For nearly two decades, Mike Tomlin was the steadying anchor of the Pittsburgh Steelers franchise. But as the team endured years of postseason frustration, former Steelers safety Ryan Clark found himself facing one of the most agonizing moments of his broadcasting career: suggesting on national television that Pittsburgh and Tomlin needed a mutual fresh start.Appearing on the Not Just Football with Cam Heyward podcast with his former teammate, Cameron Heyward, Clark opened up about the emotional toll of offering that critique."One of the hardest things I did in TV was maybe a year or two ago, saying I thought that the Steelers and Mike Tomlin should have a conversation about him leaving. I was very clear, I was like, Mike Tomlin is unfireable, I dont believe he should be fired. But I do believe that maybe the Steelers and Mike T, if a Super Bowl is the goal, could benefit from a conversation about is this the right thing going forward," Clark explained.The comment triggered intense backlash from both ends of a divided fan base."In the same conversation I got from the people that hated him, What you mean he's unfireable? And then from the people that loved him, You said Coach should be fired! Tell me how those two things correlate, you dummies," Clark noted.Beyond navigating public outrage, Clark prioritized addressing the take privately with former teammates like James Harrison before airing differences. Clark acknowledged how difficult it was to watch someone he admired be broken down by someone he also admired."I called Deebo. He knows I have an issue with it. He dont care. He cares enough to have the conversation and to tell me why he feels what he feels. The first time James hears me say I disagree with the way he's approaching this will not be on social media or on the show. It will be because I called him or I texted him and we talked about it," Clark said.For Clark, offering critique was never about disloyalty, but honoring his duty as an analyst while respecting a coach who shaped his life.This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Why criticizing Mike Tomlin was Ryan Clark's hardest TV take

Patriots Preseason 2026: Top Storylines to Follow During Training Camp originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The New England Patriots opened training camp this week with a singular focus: capturing the seventh Super Bowl title in franchise history.Following a stellar 14-win campaign and an AFC Championship under Mike Vrabel in 2025, the Patriots enter the 2026 season with heightened expectations. Rather than standing pat, the front office aggressively upgraded the roster by acquiring star wideout A.J. Brown via trade, signing dynamic receiver Romeo Doubs, and reinforcing the trenches with Alijah Vera-Tucker.The influx of high-end talent has solidified New England as a premier championship contender, but translating offseason paperwork into on-field execution begins now. As players take the field at Gillette Stadium, we break down the most critical storylines defining the Patriots preseason.Patriots preseason 2026: Top storylines to followHere are some of the biggest highlights heading into the 2026 preseason.How will the Patriots' new offense look come Week 1?Around superstar quarterback Drake Maye, New England's offense will have a new look when it goes west to face the Seahawks in Week 1. Mike Vrabel's team made some additions, most notably in the wide receiver core, where the Patriots acquired Brown from the Eagles and signed Doubs to a four-year, $78 million deal.One of New England's weaknesses in 2025 was its receiving core, and the Patriots addressed it in a big way with Brown and Doubs.New England finished the 2025 season lacking a true dynamic counter-punch in the passing game, but pairing Browns elite physicality fresh off a 5,034-yard, 32-touchdown tenure in Philadelphia with Doubs sharp route-running gives Maye the ultimate complementary safety blankets.Doubs arrives in New England after a career year in Green Bay, where he reeled in 55 catches for 724 yards and six touchdowns, proving he can be a reliable chain-mover. Opposing defenses can no longer afford to stack the box, and in the red zone, Maye has two big-body targets to throw the ball to.None of the weapons matter if Maye doesn't have time to throw a glaring issue in 2025 when Maye endured 21 sacks during the postseason alone, including a brutal six-sack