50 mins. ago
Cleveland Browns fans are used to their team stumbling out of the gate and not playing well in season openers.
However, Sunday's 34-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars sparked anger and disappointment for several reasons, chief among them Deshaun Watson's role as starting quarterback.
For those wondering if Todd Monken would turn to Shedeur Sanders for Week 2 at Tampa Bay, the first-year coach said Monday: "I anticipate Deshaun will be our starter."
"It's only been two weeks, he's gotten all the reps, and there were some really good things on film, some things that you can build on," Monken said.
"I liked his week of practice last week, and I think he's only going to continue to get better."
#deshaun #monken #only #jacksonville
However, Sunday's 34-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars sparked anger and disappointment for several reasons, chief among them Deshaun Watson's role as starting quarterback.
For those wondering if Todd Monken would turn to Shedeur Sanders for Week 2 at Tampa Bay, the first-year coach said Monday: "I anticipate Deshaun will be our starter."
"It's only been two weeks, he's gotten all the reps, and there were some really good things on film, some things that you can build on," Monken said.
"I liked his week of practice last week, and I think he's only going to continue to get better."
#deshaun #monken #only #jacksonville
2 hours ago
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers walked away from Cincinnati with plenty to be frustrated about following their 33-27 loss to the Bengals. The good news is that it didn't cost them any ground in the NFC South.
That's because **** ody in the division won.
Tampa Bay, Atlanta, Carolina and New Orleans all dropped their season openers, leaving the entire NFC South at 0-1 entering Week 2. It's obviously far too early for the standings to mean much, but the Bucs escaped a rough opener without falling behind any of their division rivals.
NFC South
W
#tampa #atlanta
That's because **** ody in the division won.
Tampa Bay, Atlanta, Carolina and New Orleans all dropped their season openers, leaving the entire NFC South at 0-1 entering Week 2. It's obviously far too early for the standings to mean much, but the Bucs escaped a rough opener without falling behind any of their division rivals.
NFC South
W
#tampa #atlanta
3 hours ago
Ja'Marr Chase, George Pickens and other fantasy football bad beats not to worry about appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Week 1 can make fantasy managers question an entire summer of research. A first-round receiver disappears, a breakout candidate misses his projection and suddenly the trade block looks tempting. The better approach is to separate disappointing box scores from genuinely concerning roles. Ja'Marr Chase and George Pickens hurt lineups in Week 1, but neither performance provided a good reason to panic.
Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Chase delivered the most shocking dud of the opening weekend, catching two of four targets for only 12 yards in Cincinnati's 33-27 victory over Tampa Bay. He finished behind Mike Gesicki, Tee Higgins and Chase Brown in targets despite entering the week as fantasy football's consensus top wide receiver.
The four targets were frustrating, but the result looks more like an outlier than a changing offensive hierarchy. Chase's 3.2 PPR points represented the second-worst fantasy performance of his career. He has also averaged 5.5 fewer fantasy points in September than during every other month, demonstrating that slow starts are nothing new.
#fantasy #george #receiver
Week 1 can make fantasy managers question an entire summer of research. A first-round receiver disappears, a breakout candidate misses his projection and suddenly the trade block looks tempting. The better approach is to separate disappointing box scores from genuinely concerning roles. Ja'Marr Chase and George Pickens hurt lineups in Week 1, but neither performance provided a good reason to panic.
Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Chase delivered the most shocking dud of the opening weekend, catching two of four targets for only 12 yards in Cincinnati's 33-27 victory over Tampa Bay. He finished behind Mike Gesicki, Tee Higgins and Chase Brown in targets despite entering the week as fantasy football's consensus top wide receiver.
The four targets were frustrating, but the result looks more like an outlier than a changing offensive hierarchy. Chase's 3.2 PPR points represented the second-worst fantasy performance of his career. He has also averaged 5.5 fewer fantasy points in September than during every other month, demonstrating that slow starts are nothing new.
#fantasy #george #receiver
4 hours 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
5 hours 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
5 hours ago
Deshaun Watson will start again in Week 2.
Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken told reporters Monday that Watson will retain his job as starting quarterback for Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Watson's status was unclear following a 34-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday in which Watson threw an interception on Cleveland's opening possession and the Browns didn't score a touchdown until the game was long decided with less than two minutes remaining.
This story will be updated.
#Browns #deshaun #monken #Monday
Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken told reporters Monday that Watson will retain his job as starting quarterback for Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Watson's status was unclear following a 34-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday in which Watson threw an interception on Cleveland's opening possession and the Browns didn't score a touchdown until the game was long decided with less than two minutes remaining.
This story will be updated.
#Browns #deshaun #monken #Monday
5 hours ago
After briefly exiting Sunday's win over the Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars' head coach Liam Coen fully expects wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. to be available in Week 2 against Denver -- although he may be limited during the week of upcoming practices.
"I fully imagine him being able to play this game," Coen said on Monday. "No issues, just might not be able to get hit throughout the week or something."
Thomas Jr. left the Jaguars' Week 1 win in the first half with a shoulder injury. He was initially questionable to return, but did go back into the game.
