All offseason, we resisted the prevailing narrative that the Atlanta Falcons were screwed this year on account of their quarterback situation. We argued it was impossible to know how Tua Tagovailoa would respond to having a new head coach and new supporting cast members.It took just one quarter of one preseason game for most of the air to get taken out of those arguments. Tagovailoa's debut with the Falcons was about as mediocre as could be, reinforcing all the negative takes on his game over the last two years.The worst of it was Tagovailoa's refusal to throw the ball downfield - or even past the line of scrimmage. When he came off the field his average per attempt was somehow less than one yard.Tua threw 5 passeszero attempts traveled even 5 yards in the airall 5 were thrown underneathhe averaged -0.2 air yardslowest of any QB in a preseason game so far this year https://t.co/6pEGvmb6pF Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) August 15, 2026Heading into the second week of the preseason, Tagovailoa has been named the one player on the Falcons who's on the hot seat by Zachary Pereles at CBS Sports."The bridge/maybe more(?) quarterback train chugs on from Minnesota to Atlanta, whereTua Tagovailoaseemed to be the leader in the clubhouse overMichael Penix Jr., if only because Penix still isn't taking part in full team drills... Then Tagovailoa had anuninspiring preseason Week 1-- "definitely not up to standard," he said -- and he's already in the hot seat as the presumed starter. Not great."To be fair, Tagovailoa's action on Friday night was a very small sample size and Atlanta's offensive line didn't do him any favors against Denver's league-best pass rush.That being said, there was nothing one could point to and say it was a positive sign of things to come - no flashes of the potential that once made him a top-five overall pick coming into the league and a Pro Bowler just three years ago. Tua will have to show something in this week's joint practices with the Indianapolis Colts or he may manage to lose the QB1 job by default when Michael Penix Jr. is healthy enough to return to the lineup.This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons QB on hot seat after just 1 preseason game

The NBA released the 2026-27 schedule, and the Los Angeles Lakers have an interesting set of matchups that will serve as a litmus test for the new roster.With so many moving pieces to the roster, the first few months of the season are going to tell Lakers fans a lot about whether or not the team that Rob Pelinka built will be able to stand up to the giants around the NBA.Expectations are always high in Hollywood, and these three games will be the ones where the spotlight is the brightest before the calendar turns to 2027.Lakers vs. Miami Heat On Nov. 2The Lakers first major test comes against Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Miami Heat. The 31-year-old Antetokounmpo was injured for the majority of last season, but he is still a top-five player in the league when healthy. He averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists in 36 games last season. Now, hes paired with three-time All-Star and five-time All-Defensive second-team member, Bam Adebayo.These two will give the Lakers adversity on the court, but Head Coach Erik Spoelstras coaching will be a factor from the sideline.The three-time NBA Champion led the Heat to a 43-39 record last season, even with Tyler Herro only playing 33 games due to a multitude of injuries. Unfortunately for Spoelstra, the Heat lost Norman Powell in free agency, but other pieces like Tim Hardaway Jr. are expected to step up.On paper, theyre a highly effective team, and their roster will provide a healthy test for the Lakers defense. Walker Kessler was signed for matchups like these. This early-November game will test him against the exact kind of frontcourt he was signed to defend.Lakers @ San Antonio Spurs on Nov. 27The San Antonio Spurs will only improve from their 4-1 defeat in the NBA Finals last season, and General Manager Brian Wright has added even more talent with 16-year veteran Tobias Harris.Victor Wembanyama led his team to a 3-1 season series record over the Lakers last year, but now LA has the depth to truly compete. Doni, Reaves, and Quentin Grimes can provide enough offense to match San Antonios starters. Collin Sexton and the second unit will be the X-factor.Similarly to the Heat matchup, another massive factor in the Spurs games will be the battle of the tall trees. There have been reports this offseason that Wembanyama could be even taller than his listed height.For those this may concern Victor Wembanyama is definitely taller than 7'4". Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) August 10, 2026It only adds more pressure on the shoulders of the 7-foot-2 Kessler. He generated polarizing headlines after signing his $140 million four-year deal. The most important task with his signing is to suffice in his matchups with Wembanyama.The Lakers will not make the NBA Finals without facing the Spurs or Oklahoma City Thunder. OKCs roster has more average bodies compared to San Antonios Alien in the post. So, winning the series opener will tell fans whether LA has a fighting chance or not.Lakers vs. Philadelphia 76ers On Christmas DayIts safe to say that the entire world will be fixated on the Lakers-Sixers matchup on Christmas Day. NBA Christmas Day 2026 on ABC and ESPN: Spurs @ Knicks Heat @ Celtics 76ers @ Lakers Thunder @ Timberwolves Nuggets @ Warriors Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 11, 2026Not only did the Sixers add Jaylen Brown via trade, but they also won the LeBron James sweepstakes. Playing against James, in particular, will present a range of challenges, given his familiarity with the Lakers. Hes aware of JJ Redicks playbook, and the offensive tools at James disposal will torment Los Angeles.Since Doni will have his hands full with Tyrese Maxey, it only makes Reaves matchup with VJ Edgecombe all the more troublesome. However, the Lakers do have a bright spot with Grimes on the perimeter.Quentin Grimes the corner 3, then continues with an excellent defense on Jaylen Brown, and Joel Embiid hits the jumper to put the Sixers up 8, with 5:16 minutes remaining in regulation (with replays) pic.twitter.com/RWq0b82RSK MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) April 29, 2026He played great defense on Brown in the Playoffs last year, and Brown is Phillys No. 2 option, giving the Lakers a much-needed positive.LA and Philly will meet twice, with the second meeting scheduled for March 4. The space between games only amplifies the anticipation for the potential NBA Finals matchup, one that would be poetic after James passed the torch to Doni last season.The post What Are the Lakers Biggest Games on 2026 Part of Schedule? appeared first on The Lead.