dismantling by Seattle in the Super Bowl. To fix the leaks up front, the Patriots signed versatile offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker to a three-year, $42 million contract to shore up the interior. Slated to anchor the left guard spot, Vera-Tucker brings elite protection metrics, having allowed pressures on just 4.3% of his pass-blocking snaps during his last full healthy season. Paired with first-round pick Caleb Lomu, New England made notable upgrades all around the offense with the focus on helping Maye.The Christian Gonzalez contract stalemateThe biggest financial puzzle left for the front office centers on star cornerback Christian Gonzalez. Coming off his first Pro Bowl season, Gonzalez is extension-eligible and seeking a market-setting contract that could exceed $30 million per year. Patriots owner Robert Kraft publicly stated the team has made an offer to make Gonzalez the highest-paid player in franchise history, but until ink hits paper, his practice volume is under a microscope.While it remains likely that Gonzalez will put pen to paper and become one of the highest-paid corners in the NFL, the Patriots would like to finalize this sooner rather than later to get their star corner back in training camp.MORE:Why Christian Gonzalezs Potential Extension Might be Held Up by Other NFL Star CornerThe logjam at wide receiverBehind Brown and Doubs, the Patriots have plenty of talented wide receivers vying for starting opportunities, including Kayshon Boutte, DeMario Douglas and sophomore Kyle Williams. Boutte has been the subject of trade rumors all offseason, whileDouglas is looking to command a heavy targets share, and sophomore Kyle Williams who caught just 10 passes as a rookie but turned three of them into touchdowns is pushing for a Year 2 breakout.If Douglas or Williams have notable training camp and preseason performances, that could make a depth piece like Boutte expendable.How will the rookies make an impact in 2026?New England brought in nine players in the 2026 NFL Draft, and some will have an immediate impact in 2026 while others will have to wait their turn. The main attention will be on the 28th overall selection, Caleb Lomu, who will probably be the right tackle opposite 2025 first-rounder Will Campbell.On defense, the Patriots added Gabe Jacas, who was one of the best edge rushers in college football in 2025, to add more talent to their front seven. In his final season with Illinois, Jacas had 11.0 sacks and can translate immediately to the New England defense.Going down the Patriots' class, you might not see immediate contributors, but there is a lot of potential. Names like tight end Eli Raridon, cornerbackKaron Prunty and offensive tackle Dametrious Crownover should all get their opportunities, and with a good postseason performance, can push for a starting spot.The Patriots 2026 scheduleWinning a championship is hard; repeating the feat against one of the most grueling schedules in the NFL is another story. Because the Patriots finished atop the conference last year, their 2026 calendar is absolutely packed with primetime matchups, heavyweight contenders, and massive logistical hurdles.The headline of the entire schedule drops immediately in Week 1, on a special Wednesday night kickoff, forcing the Patriots to travel across the country to face the Seattle Seahawks in a highly anticipated rematch of Super Bowl 60. Starting the season in the hostile environment of Lumen Field is tough enough, but Vrabel's squad will also have to contend with a massive travel schedule later in the year.The team will be packing its bags for Munich, Germany in Week 10 to host the Detroit Lions at Allianz Arena, a marquee international showcase that cuts right into the heart of the season. Add in late-season primetime showdowns against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football (Week 15) and a late-December trip to face the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday Night Football, and the Patriots' depth will be tested down to the final whistle of the regular season. Managing the wear-and-tear of these high-profile road trips will be the ultimate test of New England's championship maturity.While the preseason will provide no answers for how the Patriots will face this schedule, every single training camp rep and preseason game will be huge for New England in anticipation of the Super Bowl