3 days ago
The night Yaxel Lendeborg declared he'd "lost all respect" for Luka Dončić, agent Ron Shade and personal trainer Aaron Johnson were at the Warriors' season opener in Los Angeles and sprang into action. They went to talk with him.
Mentor Josh Lane followed up later that night. The former director of player relations at the University of Alabama Birmingham was momentarily concerned. Maybe he shouldn't have said that; it was his first NBA game, after all. So Lane texted Lendeborg something in the vein of: Man, what?
"We know when we can kinda talk him out of different things, and then we know there's certain things that he's just convicted on," Lane said. "That was one of those things he was just convicted on. Like, 'Man, I said what I said.'"
Those around Lendeborg have accepted that this is who he is, and to try to get him second-guessing himself would be the worst outcome. This is all part of the same package, an 18-year-old kid in a 24-year-old's body, as Lane put it. Lendeborg is driving through some of the best players in the world with abandon, and doing it with an awareness of his own faults that is endearing him to the rest of Golden State's locker room.
The honesty and the personality, though, mean he's taken the NBA by viral storm. He went after Dončić after Game 1 and defended his words later. Then, after dropping 31 points against the Nuggets in Golden State's first win Monday night, Lendeborg said he "would've cried" if the Warriors lost again. On Wednesday night in Minnesota, he pointed at himself for seven turnovers while also saying an aggressive Timberwolves team wasn't playing "real defense."
#lendeborg #golden #talk
Mentor Josh Lane followed up later that night. The former director of player relations at the University of Alabama Birmingham was momentarily concerned. Maybe he shouldn't have said that; it was his first NBA game, after all. So Lane texted Lendeborg something in the vein of: Man, what?
"We know when we can kinda talk him out of different things, and then we know there's certain things that he's just convicted on," Lane said. "That was one of those things he was just convicted on. Like, 'Man, I said what I said.'"
Those around Lendeborg have accepted that this is who he is, and to try to get him second-guessing himself would be the worst outcome. This is all part of the same package, an 18-year-old kid in a 24-year-old's body, as Lane put it. Lendeborg is driving through some of the best players in the world with abandon, and doing it with an awareness of his own faults that is endearing him to the rest of Golden State's locker room.
The honesty and the personality, though, mean he's taken the NBA by viral storm. He went after Dončić after Game 1 and defended his words later. Then, after dropping 31 points against the Nuggets in Golden State's first win Monday night, Lendeborg said he "would've cried" if the Warriors lost again. On Wednesday night in Minnesota, he pointed at himself for seven turnovers while also saying an aggressive Timberwolves team wasn't playing "real defense."
#lendeborg #golden #talk
3 days ago
The Detroit Red Wings are moving forward without Dylan Larkin, and two of the team's biggest stars have made it clear that the remaining players aren't going to let the controversy derail their season.
Following Thursday night's emotional 4-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks, Moritz Seider and Alex DeBrincat spoke about the challenges facing Detroit after Larkin informed the organization he would no longer play while awaiting a trade.
And while neither player dismissed what Larkin has meant to the franchise, both emphasized the importance of having players who are committed to the team.
Their comments offered an interesting glimpse into a locker room suddenly facing life without its former captain.
Oct 24, 2026; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Detroit Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider (53) against the Calgary Flames during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
#larkin #wings #seider
Following Thursday night's emotional 4-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks, Moritz Seider and Alex DeBrincat spoke about the challenges facing Detroit after Larkin informed the organization he would no longer play while awaiting a trade.
And while neither player dismissed what Larkin has meant to the franchise, both emphasized the importance of having players who are committed to the team.
Their comments offered an interesting glimpse into a locker room suddenly facing life without its former captain.
Oct 24, 2026; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Detroit Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider (53) against the Calgary Flames during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
#larkin #wings #seider
3 days ago
Packers' Jordan Love sends congrats to Brewers for taking home first World Series ****** le appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Jordan Love knows what a championship celebration looks like, even if he is still chasing one of his own. Following the Milwaukee Brewers' historic run to their first World Series ****** le in franchise history, the Green Bay Packers quarterback publicly congratulated the baseball club. He also admitted that watching another Wisconsin team reach the mountaintop provides extra motivation for his locker room.
Speaking to reporters, Love praised the Brewers for accomplishing something that had eluded the franchise throughout its history. He also appreciated the opportunity to celebrate alongside the newly crowned champions. They attended the Packers' game following their historic triumph.
Jordan Love on the Brewers. pic.twitter.com/IDzH6D2Z2r
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#first
Jordan Love knows what a championship celebration looks like, even if he is still chasing one of his own. Following the Milwaukee Brewers' historic run to their first World Series ****** le in franchise history, the Green Bay Packers quarterback publicly congratulated the baseball club. He also admitted that watching another Wisconsin team reach the mountaintop provides extra motivation for his locker room.
Speaking to reporters, Love praised the Brewers for accomplishing something that had eluded the franchise throughout its history. He also appreciated the opportunity to celebrate alongside the newly crowned champions. They attended the Packers' game following their historic triumph.
Jordan Love on the Brewers. pic.twitter.com/IDzH6D2Z2r
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#first
3 days ago
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson took an ambulance ride to a local hospital after suffering an injury during Thursday night's win over the Carolina Panthers, but precautionary testing on Watson's chest came back with good news, so he rode the ambulance back to Lambeau Field and finished the game without complication.
Watson explained the wild sequence, which started with him landing hard on the football at the end of his 53-yard catch in the second quarter and ended with Watson returning in the same ambulance he took to the hospital, running back onto the field to the roar of the crowd and catching two passes after being cleared to return from the frightening injury.
From Watson in the post-game locker room: "I think I just came down on the ball, or my elbow or something. I couldn't breathe on the field, got the wind knocked out of me. Got back to the sideline and was spitting up blood, so the doctor said I had to go get a CT. I was begging him to not make me do that, but it is what it is. Everything looked good, just got a rib, that's all, all the major stuff was all good, no internal bleeding or anything like that, so I was able to get back out there."
Watson said he has a broken rib. He wore extra padding and a molding around his ribs to protect the injury when he returned.
On the Prime Video broadcast, Watson told Kaylee Hartung that he was checking the doctor's play-by-play of the game while at the hospital. He was gone from the stadium for roughly an hour while being evaluated.
#back #ambulance #hospital #game
Watson explained the wild sequence, which started with him landing hard on the football at the end of his 53-yard catch in the second quarter and ended with Watson returning in the same ambulance he took to the hospital, running back onto the field to the roar of the crowd and catching two passes after being cleared to return from the frightening injury.