New York Jets running back Breece Hall will be sidelined two to three weeks with a strained groin, but is expected to be ready to play in the regular-season opener.Coach Aaron Glenn was cautiously optimistic Monday after Hall caught a pass late in practice Monday, pulled up and fell to the rain-slicked grass. Glenn said Tuesday that tests confirmed that the injury isn't serious and won't sideline the Jets' No. 1 running back for long.Knowing how important he is for what were doing, it was really exciting to hear it, Glenn said.The 25-year-old Hall is considered a key to New Yorks offense and is coming off his first 1,000-yard rushing season. Hall, a 2022 second-round draft pick from Iowa State, has 1,000 yards from scrimmage in three straight seasons, making him just the sixth player and fifth running back in franchise history to accomplish the feat.He received a three-year contract extension in the offseason worth up to $45.75 million and has said he wants to continue to prove that he's one of the NFL's top running backs.Its definitely a relief, quarterback Geno Smith said of the prognosis for Hall. We need Breece and praying for a speedy recovery from him. Hes a big part of our offense and our team. Hes a leader on our team and on our offense, and so his presence is felt when hes out there. So, we appreciate him and just hoping he comes back as soon as possible.Without Hall, the Jets backfield will be a bit short-handed during the next few weeks. Isaiah Davis, a fifth-round pick in 2024, is also sidelined with a knee injury but is expected back before Week 1. Braelon Allen will assume the starting role, with Kene Nwangwu and undrafted rookies Sam Scott and Chip Trayanum the other running backs on New Yorks roster.Im not going to sit here and try to tell Braelon to do something out of the ordinary than what hes been doing, Glenn said. Just run the ball, understand what your landmarks are, hit it up in there, and be Braelon.Glenn said linebacker Mykal Walker is also expected out for two to three weeks with a calf injury, but is expected back in time for the Week 1 game at Tennessee on Sept. 13.Geno Smith is feeling better, but uncertain to play at PittsburghAfter sitting out the preseason opener against Tampa Bay with a sore ankle, Geno Smith has practiced the past two days and says the swelling is getting better. But it's uncertain if he'll play in the second preseason game Friday night at Pittsburgh. Ill leave it up to Coach, but my job is to get ready and help this team get ready to be ready to play Week 1, Smith said. Whenever I get the chance to play, as I've told you guys, I look forward to it. Ill also leave that up to Coach.For now, though, Glenn is keeping that decision if he's even made it yet to himself.We want to make sure that we get our guys ready for Week 1, Glenn said. So, whatever we have to do to be able to do that, thats what were going to do. If its playing in this game because he feels up to it and hes ready to go and he wants to be with the other guys, lets go. If hes not playing because we want to continue to be cautious in that situation, well do that.___See APs full NFL coverage here

Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson ContrerasThe Boston Red Sox lost Alex Bregman in free agency, but did manage to add a great bat in Willson Contreras.Contreras was not the only bat the Red Sox pursued in the offseason. They reportedly went after Pete Alonso, who signed with the Baltimore Orioles on a five-year, $155 million deal. The Red Soxreportedly offered him fewer years and significantly less money.The team likely had concerns about committing that much money to Alonso at age 31, fearing his power numbers would decline and he would not be able to maintain hitting for a high average. Contreras was acquired from the St. Louis Cardinals and has had a career year. Looking back, it's worth asking if the team made the right move.Contreras is making nearly $5 million less than Alonso, but is older and was acquired with three seasons of club control. Long-term, Alonso may be the better option, but Contreras has had the better year this year. Contreras has a higher bWAR, batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage and OPS.Looking for the perfect gift for a baseball player in your life? Check out our brand new baseball lifestyle brand!Alonso does have three more homers, but has played in 15 more games.Alonso has not had a bad year by any means, and the Red Sox, in hindsight, may have been wrong to worry about how he would age. He is hitting .267, which is not far off from his career high. He has played in every game and has maintained strong home run numbers in a more difficult venue for right-handed hitters to hit homers.All in all, the Red Sox got something in Contreras that perhaps they could not have in Alonso, which is an a fiery competitor and leader. The Red Sox needed a personality like that in their clubhouse, and it's hard to imagine them salvaging their season the way they have without Contreras' leadership.More MLB:AL East Would Make History If Season Ended Today

NEW DELHI: Devdutt Padikkal believes Indias aggressive approach and a strong showing from the fast bowlers have put the team in a commanding position heading into the final day of the first Test against Sri Lanka at Galle.India closed Day 4 with Sri Lanka struggling at 84-4, still needing 288 runs to reach the imposing target of 372. Padikkal, who scored 44 in Indias second innings, said the team was conscious of the need to regain control after losing wickets while chasing quick runs.We had to make sure to put pressure back on them with quick runs to establish control again, Padikkal said during the post-day press conference.India was bowled out for 193 in 48.5 overs after beginning the day at 54-2. Rishabh Pant provided the biggest push, scoring 66 off 69 balls, while Padikkal contributed 44 off 75 and KL Rahul made 35 off 47. India then made early inroads into Sri Lankas chase.Mohammed Siraj removed Nishan Madushka for six before Manav Suthar struck twice. Prasidh Krishna later dismissed Kamindu Mendis, leaving Sri Lanka at 47-4 