Thomas Jr. finished the game with three receptions for 40 yards.
He also sustained a shoulder injury in the Jaguars' first joint practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Whether or not that injury and the current one are related has not been reported.
#fully #able #shoulder
"I fully imagine him being able to play this game," Coen said on Monday. "No issues, just might not be able to get hit throughout the week or something."
Thomas Jr. left the Jaguars' Week 1 win in the first half with a shoulder injury. He was initially questionable to return, but did go back into the game.
Thomas Jr. finished the game with three receptions for 40 yards.
He also sustained a shoulder injury in the Jaguars' first joint practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Whether or not that injury and the current one are related has not been reported.
#fully #able #shoulder
8 hours ago
Josiah Trotter didn't waste any time introducing himself to the pros.
In his NFL debut with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, the former Missouri football middle linebacker recorded a sack and a pick six. He intercepted Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and returned it 38 yards for a touchdown.
According to Greg Auman at FOXSports, Trotter is the first player in NFL history with a sack and pick six in their NFL debut.
Tampa Bay's communications department later added that Trotter is the first player to record a sack, an interception and five or more tackles in their debut since four-time All-Pro TJ Watt in 2017.
The Bucs lost 33-27 to the Bengals on Sunday in Cincinnati. Trotter led Tampa Bay's defense with 11 total tackles.
#player
In his NFL debut with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, the former Missouri football middle linebacker recorded a sack and a pick six. He intercepted Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and returned it 38 yards for a touchdown.
According to Greg Auman at FOXSports, Trotter is the first player in NFL history with a sack and pick six in their NFL debut.
Tampa Bay's communications department later added that Trotter is the first player to record a sack, an interception and five or more tackles in their debut since four-time All-Pro TJ Watt in 2017.
The Bucs lost 33-27 to the Bengals on Sunday in Cincinnati. Trotter led Tampa Bay's defense with 11 total tackles.
#player
10 hours ago
The Cincinnati Bengals walked away from Week 1 with a 33-27 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but quarterback Joe Burrow knows the exact play he wants back.
Burrow threw a third-quarter interception that rookie linebacker Josiah Trotter returned for a touchdown, cutting Cincinnati's lead to seven.
After the game, Burrow took responsibility for the mistake.
"If I didn't have that interception, I'm feeling great walking out of here," Burrow said, via CLNS Media's Mike Petraglia. "You can't make plays like that, so I got to get that fixed."
Burrow completed 25 of 35 passes for 254 yards, one touchdown and the interception in the victory.
#cincinnati
Burrow threw a third-quarter interception that rookie linebacker Josiah Trotter returned for a touchdown, cutting Cincinnati's lead to seven.
After the game, Burrow took responsibility for the mistake.
"If I didn't have that interception, I'm feeling great walking out of here," Burrow said, via CLNS Media's Mike Petraglia. "You can't make plays like that, so I got to get that fixed."
Burrow completed 25 of 35 passes for 254 yards, one touchdown and the interception in the victory.
#cincinnati
2 days ago
2 days ago
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - A second straight game without Yordan Alvarez reinforced a reality. The Houston Astros need more consistent sources of offense, with time running short for them to emerge.
A lineup missing its leading threat mustered five hits in a 3-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday, undermining a determined start by right-hander Peter Lambert and ensuring a series loss to the American League's first playoff entrant at Tropicana Field.
The Astros, who entered with the fifth-fewest runs in the majors since the Aug. 3 trade deadline, scored three or fewer for the 21st time in 35 games in that stretch. The offensive downturn might be presenting a direr threat to their playoff hopes if not for an inept division. The loss left Houston with a 2 ½-game AL West lead over the Rangers, who entered the day four games under .500, pending Texas' result.
The Astros are 75-74 with 13 games remaining on their schedule. Yainer Diaz had three of their five hits Saturday, including a run-scoring single in the sixth inning. Isaac Paredes' solo home run in the first against Rays starter Ian Seymour, who worked six strong frames, provided their only other run. Houston hitters were 2-for-6 with runners in scoring position and stranded six men on base.
The first was Seymour's rockiest inning, as three straight batters reached. Daulton Varsho and Christian Walker struck out to defuse the threat. Richie Palacios' two-run single wrought the first blemish against Lambert in his six-plus innings. Nick Madrigal broke a 2-2 tie for the Rays with a pinch-hit sacrifice fly in the bottom of the seventh.
#houston #astros #rays #lambert
A lineup missing its leading threat mustered five hits in a 3-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday, undermining a determined start by right-hander Peter Lambert and ensuring a series loss to the American League's first playoff entrant at Tropicana Field.
The Astros, who entered with the fifth-fewest runs in the majors since the Aug. 3 trade deadline, scored three or fewer for the 21st time in 35 games in that stretch. The offensive downturn might be presenting a direr threat to their playoff hopes if not for an inept division. The loss left Houston with a 2 ½-game AL West lead over the Rangers, who entered the day four games under .500, pending Texas' result.