From Watson in the post-game locker room: "I think I just came down on the ball, or my elbow or something. I couldn't breathe on the field, got the wind knocked out of me. Got back to the sideline and was spitting up blood, so the doctor said I had to go get a CT. I was begging him to not make me do that, but it is what it is. Everything looked good, just got a rib, that's all, all the major stuff was all good, no internal bleeding or anything like that, so I was able to get back out there."
Watson said he has a broken rib. He wore extra padding and a molding around his ribs to protect the injury when he returned.
On the Prime Video broadcast, Watson told Kaylee Hartung that he was checking the doctor's play-by-play of the game while at the hospital. He was gone from the stadium for roughly an hour while being evaluated.
#back #ambulance #hospital #game
3 days ago
An already-depleted Carolina Panthers cornerback room got even thinner on Thursday night.
Rookie Will Lee III, who had been playing some admirable ball in the absences of starters Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson, went down with a hamstring injury in the second quarter of the 27-19 loss. The setback occurred on a 53-yard reception by Green Bay Packers wideout Christian Watson, as the 2026 fourth-round pick went down in his pursuit and would later be carted away to the locker room.
Head coach Dave Canales told reporters after the game that the extent of Lee's injury was "pretty good," and addressed the troubles his defense had in containing Green Bay's passing attack.
"Kinda battled out there and gave everything he [Lee] had on that one to affect the play," Canales stated. "But besides that, early on, they were having a lot of success in some third-and-longer types of situations. I'd love to see us get off the field in those moments—because we did a great job of first and second down, owning the run game and minimizing them. It really should've been an advantage for our defense in those modes."
Packers quarterback Jordan Love finished having completed 30 of his 41 throws for 288 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. He also led his offense to a 56.3-percent success rate (nine-of-16) on third downs.
#down #packers #love #injury
Rookie Will Lee III, who had been playing some admirable ball in the absences of starters Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson, went down with a hamstring injury in the second quarter of the 27-19 loss. The setback occurred on a 53-yard reception by Green Bay Packers wideout Christian Watson, as the 2026 fourth-round pick went down in his pursuit and would later be carted away to the locker room.
Head coach Dave Canales told reporters after the game that the extent of Lee's injury was "pretty good," and addressed the troubles his defense had in containing Green Bay's passing attack.
"Kinda battled out there and gave everything he [Lee] had on that one to affect the play," Canales stated. "But besides that, early on, they were having a lot of success in some third-and-longer types of situations. I'd love to see us get off the field in those moments—because we did a great job of first and second down, owning the run game and minimizing them. It really should've been an advantage for our defense in those modes."
Packers quarterback Jordan Love finished having completed 30 of his 41 throws for 288 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. He also led his offense to a 56.3-percent success rate (nine-of-16) on third downs.
#down #packers #love #injury
3 days ago
Ravens OC Declan Doyle reveals absurd suggestion from players to solve second-half woes appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Baltimore Ravens have been on the wrong end of back-to-back disastrous second-half collapses to the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals. After building double-digit leads by halftime, the Ravens proceeded not to score a single point in either of those second halves against their AFC North rivals.
In their search for answers to solve this scoreless issue, offensive coordinator Declan Doyle asked the players for their suggestions. One of them was clearly thinking way outside the box.
"I've asked the players and they brought up the suggestion: 'Maybe we should just stay in the end zone for the end of the first half. Then it will always be the first half for us. We'll never go into the locker room,'" Declan said.
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#Ravens #doyle #clutchpoints #solve
The Baltimore Ravens have been on the wrong end of back-to-back disastrous second-half collapses to the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals. After building double-digit leads by halftime, the Ravens proceeded not to score a single point in either of those second halves against their AFC North rivals.
In their search for answers to solve this scoreless issue, offensive coordinator Declan Doyle asked the players for their suggestions. One of them was clearly thinking way outside the box.
"I've asked the players and they brought up the suggestion: 'Maybe we should just stay in the end zone for the end of the first half. Then it will always be the first half for us. We'll never go into the locker room,'" Declan said.
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#Ravens #doyle #clutchpoints #solve
3 days ago
The Tennessee **** ans are having one of the worst seasons in their history. At 1-6, they're off to their worst start to a season in nearly 20 years. Cam Ward's **** ans have struggled on both offense and defense, and they have been unfortunate with injuries.
Ward has also had a troubling start. He has been criticized for his efficiency and decision-making all season. In seven games, he has thrown for 1,179 passing yards with four touchdowns and five interceptions.
There have been rumors of the **** ans looking to go away from Ward, especially after defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons' trade to the Chicago Bears. But NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that the **** ans will continue to back Ward despite a 1-6 start.
Fans reacted to Schefter's comments.
"It will be their ultimate downfall. They are not a QB developing team, or they make bad picks with high draft choices. Vince Young, Jake Locker, Will Levis, now it's Cam Ward!" one fan said.
#ward #tennessee #simmons #Chicago
Ward has also had a troubling start. He has been criticized for his efficiency and decision-making all season. In seven games, he has thrown for 1,179 passing yards with four touchdowns and five interceptions.
There have been rumors of the **** ans looking to go away from Ward, especially after defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons' trade to the Chicago Bears. But NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that the **** ans will continue to back Ward despite a 1-6 start.
Fans reacted to Schefter's comments.
"It will be their ultimate downfall. They are not a QB developing team, or they make bad picks with high draft choices. Vince Young, Jake Locker, Will Levis, now it's Cam Ward!" one fan said.
#ward #tennessee #simmons #Chicago
4 days ago
Green Bay Packers receiver Christian Watson suffered an injury at the end of a 53-yard catch during the second quarter of Thursday night's showdown with the Carolina Panthers.
Watson made the catch between two defenders while going to the ground. The Packers say Watson is questionable to return with a chest injury.
After being evaluated on the field, Watson walked off the field under his own power. He was evaluated inside the blue medical tent and then walked back to the locker room. The Prime Video broadcast showed Watson getting into an ambulance after exiting the field.
John Kuhn of the Packers Radio Network said Watson would be taken to a local hospital for "precautionary tests."
Watson appeared to land hard, and the trailing defensive back fell on his back to amplify the impact.
#packers #field #back #christian
Watson made the catch between two defenders while going to the ground. The Packers say Watson is questionable to return with a chest injury.
After being evaluated on the field, Watson walked off the field under his own power. He was evaluated inside the blue medical tent and then walked back to the locker room. The Prime Video broadcast showed Watson getting into an ambulance after exiting the field.
