Month: October 2024

Oct 24, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Rams visit Seahawks, look to gain ground in NFC West

Posted on | by Field Level Media

How tight is the NFC West race?

The Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals are tied for the division lead with 4-4 records, while the Los Angeles Rams are a half-game back at 3-4.

That will make for an intriguing matchup Sunday in Seattle, when the Rams visit Lumen Field.

The Rams were just 1-4 going into their bye week before winning two games in five days, beating Las Vegas 20-15 on Oct. 20 and Minnesota 30-20 last Thursday, both at home.

“I believe in this group,” Rams coach Sean McVay said. “I believe in the coaches. I believe in the players. I saw resolve. I didn’t see a flinch. And we still have a long way to go. We’ve won two games in five days, but it is just two games. We’ve done a good job of getting ourselves back to where we wanted to be.”

The return of wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua from lengthy injury absences helped L.A.’s offense get untracked against the Vikings.

“They brought a lot of energy to our team, and a ton of confidence,” said Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, who threw for 279 yards and four TDs against Minnesota after having just three scoring strikes in the previous six games combined. “It’s not only just the offense. I know the defense feels it too when those guys are out there making plays.”

The Seahawks have been headed in the opposite direction, losing four of five games since a 3-0 start. That includes a 31-10 loss to the visiting Buffalo Bills last Sunday.

“We got outplayed and we got outcoached, and we’ve got to go make it right,” Seahawks first-year coach Mike Macdonald said.

The Seahawks had their chances in the first half, but one drive stalled on second-and-goal from the Buffalo 3-yard line when center Connor Williams’ snap sailed over quarterback Geno Smith’s head. Another ended when Williams stepped on Smith’s foot on a fourth-and-goal play from the 1, causing the QB to fall backward.

“When you talk about all the things that we want to do, well, I don’t think we did any of those (last Sunday),” Smith said. “So we’ve got to look at ourselves, look in the mirror, and take it from there.”

Linebacker Ernest Jones IV, making his debut for the Seahawks after being acquired from Tennessee, made 15 tackles. Jones played the previous three seasons with the Rams before being dealt to the Titans less than two weeks before the season opener after failing to come to terms on a contract extension.

“I know who he is as a player,” Stafford said. “Physically, really talented. Mentally and emotionally, really gifted. Loved being a teammate with him. Have a ton of respect for who he is as a person and as a player. I don’t think there’s any disadvantage or advantage. I just know it’s a challenge going against him.”

The Seahawks hope to get DK Metcalf (knee) back after he missed last week’s game, though he and fellow wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. (knee) and cornerback Devon Witherspoon (foot) have missed practice time this week.

Nose tackle Neville Gallimore (shoulder) was the only Rams player to miss an entire practice in preparation for the game against Seattle.

–Field Level Media

Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt (95) chases Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during their football game Thursday, September 28, 2023, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.

Plenty on the line when Lions visit rival Packers

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Cornerback Amik Robertson expected excitement upon joining the Detroit Lions as a free agent in the offseason.

Now that the excitement follows the surging Lions wherever they go — next stop, Sunday’s showdown at NFC North rival Green Bay — he’s eager to help division-leading Detroit maintain momentum.

“I’ve never been a part of nothing like this, but like I said, we just got to keep going,” Robertson said. “You know how this league is; they love you when you’re winning and you lose a couple games, it’s whatever. So, we just got to keep going and keep our eyes on the prize.”

Detroit (6-1) and Green Bay (6-2) boast the second- and third-longest winning streaks in the NFL at five and four games, respectively.

With the status of Packers quarterback Jordan Love (groin) uncertain, however, the hosts could face even tougher sledding against a Lions team averaging more than 40 points in its past four games.

Although Green Bay has scored at least 24 points in four straight games (including two games in the 30s), Love feels the attack still can hit its stride.

“I don’t think we’ve played our best performance,” said Love, who didn’t practice Wednesday but said it’s “realistic” he could play against the Lions. “So, we’re definitely still trying to hunt for that.”