rematch. If the Patriots can go to Seattle in Week 1 and look baseline competitive or win, it would send shockwaves around the NFL that they are gearing up for a Super Bowl run in 2026.New England Patriots schedule 20262026 Preseason ScheduleWeekDateOpponentVenueTime (EST)Week 1Thu, Aug 13vs. ColtsGillette Stadium7:30 p.m.Week 2Sat, Aug 22vs. EaglesGillette Stadium7:00 p.m.Week 3Thu, Aug 27at BrownsHuntington Bank Field8:00 p.m.2026 Regular Season ScheduleWeekDateOpponentTime (EST)Week 1Wed, Sept 9at Seahawks (SB LX Rematch)8:20 p.m.Week 2Sun, Sept 20vs. Steelers1:00 p.m.Week 3Sun, Sept 27at Jaguars1:00 p.m.Week 4Sun, Oct 4at Bills1:00 p.m.Week 5Sun, Oct 11vs. Raiders1:00 p.m.Week 6Sun, Oct 18vs. Jets1:00 p.m.Week 7Thu, Oct 22at Bears8:15 p.m.Week 8Sun, Nov 1at Dolphins4:25 p.m.Week 9Sun, Nov 8vs. Packers4:25 p.m.Week 10Sun, Nov 15at Lions (Munich, Germany)9:30 a.m.Week 11BYE WEEKWeek 12Sun, Nov 29at Chargers8:20 p.m.Week 13Sun, Dec 6vs. Bills4:25 p.m.Week 14Thu, Dec 10vs. Vikings8:15 p.m.Week 15Mon, Dec 21at Chiefs8:15 p.m.Week 16Sun, Dec 27at Jets1:00 p.m.Week 17TBDvs. BroncosTBDWeek 18TBDvs. DolphinsTBDMore PatriotsLatest PatriotsnewsTom Brady's Patriots legacy: How legendary QB set new standardComplete history of Patriots championships

The opportunity to put sponsorship patches on Texas Tech footballuniforms has stirred interest from potential corporate partners, Robert Giovannetti said this week, but the Tech senior associate athletics director stopped short of saying whether he expects a deal to be struck in time for this season."I wouldn't be surprised if we have one," Giovannetti said, "but I don't know if I'd use the term 'expect'. I think we understand the value. We understand the importance. We understand that we need to monetize where we can, but I think we want to make sure we have the right partnership and we get the right price for it."Giovannetti made the observation on Tuesday, July 28, hours after Ohio State and Notre Dame both announced department-wide sponsorship agreements that will have all their teams wearing a sponsor's logo on uniforms. According to reports, Ohio State is expected to receive about $15 million to $17 million annually in a multi-year deal with JPMorganChase, and Notre Dame is expected to receive in the range of $18 million to $20 million annually in a six-year deal with SoFi Technologies. Both deals are for jersey patches for all teams at each of the schools. More: What goes into Texas Tech Ring of Honor selection? An inside lookMore: Texas Tech's 10-year deal with adidas signed at last: Contract details hereThe NCAA's Division I Cabinet in January approved allowing teams to wear commercial sponsor patches on uniforms, apparel and equipment. The new rule goes into effect Aug. 1.Tech athletics director Kirby Hocutt had said months in advance his department would be in the market for sponsorship jersey patches as soon as allowed. "We've received significant interest," Giovannetti said on Tuesday, "and we're just vetting all of those. Obviously, we want to take our time and get a partner that we feel was going to be worth the long-term investment. But we don't have anything pending right now."Texas Tech adds another field logo sponsorship in Galaxy StadiumIn June 2024, the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel gave the go-ahead allowing corporate advertisements to be placed in three spots on the field: A single ad centered on the 50-yard line and no more than two smaller flanking ads elsewhere on the field.Tech athletics spokesman Matt Dowdy said a Galaxy logo will be placed below the Double T at midfield in the newly renamed Galaxy Stadium. Giovannetti said Learfield, Tech's multimedia rights partner, has a separate sponsor on board for one of the other two logos on the field."We have one done," Giovannetti said. "I don't think it's been announced yet by Learfield. Learfield has taken the lead on that. That'll be pretty quick."This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Texas Tech football to add field logo, in talks for jersey patch