John Kuhn of the Packers Radio Network said Watson would be taken to a local hospital for "precautionary tests."
Watson appeared to land hard, and the trailing defensive back fell on his back to amplify the impact.
#packers #field #back #christian
4 days ago
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson left Thursday's game against the Carolina Panthers in an ambulance after sustaining a chest injury.
Watson was able to walk off the field and into the ambulance on his own power, but he left the game in the first half to a local hospital. The Packers announced that he had sustained a chest injury and was being transported to a hospital for precautionary reasons.
Watson was in immediate pain from a collision after catching a 53-yard pass in the second quarter.
He remained down on the field for several moments, then walked to the sideline medical tent. After a quick visit in the tent, he walked off the field to the locker room. He was seen getting into an ambulance moments later.
Panthers cornerback Will Lee II collided with Watson on the play and also was injured. He needed a cart to leave the field after appearing to sustain a leg injury.
#field #ambulance #chest
Watson was able to walk off the field and into the ambulance on his own power, but he left the game in the first half to a local hospital. The Packers announced that he had sustained a chest injury and was being transported to a hospital for precautionary reasons.
Watson was in immediate pain from a collision after catching a 53-yard pass in the second quarter.
He remained down on the field for several moments, then walked to the sideline medical tent. After a quick visit in the tent, he walked off the field to the locker room. He was seen getting into an ambulance moments later.
Panthers cornerback Will Lee II collided with Watson on the play and also was injured. He needed a cart to leave the field after appearing to sustain a leg injury.
#field #ambulance #chest
4 days ago
This isn't what Packers fans want to see.
Wide receiver Christian Watson was ailing from a collision after catching a 53-yard pass Thursday night against the Carolina Panthers.
He remained down on the field for several moments, then walked to the sideline medical tent. After a quick visit in the tent, he walked off the field to the locker room. The nature of his injury wasn't initially clear.
Panthers cornerback Will Lee II collided with Watson on the play and also was injured. He needed a cart to leave the field after appearing to sustain a leg injury.
This story will be updated.
#field #injury #wide
Wide receiver Christian Watson was ailing from a collision after catching a 53-yard pass Thursday night against the Carolina Panthers.
He remained down on the field for several moments, then walked to the sideline medical tent. After a quick visit in the tent, he walked off the field to the locker room. The nature of his injury wasn't initially clear.
Panthers cornerback Will Lee II collided with Watson on the play and also was injured. He needed a cart to leave the field after appearing to sustain a leg injury.
This story will be updated.
#field #injury #wide
4 days ago
One of the most basic realities of the NFL trade market is that, when a team adds a key player during a given season, someone will be taking a seat.
In Seattle, the "someone" who will be leaving the starting lineup after the arrival of guard Quenton Nelson is Anthony Bradford. With Nelson taking over at left guard and 2025 first-rounder Grey Zabel moving to right guard, former starting right guard Anthony Bradford will move to the bench.
"It's not an easy situation," coach Mike Macdonald told reporters on Thursday. "I thought Anthony played good football for us, and he has, and he's earned a significant role on our team, a starting-level role. It's one of those 'through not around' type of things with AB that is not easy.
"There's no way to sugarcoat it, and he believes this when we say this, how much we love him. The guys love him in the locker room. He's a fantastic teammate. We don't expect him to be jumping over joy in this situation because that's not realistic, but he's going to be a great teammate and he's going to stay ready.
"We know how this league works. You're a play away from him playing every play again. It's not an easy situation, but he's a tough cookie, and the guys will have his back as well and we're behind him as well, but it's not easy."
#easy
In Seattle, the "someone" who will be leaving the starting lineup after the arrival of guard Quenton Nelson is Anthony Bradford. With Nelson taking over at left guard and 2025 first-rounder Grey Zabel moving to right guard, former starting right guard Anthony Bradford will move to the bench.
"It's not an easy situation," coach Mike Macdonald told reporters on Thursday. "I thought Anthony played good football for us, and he has, and he's earned a significant role on our team, a starting-level role. It's one of those 'through not around' type of things with AB that is not easy.
"There's no way to sugarcoat it, and he believes this when we say this, how much we love him. The guys love him in the locker room. He's a fantastic teammate. We don't expect him to be jumping over joy in this situation because that's not realistic, but he's going to be a great teammate and he's going to stay ready.
"We know how this league works. You're a play away from him playing every play again. It's not an easy situation, but he's a tough cookie, and the guys will have his back as well and we're behind him as well, but it's not easy."
#easy
14 days ago
Real Madrid left-back Marc Cucurella talked to the press after the team's convincing 4-1 win over Sevilla in La Liga. The Spanish defender was pleased with the effort.
"I think we played a very good game from the start. We had quite a bit of control and knew when to attack quickly and when to maintain more possession. I think we played a very solid 90 minutes," he said.
Cucurella was also very happy for Eder Militao, who made his return from injury last night.
"He's a great player with a lot of personality. He also contributes a lot to the locker room. He's a very cheerful guy, and I'm very happy to have him back. Now, we have just a few injured players, but little by little, we're getting there. The important thing is to have everyone available. It's a very long season. There are many matches, and the more players we have available, the better," he explained.
Lastly, he previewed the upcoming match against Leipzig in the Champions League.
#back #played #available #madrid
"I think we played a very good game from the start. We had quite a bit of control and knew when to attack quickly and when to maintain more possession. I think we played a very solid 90 minutes," he said.
Cucurella was also very happy for Eder Militao, who made his return from injury last night.
"He's a great player with a lot of personality. He also contributes a lot to the locker room. He's a very cheerful guy, and I'm very happy to have him back. Now, we have just a few injured players, but little by little, we're getting there. The important thing is to have everyone available. It's a very long season. There are many matches, and the more players we have available, the better," he explained.
Lastly, he previewed the upcoming match against Leipzig in the Champions League.
#back #played #available #madrid
14 days ago
Cowboys' Dak Prescott gets 100% real on Dallas' defense in loss to Packers appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Dallas Cowboys dropped a 23-13 road game to the Green Bay Packers which led to coach Brian Schottenheimer talking about what is "killing" his team afterward. Cameras showed Dak Prescott's team walking to the locker room in stunned silence after their dud on prime time TV.
Afterward, Prescott spoke candidly about the defense's performance in a game that wasn't what fans hoped it would be at Lambeau Field, in comments to Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News.