before Dhananjaya de Silva and Sonal Dinusha survived the final hour.Padikkal on red-ball adjustmentsPadikkal also spoke about the technical changes he has been working on as he adapts between white-ball and Test cricket.Worked on lot of things. Technique changes from white ball to red ball. I have a setup for whiteball but its important to tighten with my hands being closer for the red ball. I have gotten better at it and hopefully can keep getting better, he said.With the No.3 spot likely to remain a talking point, Padikkal praised Sai Sudharsan, who has also been competing for a place in Indias top order.Sai has been doing well for us, very talented. Whoever gets that opportunity, should do well, Padikkal said.He also spoke positively about his partnership with Rahul, saying the two understand each other's game well.Batting with him enjoyable, we have had long partnerships. We play well with each other, he understands my tempo. Such chemistry helps, he said.Padikkal also reserved praise for Pant, whose attacking 66 helped India push the scoring rate and build a sizeable lead.Great entertainment, he produces moments. Puts them under pressure. Everyone is happy to have a player like him in the side, Padikkal said.India eye victory in GallePadikkal was impressed by Indias pace attack, particularly given the conditions in Galle. He said the pitch has begun offering more assistance to the spinners as the Test progresses.Fast bowlers bowled really well. Didnt expect fast bowlers to pick those many wickets but we know match moves really quickly in Galle Day 3/4 onwards. Pitch is turning more from the stumps now, than it was earlier. It is turning a lot more now.With Sri Lanka needing 288 more runs and India six wickets away from victory, the final day promises a tense finish.

The home of the last three college football national champions vs. the conference where, "it just means more." The Big Ten and SEC are constantly bickering over which one is the top league in college football. They each care about earning that recognition from the outside. They each have their own opinion on what should determine that hierarchy. FOX Sports college football writer RJ Young would like a word in shaping that discussion. His ranking of all 138 FBS teams ahead of the 2026 season illuminates the status of each team in those conferences as the 2026 college football season approaches. Michigan State, lord have mercy. Please get out of your own way. Listen to coach Tom Izzo. Remember who you stand for, what you stand for and hope like hell that foundation transfers to the football field. RJ Young Boilermakers coach Barry Odom needs to show results in the toughest league in the country. The good news is Purdue returns Ryan Browne, who threw for 300 yards or more twice last year, including 30-of-50 for 302 yards against top 25-ranked Illinois. RJ Young But I'm sure Scarlet Knight fans are tired of national analysts like me reveling in their past. Let's hope Greg Schianos 2026 team gives us both hope for the future. RJ Young The Terps are 4-38 against top-25 teams in the CFP era. That's the bad news. The good news is Malik Washington might just be another Taulia Tagovailoa for Terps coach Mike Locksley. RJ Young PJ Fleck knows how to build a team that competes. The Golden Gophers have finished with a winning record in six out of nine seasons despite eight different coordinators across both sides of the ball. RJ Young Last year was Wisconsins worst in 35 years. Luke Fickell has to wear that. And after getting the dreaded "vote of confidence" from the administration, hes got to put Wisconsin back in the race to become one of the four best teams in the Big Ten. RJ Young David Braun has gone 19-19 as head coach at Northwestern. A .500 record will do just fine in 2026 there too. Whether Chip Kelly has some magic left in him after a disastrous stint with the Las Vegas Raiders is another question. RJ Young Has coach Matt Rhule reached the ceiling for what he can do at Nebraska? Despite achieving AP top-25 rankings in each of the last two seasons and winning at least seven games in 2024 and 2025, Rhules Nebraska has been unable to defeat class opponents. RJ Young Can Bob Chesney perform at a Big Ten program like he did at James Madison? Indiana coach Curt Cignetti did. Cignetti came from JMU to a bad Big Ten team and immediately turned that program into a College Football Playoff contender. With Chesney having just led JMU to the CFP, it's not unthinkable for him to lead the Bruins to their first CFP appearance. RJ Young At East Carolina last season, Katin Houser threw for 3,300 yards with 19 touchdowns and six interceptions. But can he do that against a schedule that features games at Ohio State, Oregon and at Iowa? I wont hold my breath. RJ Young Iowa was essentially four plays from a 12-0 season, and the CFP selection committee tried to will that record into existence with its ranking of the Hawkeyes last year. Now, I'm asking Ferentz to not make the CFP put its thumb on the scale. Running back Kamari Moulton will help with that. RJ Young Matt Campbell brought the best of Iowa State with him to Happy Valley, building his reputation on doing more with less while turning the Cyclones into a Big 12 contender. At Penn State, hell get his first opportunity to do more with more. RJ Young Kyle Whittingham has everything he needs to reach the CFP for the first time in his career at a program that has made it three times in the last five years and won a national title just two years ago. RJ Young Yes, head coach Lincoln Riley is great. Yes, QB Jayden Maiava is good. But Gary Patterson is one of the best defensive playcallers the sport has ever seen, and hes running the defense at USC in 2026. That alone is enough for me to believe the Trojans can make a real run at a CFP appearance. RJ Young Provided Oregon runs the ball and plays defense the way it did a year ago and it should there's no reason the Ducks can't win the first national championship in program history. RJ Young Ohio State hasn't completed the triple crown since 2014, but the pieces are in place to make it happen. That doesn't mean the road will be easy. The Buckeyes must replace 11 NFL Draft picks, including three first-round selections, while also breaking in a new offensive coordinator. RJ Young Lost in the shuffle of quarterbacks a third new starter in as many years and the rather exhausting list of talent and veteran leadership that departed Bloomington are a few important facts: 1. Curt Cignetti is still the head coach. 