Tennessee football will be without star linebacker Arion Carter for the first two weeks of the season after he was suspended by the NCAA. The suspension stems from when a Carter's agent paid for his $427 flight to an NFL pre-draft training facility before Carter returned to college after initially planning to enter the draft.Knox News obtained an internal athletics department document detailing the violation through a public records request, and a UT spokesperson told Knox News that the suspension was the result of that violation. The NCAA initially declared him ineligible because he accepted a material benefit from an agent in preparation for the NFL draft.The NCAA initially issued a three-game suspension but it was reduced to two games after Tennessee appealed the decision.Arion Carter represents everything that is right about college athletics, dedicating all four years of his career to the University of Tennessee," Heupel said in a statement to Knox News. "His high character, loyalty and leadership within our program are unmatched. We disagree with the NCAAs ruling on punishing Arion with a multi-game suspension this fall."Carter will miss the Vols' games against Furman (Sept. 5) and Georgia Tech (Sept. 12). He will participate in preseason practice starting Aug. 5 but won't appear in a game until Week 3 against Kennesaw State (Sept. 19).How Arion Carter suspension impacts TennesseeCarter is one of the SECs best linebackers, and his absence for the first two games will be a major blow to Tennessee's defense. He was an All-SEC selection last year even after missing two regular-season games due to injury, managing 76 tackles in just 10 games with six tackles-for-loss, 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble and a fumble recovery. His 7.6 tackles per game led the SEC last season.Carter was voted2026 preseason All-SEC third teamby the conference's media.As a senior, Carter is also a team leader. He has represented the Vols at SEC media days the past two years.The Vols will be fine without Carter against Furman at home in Week 1, but him missing the next game at Georgia Tech won't be as easy to absorb. The Yellow Jackets place a heavy emphasis on the run and boast one of the ACC's top rushing attacks.That matchup carries a particular importance on Tennessee's schedule given it is the Vols' only game against a power conference opponent before facing a nine-game SEC slate. It will also be the defense's first major test in new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles' system after he arrived from Penn State in the offseason.Tennessee's defense with Arion Carter suspendedEven though Carter is one of Tennessee's top defensive players, linebacker is arguably the roster's deepest position group, so there are options to help fill the void left by his absence.Edwin Spillman and Jeremiah Telander are back after ranking among the SECs top tacklers last season, both totaling at least 80 tackles. Penn State transfer Amare Campbell is new to the program but had 103 tackles last season and knows Knowles' defense.Sophomores Jadon Perlotte and Jaedon Harmon, both former four-star recruits, also return after receiving plenty of playing time as freshmen.Emmett Siegel coversTennesseebaseball for Knox News. Email:emmett.siegel@knoxnews.com; X:@EmmettSiegel_This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: How Arion Carter suspension affects Tennessee football, defense in first two games

PITTSBURGH Manager Torey Lovullo sounded as if he were leaning toward making a change at closer, but he stopped short of saying he would move away from Paul Sewald in the ninth inning.I have to have some critical conversations with myself and those around me, Lovullo said Wednesday morning, July 29. Ill get to those as soon as I possibly can. I have to go down that road and start to think about whats best for this team sometimes.Sewald blew just his third save opportunity of the year on Tuesday night, July 28, but the outing in which he gave up a pair of homers and, in the process, a three-run lead extended a run of struggles that go back the better part of six weeks.Since mid-June, Sewald has given up 14 runs (13 earned) in 11 1/3 innings. He has served up seven homers in that span.Lovullos most likely alternative in the ninth figures to be right-hander Juan Morillo, who has emerged as the clubs most trusted reliever. The Diamondbacks have gone to him routinely late in games to face the oppositions top hitters, whether it be in the seventh or eighth inning.Hes been great, Lovullo said. Talk about a big-leaguer emerging right before our very eyes with elite stuff. Its a three-pitch mix, maybe even four with a two-seam/four-seam fastball.Morillo has a 2.68 ERA in 43 2/3 innings with 16 walks and 52 