"I mean defense to me played a good enough game for us to go out there and win this and we just didn't hold our own on offense," Prescott, who threw two interceptions, said.
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#prescott #clutchpoints #afterward #team
The Dallas Cowboys dropped a 23-13 road game to the Green Bay Packers which led to coach Brian Schottenheimer talking about what is "killing" his team afterward. Cameras showed Dak Prescott's team walking to the locker room in stunned silence after their dud on prime time TV.
Afterward, Prescott spoke candidly about the defense's performance in a game that wasn't what fans hoped it would be at Lambeau Field, in comments to Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News.
"I mean defense to me played a good enough game for us to go out there and win this and we just didn't hold our own on offense," Prescott, who threw two interceptions, said.
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#prescott #clutchpoints #afterward #team
14 days ago
Buffalo Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson faced backlash from the NFL world after getting ejected from the Week 6 game against the Las Vegas Raiders. He appeared to spit on Raiders tight end Brock Bowers, right after the Bills received a defensive holding penalty in the second quarter.
But Gardner-Johnson came to his senses pretty quickly. Talking to the media inside the locker room, he acknowledged that what he did was wrong. He let his emotions take control in the heat of the moment. That's certainly something that no veteran should do. Hence, he took to his Instagram Story and shared an apology.
"I want to take a moment to address my actions and sincerely apologize to my opponent, my teammates, my organization, and everyone who supports me," Gardner-Johnson wrote. "My passion and competitive nature have always been a huge part of who I am, but I also understand that there is a line that should never be crossed. The gesture I made toward my opponent was inappropriate, unnecessary, and not a reflection of the respect I have for him or this game."
Gardner-Johnson further noted that there's "no excuse" for spitting on his opponent, regardless of the intensity of the competition. He is playing his eighth season this year, making him a responsible figure in the Bills locker room.
Hear directly from C.J. Gardner-Johnson as he addresses the incident that's dividing the NFL world. Subscribe for the full story behind the controversy.
#game #room
But Gardner-Johnson came to his senses pretty quickly. Talking to the media inside the locker room, he acknowledged that what he did was wrong. He let his emotions take control in the heat of the moment. That's certainly something that no veteran should do. Hence, he took to his Instagram Story and shared an apology.
"I want to take a moment to address my actions and sincerely apologize to my opponent, my teammates, my organization, and everyone who supports me," Gardner-Johnson wrote. "My passion and competitive nature have always been a huge part of who I am, but I also understand that there is a line that should never be crossed. The gesture I made toward my opponent was inappropriate, unnecessary, and not a reflection of the respect I have for him or this game."
Gardner-Johnson further noted that there's "no excuse" for spitting on his opponent, regardless of the intensity of the competition. He is playing his eighth season this year, making him a responsible figure in the Bills locker room.
Hear directly from C.J. Gardner-Johnson as he addresses the incident that's dividing the NFL world. Subscribe for the full story behind the controversy.
#game #room
14 days ago
Watch Cowboys players head to locker room in stunned silence after Packers defeat appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Coach Brian Schottenheimer's Dallas Cowboys lost 23-13 to Green Bay in Week 6 as blame was **** igned. Former Packers DT Kenny Clark tried to spark his team, but it wasn't enough as the Packers took control.
The Cowboys got in a pre-game tiff that showed Schottenheimer's team meant business, but the spark left Dallas as they failed to muster much offense against the Pack. Following the game, stark video footage showed how spent, and deflated, the Cowboys were after the tough road loss.
The somber mood was on full display in the video, shared by Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News.
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#packers #spark #team #showed
Coach Brian Schottenheimer's Dallas Cowboys lost 23-13 to Green Bay in Week 6 as blame was **** igned. Former Packers DT Kenny Clark tried to spark his team, but it wasn't enough as the Packers took control.
The Cowboys got in a pre-game tiff that showed Schottenheimer's team meant business, but the spark left Dallas as they failed to muster much offense against the Pack. Following the game, stark video footage showed how spent, and deflated, the Cowboys were after the tough road loss.
The somber mood was on full display in the video, shared by Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News.
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)
#packers #spark #team #showed
15 days ago
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham sparked plenty of backlash this summer with her comments on transgender athletes in women's sports. And she doesn't seem to have any interest in staying out of the debate this offseason.
Cunningham has now weighed in on a viral protest out of Washington, where members of a high school girls' cross-country team walked off the course in protest of a transgender teammate. Cunningham offered her support for the runners.
Cunningham first drew national attention for her views on the topic in a July ESPN feature, saying she wanted to "protect women's sports."
"I got a lot of negative feedback about me hating trans. And I'm like, 'I never once said that,'" Cunningham said, via ESPN. "I think that I am here to extend love. But I also think with that love is truth, being honest. And I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn't have to go against biological men."
Cunningham later doubled down on her comments, saying her opinion was "common sense."
#cunningham #comments #sports #protest
Cunningham has now weighed in on a viral protest out of Washington, where members of a high school girls' cross-country team walked off the course in protest of a transgender teammate. Cunningham offered her support for the runners.
Cunningham first drew national attention for her views on the topic in a July ESPN feature, saying she wanted to "protect women's sports."
"I got a lot of negative feedback about me hating trans. And I'm like, 'I never once said that,'" Cunningham said, via ESPN. "I think that I am here to extend love. But I also think with that love is truth, being honest. And I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn't have to go against biological men."
Cunningham later doubled down on her comments, saying her opinion was "common sense."
#cunningham #comments #sports #protest
2 months ago
Chad Baker-Mazara's departure from USC last spring came after head coach Eric Musselman went off on a "profanity-laced, racially-charged" tirade against him in the locker room, the former player is alleging in a new lawsuit.
Baker-Mazara filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles on Monday, according to the California Post, claiming that Musselman erupted on him after the team's loss to Nebraska on Feb. 28. Baker-Mazara and the Trojans split just days later. He is suing the university for breach of contract, conversion and intentional interference with prospective economic advantage, among other things.
Baker-Mazara left USC during the final stretch of the regular season last spring. Specifics of his departure weren't known, other than it was reportedly due to "an accumulation of issues," but the timing was very suspect. The announcement came on March 1, just days before the Trojans kicked off the Big Ten tournament.
Baker-Mazara transferred into USC from Auburn, and averaged career-highs 18.5 points and 4.2 rebounds per game.
The incident in question, according to the lawsuit, happened after their loss to Nebraska on Feb. 28. Baker-Mazara said that Musselman started yelling at the team in the locker room. Baker-Mazara tried to address his teammates, and Musselman shut him down.