2. The best record in the sport over the last two seasons (27-2) belongs to Indiana. 3. The Hoosiers are the reigning national champions and the first team since 1894 to finish 16-0. RJ Young Since 2019, the Razorbacks have won nine games in a season just once and were capped at two-win seasons three times. That's just one more reason former Razorbacks coach Sam Pittman had to go, and former Memphis coach Ryan Silverfield was brought in. RJ Young Former Kentucky high school football star Will Stein finally took a chance on himself. In becoming UK head coach, he's also attempting to do in Lexington what Curt Cignetti did in Bloomington: Turn a basketball school into a football school overnight. RJ Young When you start the season 4-0, like the Bulldogs did last year, a 1-8 record over the next nine games can feel like a swift kick to the groin. Start fast again, and this time finish, MSU. RJ Young Before Clark Lea arrived in Nashville, the Commodores couldn't threaten the SEC any more than an ant threatens a boot heel. Since Clark? By God, they're winning 10 games a season. They fielded a Heisman finalist. They're flipping five-star QB recruits from Georgia. This is me giving Vandy its flowers a gift also appropriate for funerals, apologies and 20th century first dates. Now, with true freshman quarterback Jared Curtis likely to take the conductors seat on the train but three of the four best receivers from 2025 gone let's find out just how much more coal Lea can shove in the furnace. RJ Young Tell a South Carolina fan that Shane Beamers Gamecocks ain't beat nobody with a ranking on the scorebug since Nov. 30, 2024. Tell them that they ain't beat nobody at all since Sept. 27, 2025. Then watch them drop back in a prevent defense called "LaNorris Sellers Is Coming." RJ Young Can Alex Golesh turn an Auburn program into a version of who Ole Miss was in the Lane Kiffin era? Well have an answer to both questions soon enough, and I hope Tiger fans like them. RJ Young Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel has built a program capable of staying competitive and successful in the tumultuous NIL era. But this season, he has a career backup in George MacIntyre competing with five-star phenom Brandon Faizon for the starting quarterback job. RJ Young Jon Sumrall has reached a conference championship game in every season of his head-coaching career. Im betting on Sumralls record as a head coach and Jadan Baughs ability to carry the offense here. RJ Young Austin Simmons could emerge as one of the nations top signal-callers in 2026. Add in Ahmad Hardy's 1,649 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns from last season, and the Tigers have the makings of one of the SEC's most dangerous offenses. RJ Young Its easy to forget that Alabama was the home team in the SEC championship game against Georgia, and that the Tide became the first program to win a CFP game on the road. Kalen DeBoers job in 2026 is to create a memorable season rather than just a few memorable moments. RJ Young Following Lane Kiffins departure, Ole Miss head coach Pete Golding answered questions about just how good he can be for the Rebels with the two biggest wins in school history beating Tulane and Georgia to make the CFP semifinals all while Kiffin raided the Ole Miss roster and staff. Star QB Trinidad Chambliss will return for a sixth season after putting together a Heisman-caliber year in 2025. RJ Young The Sooners barely had a run game last season but still managed to win 10 games and earn a home CFP game. If quarterbackJohn Mateer improves his accuracy, offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle becomes less predictable in his playcalling and head coach Brent Venables again fields one of the stingiest defenses in the sport, Oklahoma has a real path to the CFP. RJ Young Offensive coordinator Holmon Wiggins and quarterback Marcel Reed must take a major leap if A&M is going to chase its first conference title of any kind since 1998. RJ Young LSU made Lane Kiffin one of the highest-paid coaches in the sport and the highest-paid ever without a championship on his rsum. They also gave him the resources to bring in former Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt, Colorado offensive tackle Jordan Seaton and Ole Miss defensive end Princewill Umanmielen. For a program that hasnt won a national title since 2009, LSU fully looks built to change that. RJ Young [Related: Good And Bad, Lane Kiffin Is The Answer And LSU Is Betting Big On It] Former Arizona State RB Raleek Brown and former NC State RB Hollywood Smothers enter the fold, as well as former Auburn WR Cam Coleman. They should help the most bankable player in the sport, Arch Manning, propel the Longhorns to what they hope will be their first national title appearance since 2009. RJ Young The SEC still belongs to Georgia. The Bulldogs have lost just once at home since 2019, but they still haven't won a CFP game after earning a first-round bye in the 12-team era. That's why so much of this season centers on returning quarterback Gunner Stockton. RJ Young

