After a brutal preseason loss against the Chicago Bears, the Cleveland Browns and newly hired head coach Todd Monken will head back to the drawing board this week.One of the biggest concerns for the Browns' offense outside of the quarterback room heading into this offseason was the run game. Last year, Cleveland averaged 97.0 rushing yards per game, ranking 27th in the league. 2025 second-round pick Quinshon Judkins' season-ending injury had a major implication on the poor rushing attack, but despite his terrific play when healthy, the bellcow back averaged 3.6 yards per carry.Still, Judkins does not deserve all the blame for the inefficiency on the ground. The Browns' offensive line was one of the worst run-blocking units in the NFL last season, finishing with an average PFF run-blocking grade of 61.7. However, the hope was for Monken to fix the run game with a new-and-improved offensive line this year, but Saturday's preseason matchup was not a promising sign for the rushing attack in 2026.Browns' run game issuesCleveland's run game, for the first time in a live setting under Monken, failed to consistently move the ball downfield for a majority of the contest. The offense ended the contest with 27 rushes for 108 yards for an average of four yards per carry. But if you take out the last drive from rookie Davon Booth with less than two minutes left, the Browns would have had 24 carries for 56 yards for an average of 2.3 yards per carry.One of my biggest takeaways from watching the #Browns All-22 vs the Bears is that the offensive line got WORKED at the line of scrimmage in the run game.If you take out the last drive, the Browns would have finished with:- 24 carries/56 yards- 2.3 YPC- Not a single player Dylan Feltovich (@dyfelt) August 16, 2026In fact, if it were not for Booth's strong finish to the contest, rookie wide receiver KC Concepcion would have been the lone player to finish with double-digit rushing yards.Cleveland's struggles on the ground during Saturday's contest were clearly amplified due to poor blocking in the trenches. Monken and the running backs found success running outside of the tackle, but the Bears' defense was able to contain most run plays between the tackles. The offensive line failed to hold its ground, which prevented the running backs from reaching the second level of the field.pic.twitter.com/gdtnZoIOEL Dylan Feltovich (@DyfeltClips) August 16, 2026In defense of the offensive line, Chicago did load the box with seven or eight players at once throughout the matchup, while some of Monken's tight formations allowed for the defense to key in on the run. But ultimately, the Browns' performance on the ground this year will come down to the offensive line and Monken's ability to set the unit up for success during the regular season.This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns' run game issues put on full blast against Bears

Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn ImagesBefore Indiana Pacers superstar Tyrese Haliburton tore his Achilles tendon in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals, the point guard was well on his way to becoming a household name. Sure, Haliburton had been well-known to basketball fans for years at that point, but an NBA championship ring wouldve pushed him into another realm of stardom.Alas, it wasnt meant to be after Haliburton went down midway through the first quarter of Game 7, with the Oklahoma City Thunder cruising to victory in his absence.Haliburtons injury coming at the latest possible moment of the season meant he would miss the Pacers entire 2025-26 campaign rehabbing. Hali would raise his national profile a bit by contributing to Prime VideosNBA Nightcap throughout the season, but the Pacers guard was largely out of sight and out of mind as the team finished 19-63, the worst record in franchise history.But with Haliburton poised to make his return this upcoming season, and the Pacers looking to right the ship, Indiana would seem to be an intriguing team headed into 2026-27. Alas, the NBA schedule makers didnt find them intriguing enough to put the team in a national television window for Haliburtons return. The Pacers will open the season against the New Orleans Pelicans on Oct. 21 and it will not be nationally televised.That news didnt sit well with Haliburton, who shared his feelings on a recent episode of theNumbers on the Board podcast.Name any other person that you compare to my level of a basketball player, wherever you have me ranked, if they tore their Achilles and missed 16 months, do you think that [first game back] would be on national TV? Haliburton asked rhetorically. Do you think that game would be at home if not on national television? Do you think that game would be at New Orleans?When I saw the schedule I was like, Oh, wow. I was shocked to see that. But we move on.Haliburton has a point. If this exact situation happened to, say, Anthony Edwards or Victor Wembanyama, theres zero doubt their return game would be on national television. The NBA is making its perspective on Haliburtons star power very clear by sending him down to New Orleans, projected to be one of the worst teams in the league next season, for his first game back.In total, the Pacers have just 11 national television games scheduled for the upcoming season, well behind the maximum of 34 given to the San Antonio Spurs, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, and the LeBronified Philadelphia 76ers. The Pacers rank 15th out of 30 NBA teams in terms of national television exposure.It seems the NBA is making Haliburton and his Pacers prove their meddle again before beaming them out to the entire country.The post Tyrese Haliburton shocked first game back wont be on national TV appeared first on Awful Announcing.