#last #spring
Baker-Mazara filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles on Monday, according to the California Post, claiming that Musselman erupted on him after the team's loss to Nebraska on Feb. 28. Baker-Mazara and the Trojans split just days later. He is suing the university for breach of contract, conversion and intentional interference with prospective economic advantage, among other things.
Baker-Mazara left USC during the final stretch of the regular season last spring. Specifics of his departure weren't known, other than it was reportedly due to "an accumulation of issues," but the timing was very suspect. The announcement came on March 1, just days before the Trojans kicked off the Big Ten tournament.
Baker-Mazara transferred into USC from Auburn, and averaged career-highs 18.5 points and 4.2 rebounds per game.
The incident in question, according to the lawsuit, happened after their loss to Nebraska on Feb. 28. Baker-Mazara said that Musselman started yelling at the team in the locker room. Baker-Mazara tried to address his teammates, and Musselman shut him down.
#last #spring
2 months ago
The Eagles left their season opener with a victory, but the offensive line's uneven performance has now been followed by a significant personnel change. Philadelphia placed Landon ****** erson on injured reserve after the veteran left guard played through multiple ailments against Washington. Drew Kendall and Willie Lampkin are the leading candidates to replace him, although the Eagles could consider changing more than one position.
Here are four takeaways from the move.
Dickerson rarely looked comfortable against the Commanders. He played all 55 offensive snaps but surrendered three pressures, including a quarterback hit, and was penalized for holding. Those problems were part of a difficult afternoon for Philadelphia's interior protection. Washington repeatedly generated pressure through the middle and finished with three sacks.
Dickerson's performance should be viewed in the context of the physical issues he was trying to manage. He remained on the field for every offensive play, but he did not resemble the powerful and dependable blocker the Eagles have come to expect.
Kendall appears to be one of the most logical candidates to enter the starting lineup. His ability to play both center and guard gives Philadelphia flexibility, especially if the coaching staff wants to limit changes at once. The Eagles could place Kendall directly at left guard and leave Cam Jurgens at center and Tyler Steen at right guard. That would preserve continuity at four of the five starting positions.
#played
Here are four takeaways from the move.
Dickerson rarely looked comfortable against the Commanders. He played all 55 offensive snaps but surrendered three pressures, including a quarterback hit, and was penalized for holding. Those problems were part of a difficult afternoon for Philadelphia's interior protection. Washington repeatedly generated pressure through the middle and finished with three sacks.
Dickerson's performance should be viewed in the context of the physical issues he was trying to manage. He remained on the field for every offensive play, but he did not resemble the powerful and dependable blocker the Eagles have come to expect.
Kendall appears to be one of the most logical candidates to enter the starting lineup. His ability to play both center and guard gives Philadelphia flexibility, especially if the coaching staff wants to limit changes at once. The Eagles could place Kendall directly at left guard and leave Cam Jurgens at center and Tyler Steen at right guard. That would preserve continuity at four of the five starting positions.
#played
2 months ago
The Seattle Seahawks are 1-0, so it's time to start scouting their next opponent.
The Arizona Cardinals shocked the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 1 with a 26-14 win in which Mike LaFleur became the franchise's first non-interim head coach to win their first game in charge. The matchup was projected as one of the opening week's most lopsided in favor of Jim Harbaugh and Los Angeles, who were coming off an 11-6 record in 2025. Los Angeles made the playoffs and lost to the eventual AFC champion New England Patriots in the Wild Card round, albeit without either of their starting offensive tackles—Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt—who were both expected to boost the offense upon their return this season. Arizona's defense had other ideas, and became one of the biggest surprises of any unit across Week 1's Sunday slate, while their offense simply looked more talented and outplayed LA with complementary football. That's what the Seahawks will be looking for in Week 2.
The Cardinals defense played with an energy that stifled Justin Herbert and new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, who only held the ball for 51 plays and 22:29. Arizona ran 21 more plays and had the ball for 15:02 more of the game (more than an entire quarter?!) When watching this game, the attitude from Arizona's defense seemed to disregard the stature of its opponent. LaFleur retained defensive coordinator Nick Rallis, who Phoenix-based sports radio host John Gambadoro credits for helping set the temperature.
It's easy to see Rallis' results. The intensity of the defense that showed up on tape is just as evident on paper. His Cardinals defense ranks second to last in blitz rate so far this season, yet they held McDaniel and Herbert to a measly 2-for-8 on third downs and 0-for-3 on fourth downs. Their front seven was far more formidable than the Chargers on the day, producing 17 pressures on 55 snaps while LA could only muster 12 on 75 opportunities. On the flipside, the Cardinals' offensive line has been projected as their downfall this season. The Seahawks have a clear opportunity to establish their presence as a physically dominant team if they kill the Cardinals momentum. This will be the game for elite run blockers like AJ Barner and run stoppers like Uchenna Nwosu to put the new age film community on watch.
Offensive talent is far from the problem in Arizona. Trey McBride is the best tight end in football. They've got two running backs in Jeremiyah Love and Tyler Allgeier who can both be a problem for any team. Marvin Harrison Jr. was a matchup nightmare against the Seahawks last season. In Week 3, he had one of the best battles against Devon Witherspoon and Riq Woolen of any wide receiver all year. When partnered with a seasoned veteran quarterback with a quick release, they were able to make life easy on their OL. Jacoby Brissett looked like at least an average starting QB, completing 27/37 passes for a respectable 73.0% completion rate while taking only 1 sack on 39 dropbacks. Loo
The Arizona Cardinals shocked the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 1 with a 26-14 win in which Mike LaFleur became the franchise's first non-interim head coach to win their first game in charge. The matchup was projected as one of the opening week's most lopsided in favor of Jim Harbaugh and Los Angeles, who were coming off an 11-6 record in 2025. Los Angeles made the playoffs and lost to the eventual AFC champion New England Patriots in the Wild Card round, albeit without either of their starting offensive tackles—Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt—who were both expected to boost the offense upon their return this season. Arizona's defense had other ideas, and became one of the biggest surprises of any unit across Week 1's Sunday slate, while their offense simply looked more talented and outplayed LA with complementary football. That's what the Seahawks will be looking for in Week 2.
The Cardinals defense played with an energy that stifled Justin Herbert and new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, who only held the ball for 51 plays and 22:29. Arizona ran 21 more plays and had the ball for 15:02 more of the game (more than an entire quarter?!) When watching this game, the attitude from Arizona's defense seemed to disregard the stature of its opponent. LaFleur retained defensive coordinator Nick Rallis, who Phoenix-based sports radio host John Gambadoro credits for helping set the temperature.
