league in 2023 (23%). That trails only Micah Parsons (29%) and Myles Garrett (24%) over that span.
After what many would consider to be a breakout year, Bien-Amie predicts for Anderson to take a slight step back, totaling 57 tackles, 11 sacks, 4 forced fumbles and a pass breakup.
#anderson #defensive #year #list
Anderson was the first Texans player on the list, coming in at No. 15 after his All-Pro season and finishing the year as the runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year. He's also the No. 4 defensive player, trailing only Los Angeles Rams' Myles Garrett (No. 1), Denver Broncos' Patrick Surtain (No. 7) and Green Bay Packers' Micah Parsons (No. 13).
"Anderson has an effort similar to that of players on their rookie deals trying to prove themselves in the NFL. Throughout the course of training camp, he has been extra disruptive," D.J. Bienn-Amie wrote. "He's getting to that point where he realizes if he wants to shut practice down, he can shut it down," defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins said. So, expect a better Anderson after his massive contract extension"
Signature stat: Anderson has the third-highest pass rush win rate in the NFL since entering the league in 2023 (23%). That trails only Micah Parsons (29%) and Myles Garrett (24%) over that span.
After what many would consider to be a breakout year, Bien-Amie predicts for Anderson to take a slight step back, totaling 57 tackles, 11 sacks, 4 forced fumbles and a pass breakup.
#anderson #defensive #year #list
1 month ago
Sep. 3—Section 1, Class 2A football turned into a slugfest in 2025. It was as wide-open and competitive of a section as there was in the state.
Five of the seven teams in the section finished the regular season at or better than .500, and the top two seeds were defeated on their home fields in the section semifinals. The No. 3 seed won the section championship, which should actually be no surprise considering it was ...
It was rinse and repeat in 2025 for the Warriors, who finished 9-3 overall and won their 15th section championship in 20 years.
The Warriors allowed a section-best 11.3 points per game, and will again feature playmakers all over the field. That group includes two of the best juniors in southeastern Minnesota and the state — defensive lineman Max Schmitz (57 tackles, 8 sacks) and linebacker Cooper Allen (114 total tackles, 2 forced fumbles).
Senior wide receiver/linebacker Coby Hammell is a talented two-way player. The University of North Dakota commit had 21 catches for 415 yards and 5 touchdowns last fall, and on defense he recorded 28 tackles, 2 sacks and 1 interception.
#Warriors #state #finished #best
Five of the seven teams in the section finished the regular season at or better than .500, and the top two seeds were defeated on their home fields in the section semifinals. The No. 3 seed won the section championship, which should actually be no surprise considering it was ...
It was rinse and repeat in 2025 for the Warriors, who finished 9-3 overall and won their 15th section championship in 20 years.
The Warriors allowed a section-best 11.3 points per game, and will again feature playmakers all over the field. That group includes two of the best juniors in southeastern Minnesota and the state — defensive lineman Max Schmitz (57 tackles, 8 sacks) and linebacker Cooper Allen (114 total tackles, 2 forced fumbles).
Senior wide receiver/linebacker Coby Hammell is a talented two-way player. The University of North Dakota commit had 21 catches for 415 yards and 5 touchdowns last fall, and on defense he recorded 28 tackles, 2 sacks and 1 interception.
#Warriors #state #finished #best
1 month ago
Sept. 2 (UPI) -- The Minnesota Vikings agreed to sign free agent defender Kyle Van Noy.
Sources told the Minnesota Star Tribune, The Athletic and the Ringer about the pact Tuesday night. Van Noy spent the last three seasons with the Baltimore Ravens.
The 12-year veteran totaled a career-high 12.5 sacks, with 14 tackles for a loss, two passes defensed, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery over 16 appearances for the Ravens in 2024, en route to Pro Bowl honors. He totaled four tackles for a loss, two sacks, four passes defensed and an interception over 15 appearances last season.
Van Noy will bring depth to the Vikings' edge rusher group, which lost Jonathan Greenard through an off-season trade to the Philadelphia Eagles and Tyler Batty to an ACL tear in their preseason finale.