The Astros are 75-74 with 13 games remaining on their schedule. Yainer Diaz had three of their five hits Saturday, including a run-scoring single in the sixth inning. Isaac Paredes' solo home run in the first against Rays starter Ian Seymour, who worked six strong frames, provided their only other run. Houston hitters were 2-for-6 with runners in scoring position and stranded six men on base.
The first was Seymour's rockiest inning, as three straight batters reached. Daulton Varsho and Christian Walker struck out to defuse the threat. Richie Palacios' two-run single wrought the first blemish against Lambert in his six-plus innings. Nick Madrigal broke a 2-2 tie for the Rays with a pinch-hit sacrifice fly in the bottom of the seventh.
#houston #astros #rays #lambert
2 days ago
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Yordan Alvarez was out of the Houston Astros' lineup for a second straight game due to a sore right ankle Saturday.
Alvarez turned his ankle running the bases Thursday in Philadelphia and was not used off the bench in a close game Friday against Tampa Bay. Manager Joe Espada said that he was hopeful Alvarez could return to the lineup for Sunday's finale against the Rays.
"He came out and moved around, hit in the cages, but still sore," Espada said before Saturday's game. "More when he swings the bat and he's got to turn that right ankle once he's going to spin. So it's still not there."
This marks the first time Alvarez has been out of Houston's lineup in back-to-back games this season. He started 145 of the team's first 147 games prior to Friday, with 123 starts at DH and 22 in left field.
Alvarez entered Saturday leading the majors with a 1.017 OPS. A Triple Crown candidate, he led qualified American League hitters with a .310 average and ranked second in home runs (38), after Junior Caminero (40) of the Rays, and second in RBIs (96), behind Pete Alonso (97) of the Orioles.
#alvarez #Friday #sore
Alvarez turned his ankle running the bases Thursday in Philadelphia and was not used off the bench in a close game Friday against Tampa Bay. Manager Joe Espada said that he was hopeful Alvarez could return to the lineup for Sunday's finale against the Rays.
"He came out and moved around, hit in the cages, but still sore," Espada said before Saturday's game. "More when he swings the bat and he's got to turn that right ankle once he's going to spin. So it's still not there."
This marks the first time Alvarez has been out of Houston's lineup in back-to-back games this season. He started 145 of the team's first 147 games prior to Friday, with 123 starts at DH and 22 in left field.
Alvarez entered Saturday leading the majors with a 1.017 OPS. A Triple Crown candidate, he led qualified American League hitters with a .310 average and ranked second in home runs (38), after Junior Caminero (40) of the Rays, and second in RBIs (96), behind Pete Alonso (97) of the Orioles.
#alvarez #Friday #sore
2 days ago
The 2026 regular season is just a few days away from beginning for the Chicago Bears as they make their final preparations before heading to Charlotte to take on the Carolina Panthers. It's a battle of two surprise division winners from a year ago, with each team hoping to get a jump start to the season.
For the Bears, they officially turned a corner last year during Ben Johnson's first season as head coach, becoming a dangerous team loaded on offense with talented pass catchers and a punishing rushing attack. And they were spearheaded by quarterback Caleb Williams, who broke out as the prolific playmaker he was billed as during his collegiate days to lead them to an 11-6 record atop the NFC North. The Bears advanced to the divisional round of the playoffs last year and are hoping to take another step in 2026 as contenders.
The Panthers, meanwhile, are coming off a successful season of their own under head coach Dave Canales. Carolina was able to hang around .500 all year long with some big wins against playoff contenders and eventually overtook the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to win the NFC South at 8-9. Quarterback Bryce Young took steps towards showing he can be a competent NFL quarterback, in part thanks to weapons such as Tetairoa McMillan, but he's entering a critical year in 2026.
Week 1 can feel like an outlier at times considering how much things can change between now and December. Look at what happened last year with Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy. But we're sure to see some big moments on Sunday that turn the tide one way or another. Here are our bold predictions for Bears vs. Panthers.
For all of the talk of the Bears starting slow last season, they got off to hot starts early in the season. The game script was working for Ben Johnson and the offense, even when things still weren't totally clicking yet. In Weeks 1 and 2, they opened the game scoring on their first possession. Johnson has had time to game plan for the Panthers and will be ready with a systematic drive to score six early on.
#bears #last #carolina
For the Bears, they officially turned a corner last year during Ben Johnson's first season as head coach, becoming a dangerous team loaded on offense with talented pass catchers and a punishing rushing attack. And they were spearheaded by quarterback Caleb Williams, who broke out as the prolific playmaker he was billed as during his collegiate days to lead them to an 11-6 record atop the NFC North. The Bears advanced to the divisional round of the playoffs last year and are hoping to take another step in 2026 as contenders.
The Panthers, meanwhile, are coming off a successful season of their own under head coach Dave Canales. Carolina was able to hang around .500 all year long with some big wins against playoff contenders and eventually overtook the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to win the NFC South at 8-9. Quarterback Bryce Young took steps towards showing he can be a competent NFL quarterback, in part thanks to weapons such as Tetairoa McMillan, but he's entering a critical year in 2026.
Week 1 can feel like an outlier at times considering how much things can change between now and December. Look at what happened last year with Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy. But we're sure to see some big moments on Sunday that turn the tide one way or another. Here are our bold predictions for Bears vs. Panthers.