Crossing off another yearly milestone in the summer, the NBA has dropped its entire 2026-27 regular season schedule. The Oklahoma City Thunder now know how things shake out in the marathon-esque slate as they play every other night for seven months.The Thunder enter the 2026-27 season as a co-title favorite alongside the San Antonio Spurs. Even with a summer filled with cost-cutting moves, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren are a star-studded nucleus that'll keep them in the conversation.Because of that, the Thunder are one of the NBA's main characters again. They have the fifth-most national TV games at 30 in the 2026-27 regular season. Only the New York Knicks, Spurs, Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers are ahead at the maximum allowed 34 apiece.Let's break down OKC's national TV schedule. Here's a look at all 30 matchups throughout the 2026-27 regular season:Tuesday, Oct. 20: Thunder at SpursTime: 8:30 p.m. CTChannel: NBC, PeacockThursday, Oct. 22: Nuggets at ThunderTime: 8:30 p.m. CTChannel: ESPNWednesday, Oct. 28: Thunder at MavericksTime: 8:30 p.m. CTChannel: ESPNMonday, Nov. 2: Thunder at CavaliersTime: 6 p.m. CTChannel: PeacockTuesday, Nov. 10: Thunder at Trail BlazersTime: 10 p.m. CTChannel: NBC, PeacockWednesday, Nov. 25: Timberwolves at ThunderTime: 6:30 p.m. CTChannel: ESPNTuesday, Dec. 22: Pistons at ThunderTime: 7 p.m. CTChannel: NBC, PeacockFriday, Dec. 25: Thunder at TimberwolvesTime: 7 p.m. CTChannel: ABC, ESPNWednesday, Jan. 6: Thunder at SixersTime: 6:30 p.m. CTChannel: ESPNWednesday, Jan. 13: Rockets at ThunderTime: 8:30 p.m. CTChannel: ESPNSunday, Jan. 24: Thunder at WarriorsTime: 7:30 p.m. CTChannel: NBC, PeacockTuesday, Jan. 26: Thunder at LakersTime: 10 p.m. CTChannel: NBC, PeacockSaturday, Jan. 30: Nuggets at ThunderTime: 2 p.m. CTChannel: ABCFriday, Feb. 5: Pacers at ThunderTime: 8:30 p.m. CTChannel: Amazon PrimeSunday, Feb. 7: Knicks at ThunderTime: 8:30 p.m. CTChannel: NBC, PeacockThursday, Feb. 11: Spurs at ThunderTime: 8:30 p.m. CTChannel: Amazon PrimeSaturday, Feb 13: Sixers at ThunderTime: 4:30 p.m. CTChannel: Amazon PrimeWednesday, Feb. 17: Celtics at ThunderTime: 8:30 p.m. CTChannel: ESPNThursday, Feb. 25: Thunder at KnicksTime: 6:30 p.m. CTChannel: Amazon PrimeSaturday, Feb. 27: Thunder at PistonsTime: 4:30 p.m. CTChannel: Amazon PrimeTuesday, Mar. 2: Timberwolves at ThunderTime: 7 p.m. CTChannel: NBC, PeacockSaturday, Mar. 6: Thunder at LakersTime: 7:30 p.m. CTChannel: ABCMonday, Mar. 8: Mavericks at ThunderTime: 8:30 p.m. CTChannel: PeacockFriday, Mar. 12: Thunder at CelticsTime: 6:30 p.m. CTChannel: Amazon PrimeSunday, Mar. 14: Spurs at ThunderTime: 1:30 p.m. CTChannel: ABCWednesday, Mar. 17: Mavericks at ThunderTime: 6:30 p.m. CTChannel: ESPNTuesday, Mar. 23: Thunder at SunsTime: 10 p.m. CTChannel: NBC, PeacockSunday, Mar. 28: Thunder at TimberwolvesTime: 6:30 p.m. CTChannel: NBC, PeacockThursday, Apr. 1: Lakers at ThunderTime: 8:30 p.m. CTChannel: Amazon PrimeThursday, Apr. 8: Warriors at ThunderTime: 8:30 p.m. CTChannel: Amazon PrimeThis article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Let's look at all 30 national TV games for OKC Thunder in 2026-27 season