Van Noy is expected to play behind Dallas Turner and Andrew Van Ginkel, who played with him in 2020 under former Miami Dolphins coach Brain Flores -- the Vikings' defensive coordinator. Chaz Chambliss and Bo Richter are the other outside linebackers on the Vikings roster.
#Vikings #totaled #passes
Sources told the Minnesota Star Tribune, The Athletic and the Ringer about the pact Tuesday night. Van Noy spent the last three seasons with the Baltimore Ravens.
The 12-year veteran totaled a career-high 12.5 sacks, with 14 tackles for a loss, two passes defensed, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery over 16 appearances for the Ravens in 2024, en route to Pro Bowl honors. He totaled four tackles for a loss, two sacks, four passes defensed and an interception over 15 appearances last season.
Van Noy will bring depth to the Vikings' edge rusher group, which lost Jonathan Greenard through an off-season trade to the Philadelphia Eagles and Tyler Batty to an ACL tear in their preseason finale.
Van Noy is expected to play behind Dallas Turner and Andrew Van Ginkel, who played with him in 2020 under former Miami Dolphins coach Brain Flores -- the Vikings' defensive coordinator. Chaz Chambliss and Bo Richter are the other outside linebackers on the Vikings roster.
#Vikings #totaled #passes
1 month ago
Veteran linebacker Tyrel Dodson has found a new home in Carolina.
The Panthers announced that they have signed Dodson to their practice squad. He was released by the Dolphins over the weekend.
Dodson joined the Dolphins in a 2024 trade with the Seahawks and started 16 games for them last season. He entered the league as an undrafted free agent with the Bills in 2020 and Panthers General Manager Dan Morgan was in the Buffalo front office when Dodson joined the team.
Dodson has 379 tackles, 11.5 sacks, four interceptions, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries over his entire career.
The Panthers also signed defensive tackle Anthony Goodlow to the practice squad on Tuesday.
#dodson
The Panthers announced that they have signed Dodson to their practice squad. He was released by the Dolphins over the weekend.
Dodson joined the Dolphins in a 2024 trade with the Seahawks and started 16 games for them last season. He entered the league as an undrafted free agent with the Bills in 2020 and Panthers General Manager Dan Morgan was in the Buffalo front office when Dodson joined the team.
Dodson has 379 tackles, 11.5 sacks, four interceptions, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries over his entire career.
The Panthers also signed defensive tackle Anthony Goodlow to the practice squad on Tuesday.
#dodson
1 month ago
A former Michigan State football star linebacker has been signed to the local Detroit Lions' practice squad.
Former Spartans linebacker Joe Bachie has been signed to the Detroit Lions' practice squad. The move comes one day after he was released by the Lions as part of their 53-man roster cut downs. Bachie had a strong showing during training camp, with some believing he would make the Lions' roster. But at least he will now still remain with the organization on their practice squad.
Bachie is entering his seventh season in the NFL, playing most recently for the Tennessee ****** ans this past season. In his career, he has appeared in 66 games (including seven starts) and recorded 77 tackles and two passes defended.
Bachie starred for the Spartans from 2016 to 2019, appearing in 39 games during his Michigan State career. He finished his college career with 284 tackles, eight sacks, five interceptions, two fumble recovers and four forced fumbles.
Contact/Follow us The SpartansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page onFacebookto follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Robert Bondy on X RobertBondy5.
#practice #squad #spartans
Former Spartans linebacker Joe Bachie has been signed to the Detroit Lions' practice squad. The move comes one day after he was released by the Lions as part of their 53-man roster cut downs. Bachie had a strong showing during training camp, with some believing he would make the Lions' roster. But at least he will now still remain with the organization on their practice squad.
Bachie is entering his seventh season in the NFL, playing most recently for the Tennessee ****** ans this past season. In his career, he has appeared in 66 games (including seven starts) and recorded 77 tackles and two passes defended.
Bachie starred for the Spartans from 2016 to 2019, appearing in 39 games during his Michigan State career. He finished his college career with 284 tackles, eight sacks, five interceptions, two fumble recovers and four forced fumbles.
Contact/Follow us The SpartansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page onFacebookto follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Robert Bondy on X RobertBondy5.
#practice #squad #spartans
1 month ago
NASHVILLE - Jackson State football defensive back Kam Sallis exited the Tigers' season opener vs Tennessee State in the second quarter Aug. 29.
