0 Comments
0 Shares
53 Views
0 Reviews
Directory
Discover new people, create new connections and make new friends
-
Please log in to like, share and comment!
-
WWW.FOXSPORTS.COM6 Takeaways From Madden NFL 27's Ratings Release WeekThe Madden 27 ratings began to roll out this week, and, as usual, there's no shortage of controversy, confusion or surprises. So let's get into what we've learned from Madden's reveals, mostly regarding the top 10 ratings. Im not surprised to see the Los Angeles Rams are the best team in the game. That was an obvious choice. But it felt notable that the New England Patriots were tied for fifth in overall rating with the Denver Broncos at 86. Those teams are also tied for second in the AFC behind the Baltimore Ravens (87). Meanwhile, the Seattle Seahawks were tied for ninth at 84 overall. They are ranked fifth in the NFC. Wheres the respect for last years Super Bowl squads? Even as the Patriots added star receiver A.J. Brown, among others, this offseason, they couldnt crack the top four. Even after the Seahawks won the Super Bowl, they barely made the top 10. I cant help but be surprised, even considering Seattle's offseason departures (Kenneth Walker III, Boye Mafe, Riq Woolen). Both teams should be elite yet again. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Eagles rated an 88 score and the Detroit Lions were third with an 87 rating. Nos. 2 through 4 werent what I expected. And the Chicago Bears who might be the NFLs most polarizing team didnt make the top 10. Im frankly upset that there were no offensive linemen in the "99 Club." Namely, that Lions perennial All-Pro tackle Penei Sewell and Bears guard Joe Thuney, who won the NFL's inaugural Protector of the Year Award, were excluded. Heck, even San Francisco 49ers legend Trent Williams was a 96. Its crazy to think that there isnt a single offensive lineman who made the club. I suspect its more about the position itself (often underappreciated and unheralded) than about the players themselves. There was one 99 that surprised me: Rams QB Matthew Stafford. I get it, he is coming off an MVP season. But Stafford is QB2 in my quarterback rankings. His top MVP competitor, Patriots QB Drake Maye, was a 92. Bills QB Josh Allen also rated a 99, while Cincinnati's Joe Burrow ranked third among QBs at 97. Thats actually where I think Stafford shouldve landed. Maybe Im splitting hairs, but it feels like the "99 Club" should be reserved for the NFLs truly elite players. So I was surprised to see the 38-year-old Stafford. I love the two 2026 NFL Draft picks Madden graded highest. On defense, theres Cowboys safety Caleb Downs at 82. And on offense, theres Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love, also at 82. On the other hand, I was stunned to see Chargers linebacker Akheem Mesidor get the same rating as Giants LB Arvell Reese (79). There were two grades that seemed at least to me to be downright disrespectful. And Commanders linebacker Sonny Styles landed all the way down at 78. He could have easily been an 82 with Love and Downs, Styles' former Ohio State teammate. Seahawks running back Jadarian Price is a 75. (A 75!?) The first-rounder out of Notre Dame isnt going to let that grade stand for long. Its hard to take the rookie QB grades too seriously, because theyre always low. Raiders QB Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick, is a 74 and Ty Simpson, whom the Rams selected at No. 13, is a 71. Mendozas rating is higher than last year's No. 1 overall pick, Titans QB Cam Ward (72), but lower than that of 2024 No. 1 pick Caleb Williams (76). Its on par with Drake Maye's rookie year 74. Not only were the Baltimore Ravens atop the AFC, but their QB landed fourth at the position with a 94 rating. It seems unlike NFL players Maddens creators will not fade Lamar Jackson after a bad year. This is seemingly a thing for Madden, which rated Jackson at 79 as a rookie (which is very high!), even after he slipped to the final pick in the first round back in 2018. Meanwhile, Jackson slipped to 68th on the 2026 "NFL 100" list. His status among the NFLs elite QBs seems to be in jeopardy, depending upon whom you ask. And thats because his production dipped in 2025 due to injuries. It seems like Madden has faith that Lamar is going to get back to his MVP-caliber ways. When Madden released the top 10 QBs in the "throw power" category, it wasnt Josh Allen or Patrick Mahomes or even Aaron Rodgers atop the list. No, it was Cowboys backup quarterback Joe Milton. You might be wondering: Who the heck is that? He was a sixth-round pick by the Patriots in 2024. But the truth is that you dont really need to know who Milton is. You just need to know that his arm is genuinely the strongest in the NFL. Its a surreal thing to watch in person. So the Madden creators got it right when they put Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs at 98 for speed second-fastest player in the game. But I take some offense at Chiefs receiver Xavier Worthy's rating as the No. 1 speedster in the league. Sure, he ran the fastest 40-yard dash time in the history of the combine. So when it comes to the underwear Olympics and a straight line hes fast. But look at Next Gen Stats. Worthy didnt crack the top 20 among the fastest plays by a ball carrier in 2025. And he landed at 20th in 2024. Worthy mightve been the fastest guy at the combine, but in the NFL, his speed isnt all that competitive with the best of the best. Playing speed isnt the same as sprinting speed. Prime example: Colts running back Jonathan Taylor ran the fastest among all ball carriers last year, hitting 22.38 mph. And yet he did not rank in the top 10 in speed. Make that make sense.0 Comments 0 Shares 28 Views 0 Reviews -