For all of the talk of the Bears starting slow last season, they got off to hot starts early in the season. The game script was working for Ben Johnson and the offense, even when things still weren't totally clicking yet. In Weeks 1 and 2, they opened the game scoring on their first possession. Johnson has had time to game plan for the Panthers and will be ready with a systematic drive to score six early on.
#bears #last #carolina
2 days ago
Rays news: What Junior Caminero said after walking off Astros with 2-run bomb appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Tampa Bay Rays star Junior Caminero delivered a two-run walk-off homer Friday night, beating the Houston Astros 3-1 and clinching the Rays' first postseason berth since 2023. His 40th homer ended the series opener at Tropicana Field and made Tampa Bay the first MLB team to secure a 2026 playoff spot. Afterward, theScore's Bryan Mcwilliam shared Caminero's postgame message as the All-Star third baseman made clear reaching October wasn't his final goal.
"We're going to enjoy this, we're going to have a lot of fun, we're going to enjoy the moment, but the job is not finished. We're going to win the division," Caminero said before yelling, "Tampa, this is for you."
Caminero delivered his first career MLB walk-off hit with one out in the ninth and the score tied 1-1. Jonathan Aranda doubled off the right-field wall before Jonny DeLuca replaced him as a pinch-runner. Caminero then attacked Bryan Abreu's first pitch, sending a 96.6 mph four-seam fastball 417 feet to left-center at 107.2 mph.
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#caminero #first #going #junior
Tampa Bay Rays star Junior Caminero delivered a two-run walk-off homer Friday night, beating the Houston Astros 3-1 and clinching the Rays' first postseason berth since 2023. His 40th homer ended the series opener at Tropicana Field and made Tampa Bay the first MLB team to secure a 2026 playoff spot. Afterward, theScore's Bryan Mcwilliam shared Caminero's postgame message as the All-Star third baseman made clear reaching October wasn't his final goal.
"We're going to enjoy this, we're going to have a lot of fun, we're going to enjoy the moment, but the job is not finished. We're going to win the division," Caminero said before yelling, "Tampa, this is for you."
Caminero delivered his first career MLB walk-off hit with one out in the ninth and the score tied 1-1. Jonathan Aranda doubled off the right-field wall before Jonny DeLuca replaced him as a pinch-runner. Caminero then attacked Bryan Abreu's first pitch, sending a 96.6 mph four-seam fastball 417 feet to left-center at 107.2 mph.
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)
#caminero #first #going #junior
2 days ago
Baker Mayfield gets dangerous weapon back ahead of Bengals clash originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka appears ready to go for Week 1 after a toe injury created some uncertainty around his status during the preseason.
Egbuka returned to full practice this week and is expected to play when Tampa Bay takes on the Cincinnati Bengals, giving quarterback Baker Mayfield one of his most dangerous weapons for a matchup that has the potential to become a high-scoring affair.
The second-year receiver enters the season with plenty of expectations after showing flashes of becoming a legitimate No. 1 option early in his rookie campaign.
Egbuka demonstrated his ability to create separation, make plays after the catch and stretch defenses before injuries became a factor. His own health issues, combined with injuries affecting Mayfield, prevented Tampa Bay from consistently taking advantage of the chemistry the two displayed earlier in the season.
#tampa
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka appears ready to go for Week 1 after a toe injury created some uncertainty around his status during the preseason.
Egbuka returned to full practice this week and is expected to play when Tampa Bay takes on the Cincinnati Bengals, giving quarterback Baker Mayfield one of his most dangerous weapons for a matchup that has the potential to become a high-scoring affair.
The second-year receiver enters the season with plenty of expectations after showing flashes of becoming a legitimate No. 1 option early in his rookie campaign.
Egbuka demonstrated his ability to create separation, make plays after the catch and stretch defenses before injuries became a factor. His own health issues, combined with injuries affecting Mayfield, prevented Tampa Bay from consistently taking advantage of the chemistry the two displayed earlier in the season.
#tampa
3 days ago
NFL action is on hiatus until Sunday, when Week 1 resumes with a hefty slate of games.
Here's how to watch, the 2026 NFL schedule, start times, and more.
There are no NFL games scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026.
Baltimore Ravens at Indianapolis Colts: 1 p.m. ET | CBS | Paramount+ | Ravens TV | Colts TV | box score
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Cincinnati Bengals: 1 p.m. ET FOX | Bucs TV | Bengals TV | box score
#colts #games #week #baltimore
Here's how to watch, the 2026 NFL schedule, start times, and more.
There are no NFL games scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026.
Baltimore Ravens at Indianapolis Colts: 1 p.m. ET | CBS | Paramount+ | Ravens TV | Colts TV | box score
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Cincinnati Bengals: 1 p.m. ET FOX | Bucs TV | Bengals TV | box score
#colts #games #week #baltimore
3 days ago
NEW YORK (AP) — Cody Bellinger hit a three-run homer in the second inning off rookie Nolan McLean, and the New York Yankees beat the New York Mets 6-4 on Friday night.