It's easy to see Rallis' results. The intensity of the defense that showed up on tape is just as evident on paper. His Cardinals defense ranks second to last in blitz rate so far this season, yet they held McDaniel and Herbert to a measly 2-for-8 on third downs and 0-for-3 on fourth downs. Their front seven was far more formidable than the Chargers on the day, producing 17 pressures on 55 snaps while LA could only muster 12 on 75 opportunities. On the flipside, the Cardinals' offensive line has been projected as their downfall this season. The Seahawks have a clear opportunity to establish their presence as a physically dominant team if they kill the Cardinals momentum. This will be the game for elite run blockers like AJ Barner and run stoppers like Uchenna Nwosu to put the new age film community on watch.
Offensive talent is far from the problem in Arizona. Trey McBride is the best tight end in football. They've got two running backs in Jeremiyah Love and Tyler Allgeier who can both be a problem for any team. Marvin Harrison Jr. was a matchup nightmare against the Seahawks last season. In Week 3, he had one of the best battles against Devon Witherspoon and Riq Woolen of any wide receiver all year. When partnered with a seasoned veteran quarterback with a quick release, they were able to make life easy on their OL. Jacoby Brissett looked like at least an average starting QB, completing 27/37 passes for a respectable 73.0% completion rate while taking only 1 sack on 39 dropbacks. Loo
2 months ago
What did Pro Football Focus make of the New Orleans Saints' season-opening loss to the Detroit Lions? PFF's unique grading system leaves a lot to be desired as far as valuable ****** ysis, but it's a good starting point for highlighting which players pulled their weight and which performances deserve more scrutiny. With the Saints having fought their into overtime after stumbling out of the gates, let's check in on the best and worst player grades on offense and defense after Week 1.
WR Chris Olave: 82.6. Olave wasn't as effective blocking on run plays as he'd like to be, but that's nearly the only negative about his game (he did also drop a pass deep downfield early on). He caught 10 of 13 targets for a career-high 182 receiving yards, went 2-of-4 on contested catches, and converted seven first downs. His 30 yards gained after the catch were also impressive.
TE Noah Fant: 79.6. Fant had some miscues -- Shough overthrew and underthrew him a few times as the pair worked to get in sync -- but you can see why the ball continued to go his way. Fant picked up almost half of his yardage after the catch and looked comfortable while drawing targets in traffic.
QB Tyler Shough: 75.0. How impressive is it that Shough clawed his way back up the list after starting so poorly? PFF had him with six "big time throws" this week, as many as the next two quarterbacks combined, which they define as "a pass with excellent ball location and timing, generally thrown further down the field and/or into a tighter window." He just needs to cut down on the turnover-worthy plays, sacks, and penalties. That's easier said than done but should come with experience.
TE Juwan Johnson: 73.4. Johnson was the team's highest-rated run blocker (75.1), and while he didn't see many targets until late in the game, he made them count by going 3-of-6 for 54 yards and a critical touchdown. He also forced the Lions defense into committing a costly coverage penalty early on.
#shough
WR Chris Olave: 82.6. Olave wasn't as effective blocking on run plays as he'd like to be, but that's nearly the only negative about his game (he did also drop a pass deep downfield early on). He caught 10 of 13 targets for a career-high 182 receiving yards, went 2-of-4 on contested catches, and converted seven first downs. His 30 yards gained after the catch were also impressive.
TE Noah Fant: 79.6. Fant had some miscues -- Shough overthrew and underthrew him a few times as the pair worked to get in sync -- but you can see why the ball continued to go his way. Fant picked up almost half of his yardage after the catch and looked comfortable while drawing targets in traffic.
QB Tyler Shough: 75.0. How impressive is it that Shough clawed his way back up the list after starting so poorly? PFF had him with six "big time throws" this week, as many as the next two quarterbacks combined, which they define as "a pass with excellent ball location and timing, generally thrown further down the field and/or into a tighter window." He just needs to cut down on the turnover-worthy plays, sacks, and penalties. That's easier said than done but should come with experience.
TE Juwan Johnson: 73.4. Johnson was the team's highest-rated run blocker (75.1), and while he didn't see many targets until late in the game, he made them count by going 3-of-6 for 54 yards and a critical touchdown. He also forced the Lions defense into committing a costly coverage penalty early on.
#shough
2 months ago
Coming off the Indianapolis Colts' Week 1 matchup with the Baltimore Ravens, head coach Shane Steichen said that wide receiver Alec Pierce's left hand/wrist is fine, according to Mike Chappell of FOX59.
Following Sunday's game, Chappell wrote that Pierce briefly exited the game and was taken to the locker room after his left wrist hit the helmet of Ravens' linebacker Roquan Smith at some point in the first half.
Chappell added that Pierce's X-rays came back negative. He then spoke to the Colts' wideout about the injury after the game.
"It's good,'' Pierce told Chappell. "I just bruised up my hand. No worries.''
Pierce underwent offseason ankle surgery that landed him on the PUP list for much of training camp. He has spent the past few weeks ramping up, which included taking on a smaller role in Sunday's game.
#chappell #pierce
Following Sunday's game, Chappell wrote that Pierce briefly exited the game and was taken to the locker room after his left wrist hit the helmet of Ravens' linebacker Roquan Smith at some point in the first half.
Chappell added that Pierce's X-rays came back negative. He then spoke to the Colts' wideout about the injury after the game.
"It's good,'' Pierce told Chappell. "I just bruised up my hand. No worries.''
Pierce underwent offseason ankle surgery that landed him on the PUP list for much of training camp. He has spent the past few weeks ramping up, which included taking on a smaller role in Sunday's game.
#chappell #pierce
2 months ago
The Jacksonville Jaguars received a scare involving one of their most important offensive players during Sunday's NFL Week 1 win over the Cleveland Browns. Brian Thomas Jr. left the game in the second quarter with a shoulder injury and initially was listed as questionable to return, creating immediate concern for a Jacksonville offense that had already jumped out to a big lead.
Fortunately, the latest update is much more encouraging than it initially appeared, and the Jaguars came away with a 34-10 victory over Cleveland.
MORE: 3 NFL teams that should be worried after Week 1
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (7) catches a pass during the first day of NFL Training Camp at the Miller Electric Center on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla.
Thomas headed to the locker room with Jacksonville's medical staff after apparently injuring his shoulder. The Jaguars announced that he was questionable to return, and he had already made an impact before leaving, catching all three of his targets for 40 yards.