SPORTS.YAHOO.COMWestern Conference contender emerges as Jonathan Kuminga suitorThe Minnesota Timberwolves made a big splash this summer, landing LaMelo Ball and Josh Green from the Hornets in exchange for Naz Reid and a package of draft picks and swaps.However, with Reid out of the picture and Julius Randle traded to the Brooklyn Nets, Minnesota is quite thin in the frontcourt besides Rudy Gobert. For that reason, they've emerged as a suitor for one of the best remaining free agents, Jonathan Kuminga. The Timberwolves could bring on Kuminga with a $6 million taxpayer mid-level exception.While other suitors could offer the former Warriors forward more, Minnesota may be able to offer him the largest role of any contender interested in his services.This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Western Conference contender emerges as Jonathan Kuminga suitor0 Comments 0 Shares 30 Views 0 Reviews
-
SPORTS.YAHOO.COMHe knows he belongs: Powerful Richie Connell adds new wrinkle to Whipsnakes offenseRichie Connell knew there was no way hed be in game shape when he signed for the Maryland Whipsnakes three weeks ago. No matter how much hed been working out, hed be playing catch-up. That was confirmed during his first drill at practice with the Whipsnakes a simple full-field clearing exercise.Connell admitted he was a little behind the eight ball, while Whips head coach Jim Stagnitta was more blunt, joking that Connell was dying.The struggle was expected after not playing a field lacrosse game for over two years. What followed was a little more surprising. Connell scored twice in his PLL debut as the Whipsnakes defeated the Carolina Chaos 17-10 on July 11.He just showed up and he scored two goals and set two great picks, and had a couple great looks, Stagnitta said after the win. Im really excited about him, and I hope he continues to develop and get more comfortable with the guys. All he does is smile, so he was great to have in the locker room, too.Through three games, the rookie has acclimated nicely, scoring five goals on 15 shots. Before Connells arrival, Maryland lacked a physical left-handed dodger. Aidan Carroll, Adam Poitras, Matt Brandau and others are very capable downhill threats, but Connells size on the left side offers a different look. With Brandau out this week and Carroll questionable, Connell has the chance to make his presence felt once again.Matt Brown, Connells coach at the University of Denver, previously reached out to Stagnitta, saying if he needed anyone that Connell could be a good fit. Stagnittas known Brown for a while and trusts his judgment. After watching Connells film, the head coach thought hed address some of the challenges we had. So one afternoon when Connell was at work, Stagnitta called him, asking if he wanted to join the Whipsnakes.Obviously, this has been a dream of mine since I can remember, Connell said. So, I was always as excited as I could be for the opportunity, and ever since Ive joined the Whipsnakes, you know, thats been nothing short of amazing.Connell went undrafted after scoring 19 goals for Denver in 2024. He spent time with the Georgia Swarm in the NLL before his roommate, Brett Dobson, put in a good word for him with Utah Archers head coach Chris Bates. Utah signed Connell last spring, but with Tre Leclaire and others returning from injury, Connell was released into the player pool.FIRST PRO GOAL FOR RICHIE CONNELL pic.twitter.com/POLFdcDDsL Maryland Whipsnakes (@PLLWhipsnakes) July 12, 2026He hoped to get another training camp opportunity this season, but a schedule conflict prevented that. Enter Stagnitta, who wanted a player who could stretch defenses and be a big body in the two-man game.Theres some chaos in Connells game, as well. The practice prior to his debut, Stagnitta said that Connell set a record for turnovers in practice and threw passes 100 miles per hour that players couldnt see nor catch. Despite the miscues, Connell has found his role as a dodger out of the box and a sneaky off-ball threat.Hes come in [and] hes really changed the way our midfield looks, Poitras said. Hes a big guy, runs hard, and gets to where he wants to on the field and shoots the ball well, which helps. Hes got a really good attitude and hes very confident in himself that he knows he belongs, and I think you need that in the league.Its hard to miss Connell on the field. At 6-foot-5, hes the tallest Whipsnakes player, and when he gets a full head of steam, defenders have to be on their toes, or they could be dumped on the turf.During the first quarter of the Whips 20-7 win over the California Redwoods, Connell bowled over