The Dallas Cowboys' first preseason game is in the books, and while they may have won the game, 17-7. it's more important to see how individual players performed. These are the moments when players can start separating themselves from the competition, either to make the roster or move up the depth chart. It also gives the Cowboys coaching staff and front office a chance to evaluate the roster and identify areas that still need to be addressed.Overall, it was a decent showing from the Cowboys, but they still have work to do to get the penalties under control. Dallas had players on both sides of the football who performed above expectations, while others fell short. In a time when every snap counts, here are two studs who were able to generate positive plays and help themselves, and two duds who'll need to step up their game moving forward.Studs: TE Michael Trigg4 receptions for #Cowboys UDFA TE Michael Trigg in Week 1 of the preseason.Nothing super spectacular, but a solid debut nonetheless. pic.twitter.com/jULzwb5YLR Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) August 16, 2026The Cowboys knew exactly what they were getting when they signed Trigg after the draft and had a plan for him. In his first preseason game, Trigg showed the rest of the league why he's such a difficult matchup after catching four of his five targets for 30 yards. What's even more impressive was how he performed during the two-minute drill Dallas ran.Trigg was able to move the chains in a high-pressure situation and did so with ease. The biggest area of concern for Trigg entering the league was his blocking, but in his first preseason game, he looked better than expected. He was able to hold his ground and sustain blocks when called upon. That's a good sign for Trigg because if he can continue to develop as a blocker, he could become a real weapon for Dallas this season and beyond.Duds: CB Caelen CarsonIt's never a good sign for a cornerback to constantly hear his number called out by referees, but that was Carson's reality on Saturday. Carson was responsible for two early penalties, defensive pass interference and a face mask, that accounted for 34 yards and helped keep alive a Seahawks drive that led to its only points of the game. He later added a defensive holding penalty, bringing his total to three on the night.For a player looking to make the roster, Carson can ill afford to make these mistakes. This is a new coaching staff, and Carson isn't a player they drafted. Especially after the moves Dallas made at cornerback this offseason, Carson can't afford too many more nights like this if he wants to maintain his place on the roster.Studs: WR Camden BrownBefore this game started, Brown was probably the last player expected to lead the team in receiving yards and touchdowns, but that's exactly what happened. Brown made two spectacular catches, both resulting in touchdowns. The first came late in the second quarter, on a 39-yard reception from quarterback Sam Howell. Brown was able to jump in front to make the catch with a defender on his back trying to rip the football away. The second touchdown came in the third quarter on a two-yard pass from Joe Milton. This time, Brown made a one-handed catch over his defender in the back corner of the end zone.Cowboys rookie WR Camden Brown pic.twitter.com/6uaApr05XG Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 16, 2026Overall, it was a very strong showing from Brown, who could be moving up the depth chart after catching all three of his targets for 62 yards and two touchdowns. Dallas could have a difficult time sneaking him onto the practice squad if he continues to play at this level.Duds: Second-string offensive lineThe biggest issue for the Cowboys in this game, outside of the 13 penalties, was the play of the second-string offensive line. Both Sam Howell and Joe Milton rarely looked comfortable in the pocket, as pressure came up the middle at times and off the edge far too often. Fortunately for Dallas, both quarterbacks were athletic enough to escape defenders and make plays on the move.Things weren't much better in the running game. Running backs Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah weren't able to find many running lanes, as defenders were often meeting them near the line of scrimmage. It would be smart for the front office to start looking at potential trades or available free agents who can help strengthen the depth behind guard T.J. Bass. Based on this performance, that's an area that could use some attention before the regular season begins.This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Studs and Duds: 2 Cowboys UDFAs lead offense while some vets struggle