Journalist: Manchester United weighing late move for versatile signingMan United Transfers: Bruno Fernandes Contract Talks, Left-Back Plans and Late Window QuestionsManchester Uniteds summer has reached a revealing stage. The first phase of business was completed early, the mood around pre-season has offered some clues, and the final weeks now appear set to define how Michael Carricks squad looks when the serious action begins. Credit to The Athletic for the original reporting, which set out the latest on Uniteds market position and, in particular, the central issue of Bruno Fernandes, the left-back search and the sense that further movement is still possible before the deadline.For a club that has often been associated with volume spending, one line stands out immediately. Uniteds net outlay sits at only 44million. That is a notable shift in the context of recent years, especially after more than 500m went on new players in the first two years following Sir Jim Ratcliffes acquisition of a stake in the club. The tone around Old Trafford now points to a more controlled market strategy, and that helps explain why the club started the window quickly but have slowed down.That slowdown has not removed urgency. It has simply changed the shape of the summer. United addressed midfield early, moved for depth in goal, and then paused. The key question now is whether this measured approach proves smart or whether it risks leaving Carrick short in positions that still need attention.Bruno Fernandes remains central to everythingThe most important development concerns the captain. According to The Athletic, Manchester United are in contract talks with Bruno Fernandes amid the player receiving a lucrative proposal from Galatasaray. The terms of that offer are substantial. The Turkish club offered the 31-year-old a salary of 20million (17.1m;$23.2m) a year, an eye-catching figure for any player entering his thirties.Photo IMAGOYet the significant detail from Uniteds perspective is the players stance. Fernandes wants to remain at United and is in discussions about a new deal. That will come as a major relief internally and among supporters, because the entire creative framework of this side still revolves around him. His current deal, signed in August 2024, run until 2027, with the option of an additional 12 months, which gives the club a degree of security. There was also a mechanism that briefly invited outside attention, because Fernandes had a 65m release clause that was only open to foreign clubs earlier this summer, but that has since expired.That expiry matters. It changes the balance of power. The report adds that United are not open to selling Fernandes after the expiration of that clause and maintain they have not received any contact from clubs over the Portugal international. Put simply, the clubs public and private line is strong, and the player appears aligned with it.From a football standpoint, that is entirely logical. The supporting analysis around Fernandes in the source piece was striking. He was described as the outstanding creative force in Europe last season, with numbers that underline how dependent United remain on his influence. Fernandes created four chances per game, more than any other player across Europes top five leagues, culminating in a record-breaking 21 Premier League assists. Add to that his work rate and availability, and the conclusion was direct, Selling him is unthinkable.That may sound emphatic, but it is difficult to argue with. United can talk about long-term planning, squad restructuring and future profiles, but none of those objectives are made easier by removing the one player who consistently keeps the attack coherent. The smarter route is the one already implied in the report, keep Fernandes, renew his terms, and find players who can lighten his load physically and creatively.Why Man United have slowed in the marketThere is a temptation to read inactivity as indecision, but the explanation offered is more layered than that. The Athletic states that Signing midfielders was a crucial aspect that had to be addressed early in the window, and United did that by signing Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. Backup goalkeeper Karl Darlow also joined. That early work gave the club breathing space.Afterwards, United then decided to take stock and assess options, while seeing how Carricks team progressed through pre-season. Certain situations have also needed time to develop, so United waited. There is a logic to that sequence. Rather than forcing deals at inflated prices, the club appear to have preferred a pause, evaluation and then a late-window push if the right opportunities emerge.Still, this is where the pressure rises. With a fortnight left in the window, and Carrick confirming his desire for more signings, some supporters are calling for United to strike. That feels like a fair reading of the mood. A calmer process is understandable, but it still has to produce outcomes. If there are obvious needs and the manager has flagged them publicly, the final stretch cannot drift.Carrick himself was measured in his wording, but clear enough. Theres one or two areas where wed like to improve. But we are pretty clear in the messages that we need to keep pushing and theres certain things that we want to try and do, but it needs to be right. That quote captures the current recruitment line perfectly, open to business, selective on profile, unwilling to move simply for the sake of movement.Left-back has become the key area to watchIf one position defines Uniteds remaining plans, it is left-back. The report says plainly that Left-back is the main focus, with midfield another area to address. In an ideal world, the preferred solution may offer flexibility across both roles, a profile capable of filling more than one tactical need.That explains the mention of Myles Lewis-Skelly. The article notes that United have been offered the chance to sign Lewis-Skelly through intermediaries and that although a deal would appear complicated the situation is not necessarily thought to be the end of the matter. Those caveats are important. Arsenal clearly remain the players priority, and elsewhere in the wider piece it is stated that Lewis-Skelly himself wants to stay at Arsenal. So while the admiration may be genuine, the path is crowded.Photo IMAGOThe same applies to another admired option. United have also strongly considered Lewis Hall, a player whose tactical intelligence and development make obvious sense for this role. But there is a blunt obstacle, Newcastle insist the 21-year-old is not for sale. That tends to end discussions quickly unless the selling clubs position changes late in the window, which cannot be relied upon.That is where a more attainable