#cleveland
Fortunately, the latest update is much more encouraging than it initially appeared, and the Jaguars came away with a 34-10 victory over Cleveland.
MORE: 3 NFL teams that should be worried after Week 1
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (7) catches a pass during the first day of NFL Training Camp at the Miller Electric Center on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla.
Thomas headed to the locker room with Jacksonville's medical staff after apparently injuring his shoulder. The Jaguars announced that he was questionable to return, and he had already made an impact before leaving, catching all three of his targets for 40 yards.
#cleveland
2 months ago
DaSaahn Brame immediately became one of Tennessee's most important players when tight end Ethan Davis suffered a season-ending ACL injury.
Brame, a sophomore tight end, should make the biggest jump in the depth chart to replace Davis. But others could factor in as the Vols try to retool their offensive plan after losing a valuable player.
Davis suffered the knee injury in the Vols' 45-24 win over Georgia Tech on Sept. 12. Coach Josh Heupel announced on Sept. 14 that he will miss the remainder of the season.
Davis is the fifth UT player to suffer a season-ending injury, joining starting safety Edrees Farooq (knee), backup receiver Joakim Dodson (leg), reserve linebacker Jaedon Harmon (knee) and Miami transfer cornerback Jadais Richard (upper-body).
It's a costly loss. Davis, a senior starter, caught a TD pass in each of UT's first two games. And he's been an effective blocker in the Vols' rushing offense, which ranks sixth nationally.
#vols
Brame, a sophomore tight end, should make the biggest jump in the depth chart to replace Davis. But others could factor in as the Vols try to retool their offensive plan after losing a valuable player.
Davis suffered the knee injury in the Vols' 45-24 win over Georgia Tech on Sept. 12. Coach Josh Heupel announced on Sept. 14 that he will miss the remainder of the season.
Davis is the fifth UT player to suffer a season-ending injury, joining starting safety Edrees Farooq (knee), backup receiver Joakim Dodson (leg), reserve linebacker Jaedon Harmon (knee) and Miami transfer cornerback Jadais Richard (upper-body).
It's a costly loss. Davis, a senior starter, caught a TD pass in each of UT's first two games. And he's been an effective blocker in the Vols' rushing offense, which ranks sixth nationally.
#vols
2 months 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
2 months ago
Michigan State beat Eastern Michigan 35-7 on Saturday, but the Spartans went into halftime leading only 14-7 after giving up a 13-play, 78-yard touchdown drive to the Eagles in the second quarter. Pat Fitzgerald did not hide his frustration with it afterward, as he mentioned in a Michigan State Spartans press conference video.
"We've got to be better fundamentally in the second quarter. We weren't doing a great job of block destruction, we weren't fitting gaps right," Fitzgerald said. "The play they scored on we practiced. You know, there was a lot of not very happy people on our defensive headphones and defensive staff when we went in at halftime. Should have never happened."
The run defense is mostly to blame for the touchdown drive. Of the Eagles' 78 yards, 67 came on the ground. The touchdown came when Noah Kim faked the handoff to his running back and took it in himself from four yards out without being touched by a defender.
"I thought, you know, Nick (Sheridan) and Joe (Rossi) and LeVar (Woods) were right on at halftime," Fitzgerald said. "By the time I even got up in the locker room after doing a couple interviews on the field, they had already had the things that I expected I was going to say."
Once the Spartans got to halftime, the coaching staff quickly addressed the effort and made sure the players didn't make the easy mistakes that had left the field open for the Eagles. The defense locked in after the break, allowing under 70 yards across Eastern Michigan's four second-half possessions.
#halftime #second
"We've got to be better fundamentally in the second quarter. We weren't doing a great job of block destruction, we weren't fitting gaps right," Fitzgerald said. "The play they scored on we practiced. You know, there was a lot of not very happy people on our defensive headphones and defensive staff when we went in at halftime. Should have never happened."
The run defense is mostly to blame for the touchdown drive. Of the Eagles' 78 yards, 67 came on the ground. The touchdown came when Noah Kim faked the handoff to his running back and took it in himself from four yards out without being touched by a defender.
"I thought, you know, Nick (Sheridan) and Joe (Rossi) and LeVar (Woods) were right on at halftime," Fitzgerald said. "By the time I even got up in the locker room after doing a couple interviews on the field, they had already had the things that I expected I was going to say."
Once the Spartans got to halftime, the coaching staff quickly addressed the effort and made sure the players didn't make the easy mistakes that had left the field open for the Eagles. The defense locked in after the break, allowing under 70 yards across Eastern Michigan's four second-half possessions.
#halftime #second
2 months ago
Laughter filled the locker room when cameras caught Caitlin Clark accidentally spraying champagne in her face while celebrating Team USA's international championship win. The funny moment quickly went viral on social media.
Fans and supporters joined online conversations to share humorous reactions regarding the unfiltered celebration. Boyfriend Connor McCaffery also chimed in by reposting the amusing footage on his social media story.
Team USA had just completed a 14-point comeback against France to win its fifth straight FIBA Women's World Cup ******* le. The locker room celebration started quickly, but Clark forgot to wear protective goggles before opening a champagne bottle.
"I sprayed myself in the face on accident," Clark wrote in her Instagram story. The post also included a playful message that read, "Someone get Caitlin some goggles smh."
The clip came from Overtime WBB and spread across social media soon after the final. McCaffery reposted the footage on his own story, giving fans another reason to enjoy the moment.
#clark #Social #caitlin #mccaffery
Fans and supporters joined online conversations to share humorous reactions regarding the unfiltered celebration. Boyfriend Connor McCaffery also chimed in by reposting the amusing footage on his social media story.
Team USA had just completed a 14-point comeback against France to win its fifth straight FIBA Women's World Cup ******* le. The locker room celebration started quickly, but Clark forgot to wear protective goggles before opening a champagne bottle.
"I sprayed myself in the face on accident," Clark wrote in her Instagram story. The post also included a playful message that read, "Someone get Caitlin some goggles smh."
The clip came from Overtime WBB and spread across social media soon after the final. McCaffery reposted the footage on his own story, giving fans another reason to enjoy the moment.
#clark #Social #caitlin #mccaffery
2 months ago
A high school football coach in California was arrested Friday after students discovered a cellphone secretly recording them while they were changing inside a campus locker room, police said.
The phone allegedly belonged to Jeffrey Pribble, a 48-year-old teacher at Tracy High School, located east of San Francisco, the Tracy Police Department said Saturday.