After struggling against the Packers for several years, the Lions enter Sunday with a 4-2 record against Green Bay under coach Dan Campbell.

Detroit is coming off a 52-14 home rout of the Tennessee Titans in Week 8, fueled by contributions from all three phases. Quarterback Jared Goff passed for three touchdowns (but just 85 yards) and Jahmyr Gibbs rushed for 127 yards and a score to pace the offense, the defense forced four turnovers and Kalif Raymond returned a punt 90 yards for a TD en route to securing NFC special teams player of the week.

Green Bay also has excelled against foes from the AFC South, especially in crunch time. Kicker Brandon McManus, who signed with the Packers in late October, has connected on game-winning kicks as time expired in the past two games, against Houston and at Jacksonville.

Love sustained a groin injury in the first possession against the Jaguars but didn’t leave the game until the fourth quarter. Backup Malik Willis, who started in Weeks 2 and 3 with Love out with a sprained left knee, steered Green Bay to a 30-27 win.

Packers coach Matt LaFleur acknowledged Love’s desire to play and said “we’ll push the envelope” with testing his mobility as the week progresses. Love was one of seven Packers to sit out practice Wednesday. Among the others were running back Josh Jacobs (ankle) and offensive linemen Elgton Jenkins (glute), Rasheed Walker (knee) and Josh Myers — each of whom have started every game this season.

Goff, who rolled his ankle against the Titans, also didn’t practice Wednesday but said “it should be fine” and he expects to return Thursday. Other Lions players missing practice on Wednesday include offensive lineman Taylor Decker (chest) and defensive end Joshua Paschal (illness).

Packers rookie linebacker Edgerrin Cooper earned NFC defensive player of the week plaudits against Jacksonville, recording eight tackles, a strip sack and a pass breakup.

Detroit and Green Bay each prevailed on the road in last season’s series. The Lions are aiming for their third straight victory at Lambeau Field. That’s been a notable blip for the Packers, who have won 24 of the past 29 regular-season meetings at Lambeau and hold a 104-76-7 edge in the regular-season series overall.

–Field Level Media

Oct 13, 2024; London, United Kingdom; Chicago Bears coach Matt Eberflus watches from the sidelines against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second half during an NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Bears try to bounce back from Hail Mary disaster in Arizona

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How imbalanced is the NFC eight weeks into the season?

The Chicago Bears own a better record than the Arizona Cardinals, but the Bears are last in their division and the Cardinals share first in theirs.

What’s more, despite the fact the Bears (4-3) are superior in win-loss record, point differential, DVOA rating and every other useful metric, most sportsbooks list Kyler Murray and the Cardinals (4-4) as a slight favorite Sunday afternoon in Glendale, Ariz.

Perhaps the Hail Mary that cost the Bears a victory last Sunday at Washington — and cost head coach Matt Eberflus some credibility with the fan base — also has put Chicago in a different light with the masses.

Eberflus caught flak after the game and all week — including from Bears players — for letting the Commanders complete an undefended 13-yard pass directly before Jayden Daniels’ game-winning 52-yard touchdown pass with no time left.

He also got second-guessed for claiming that 13-yard completion was harmless, for failing to call a timeout to get the Bears better-prepared for the Hail Mary, and for not disclosing whether cornerback Tyrique Stevenson — who was facing the wrong way and taunting Commanders fans while the final play was in progress — was handed any punishment for his negligence.

“I’ve talked with Tyrique,” Eberflus said. “We had a good conversation. I’ll keep it there with him and I. It’s all about accountability and execution and that starts with me. The game didn’t finish the way we wanted it to. We hold each other accountable.”

“We voiced our opinions and he voiced his thoughts,” Bears quarterback Caleb Williams said of the weekly meeting between Eberflus and the Bears’ eight captains. “We had a grown-man talk. No raising voices or things like that — just a real talk.”

In contrast, everything seems peachy in the desert. The Cardinals have won three of their last four games for the first time since Weeks 9-13 of the 2021 season. In each win — over San Francisco, the Los Angeles Chargers and Miami by a combined four points — Chad Ryland has booted a game-winning field goal in the final two minutes (including two with no time left).