route emerges. Jorge Salinas represents a cheaper plan, and the source goes further, saying his 16m release clause in his Racing Santander contract means a deal could be concluded quickly for the Spain Under-19 left-back. In late-window terms, those are attractive conditions. United would know the cost, the mechanism is clear, and the age profile fits a broader recruitment model that seeks upside as well as immediate cover.Another avenue appears closed. Club Brugge insist Joaquin Seys, who has been linked with United, will not be leaving. Across this shortlist, a pattern forms. United may know what they want, but several of the more prominent names are difficult to prise away. That places more focus on whether the club pivot decisively to the realistic option rather than spending too long chasing the ideal one.Rashford, Zirkzee and late-window exits to monitorThere were also important clues around the wider squad. Marcus Rashfords appearance against Milan drew attention for more than one reason. The report notes that he played his first United game of any kind in 20 months and wore the No 9 shirt. While shirt numbers can still change, the interpretation offered was clear, it signified the expectation that he will remain at United beyond the end of the window. In a summer full of questions around squad hierarchy, that is a notable signal.Photo IMAGOElsewhere, the striker position could still come into sharper focus. A striker is on the cards if Joshua Zirkzee departs, according to The Athletic, and Juventus have held talks over Zirkzee. That feels like a situation worth tracking closely. Outgoings often unlock final incomings, and if United move a centre-forward late in the window, they may need to react quickly.Photo IMAGOThere are younger players attracting interest too. West Brom are at an early stage of trying to do a deal for Collyer, although other clubs are interested. The same report adds that Suitors are expected to make a move for Harry Amass, Uniteds 19-year-old left-back. Those cases matter because they can influence squad depth and development plans, particularly in a position where the senior side is already looking for reinforcements.The academy market has moved already. Ethan Williams joined Peterborough in a deal worth 750,000 plus add-ons and a 50 per cent sell-on clause while Ethan Ennis moved to Stockport County for a lower six-figure fee and a 50 per cent sell-on. Those are sensible structures, preserving future upside while allowing pathways elsewhere.All of this leaves United facing a familiar but crucial final fortnight. The broad strategy can be defended. The club have not overreacted, they have protected their strongest asset in Fernandes, and they have shown some discipline after years when spending often felt disconnected from a bigger plan. Yet discipline only earns praise when it is matched by execution. Left-back remains unresolved, midfield depth still appears under consideration, and the possibility of a striker move hangs on departures.The biggest positive is that the most important business may be internal. If Fernandes stays, signs fresh terms and remains the axis of Carricks team, United retain a level of control over their season. The challenge is building enough around him to make that control count.Our ViewFrom a unsure Manchester United supporter perspective, this report leaves me somewhere between reassured and uneasy. On Fernandes, there is no debate for me. If Fernandes wants to remain at United then the club have to get that done and get it done quickly. He dragged us through too many matches last season for there to be any doubt. When you read Selling him is unthinkable, that feels exactly right.Where I am less comfortable is the pacing of the rest of the window. I understand the line that it needs to be right, and after years of rushed deals that sounds sensible. But fans also know how these windows can end, lots of noise, not enough action, and then we are told to trust the process while obvious weaknesses remain.Left-back being the main focus makes sense, but if Lewis-Skelly wants Arsenal and Lewis Hall is not for sale, then United need to stop dreaming and start deciding. If Salinas is the realistic deal, make the call. The same goes for midfield depth. This squad still feels one or two injuries away from looking very thin in key areas.So yes, there are good signs here. Keeping Bruno would be huge. Rashford staying could still matter. But I do not think supporters are wrong to want a stronger finish to the window than the current pace suggests.Source: The Athletic

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave RobertsThe Los Angeles Dodgers are going for a three-peat this season and made aggressive moves in the offseason to make it happen.While moves to add Kyle Tucker and Edwin Daz have not necessarily worked out, the roster is still loaded, and the Dodgers have the third-best record in baseball. They are 2 1/2 games behind the Brewers for the best record in the National League.The Dodgers were the No. 3 seed last year and won the World Series. Where they are seeded may not matter, but it's clear which team they actually need to worry about. The Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves all have solid rosters that could topple the Dodgers if everything goes right, but they don't quite stack up with the reigning champs in a seven-game series.However, the Milwaukee Brewers have everything it takes to beat Los Angeles this year. In a short series, it will be nearly impossible to match the Dodgers' starting rotation. Any combination of Blake Snell, Tarik Skubal, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, Roki Sasaki and Shohei Ohtani would shut down an offense for a best-of-three or best-of-five series. The Phillies have the pitching to put up a fight, but the offense has clear holes.Looking for the perfect gift for a baseball player in your life? Check out our brand new baseball lifestyle brand!In a short series, the Brewers can match the Dodgers' rotation with a mix of Jacob Misiorowski, Logan Henderson, Kyle Harrison and Dustin May. Their bullpen is also one