Ben Rice also homered as the Yankees won for the 17th time in 24 games and moved a season-high 23 games over .500 on a night the team remembered the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.
Rookie Spencer Jones added an RBI single in the first inning and Ryan McMahon hit an RBI single in the eighth as the Yankees remained three games behind Tampa Bay in the AL East and moved 5 1/2 ahead of Boston for the first American League wild card.
Carlos Rodón (6-3) allowed two runs and three hits in a season-high 6 1/3 innings. The left-hander notched two of his eight strikeouts on slugger Juan Soto, who heard boos from Yankee fans before each at-bat.
Bellinger homered after catching the ceremonial first pitch from Brielle Saracini, whose father Victor Saracini was the pilot on United Airlines Flight 175, which was flown into the South Tower of the World Trade Center.
#yankees
Ben Rice also homered as the Yankees won for the 17th time in 24 games and moved a season-high 23 games over .500 on a night the team remembered the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.
Rookie Spencer Jones added an RBI single in the first inning and Ryan McMahon hit an RBI single in the eighth as the Yankees remained three games behind Tampa Bay in the AL East and moved 5 1/2 ahead of Boston for the first American League wild card.
Carlos Rodón (6-3) allowed two runs and three hits in a season-high 6 1/3 innings. The left-hander notched two of his eight strikeouts on slugger Juan Soto, who heard boos from Yankee fans before each at-bat.
Bellinger homered after catching the ceremonial first pitch from Brielle Saracini, whose father Victor Saracini was the pilot on United Airlines Flight 175, which was flown into the South Tower of the World Trade Center.
#yankees
3 days ago
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - An unorthodox pitching plan worked about as well as the Houston Astros could have hoped Friday. Their offense could not capitalize against another American League contender.
Junior Caminero cranked a walk-off, two-run home run against Bryan Abreu to send the Astros to a 3-1 loss in the opener of a series against the Tampa Bay Rays, who became the first American League team to clinch a spot in this year's playoff field. Houston, which entered the day with a three-game lead in the AL West, ended it with a 75-73 record.
Using an opener, three Astros pitchers combined to hold the Rays to two hits before the ninth inning. Jonathan Aranda hit a one-out double against Abreu. With first base open, the Astros opted to face Caminero, the AL home run leader, who crushed a first-pitch fastball 417 feet to ignite a celebration at Tropicana Field.
The Astros totaled nine hits. But they were 2-for-6 with runners in scoring position, with neither of the hits scoring a run, and stranded six men on base.
A 1-1 tie reached the ninth inning. The teams took different routes there. Rays starter Drew Rasmussen worked seven innings, navigating eight hits. One run against him scored on a fielder's choice. He threw 92 pitches before Tampa Bay turned to its bullpen.
#astros #houston #abreu #tampa
Junior Caminero cranked a walk-off, two-run home run against Bryan Abreu to send the Astros to a 3-1 loss in the opener of a series against the Tampa Bay Rays, who became the first American League team to clinch a spot in this year's playoff field. Houston, which entered the day with a three-game lead in the AL West, ended it with a 75-73 record.
Using an opener, three Astros pitchers combined to hold the Rays to two hits before the ninth inning. Jonathan Aranda hit a one-out double against Abreu. With first base open, the Astros opted to face Caminero, the AL home run leader, who crushed a first-pitch fastball 417 feet to ignite a celebration at Tropicana Field.
The Astros totaled nine hits. But they were 2-for-6 with runners in scoring position, with neither of the hits scoring a run, and stranded six men on base.
A 1-1 tie reached the ninth inning. The teams took different routes there. Rays starter Drew Rasmussen worked seven innings, navigating eight hits. One run against him scored on a fielder's choice. He threw 92 pitches before Tampa Bay turned to its bullpen.
#astros #houston #abreu #tampa
3 days ago
NEW YORK (AP) — Cody Bellinger hit a three-run homer in the second inning off rookie Nolan McLean, and the New York Yankees beat the New York Mets 6-4 on Friday night.
Ben Rice also homered as the Yankees (85-62) won for the 17th time in 24 games and moved a season-high 23 games over .500 on a night the team remembered the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.
Rookie Spencer Jones added an RBI single in the first inning and Ryan McMahon hit an RBI single in the eighth as the Yankees remained three games behind Tampa Bay in the AL East and moved 5 1/2 ahead of Boston for the first American League wild card.
Carlos Rodón (6-3) allowed two runs and three hits in a season-high 6 1/3 innings. The left-hander notched two of his eight strikeouts on slugger Juan Soto, who heard boos from Yankee fans before each at-bat.
Bellinger homered after catching the ceremonial first pitch from Brielle Saracini, whose father Victor Saracini was the pilot on United Airlines Flight 175, which was flown into the South Tower of the World Trade Center.
#first #saracini
Ben Rice also homered as the Yankees (85-62) won for the 17th time in 24 games and moved a season-high 23 games over .500 on a night the team remembered the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.