Another key for the Cardinals? In their four losses, they’ve amassed just four sacks. But in their four wins, they’ve stacked up 11. Veteran outside linebacker Dennis Gardeck and second-year tackle Dante Stills lead the way with three sacks apiece.

“We’ve got to continue to find ways to affect the passer,” said Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon. “There’s been some glimpses in some games when we’ve done it pretty consistently — and there’s been some games where we haven’t been so consistent. This (week) is a big-time challenge for us because (Caleb Williams) forces you to play differently on defense with his skill set.”

Arizona might gain rookie defensive tackle Darius Robinson’s services Sunday. The first-round pick has yet to appear in a game due to a calf injury suffered in preseason, but he was added to the roster this week with hopes the projected starter will round into shape sooner than later.

Meanwhile, the Bears might be without two key pieces in their secondary. Starting safety Jaquan Brisker (concussion) and nickel back Kyler Gordon (hamstring) missed last week’s loss and didn’t participate in Wednesday’s walkthrough. Defensive end Montez Sweat (shin) was one of three other Bears to miss practice.

For the Cardinals, offensive lineman Kelvin Beachum (groin) and Robinson (calf) were the only two players to miss practice. Cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting (neck) practiced in full.

Prior to kickoff Sunday, fans gazing down at the field will see one of the most genuinely warm pregame conversations between head coaches in NFL history. Gannon, who’s in his second year as Arizona’s boss, spent 2018-20 serving as the Indianapolis Colts’ defensive backs coach when Eberflus was the team’s defensive coordinator.

“My guy,” Gannon said. “It’ll be good to see him. People ask me about him all the time. The first thing that comes to my mind is elite leadership skills. I learned so much from him. I took a lot of what I learned from him to Philly (as defensive coordinator) and then to here. He’s been a really cool resource for me. I love his family. His family did a lot for my family in Indy.”

–Field Level Media

Oct 27, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson watches a replay against the Green Bay Packers during the first quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images

Doug Pederson hopes return to Philly propels Jags

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Jacksonville Jaguars coach Doug Pederson returns to Philadelphia on Sunday without at least one top wide receiver and faces a surging Eagles team that is a Hail Mary away from first place.

The Eagles (5-2) have won three straight games and were on the verge of overtaking Washington for the NFC East lead before a miraculous, last-second touchdown pass by the Commanders last Sunday moved Washington to 6-2.

Philadelphia cruised to a second consecutive road victory last weekend, winning 37-17 at Cincinnati following a 28-3 defeat of the New York Giants in Week 7.

Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts accounted for four TDs (three rushing) against the Bengals and did not turn the ball over for a third straight game. Saquon Barkley ran for 108 yards, surpassing 100 scrimmage yards for the sixth time in seven games, and is No. 2 in the NFL with 766 rushing yards.

The Eagles rank second in the league in rushing with 165.9 yards per game and fourth with 12 rushing touchdowns.

“I think the identity of this football team is physical and that’s what we’re going to try and play by each week, is physical,” Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said. “Now, when you say physical, that doesn’t mean you have to run it every time — you run it, you pass it, you can be physical in both aspects.”

Philadelphia meets a Jacksonville defense that ranks 29th in scoring (28.0 points per game) and total defense (382.1 yards per game).

The Jaguars (2-6) were unsuccessful in Pederson’s first return to Philly, where he coached from 2016-20 and led the Eagles to their only Lombardi Trophy in Super Bowl LII. Philadelphia welcomed him back with a 29-21 win against Jacksonville on Oct. 2, 2022.

In that meeting two years ago, the Eagles limited the Jaguars’ Trevor Lawrence to a career-low 11 pass completions and forced five turnovers by the quarterback — including four fumbles.

Lawrence may have bad memories, but Pederson said he looked forward to being back at Lincoln Financial Field, where he is honored with a statue depicting his “Philly Special” play call in the Super Bowl that helped to defeat the New England Patriots.

“Fans are great. Obviously, we won a championship there and I’ve still got a lot of close friends, family friends,” he said Wednesday. “That place is always going to be one of the spots for me that I enjoy going back to.”