strikeouts. He has allowed just two home runs all season.Said Lovullo: Ive said it recently: A young player emerges and becomes a big-leaguer when he convinces himself their stuff or their game fits at this level. He takes the mound like he is ready for every challenge and he is fitting in exactly the way he needs to.Justin Martinez continues to progressRight-hander Justin Martinez had been scheduled to pitch in a bridge league game on Tuesday, but that game was canceled, Lovullo said, and Martinez instead pitched in a live batting practice session.Martinez threw one inning and 20 pitches. Lovullo said Martinez will next pitch this weekend in bridge league a complex-league setting established for young minor leaguers before possibly beginning a true minor league rehab assignment next week.Martinez, working his way back from last years Tommy John surgery, remains on target to return from the injured list sometime in early August.Diamondbacks at Pirates, 9:35 a.m., Cox, Ch. 34Diamondbacks LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (9-3, 2.64) vs. Pirates RHP Jared Jones (2-1, 3.72)At PNC Park: Rodriguez was sharp once again in his latest start, giving up two runs in six innings against the Nationals last week in Washington D.C. He has gone at least six innings in 14 of his 21 starts this season. July has been a bit of a shaky month for him. He has allowed a .313/.360/.530 line with four homers. Jones missed all of last season recovering from elbow surgery. He did not return to action until late May and was a bit inconsistent over his first six starts. He has been very good in his past four, allowing just three runs in 21 innings, walking four and striking out 28. Jones has elite stuff. He averages 98.5 mph with his fastball and gets whiffs at a 30 percent or better clip on all three of his secondary pitches: slider, changeup and curveball.Coming upThursday, July 30:Off.Friday, July 31:At Cleveland, 4:10 p.m., Diamondbacks LHP Mitch Bratt (0-1, 6.32) vs. Guardians RHP Tanner Bibee (4-10, 3.89).Saturday, Aug. 1:At Cleveland, 4:15 p.m., Diamondbacks LHP Kohl Drake (0-0, 5.00) vs. Guardians LHP Parker Messick (8-6, 2.59).Sunday, Aug. 2:At Cleveland, 10:40 a.m., Diamondbacks RHP Merrill Kelly (8-8, 4.86) vs. Guardians TBA.(This story will be updated. Check back soon.)This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Diamondbacks at Pirates live updates. Lovullo mulls shakeup at closer

Both players are expected to land new deals before the 2026 season

Dan Hurley and the Huskies have incredibly high expectations, despite losing their entire frontcourt and multiple key assistant coaches.

The disgruntled wide receiver appeared to mock his head coach's recent car accident on social media as his messy exit from San Francisco nears its end

A second-place finish in-division would be good for most franchises but likely not for the Baltimore Ravens. For the first time in four seasons, the Ravens finished with fewer than 10 wins, and they finished below .500 for just the second time in the last 10 years. Let's check out their Over/Under win total odds for the 2026 season. This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. Baltimore Ravens Over 11.5: +115 (bet $10 to win $21.50 total)Under 11.5: -140 (bet $10 to win $17.14 total) What to know: The Ravens won only eight games in 2025, but much of that was due to Lamar Jackson missing four games while also dealing with injuries for most of the season. After parting ways with John Harbaugh after 18 seasons, Baltimore hired Jesse Minter as its new head coach and made a major splash in free agency by signing Trey Hendrickson. Finishing second in the AFC North has not been a positive sign for the Ravens. The last five times they finished second in the division resulted in missing the postseason, a wild-card loss, a divisional loss and two more missed postseasons. Baltimore has not had a new head coach since 2008, and that was Brian Billick. In his nine seasons, the Ravens made the playoffs four times and missed them five times. However, they did win Super Bowl XXXV. Harbaugh guided the Ravens to 12 postseason appearances in those 18 seasons, and won Super Bowl XLVII. An Over/Under win total of 11.5 signals that oddsmakers believe the Ravens will have a bounce-back season. Baltimore will face the AFC and NFC South next season, in addition to against Buffalo, Dallas and the Los Angeles Chargers.