short-stick defensive midfielder Chris Merle. And although Connells subsequent shot missed the cage, the effort was there.Connell grew up watching John Grant Jr. and Mark Matthews, so being a physical dodger has always been a quintessential part of his game. Connell added the wrinkle of running people over when he started coming out of the substitution box more after transferring from Richmond to Denver. When dodging, Connell tries to rely on his instincts as much as possible. He knows lacrosse can be a reactive game, but when it comes to running through people, its a little less calculated.Im not sure if its a decision that I think about prior to dodging, Connell said. Its more where I meet them out in the field and where they tend to play me at. If its a little closer to the goal, then I have a little more of a head of steam to get myself going, then maybe I get a little more power out of it, and that way I can bounce myself off them and hopefully create some space to get a shot.Even though Connells dodges can be a little out of control, Stagnitta likes his effort and supports his aggressiveness, as long as he doesnt get caught in double teams.In the Whipsnakes 13-8 loss to the Archers last weekend, Connell made an impact once again with two scores. In the third quarter, he steamed out of the box and was met by Aidan Maguire. Connell didnt run the No. 1 overall pick in this springs College Draft over, but he knocked him off balance, creating just enough separation for a shot that squeaked past Dobson.The goal encapsulated what Connell offers, and theres likely more to come from him. Stagnitta wants to have the ball in his stick more because he gives us a little different dimension than what we had had there.Already without Brandau, Connells workload could be heavier this weekend. If hes shown anything early in his PLL career, its that hes ready for the moment.Nothing really changes in the amount of fun I have doing it, Connell said. So thats really the big part is just continuing to prepare and getting myself as ready as possible and just having as much fun as possible, as well. Thats usually when I play my best.0 Comments 0 Shares 30 Views 0 Reviews
-
SPORTS.YAHOO.COMRed Lion Christian star wins preseason vote as best DB in Delaware HS football, presented by Delaware Orthopaedic SpecialistsCongratulations to Red Lion Christians Raheem Spencer Jr., who received the most votes in the Delaware Online preseason poll for the best defensive back in Delaware high school football, presented by Delaware Orthopaedic Specialists.Spencer won an online vote over seven other nominees. Check out the nominees for the preseason top football player at different positions each Monday on Delaware Online and vote for your favorite. Voting is free and unlimited and runs Monday through Thursday, with the weekly winner announced each Friday.DELAWARE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Middletown blocker wins preseason vote as best offensive linemanContact high school sports reporter Brad Myers at bmyers@delawareonline.com. Follow on X: @BradMyersTNJ. Follow us on Instagram: @DEGameDayThis article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Red Lion Christian star wins preseason vote as best DB in Delaware HS football, presented by Delaware Orthopaedic Specialists0 Comments 0 Shares 30 Views 0 Reviews
-
SPORTS.YAHOO.COMTarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers trade rumors, buzz, latest developmentsThe biggest question all season has been whether the Detroit Tigers would be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline. With Major League Baseball's 6 p.m. Monday trade deadline looming, we're paying attention to all rumors, reports and roster moves (this is Tarik Skubal watch central). Follow our live coverage below for the latest developments.This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers trade rumors, buzz, latest developments0 Comments 0 Shares 29 Views 0 Reviews
-
SPORTS.YAHOO.COM5 takeaways from Day 3 of Chicago Bears training campThe Chicago Bears were back for the third practice of training camp on Friday, which welcomed fans to Halas Hall for the first open workout of the summer.The Bears put on a show for the fans on Day 3, which was dominated by the offense and featured several standout performances. Quarterback Caleb Williams is off to a hot start this training camp, and his connection continues to grow with his returning cast of weapons in Colston Loveland, Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III. There was also an interesting left tackle battle update, where for the first time this summer it wasn't Braxton Jones running with the first team. Meanwhile, the defense put up a bit of a fight during red zone drills, where Williams threw his first interception of camp.Here's what we learned from the third practice of training camp:Caleb Williams and Tyson Bagent shinedThe Bears offense has overwhelmingly dominated the first three practices of training camp, although the defense has had a few moments. On Friday, it was quarterbacks Caleb Williams and Tyson Bagent putting on a show for fans leading Chicago's explosive passing attack that's