As for the statue, Pederson said he didn’t plan to visit it. “Want me to tailgate, too?” he quipped.

Jacksonville last weekend lost by five or fewer points for the fourth time this season, falling 30-27 at home on Green Bay’s walk-off 24-yard field goal by Brandon McManus.

The Jaguars also lost receiver Christian Kirk for the season with a broken collarbone in the fourth quarter. He ranks second on the team in receptions (27) and receiving yards (379) behind rookie Brian Thomas Jr., who left that game with a chest contusion and was limited in Wednesday’s practice along with fellow wideout Gabe Davis (shoulder).

Jacksonville running back Tank Bigsby (ankle) was also limited Wednesday, but Pederson said he was hopeful for the return of starter Travis Etienne Jr. (hamstring) after missing two games. Etienne was also limited at practice.

For the Eagles, defensive tackle Jalen Carter (shoulder), guard Landon Dickerson (knee), tight end Dallas Goedert (hamstring) and cornerback Darius Slay (groin) did not practice Wednesday. Offensive lineman Mekhi Becton (concussion) was limited.

After losing the first three meetings against the Jaguars from 1997-2006, the Eagles have swept the last four to grab the lead in the all-time series.

–Field Level Media

Oct 27, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert (31) celebrates with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) after scoring a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

With Tua Tagovailoa back, Dolphins look to begin push at Bills

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Last time Miami collided with the Buffalo Bills, the Dolphins’ season got thrown completely off course.

Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa sustained a concussion in the third quarter of a 31-10 home loss to Buffalo back on Sept. 12, and he missed the next four games. The Dolphins lost three times during that span, averaging 10 points in those four contests.

With Tagovailoa now back in the fold, Miami will attempt to get back on track when it heads to Orchard Park, N.Y., on Sunday afternoon for a rematch with the Bills.

Tagovailoa made his return last Sunday, completing 28 of 38 passes for 234 yards and a touchdown in a 28-27 setback against the Cardinals. Chad Ryland booted a 34-yard field goal as time expired to complete Arizona’s rally from a nine-point fourth-quarter deficit.

Although the Dolphins (2-5) fell further behind first-place Buffalo (6-2) in the AFC East, Tagovailoa believes there is still time for Miami to make a push.

“Seventeen games. That’s a long time. A lot of games,” Tagovailoa said. “So whether we’re counted out or we’re not, it doesn’t matter. We’re going to continue to play football. … Anything’s possible.

“So we’re going to continue to trust each other, lean on each other, believe in each other and we’re going to go do it (against the Bills).”

Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen knows the Bills can’t take the Dolphins lightly, no matter what the standings say.

“They’ve got some real, real playmakers on the defensive side of the ball. I know their record doesn’t indicate it, but they’re playing really good football right now,” Allen said. “So, we got to be ready for whatever they can throw at us. Got to have a good week of practice and again, make adjustments in-game and go from there.”

Wins have been piling up for Buffalo, which beat the Seahawks 31-10 last Sunday for its third victory in a row. Allen threw a pair of touchdowns against Seattle, while James Cook rushed for two more to go along with 111 yards on 17 carries.

Cook shredded Miami back in September, hauling in a TD pass before finding the end zone twice on the ground.

Linebacker Von Miller could provide the Bills with a boost on defense this week after serving a four-game suspension. He was back at practice on Wednesday.

“I’m in a great spot. I’m just happy all of that stuff is behind me,” Miller said. “Since I’ve been here with the Buffalo Bills, it’s either been injury or the PUP (physically unable to perform) list or the suspension, and I’m just happy to have all the stuff behind me for the first time in 2 1/2 years and just able to just focus on football.”

Offensive tackle Alec Anderson was the only player to miss Buffalo’s practice on Wednesday as he tends to a personal matter. Wide receiver Amari Cooper (wrist) was among those limited.

Ten Dolphins missed practice on Wednesday, with seven battling injuries. Cornerback Kader Kohou (neck) is featured in that group, as is offensive tackle Terron Armstead (rest/knee). Hamstring and wrist injuries limited linebacker Jordyn Brooks, who was one of three players to practice on a limited basis.