After a wild offseason of blockbuster trades and head coaching changes, offenses around the league could be more high-powered than ever before in the 2026 NFL season. But which team has the best offense? Well, Madden has chimed in on the answer to that question. The top 10 team offensive ratings in "Madden NFL 27" were released by EA Sports on Wednesday. As you can imagine, teams like the Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens made their way into the top 10, thanks to their dynamic quarterbacks. But there are a pair of other teams that had higher-rated offenses than them. Here are the top 10 offenses in "Madden 27." The Dallas Cowboys earned an 87 overall rating. Headlined by veteran quarterback Dak Prescott, the Cowboys returned a loaded attack including wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, running back Javonte Williams and tight end Jake Ferguson. Now with Schottenheimer's second offseason underway, the Cowboys' offense has the potential to make a strong playoff run. The Super Bowl LX runner-ups also received an 87 overall rating. The New England Patriots booked their trip to the Super Bowl in Year 1 of the Drake Maye-Mike Vrabel duo. Maye was one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the league, producing a 72% completion rate, 4,394 passing yards, 31 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Although the Patriots did not re-sign wide receiver Stefon Diggs, they added star receiver A.J. Brown from the Patriots, which makes for a solid option through the air for Maye. Especially after their 6-10 season, the Cincinnati Bengals received an 88 overall rating. With quarterback Joe Burrow recovered from his turf toe injury, the Bengals could be another dynamic offense to watch this season. With wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, the Bengals also added multiple offensive rookies to their roster, including fourth-rounders wide receiver Colbie Young and tight end Jack Endries. The Eagles come in with an 88 overall rating, which is six points lower than their 94 overall rating last season. While the Eagles retained most of their offense from the 2025 season, they enter this season without star receiver A.J. Brown, who went to the Patriots on June 1. However, the addition of first-rounder and 2025 Biletnikoff winner Makai Lemon has the talent to fill the void for Brown. In quarterback Jalen Hurts' seventh season under center, the Eagles are looking to make another return to the playoffs and secure another NFC East title. The Kansas City Chiefs sit with the sixth-best rating with a 90 overall. The Chiefs lost their star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, to a torn ACL in Week 15, which left them out of the playoffs for the first time in 10 seasons. Although Mahomes is back and healthy this season, Kansas City's offseason additions will pave the way for this season. Entering 2026 with Mahomes healthy, tight end Travis Kelce on an extended contract and adding Super Bowl LX MVP Kenneth Walker III could make for a competitive offense and to get back in the AFC playoff picture. Despite being one of the most injured offenses last season, the San Francisco 49ers earned a 90 overall. One of their biggest offseason moves was adding star receiver Mike Evans from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Additionally, quarterback Brock Purdy is in his third season, and tight end George Kittle is healthy after his mid-season torn Achilles injury. Especially by adding a rookie wide receiver in second-rounder De'Zhaun Stribling, the 49ers are in position to be one of the more loaded offenses in the NFL. After earning a 94 overall in Madden 26, this time the Baltimore Ravens received a 90 overall. As the Ravens enter the 2026 season under first-year head coach John Harbaugh, star quarterback Lamar Jackson is in his eighth season under center and is due for a Playoff appearance. Despite missing the playoffs after a narrow loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Ravens return and add key offensive weapons. After the NFL Draft, the Ravens added wide receivers Ja'Kobi Lane and Elijah Sarratt, which will bolster Jackson's receiving corps ahead of the season. The Buffalo Bills sit with the third-best rating at 91 overall. The Bills' offense paves the way for quarterback Josh Allen, running back James Cook III and recently acquired wide receiver D.J. Moore from the Bears. After the Bills finished the year with an AFC Divisional round appearance, Allen and the Bills have been looking to make their way back to a Super Bowl since 1994. The Detroit Lions earned another top-five Madden rating, and came in with a 91 overall rating. While the Lions lost running back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans, the Lions added a dynamic pairing in Jamhyr Gibbs. In coach Dan Campbell's fifth season, Detroit is looking to secure a Playoff spot after missing the last two. After finishing fifth in the league in offensive yards per game with 373.3 yards, the Lions are geared up to bounce back with a strong returning offense. After coming off a season that saw quarterback Matthew Stafford named NFL MVP and an NFC Championship appearance, the Los Angeles Rams earned the highest rating at 93 overall. The Rams bring a stacked roster of returners and rookies that set them up as heavy 2027 Super Bowl favorites. The Rams led the league in multiple offensive categories last season, including offensive yards per game (394.1), passing yards per game (268.1) and points per game (30.1).

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