Rookie Spencer Jones added an RBI single in the first inning and Ryan McMahon hit an RBI single in the eighth as the Yankees remained three games behind Tampa Bay in the AL East and moved 5 1/2 ahead of Boston for the first American League wild card.
Carlos Rodón (6-3) allowed two runs and three hits in a season-high 6 1/3 innings. The left-hander notched two of his eight strikeouts on slugger Juan Soto, who heard boos from Yankee fans before each at-bat.
Bellinger homered after catching the ceremonial first pitch from Brielle Saracini, whose father Victor Saracini was the pilot on United Airlines Flight 175, which was flown into the South Tower of the World Trade Center.
#first #saracini
3 days ago
Junior Caminero hit his 40th home run of the season to lift the Tampa Bay Rays to a 3-1 walk-off win over the Houston Astros on Friday. With the victory, the Rays became the first MLB team this season to clinch a postseason berth.
This story will be updated with more information.
#rays #season
This story will be updated with more information.
#rays #season
3 days ago
Every sport has its unwritten rules, and one of the most universal is simple: Don't give your opponent "bulletin-board material." Don't say something that can be printed out, slapped on a wall, and pointed to by a coach looking for a little extra motivation. Don't give the other team a reason to make the game personal.
In the end, almost anything can be twisted into locker-room material in one way or another. When Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back Zyon McCollum was asked how he felt about playing against one of the most talented offenses in the league in Week 1, he had plenty of ways he could have answered.
And he made a decision.
"We're going to have opportunities, guaranteed opportunities," he said when asked about his Week 1 opponents. "I mean, they want to get their season started off right. They want to get in rhythm early, so the ball is guaranteed to go in the air. And a ball in the air belongs to us. You know, that's the mentality that we have. That's what we're going into the game thinking. We know we're going to get tested early, so it's an incredible opportunity for us.
"There will be no better feeling than when we take away three, four interceptions."
#going #game #opportunities #guaranteed
In the end, almost anything can be twisted into locker-room material in one way or another. When Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back Zyon McCollum was asked how he felt about playing against one of the most talented offenses in the league in Week 1, he had plenty of ways he could have answered.
And he made a decision.
"We're going to have opportunities, guaranteed opportunities," he said when asked about his Week 1 opponents. "I mean, they want to get their season started off right. They want to get in rhythm early, so the ball is guaranteed to go in the air. And a ball in the air belongs to us. You know, that's the mentality that we have. That's what we're going into the game thinking. We know we're going to get tested early, so it's an incredible opportunity for us.
"There will be no better feeling than when we take away three, four interceptions."
#going #game #opportunities #guaranteed
3 days ago
Former Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden picked Cincinnati to beat Tampa Bay in Week 1, prompting brother Jon Gruden to accuse him of bias.
During a segment posted by Jon Gruden on X, the brothers went back and forth over Sunday's matchup.
Jon highlighted several of Tampa Bay's young defenders, including Josiah Trotter, Keionte Scott and Rueben Bain Jr., before Jay identified a weakness he believes Cincinnati can exploit.
"You got no corners. I'm taking the Bengals," Jay said.
It's Week 1 and we already have a little bias from my brother... give me Tampa to beat the Bengals!!
Presented by chevytrucks #Ad #Chevy #Silverado pic.twitter.com/MVsRsspHC3
#bengals #gruden #tampa
During a segment posted by Jon Gruden on X, the brothers went back and forth over Sunday's matchup.
Jon highlighted several of Tampa Bay's young defenders, including Josiah Trotter, Keionte Scott and Rueben Bain Jr., before Jay identified a weakness he believes Cincinnati can exploit.
"You got no corners. I'm taking the Bengals," Jay said.
It's Week 1 and we already have a little bias from my brother... give me Tampa to beat the Bengals!!
Presented by chevytrucks #Ad #Chevy #Silverado pic.twitter.com/MVsRsspHC3
#bengals #gruden #tampa
3 days ago
The first goalie to ever play for the Utah Hockey Club is hanging up his pads for good.
Connor Ingram announced his retirement via Instagram Friday evening with a simple, yet profound caption: "Don't be sad it's over, be happy it happened. Thanks hockey, I owe ya."
The post included photos of him with the Edmonton Oilers, Arizona Coyotes, Nashville Predators and Tampa Bay Lightning — four of the five organizations in which he played.
Ingram, 29, skated in 134 regular-season NHL games, including 22 for Utah. He also saw nine games' worth of playoff action, most recently with the Oilers in their 2026 first-round series against the Anaheim Ducks.
One of the most heroic moment of Ingram's career came just five games into it.
#ingram
Connor Ingram announced his retirement via Instagram Friday evening with a simple, yet profound caption: "Don't be sad it's over, be happy it happened. Thanks hockey, I owe ya."
The post included photos of him with the Edmonton Oilers, Arizona Coyotes, Nashville Predators and Tampa Bay Lightning — four of the five organizations in which he played.
Ingram, 29, skated in 134 regular-season NHL games, including 22 for Utah. He also saw nine games' worth of playoff action, most recently with the Oilers in their 2026 first-round series against the Anaheim Ducks.
One of the most heroic moment of Ingram's career came just five games into it.