Devdutt Padikkal said his maiden Test century against Sri Lanka was the result of two years of hard work and preparation, after the left-hander scored a career-best 167 in the first Test at Galle.Resuming from an overnight score of 131, Padikkal batted for 230 balls and hit 15 fours and a six to help India reach 460/9 on a rain-hit second day. The Karnataka batter said he had long prepared himself to make the most of an opportunity at the international level.Definitely. I've dreamt of this moment. For the last two years, I've been working really hard to try and make sure that when I get that opportunity, I can do something special like this, and I'm really happy to do that," Padikkal said.How Padikkal Took on Sri Lankas SpinnersPadikkal played with positive intent against spin, using confident footwork and attacking shots to put pressure back on the bowlers."I think we have discussed that at length, especially when you're playing spin, it's important that you have certain plans in your head.You cannot go out there and expect to react all the time. It's important that we have a couple of shots in your head that you want to play as soon as you go out there, so that you can put some pressure on the bowler as well. So, I think over the last year or so, we have really worked on trying to find ways in our own strengths that you can really implement to make sure that you put pressure back."He said clarity and complete commitment to every shot had improved his footwork and confidence.The Hunger to Keep ScoringPadikkal did not stop after reaching his century and converted it into 167. He said staying focused immediately after reaching a milestone was crucial."I think honestly, it's just the hunger to score more runs. I just enjoy batting out there, and the moment you get to 100, it's easy to relax and feel that relief. But it's important that for me, the next 20-30 balls are the really important phase that I try and make sure that I'm completely focused, completely there.I think when I get past those first 10 balls after 100, I think it makes my job a whole lot easier and over the years, I've seen so many cricketers get big runs, get big hundreds, especially back in Karnataka. So just watching them bat makes me want to do the same."Padikkal expects the Galle pitch to become more challenging over the next few days. After his long innings in humid conditions, however, his celebration plans were simple: "Not really. I think I'm tired, so I'm just going to go back to bed now," he concluded.

RABAT, Morocco (AP) Cameroon faces tournament debutant Malawi in the final of the Womens Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday, when one of the teams will win the trophy for the first time.Cameroon, which missed the last edition, defeated host nation Morocco on penalties in the semifinals, where Malawi overcame Algeria thanks to starring performances from the Chawinga sisters, Tabitha and Temwa.They both scored in the 3-1 win against Algeria and together have scored nine of Malawis 12 goals in the tournament.Cameroon is making its fourth appearance in the final after losing three all to 10-time winner Nigeria.___See APs full soccer coverage here

The Seattle Seahawks have a need at right guard, and free agent guard Kevin Zeitler may be the player that they need to address that.Seahawks starting RG Anthony Bradford dealt with his share of struggles in 2025 despite helping Seattle win the Super Bowl at the end of the season, which has put him on the hot seat entering the upcoming season.Bleacher Reports Moe Moton listed the Seahawks as the best landing spot for Zeitler ahead of the 2026 season.At 36, with 213 career starts, Kevin Zeitler would be a decent plug-and-play option for the reigning Super Bowl champions, Moton said. In 2025, he allowed just 16 pressures over 590 pass-blocking snaps, perPro Football Focus. The 14-year pro has played most of his snaps at right guard, which makes him a viable replacement for Bradford.Bradford is approaching the final year of his rookie deal with the Seahawks in 2026. The Seahawks have Beau Stephens, who is in line to give Bradford a run for his money at the right guard slot next season. Zeitler may be a veteran equipped to offer the Seahawks stability at the position, as he gave up only 14 total pressures in 2025 with the Tennessee Titans, which was exactly half that of Bradford, who allowed 28 total pressures on the year.This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Is Kevin Zeitler a fit for Seahawks in free agency?