of the best in baseball. However, if the standings hold and Milwaukee is the top seed, they would not see the Dodgers until the National League Championship Series.In a best-of-seven series, the Dodgers would still seemingly have the advantage, but the Brewers just took three of four from the Dodgers in Los Angeles, and did so without Brice Turang, Abner Uribe and starting shortstop Cooper Pratt.The recent series between the two highlighted the huge gap between the two bullpens. Both starting rotations are elite, and the Dodgers offense is better, but it's clear at this point that if anyone in the NL is going to beat the Dodgers, it's the Brewers.The Braves have the bats to beat the Dodgers, but do not have nearly enough pitching. The Cubs starting rotation is not good enough to keep up with the Dodgers, likely ruling them out as well. The Brewers are a complete team with the tools to challenge the Dodgers in a long series.More MLB:AL East Would Make History If Season Ended Today

True to their word, the Dallas Cowboys were not done shopping for their defense this summer. With training camp in Oxnard nearly complete and the regular season opener less than a month away, Dallas inked former All-Pro pass rusher Von Miller to a one-year, $5,500,000 deal.Miller, 37, brings with him a Hall of Fame level resume that includes Defensive Rookie of the Year, three All-Pro selections, eight Pro Bowls and a Super Bowl title. Coming off a nine sack, 36-pressure season in Washington, Miller fits the profile of what the Cowboys need in 2026.Without a true star pass rusher on the roster, the Cowboys plan to implement pass rush by committee. Millers nine sacks are more than anyone in Dallas achieved last season, so a natural conclusion would be to place him atop the pecking order this season. But what do the stats support?In 2025, Miller logged 420 defensive snaps. Based on Pro Football Focus tracking, 289 of his snaps were on pass plays. With a total of nine sacks, he averaged one sack every 32 passing plays. At 18 pass rush plays per game, it was about half-a-sack per week.Since sacks are a fairly unstable stat and pressures are much more predictive year-to-year, pressures probably offer better insight into 2026. With 36 pressures in 2025, he posted a pressure rate of 12.5 percent. For perspective, Donovan Ezeiruaku posted a pressure rate of 10.5 percent, Dante Fowler posted 12.1 percent, James Houston posted 13.7 percent, and Jadeveon Clowney posted 17.6 percent. So, Miller fits into the same ballpark as Dallas two remaining edge rushers, Ezeiruaku and Houston.At age 37, Miller is expected to slide into somewhere in the rotation. As someone who typically rushes from the left side, hes unlikely to infringe upon Ezeiruakus snaps and will probably be taking snaps from Rashan Gary. For those wondering at home, Gary posted a 13 percent pressure rate in 2025, which was technically better than Miller.I'm a fan of the Von Miller signing, but I find it hilarious how everyone is quoting the 9 sacks from last year but ignoring the 9.5% pass-rush win rate (very not good) in addition to 8 total quick pressures (less than 2.5 secs). We gotta be honest and not cherry pick stats. John Owning (@JohnOwning) August 17, 2026For as impressive as Millers resume is, he hasnt posted a Pro Bowl season since 2019 and his nine sacks last season were the most hes posted in five years. Given their age, its fair to say Ezeiruaku and Houston will both improve on their pass rush numbers while Miller will probably regress to his five-year mean. Thats not to say Miller isnt a good addition, just that he raises the floor of the rotation, rather than raises the ceiling of the rotation.Miller could possibly be a team leader in the sack department this season, but its likely that will have more to do with the proportion of pass rush opportunities he gets than the quality of rusher he is. With that said, hes a solid pickup for a team that doesnt know what they have in edge rushers this year, and he comes at a very reasonable price.You can follow Reid on X@ReidDHansonand be sure to followCowboys Wire on Facebookto join in on the conversation with fellow fans!This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: What advanced stats say about Cowboys newest pass rusher Von Miller

TimesofIndia.com in Galle: KL Rahul reluctantly stood his ground after the umpire raised his finger. Prabath Jayasuriya was convinced, the close-in fielders were celebrating, but Devdutt Padikkal, at the non-striker's end, pushed his senior teammate to ask for a review. The right-hander pointed towards his back leg, but the moment replays confirmed contact with the front pad, it looked curtains. Then, the seven-letter word, 'missing,' flashed, and Rahul gave Padikkal a warm hug.The review and the moment left mixed tastes and contrasting reactions, but with a similar degree of surprise from both the batter and Sri Lanka players, which aptly summed up the situation as focus moved back to live action. The ongoing Galle Test has had anything but an expected storyline. Who would have thought that 14 wickets would fall on Day 4, with eight of those picked up by the fast bowlers from both sides?Not just that, when India were expected to bat Sri Lanka out of the contest, they failed to do so. The hosts' early collapse made the writing on the wall clearer, but the rearguard rescue act changed the mood. And just when India looked favoured to return to the "bat out of the game" narrative, an ordinary batting performance never allowed the declaration question to get louder as the visitors were bundled out for just 193 in 48.5 overs.The sun was out in its full glory on Day 4, and the clear sky meant we had an extended period of uninterrupted cricket at hand. Brisk runs were the need of the hour, but Yashasvi Jaiswal's dismissal off just the third delivery of the innings set the tone for the remainder. The left-hander chased an early delivery, Rahul perished after an ordinary shot, Shubman Gill continued to bat in a very un-Gill-like fashion, and except for Devdutt Padikkal and Rishabh Pant, no other India batter showed the stomach