#ingram
3 days ago
The lineups are out for tonight's series-opening showdown between the Atlanta Braves and the Philadelphia Phillies. There's no major shakeup but there is a return to the lineup for one familiar face after he started Thursday's contest on the bench.
Ozzie Albies is back in the starting lineup for the Braves. Here's how the rest of Atlanta's lineup is looking:
Sale takes the mound tonight at TruistPark 💪 pic.twitter.com/sZRngGjbvQ
Ozzie has hit .249/.304/.411 so far this season with a wOBA of .311 and a wRC+ of 95. His big triple against the Rays on Thursday helped push Atlanta past Tampa Bay and gave them what could amount to being a very crucial win if all continues to go well for the Braves as far as this particular series is concerned.
Outside of that, there are no major changes from yesterday and in fact, this is the same group of nine batters that squared off against Aaron Nola last week. The bottom of the order is slightly different but the players remain the same. For what it's worth, Ronald Acuña Jr. has an OPS of 1.076 against Nola in 56 pat-bats. Austin Riley has done a similar level of damage as well with an OPS of 1.111 over 62 ABs. Mike Yastrzemski and Drake Baldwin have both been successful as well (1.046 and 1.056 OPS, respectively) against Nola but they both have much smaller sample sizes (16 and 8 ABs, respectively) to go with. Let's see if that turns into a factor during tonight's contest.
#lineup #major
Ozzie Albies is back in the starting lineup for the Braves. Here's how the rest of Atlanta's lineup is looking:
Sale takes the mound tonight at TruistPark 💪 pic.twitter.com/sZRngGjbvQ
Ozzie has hit .249/.304/.411 so far this season with a wOBA of .311 and a wRC+ of 95. His big triple against the Rays on Thursday helped push Atlanta past Tampa Bay and gave them what could amount to being a very crucial win if all continues to go well for the Braves as far as this particular series is concerned.
Outside of that, there are no major changes from yesterday and in fact, this is the same group of nine batters that squared off against Aaron Nola last week. The bottom of the order is slightly different but the players remain the same. For what it's worth, Ronald Acuña Jr. has an OPS of 1.076 against Nola in 56 pat-bats. Austin Riley has done a similar level of damage as well with an OPS of 1.111 over 62 ABs. Mike Yastrzemski and Drake Baldwin have both been successful as well (1.046 and 1.056 OPS, respectively) against Nola but they both have much smaller sample sizes (16 and 8 ABs, respectively) to go with. Let's see if that turns into a factor during tonight's contest.
#lineup #major
3 days ago
Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Jalen McMillan (knee) is doubtful for Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals, according to head coach Todd Bowles.
SOURCE: NFL.com
Why It Matters: With McMillan most likely missing Week 1, it opens the door for WR Chris Godwin and WR Emeka Egbuka to be peppered with more targets. Godwin and Egbuka could likely be played in fantasy lineups as WR2's.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jalen McMillan doubtful for Week 1
#week #likely #cincinnati
SOURCE: NFL.com
Why It Matters: With McMillan most likely missing Week 1, it opens the door for WR Chris Godwin and WR Emeka Egbuka to be peppered with more targets. Godwin and Egbuka could likely be played in fantasy lineups as WR2's.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jalen McMillan doubtful for Week 1
#week #likely #cincinnati
3 days ago
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may be walking directly into one of Joe Burrow's strengths when they face the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1.
Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles has long relied on pressure, with Tampa Bay blitzing on 37.7% of its defensive snaps during his tenure, the third-highest rate in the NFL, via Sports Illustrated's Joe Goodberry.
That method could be dangerous against Burrow.
"Joe Burrow dices up the blitz. He always has, but last season, Burrow completed 71.4% of his passes against the blitz at 8.3 yards per attempt and had a passer rating of 122.6 passer rating," Goodberry wrote.
Six of his eight touchdowns against extra rushers came on throws released in under 2.5 seconds.
#week
Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles has long relied on pressure, with Tampa Bay blitzing on 37.7% of its defensive snaps during his tenure, the third-highest rate in the NFL, via Sports Illustrated's Joe Goodberry.
That method could be dangerous against Burrow.
"Joe Burrow dices up the blitz. He always has, but last season, Burrow completed 71.4% of his passes against the blitz at 8.3 yards per attempt and had a passer rating of 122.6 passer rating," Goodberry wrote.
Six of his eight touchdowns against extra rushers came on throws released in under 2.5 seconds.
#week
3 days ago
Week 1 of the NFL season is already underway, and it's time to get those bets in for the weekend's matchups.
We've compiled where the public is betting at sportsbooks, along with some notable wagers, and asked several oddsmakers at various sportsbooks around the country to find out where the sharp action has come in for this weekend's games.
Sunday
1 p.m. ET
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Cincinnati Bengals (-3.5, 50.5)
#week #buccaneers
We've compiled where the public is betting at sportsbooks, along with some notable wagers, and asked several oddsmakers at various sportsbooks around the country to find out where the sharp action has come in for this weekend's games.