According to the school's website and social media accounts, Pribble is the varsity football head coach and works in the school's physical education program.
Pribble has held the coaching position for five years and has 22 years of experience as an educator with the district, according to his Facebook page.
School Employee Accused Of Secretly Filming 12 Girls In Changing Room Faces New Charges
#tracy
The phone allegedly belonged to Jeffrey Pribble, a 48-year-old teacher at Tracy High School, located east of San Francisco, the Tracy Police Department said Saturday.
According to the school's website and social media accounts, Pribble is the varsity football head coach and works in the school's physical education program.
Pribble has held the coaching position for five years and has 22 years of experience as an educator with the district, according to his Facebook page.
School Employee Accused Of Secretly Filming 12 Girls In Changing Room Faces New Charges
#tracy
2 months ago
The Pittsburgh Steelers are 1-0 after a 20-13 victory against the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 13 at Acrisure Stadium.
The stars played a big part in getting them there. T.J. Watt returned a fourth-quarter interception for a touchdown to provide the game-winning points. Veteran receiver Michael Pittman Jr. – the headliner of the team's 2026 free agent class – caught three passes for 58 yards. And Alex Highsmith knifed through Atlanta blockers to record two sacks of his own.
Add it all up, and the positives were plentiful for first-year coach Mike McCarthy in his debut.
Here's a look at some of the highlights and lowlights through the eyes of Pro Football Focus evaluators, who study every play on film to grade each player individually. For context, players are graded on a 0-100 scale.
#atlanta #stadium #veteran
The stars played a big part in getting them there. T.J. Watt returned a fourth-quarter interception for a touchdown to provide the game-winning points. Veteran receiver Michael Pittman Jr. – the headliner of the team's 2026 free agent class – caught three passes for 58 yards. And Alex Highsmith knifed through Atlanta blockers to record two sacks of his own.
Add it all up, and the positives were plentiful for first-year coach Mike McCarthy in his debut.
Here's a look at some of the highlights and lowlights through the eyes of Pro Football Focus evaluators, who study every play on film to grade each player individually. For context, players are graded on a 0-100 scale.
#atlanta #stadium #veteran
2 months ago
The deafening roar of Kroger Field that fueled a 17-13 halftime lead eventually gave way to a much heavier, quieter reality. When the final whistle blew on a 45-17 loss to Alabama, the scoreboard reflected a fractured dream of an upset, leaving players and fans alike processing the sting of what could have been yet again.
For Will Stein, the immediate aftermath wasn't about pointing fingers; it was about raw accountability and a profound gratitude for a fanbase that delivered a championship-level atmosphere.
The fans showed up in full force, selling out Kroger Field for Will Stein's SEC debut, creating an environment that Stein described as "unbelievable," "loud," and "energetic." Recognizing the massive emotional investment of the crowd, he didn't mince words. "I apologize to our fans for the way that we finished," he admitted, fully aware of the collective heartbreak echoing through the stands and the locker room. "I know our guys are hurting."
That hurt can't carry on too long; the SEC is an unforgiving league, and the 2nd-half performance against Alabama can't bleed over to next week.
The first half offered a vivid glimpse into the program's potential that Will Stein spoke on before the season started. The defense hunted the ball, securing three takeaways, while the offense capitalized to carry a lead into the locker room. But the second half brought stalled drives and exhausted defenders. Pinned back by short fields, the defense was asked to hold back the Tide a few too many times. "When you're defending a short field virtually the entire half, and we weren't converting on third downs, that was tough on our defense," Stein noted, acknowledging the brutal physical toll.
#field #defense #room
For Will Stein, the immediate aftermath wasn't about pointing fingers; it was about raw accountability and a profound gratitude for a fanbase that delivered a championship-level atmosphere.
The fans showed up in full force, selling out Kroger Field for Will Stein's SEC debut, creating an environment that Stein described as "unbelievable," "loud," and "energetic." Recognizing the massive emotional investment of the crowd, he didn't mince words. "I apologize to our fans for the way that we finished," he admitted, fully aware of the collective heartbreak echoing through the stands and the locker room. "I know our guys are hurting."
That hurt can't carry on too long; the SEC is an unforgiving league, and the 2nd-half performance against Alabama can't bleed over to next week.
The first half offered a vivid glimpse into the program's potential that Will Stein spoke on before the season started. The defense hunted the ball, securing three takeaways, while the offense capitalized to carry a lead into the locker room. But the second half brought stalled drives and exhausted defenders. Pinned back by short fields, the defense was asked to hold back the Tide a few too many times. "When you're defending a short field virtually the entire half, and we weren't converting on third downs, that was tough on our defense," Stein noted, acknowledging the brutal physical toll.
#field #defense #room
2 months ago
It's halftime in Austin with Ohio State and Texas engaging in one of the most anticipated nonconference games of the college football season. The Buckeyes used some Longhorn mistakes and some excellent play on both sides of the ball to take a 20-3 lead into the locker room, which is banking the national narrative in this one.
We like to look back on the first half and take three observations and takeaways from what we saw through the first 30 minutes of action, and in this case, there's plenty to talk about. Here are three observations from what we saw from the Buckeyes and Longhorns in the first half of what should be one whale of a second half to finish this thing out.
Ohio State forces a fumble against Texas on the first play of the game😤
(via ESPN) pic.twitter.com/kxvE7F9D0B
The defense hasn't been very stingy in stopping the run through the middle, but it has been very opportunistic in forcing two turnovers. Both of them led to two scores and have really been the difference in the game so far. You have to think that the turnovers aren't going to continue, so Ohio State will have to continue to make plays while getting equal possessions.
Jeremiah Smith: Freakshow
(Via: ABC)pic.twitter.com/jQuJSiQ1A4
#state #half
We like to look back on the first half and take three observations and takeaways from what we saw through the first 30 minutes of action, and in this case, there's plenty to talk about. Here are three observations from what we saw from the Buckeyes and Longhorns in the first half of what should be one whale of a second half to finish this thing out.
Ohio State forces a fumble against Texas on the first play of the game😤
(via ESPN) pic.twitter.com/kxvE7F9D0B
The defense hasn't been very stingy in stopping the run through the middle, but it has been very opportunistic in forcing two turnovers. Both of them led to two scores and have really been the difference in the game so far. You have to think that the turnovers aren't going to continue, so Ohio State will have to continue to make plays while getting equal possessions.
Jeremiah Smith: Freakshow
(Via: ABC)pic.twitter.com/jQuJSiQ1A4
#state #half