for a fight. India looked to re-establish control in the Test with quick runs but chose questionable shots in the process."We had to make sure to put pressure back on them with quick runs to establish control again," said Devdutt Padikkal, centurion of the first innings, at the end of the day's play on Tuesday.The pitch wasn't raging or turning square, and conditions remained ideal for batting. However, the cushion of the lead seemed to allow complacency and carelessness to creep into the second innings. Jaiswal should have done better; Rahul could have opted for a different approach against Prabath Jayasuriya; Gill opted for a shot he doesn't play often, and in no time, India had three of the top four with their feet up in the dressing room.If not for Padikkal's fluency and Rishabh Pant's fight, India could have been in a precarious situation, as only three batters reached double digits. Pant stood out with his audacious strokeplay, as he has on numerous occasions in the past. The bowlers played with his mind by setting different traps, but the left-hander continued to find a way through, scoring boundaries. He would charge down the ground and play a tennis-like forehand, and the next ball, he would go deep in his crease to play one fine. He used sweeps and reverse-sweeps to full effect, focusing on only one currency: runs. And no matter how they came.Pant isn't for the faint-hearted, and neither is his wagon wheel, but one constant remains: the ability to boss tricky situations, even if it keeps everyone on the edge of their seat. He didn't get any support from the other end but fought a lonely battle before the short-ball trap finally worked for Sri Lanka, who were tactically sharp with their bowling changes and field placements."Yeah, it's great entertainment. I think he is one of those batters who you love to watch every day of the week. And he produces moments like he did today. He really took the game to them and put them under a lot of pressure. I think that's the ability that he has. He can win games on his own. And when something like that comes off, I think it's always great to watch. And I think everyone is really happy to have a player like him in our side," added Padikkal.Pant was fearless, but the hosts came prepared with different plans for every batter. They used their seamers Asitha Fernando and Lahiru Kumara very smartly, and the pair returned with a collective six wickets. The last instance of seamers together picking five or more wickets at this venue was back in 2016, when Mitchell Starc took six and Josh Hazlewood took one."To be honest, we didn't really expect the fast bowlers to pick all those wickets. That did fall today, I think. But at the same time, credit goes to the fast bowlers. They really put a lot of effort in. They bowled some good spells and they have really done a good job. But at the end of the day, I think the goal you expect from the third day onwards for the game to quicken up a little bit, I think it definitely did turn a little bit more."Especially today, it started turning a little bit more off the stumps. I think initially, it was turning probably from the fourth stump and now it is starting to turn from the stumps as well. For us, as a team, trying to get 10 wickets, that is a really good sign. Hopefully, tomorrow it continues to deteriorate a little bit," explained Padikkal.Sri Lanka fast bowling coach Ryan van Niekerk lavished praise on the pair of Asitha Fernando and Lahiru Kumara for bringing the hosts back into the game from a challenging position, asserting that being proactive helped them find answers."There have been ebbs and flows in this Test, but the bowling group has been very proactive. We had plans and credit goes to the bowlers for executing them. Asitha has been doing a great job for us, and Lahiru cracked open the game with that spell where he brought so much energy," said Ryan."Historically, we know a lot of wickets fall in Galle from Day 4 onwards, so I wasn't surprised by that," he further added.The start to the mammoth 372-run chase wasn't ideal for Sri Lanka as they lost four quick wickets and faced the heat in the final session of the day's play. India were spot on with their tactics, and the ploy of hunting in pairs with spin and pace worked. Mohammed Siraj and Manav Suthar set the ball rolling, and Prasidh Krishna and Ravindra Jadeja sustained the pressure as the first-change pair. While Suthar continued to get a lot of turn, Prasidh bowled with a lot of heat in the fading light to keep the hosts under the pump.Sri Lanka will need a special effort to score 288 runs on the final day, and it's now up to the Indian bowlers to take the remaining six wickets to not only conquer the Galle challenge but also leave a satisfying taste in the mouth when they leave the coastal city. The script, just like the weather, has been anything but predictable, but India wouldn't mind riding the ebbs and flows for one last time.Brief ScoresIndia: 462 & 193 (Rishabh Pant 62, Devdutt Padikkal 44; Asitha Fernando 4/31, Prabath Jayasuriya 3/43, Lahiru Kumara 2/28)Sri Lanka: 284 & 84/4 (Dhananjaya de Silva 31 batting, Sonal Dinusha 25 batting; Manav Suthar 2/30, Mohammed Siraj 1/11)

A team from Iowa has qualified for the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and the Register has comprehensive coverage of the Davenport Northwest team.The Midwest Region champions open play Thursday, Aug. 20, at 5 p.m. CT against West champion Sweetwater Valley of Bonita, California.Here's a look at our continuing coverage of the Iowa LLWS team.Davenport Northwest schedule at the Little League World SeriesHow the Iowa team was assembled, and how it qualified for LLWSMeet the Davenport Northwest All-Stars headed to WilliamsportTeam from Iowa defeats Wisconsin to win Midwest Region championshipPhotos of the Davenport Northwest All-StarsThis article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: The Register's coverage of Iowa team in Little League World Series

Why did defending champion Indiana, powerhouse Alabama, and big-spending Texas Tech miss the cut for college footballs most expensive rosters?