Sallis stayed down after helping break up a pass at JSU's 1-yard line. He went to the sidelines and medical staff helped him take off his pads. After sitting on the sidelines for a few minutes, Sallis went back to the locker room with about six minutes left in the second quarter.
Jackson State trailed Tennessee State 14-7 when Sallis went back to the locker room. He had five tackles at the time of his exit.
Sallis is one of JSU's top defensive players. He was voted SWAC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year for 2026. He made the All-SWAC second team in 2025.
This is Sallis' second season with JSU since transferring from Kansas State. In 2025, he had 53 tackles, two interceptions and two forced fumbles.
#tennessee
Sallis stayed down after helping break up a pass at JSU's 1-yard line. He went to the sidelines and medical staff helped him take off his pads. After sitting on the sidelines for a few minutes, Sallis went back to the locker room with about six minutes left in the second quarter.
Jackson State trailed Tennessee State 14-7 when Sallis went back to the locker room. He had five tackles at the time of his exit.
Sallis is one of JSU's top defensive players. He was voted SWAC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year for 2026. He made the All-SWAC second team in 2025.
This is Sallis' second season with JSU since transferring from Kansas State. In 2025, he had 53 tackles, two interceptions and two forced fumbles.
#tennessee
2 months ago
After the Detroit Lions' 2025 disappointing season—a playoff-less 9-8 year—analysts have gone one of two ways with the future in Detroit. Some believe their Super Bowl window is closing or closed. Others believe it was a temporary step back, and they'll be back in contention in 2026. Well, you can count ESPN's Bill Barnwell as one of the people in the latter category.
On Monday, Barnwell put together his annual list of NFL teams most likely to improve in 2026, and the Lions were one of five teams listed. Barnwell's methodology for these list typically involves a set of statistics that tend to regress (positively or negatively) to the mean each year. That includes strength of schedule, records in close games, turnover margin, and point differential.
When it comes to the Lions, Barnwell pointed to several metrics that indicate Detroit could be in for a bounce-back season. One odd one was Detroit's terrible recovery rate on fumbles. Per Barnwell, Detroit recovered just 29 percent of fumbles last year, which not only was last in the league, but it was "just the fifth time since 1990 that any team has failed to recover at least 30% of fumbles in a season."
Barnwell also points to injuries as something that should (hopefully) regress to the mean in the Lions' favor in 2026.
"Detroit was last in adjusted games lost on defense, where the only starters who suited up for all 17 games were Derrick Barnes, Jack Campbell, Aidan Hutchinson and DJ Reader," Barnwell wrote.
#games #fumbles #believe
On Monday, Barnwell put together his annual list of NFL teams most likely to improve in 2026, and the Lions were one of five teams listed. Barnwell's methodology for these list typically involves a set of statistics that tend to regress (positively or negatively) to the mean each year. That includes strength of schedule, records in close games, turnover margin, and point differential.
When it comes to the Lions, Barnwell pointed to several metrics that indicate Detroit could be in for a bounce-back season. One odd one was Detroit's terrible recovery rate on fumbles. Per Barnwell, Detroit recovered just 29 percent of fumbles last year, which not only was last in the league, but it was "just the fifth time since 1990 that any team has failed to recover at least 30% of fumbles in a season."
Barnwell also points to injuries as something that should (hopefully) regress to the mean in the Lions' favor in 2026.
"Detroit was last in adjusted games lost on defense, where the only starters who suited up for all 17 games were Derrick Barnes, Jack Campbell, Aidan Hutchinson and DJ Reader," Barnwell wrote.
#games #fumbles #believe
2 months ago
We now know why third-year linebacker Ty'Anthony Smith was dismissed from Texas Longhorns football on Friday evening. After Saturday's team scrimmage, UT coach Steve Sarkisian says it was for "conduct detrimental to the team."
Smith played in 28 games over the past two seasons, making one start in 2025. He finished last season with 60 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, two interceptions, three pass breakups and two forced fumbles.
His two interceptions in the Longhorns 41-27 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl win over Michigan in January seemingly set Jasper, TX product as a probable starter in 2026. But new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp typically values size more than speed in his 4-3 system and it was becoming evident Smith would not be a starter to begin the season.