Como come up short at Anfield, Liverpool win 2-0, Gakpo and JacquetComo lose the second match of the day at Anfield. The first behind-closed-doors game between the Reds and the Lariani had ended 0-0, but in the evening clash it was Liverpool who came out on top 2-0 thanks to goals from Gakpo(24') and new signing Jacquet(44').Fabregas' side, just as had happened against Arsenal, looked far from out of place despite the defeat, and the coach can be satisfied, also with the upcoming international commitments in next season's Champions League in mind.Now, for both teams, the focus shifts to the league. Como will begin on Saturday, August 22 with an afternoon clash against Udinese, while Iraola's Liverpool will open their Premier League campaign on Sunday the 23rd in a blockbuster match against Newcastle. Como chance and Liverpool hit the barIn the second half, Liverpool controlled the game and until the 84th minute there were no major chances for either side. But it was right at the end that the match came alive again, first through Diao and then Gravenberch.The Como player was picked out after a fine counterattack by new signing Cuoto! The Senegalese forward tried a curling right-footed shot from the edge of the box, but it went just wide! A few minutes later, Liverpool had the chance to make it 3-0 through Gravenberch: the Dutchman confidently went for a placed finish, but the ball crashed against the crossbar and went out.The scoreline remained unchanged, and at the final whistle it ended 2-0 for Liverpool, who wrapped up pre-season with a win. Reds double their lead through Jacquet44TH MINUTE - Just before heading back to the dressing room, Liverpool doubled their lead through new signing Jacquet from a Gakpo assist! The Reds' second goal came at a moment when Fabregas' Como were growing into the game: both Douvikas and Jesus Rodriguez had looked dangerous. But despite the pressure from the Lariani, Liverpool came out on top.From a corner, Van Dijk did well to play a square ball to Gakpo, who fired a low pass into the middle of the box for Jacquet: an easy tap-in that the Frenchman only had to poke into the net to give the Reds a two-goal lead. Gakpo!!! Liverpool take the lead23RD MINUTE - After coming close to scoring twice, first through Isak who hit the post and then through Szoboszlai, whose right-footed effort went just wide, Liverpool took the lead through Gakpo. It all started with a fine run down the right by Frimpong, who then cut inside and picked out Gakpo's run with a diagonal pass. The Dutchman controlled it and struck with his right foot, finding the bottom corner and beating Butez. The deadlock was broken at Anfield!This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in here.

The Milwaukee Brewers conclude their weeklong road trip to the West Coast by taking on Tarik Skubal and the Los Angeles Dodgers on Aug. 16. Follow along for live updates as Logan Henderson (6-2, 2.88) opposes Skubal (7-6, 2.93) in the starting pitching matchup.What time is the Brewers game tonight?Time: 3:10 p.m. CT.What channel is the Brewers game on?Brewers.TVWhat is the Brewers record?76-48.Brewers lineupWilliam Contreras, DHLuis Lara, RFJackson Chourio, LFJake Bauers, 1BAndrew Vaughn, 3BGary Sanchez, CBrandon Lockridge , CFJoey Ortiz, SSJonathan Ornelas, 2BDodgers lineupShohei Ohtani, DHFreddie Freeman, 1BAndy Pages, CFMax Muncy, 3BMookie Betts, SSKyle Tucker, RFTommy Edman, 2BTeoscard Hernandez, LFBen Rortvedt, CBrewers probable pitchers and scheduleOff-day Aug. 17.Brewers vs Mariners, Aug. 18, 6:40 p.m.: Milwaukee LHP Kyle Harrison (9-3, 3.47) vs. Seattle RHP Bryce Miler (4-6, 3.39). TV Brewers.TV/FOX. Radio AM-620 WTMJ.Brewers vs Mariners, Aug. 19, 6:40 p.m.: Milwaukee RHP Dustin May (6-7, 4.13) vs. Seattle RHP Logan Gilbert (9-7, 3.28). TV Brewers.TV. Radio AM-620 WTMJ.Brewers vs Mariners, Aug. 20, 1:10 p.m.: Milwaukee LHP Robert Gasser (3-5, 4.54)vs. Seattle RHP George Kirby (8-9, 3.89). TV Brewers.TV. Radio AM-620 WTMJ.This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee Brewers vs Los Angeles Dodgers score, lineups, live updates

Tommy John, the pitching great known for the surgery that bears his name, has died at 83