remained mostly unstoppable. According to Chris Kwiecinski, "Caleb Williams and Tyson Bagent stole the show. They were in command, deadly accurate and anticipated routes so well." Williams' connection with Colston Loveland and Rome Odunze thrived while Bagent developed a nice rapport with Jahdae Walker, per Michal Dwojak. Even after Williams threw his first interception of the summer to Jaylon Johnson during red zone work, he "regrouped and made positive plays after."Mixed bag for offense in red zoneThe Bears offense had another impressive showing, but their one flaw came during the first red zone period, which was dominated by the defense. According to Courtney Cronin, both Montez Sweat and Austin Booker had sacks on back-to-back plays. Williams was picked off by cornerback Jaylon Johnson during a 7-on-7 red-zone drill, but he was able to bounce back later. Mark Carman noted that there was "some sloppiness in the red zone" where "Caleb showed some frustration and leadership." But the offense closed things out on a strong note with a successful two-minute drill, where there was 1:37 left, two timeouts, on own 39 with game tied at 10-10, per Adam Jahns. They went sox plays before Williams connected with Loveland for a 14-yard touchdown. But the best part according to Jahns? "Williams and Bears offense overcame a sack halfway through the drill. Williams-Loveland connection came through."Colston Loveland dominatedThe connection between Caleb Williams and Colston Loveland is going to give defensive coordinators plenty of fits this season, never mind the rest of the weapons at Williams' disposal. But on Friday, it was the chemistry between Williams and Loveland that stood apart, even as Rome Odunze, Luther Burden and Jahdae Walker also shined. According to Chris Emma, "those two have their connection going early in camp." Loveland was on the receiving end of multiple touchdowns from Williams on Day 3, including the highlight of the day with "Williams laser(ing) a pass through traffic to Colston Loveland for a touchdown." Per Mark Carman, "Loveland got the ball a ton, again. High point catches look natural." At one point, Loveland caught three of Williams' last four passes, a sign "that connection continues to grow," per Nicholas Moreano.Left tackle competition takes interesting turnThe battle for the starting left tackle job is an important one to monitor this offseason, and while Braxton Jones has long been expected to be the favorite for the role, the Bears are bringing competition for him. After Jones got all of the reps with the first-team offense on Days 1 and 2, it was former third-round pick Kiran Amegadjie getting most of the reps with the starters on Friday. Jones and Jedrick Wills Jr. also rotated in with the first team, per Adam Jahns. It was a rough showing for Amegadjie, who struggled in a non-padded practice against Austin Booker, who beat him a couple times and forced Caleb Williams out of the pocket, according to Zack Pearson. It's highly unlike that Amegadjie wins this role -- heck, he might not even make the roster -- but Ben Johnson is giving everyone an opportunity to win the job. Salvon Ahmed gets opportunity with Kyle Monangai sidelinedKyle Monangai remained sidelined for the second straight practice, which opened the door for veteran Salvon Ahmed to shine during Friday's workout. According to Chris Emma, "Ahmed is getting a good audition out of the Bears backfield. Hes healthy again and looking to showcase his better form from the past." Greg Braggs noted that Ahmed had "some giddy up to his step." Ahmed had a long run with the second-team offense, per Brad Biggs. While there's no question that Monangai is RB2 when he returns to the field, this is a good opportunity for some other guys to get looks and make a case for a roster spot. Ahmed will battle the likes of Roschon Johnson and Brittain Brown for that third running back role, and this is a good start for the veteran back.Follow Bears Wire onTwitter,FacebookandInstagramThis article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 5 takeaways from Day 3 of Chicago Bears training camp0 Comments 0 Shares 51 Views 0 Reviews
-
-
U.S. Jumbo Bags Market Highlights Greif, Inc. to USD 10.4 BillionThe global Jumbo Bags Market is expected to witness steady growth as industries increasingly adopt flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs) for efficient handling, storage, and transportation of dry bulk materials. According to Future Market Insights (FMI), the market is projected to grow from USD 6.9 billion in 2026 to USD 10.4 billion by 2036, registering...0 Comments 0 Shares 77 Views 0 Reviews
-
Pet Healthcare Boom: Companion Animal Drugs Market to Reach USD 33.2 Billion by 2036The global Companion Animal Drugs Market, part of the Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals industry, is expected to witness sustained growth as increasing pet ownership, rising expenditure on animal healthcare, and growing awareness of preventive veterinary medicine continue to strengthen demand worldwide. According to Future Market Insights (FMI), the market is projected to grow from USD 18.2...0 Comments 0 Shares 106 Views 0 Reviews