After Saturday's scrimmage, Steve Sarkisian addressed the situation.
"He was dismissed," Sarkisian said. "Conduct detrimental to the team, and that's just what it is. I didn't like it. It's an unfortunate situation. I hate that. For us as a team, I hate that. He's a quality player, but I have to think about the team first."
#conduct #scrimmage #season
Smith played in 28 games over the past two seasons, making one start in 2025. He finished last season with 60 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, two interceptions, three pass breakups and two forced fumbles.
His two interceptions in the Longhorns 41-27 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl win over Michigan in January seemingly set Jasper, TX product as a probable starter in 2026. But new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp typically values size more than speed in his 4-3 system and it was becoming evident Smith would not be a starter to begin the season.
After Saturday's scrimmage, Steve Sarkisian addressed the situation.
"He was dismissed," Sarkisian said. "Conduct detrimental to the team, and that's just what it is. I didn't like it. It's an unfortunate situation. I hate that. For us as a team, I hate that. He's a quality player, but I have to think about the team first."
#conduct #scrimmage #season
2 months ago
The Miami Dolphins could be looking to make a move to bolster their defensive secondary. According to Easton Butler, the Dolphins have been in contact with the Green Bay Packers about the availability of cornerback Carrington Valentine. Given Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley moved to Miami this offseason after having been the Packers' defenisve coordinator, there is a familiarity with Valentine built into the Dolphins' decision makers.
Valentine was a seventh-round pick by the Packers in 2023. Since being selected, he has appeared in 49 games, including 30 starts, and recorded 107 tackles, 18 passes defensed, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.
According to Butler, the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers have also reached out to Green Bay about Valentine's availability. The Packers have Valentine listed as a starter on their unofficial depth chart, and they could be looking to keep him in that role heading into the season – making a trade unlikely unless some team is willing to overpay in the deal. Green Bay already has question marks at depth for their cornerbacks and is dealing with injuries, including a hamstring issue for Valentine, and it would again seem to make a trade unlikely.
Would you make a trade for Valentine? What would you offer the Packers to add the former seventh-round pick? Head to the comments to let us know.
#valentine #packers #Miami #butler
Valentine was a seventh-round pick by the Packers in 2023. Since being selected, he has appeared in 49 games, including 30 starts, and recorded 107 tackles, 18 passes defensed, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.
According to Butler, the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers have also reached out to Green Bay about Valentine's availability. The Packers have Valentine listed as a starter on their unofficial depth chart, and they could be looking to keep him in that role heading into the season – making a trade unlikely unless some team is willing to overpay in the deal. Green Bay already has question marks at depth for their cornerbacks and is dealing with injuries, including a hamstring issue for Valentine, and it would again seem to make a trade unlikely.
Would you make a trade for Valentine? What would you offer the Packers to add the former seventh-round pick? Head to the comments to let us know.
#valentine #packers #Miami #butler
2 months ago
A big unknown this season for the Atlanta Falcons is their linebacker unit. Divine Deablo will lead the group, having inherited the green dot role from Kaden Elliss, now back with the New Orleans Saints.
Aside from that, it's difficult to say how this unit will look in 2026.
On paper, Christian Harris looks like the other starter at this position, but that's far from certain. The Falcons do have two promising rookies who may eventually inherit big roles for Atlanta's defense, in Oklahoma's Kendal Daniels and LSU's Harold Perkins.
Daniels and Perkins made their NFL debuts this past Friday night against the Denver Broncos, and Perkins was mic'd up for the occasion. Watch.
Perkins (6-foot-1, 222 pounds) totaled five interceptions, 10 pass breakups, eight forced fumbles, 17 sacks and 220 combined tackles (35.5 for a loss) during his time at LSU.
#orleans
Aside from that, it's difficult to say how this unit will look in 2026.
On paper, Christian Harris looks like the other starter at this position, but that's far from certain. The Falcons do have two promising rookies who may eventually inherit big roles for Atlanta's defense, in Oklahoma's Kendal Daniels and LSU's Harold Perkins.
Daniels and Perkins made their NFL debuts this past Friday night against the Denver Broncos, and Perkins was mic'd up for the occasion. Watch.