Sunday
1 p.m. ET
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Cincinnati Bengals (-3.5, 50.5)
#week #buccaneers
3 days ago
Mike Evans had to travel outside the United States to score his first touchdown in a San Francisco 49ers uniform. The former Texas A&M star caught six passes for 49 yards and a touchdown during San Francisco's 27-7 victory over the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia.
After spending 12 seasons in Tampa Bay, where he owns virtually every major Buccaneers receiving record, the future Hall of Famer proved he still has plenty to offer. Evans tied Deebo Samuel for the team lead with six receptions and averaged 8.2 yards per catch. More importantly, three of his catches moved the chains on third down, and his touchdown also came on third down.
It was only one game, and Evans may no longer have the youthful legs he once did, but he still knows how to get open and make contested catches. His 109th career touchdown reception was a perfect example.
After Samuel opened the second half with a 45-yard kickoff return, the 49ers quickly moved into the red zone. That is where Evans came through. It was nothing complicated. Evans used an outside release, and Brock Purdy gave him an opportunity to make a play. Evans went over the defensive back and pulled down the two-yard touchdown to give San Francisco a 17-7 lead.
You can watch the catch below.
#touchdown #francisco #samuel
After spending 12 seasons in Tampa Bay, where he owns virtually every major Buccaneers receiving record, the future Hall of Famer proved he still has plenty to offer. Evans tied Deebo Samuel for the team lead with six receptions and averaged 8.2 yards per catch. More importantly, three of his catches moved the chains on third down, and his touchdown also came on third down.
It was only one game, and Evans may no longer have the youthful legs he once did, but he still knows how to get open and make contested catches. His 109th career touchdown reception was a perfect example.
After Samuel opened the second half with a 45-yard kickoff return, the 49ers quickly moved into the red zone. That is where Evans came through. It was nothing complicated. Evans used an outside release, and Brock Purdy gave him an opportunity to make a play. Evans went over the defensive back and pulled down the two-yard touchdown to give San Francisco a 17-7 lead.
You can watch the catch below.
#touchdown #francisco #samuel
4 days ago
49ers news: Mike Evans era off to red-hot start with debut history not seen since 2023 appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Mike Evans' debut with the San Francisco 49ers couldn't have gone any better following their 27-7 win over the Los Angeles Rams in Australia on Thursday night.
Evans started the 13th season of his NFL career, his first with the 49ers. Following 12 years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the veteran receiver decided to start a new chapter of his career by signing with San Francisco for a three-year deal worth up to $42.4 million.
San Francisco valued Evans' services, needing to bolster the receiving attack after parting ways from Jauan Jennings. Safe to say they got a solid upgrade with Evans' presence on the field.
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)
#following #start #preferred
Mike Evans' debut with the San Francisco 49ers couldn't have gone any better following their 27-7 win over the Los Angeles Rams in Australia on Thursday night.
Evans started the 13th season of his NFL career, his first with the 49ers. Following 12 years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the veteran receiver decided to start a new chapter of his career by signing with San Francisco for a three-year deal worth up to $42.4 million.
San Francisco valued Evans' services, needing to bolster the receiving attack after parting ways from Jauan Jennings. Safe to say they got a solid upgrade with Evans' presence on the field.
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)
#following #start #preferred
4 days ago
ATLANTA (AP) — The Tampa Bay Rays were prevented from possibly becoming the first team to clinch a playoff berth when Martín Pérez threw seven scoreless innings and Austin Riley's run-scoring single in the eighth inning gave Atlanta its first lead of the series in the Braves' 3-1 win Thursday.
Seeking its first division ****** le since 2021, Tampa Bay entered with a four-game AL East lead and would have clinched no worse than a wild card with a victory and a loss by Texas to Seattle or the Chicago White Sox to Pittsburgh.
Riley's hit came after pinch-hitter Ozzie Albies' had his first triple of the season, a drive against Kevin Kelly (6-4). Light-htting Ha-Seong Kim tacked on a two-run single for the offensively struggling Braves that proved crucial when Victor Mesa Jr. led off the ninth with a homer against Raisel Iglesias.
Iglesias bounced back to get the final three outs for his 32nd save in 35 chances for the Braves, who began the day with a three-game NL East lead.
Didier Fuentes (6-2) pitched a scoreless eighth for the win, which sent the Braves into an important series against second-place Philadelphia with a big lift.
#Braves #tampa
Seeking its first division ****** le since 2021, Tampa Bay entered with a four-game AL East lead and would have clinched no worse than a wild card with a victory and a loss by Texas to Seattle or the Chicago White Sox to Pittsburgh.
Riley's hit came after pinch-hitter Ozzie Albies' had his first triple of the season, a drive against Kevin Kelly (6-4). Light-htting Ha-Seong Kim tacked on a two-run single for the offensively struggling Braves that proved crucial when Victor Mesa Jr. led off the ninth with a homer against Raisel Iglesias.
Iglesias bounced back to get the final three outs for his 32nd save in 35 chances for the Braves, who began the day with a three-game NL East lead.
Didier Fuentes (6-2) pitched a scoreless eighth for the win, which sent the Braves into an important series against second-place Philadelphia with a big lift.
#Braves #tampa
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