Perkins (6-foot-1, 222 pounds) totaled five interceptions, 10 pass breakups, eight forced fumbles, 17 sacks and 220 combined tackles (35.5 for a loss) during his time at LSU.
#orleans
2 months ago
While the San Francisco 49ers had invested heavily in their defensive line last year's draft and in free agency, that didn't stop them from addressing the position early on Day 4 of the 2026 NFL draft.
With pick No. 107 overall in the fourth round, San Francisco took Oklahoma defensive tackle Gracen Halton. The 22-year-old earned All-SEC honors once in his four years with the Sooners and recorded 84 tackles, 8.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and two passes defensed in 47 games.
In his preseason debut against the Tennessee ****** ans, Halton impressed by taking 2025 No. 1 pick Cam Ward (even though the play was negated by a penalty). Then, he shed a block and stuffed running back Tyjae Spears on the very next play for a loss.
His performance caught the attention of teammates Trent Williams, who even compared him to another former 49ers defensive lineman.
"Boomer Sooner, Gracen Halton, you know it. G-Baby, man." Williams said in a recent media availability. "Obviously, Oklahoma guy, so I'm always gonna be a little biased, but I think the world kinda saw what he has to offer. Very explosive. Short-area quickness. Really powerful. He puts you in the mind of D.J. Jones a little bit, what he had when he was here. He definitely impressed."
#pick
With pick No. 107 overall in the fourth round, San Francisco took Oklahoma defensive tackle Gracen Halton. The 22-year-old earned All-SEC honors once in his four years with the Sooners and recorded 84 tackles, 8.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and two passes defensed in 47 games.
In his preseason debut against the Tennessee ****** ans, Halton impressed by taking 2025 No. 1 pick Cam Ward (even though the play was negated by a penalty). Then, he shed a block and stuffed running back Tyjae Spears on the very next play for a loss.
His performance caught the attention of teammates Trent Williams, who even compared him to another former 49ers defensive lineman.
"Boomer Sooner, Gracen Halton, you know it. G-Baby, man." Williams said in a recent media availability. "Obviously, Oklahoma guy, so I'm always gonna be a little biased, but I think the world kinda saw what he has to offer. Very explosive. Short-area quickness. Really powerful. He puts you in the mind of D.J. Jones a little bit, what he had when he was here. He definitely impressed."
#pick
2 months ago
The Green Bay Packers were awarded rookie edge rusher Arden Walker off of waivers from the Minnesota Vikings on Tuesday, per the league's transaction wire. The Packers had an open roster spot and did not need to make a corresponding roster move.
Walker, an undrafted rookie out of Colorado, was waived by the Vikings on Monday. The Packers may need depth at edge rusher with rookie Dani Dennis-Sutton out with an on-going illness and rookie Nyjalik Kelly now out with a new knee injury.
Walker (6-2, 250) played 17 snaps for the Vikings in their preseason opener. He produced two stops and earned a 69.8 grade at Pro Football Focus.
A transfer from Missouri, Walker (6-2, 250) played in 36 games at Colorado, producing 91 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 8.0 sacks and two forced fumbles. He was an 11-game starter in 2025.
Per Pro Football Focus, Walker produced 27 pressures during both the 2024 and 2025 seasons. His best season came in 2024 when he finished with a career high 79.8 grade, including a near elite 88.5 pass rush grade.
#packers #Vikings #Colorado
Walker, an undrafted rookie out of Colorado, was waived by the Vikings on Monday. The Packers may need depth at edge rusher with rookie Dani Dennis-Sutton out with an on-going illness and rookie Nyjalik Kelly now out with a new knee injury.
Walker (6-2, 250) played 17 snaps for the Vikings in their preseason opener. He produced two stops and earned a 69.8 grade at Pro Football Focus.
A transfer from Missouri, Walker (6-2, 250) played in 36 games at Colorado, producing 91 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 8.0 sacks and two forced fumbles. He was an 11-game starter in 2025.
Per Pro Football Focus, Walker produced 27 pressures during both the 2024 and 2025 seasons. His best season came in 2024 when he finished with a career high 79.8 grade, including a near elite 88.5 pass rush grade.
#packers #Vikings #Colorado