–Field Level Media

Oct 27, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) passes the ball as Chicago Bears defensive end Montez Sweat (98) chases during the first quarter at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Giants look to slow Jayden Daniels-led Commanders

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With their game-winning Hail Mary behind them, the Washington Commanders visit the New York Giants on Sunday at East Rutherford, N.J., in an NFC East rematch from Week 2.

The Commanders (6-2) are rolling, one half-game ahead of the second-place Philadelphia Eagles. Quarterback Jayden Daniels is being talked about as the Offensive Rookie of the Year, and perhaps more.

Washington is looking to start the season 7-2 for the first time since 1996.

Meanwhile, the Giants (2-6) are struggling. Several of those losses were close, including a 21-18 defeat at Washington. That day Giants kicker Graham Gano injured his hamstring on the opening kickoff, leaving the team without a kicker the rest of the game.

“It’s going to be a tough battle. That’s what it was Week 2 and that’s what we’re preparing for again,” Commanders coach Dan Quinn said. “That’s kind of part of the fun of what division games are. They’re tough, you have to have a five-quarter mindset to take it as far as you have to take it to go get the win.”

On Monday night, the Giants stayed close to Pittsburgh before losing 26-18, their third straight defeat. Now they’ve had a short week to prepare for the high-scoring Commanders offense.

Giants coach Brian Daboll said earlier in the week that Daniel Jones would remain the starter behind center. The sixth-year quarterback was 24-of-38 passing for 264 yards with no touchdowns, an interception on the final drive and a lost fumble in the fourth quarter against Pittsburgh.

He has thrown six touchdown passes and five interceptions in eight starts this season.

“We look at the things that we did well, which he was certainly part of them, go through some of the things that we can fix, and then move on to the next week,” Daboll said. “That’s what you need to do.”

The Giants are 31st in the NFL with an average of 14.6 points per game and will be facing an improved Commanders defense that held the Chicago Bears to 15 points last Sunday. Torched early in the season by Tampa Bay and Cincinnati, Washington’s defense is allowing 326.4 yards and 20.9 points per game.

New York’s leading rusher Tyrone Tracy Jr. (concussion protocol) did not practice on Wednesday. The rookie carried the ball 20 times for 145 yards (7.3 yards per carry) — all season highs — and a touchdown against the Steelers before leaving in the fourth quarter.

Offensive tackle Josh Ezeudu had his knee drained and did not practice Wednesday.

Daniels meanwhile is coming off his first 300-yard game as a pro after completing 21 of 38 passes for 326 yards and the 52-yard, last-play touchdown pass to beat the Bears. Terry McLaurin had five catches for 125 yards against in the win. On the season, he has 40 receptions for 579 yards and four touchdowns.

Daniels was limited in practice Wednesday due to the rib injury he suffered against the Panthers. The offensive line could be an issue on Sunday. Tackle Cornelius Lucas (ankle) did not practice while tackle Franklin Coleman (concussion) was limited.

The Giants defense will also present challenges. They have allowed 331.1 yards per game and 21.9 points per contest.

“It’s going to be a different game,” said Daniels. “It’s going to be different from Week 2 to now. Obviously, they’ve grown as a defense and a team, we’ve grown as an offense and a team.”

Giants cornerback Deonte Banks, benched during Monday night’s game, will start.

“I’d say I’m focused on moving forward here with (Banks), and I think he’ll approach this week with the right mindset,” Daboll said.

–Field Level Media

Oct 27, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA;Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) hands the ball off to running back Chuba Hubbard (30) in the first half against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Panthers stick with QB Bryce Young, while Saints expect Derek Carr back

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The Carolina Panthers are going with Bryce Young as their starting quarterback for the second week in a row.

This will be his second chance this season against the New Orleans Saints, who still have a quarterback question of their own, when the teams meet Sunday afternoon in Charlotte.

“I’m excited for Bryce to have the opportunity to build off some of the things he did last week,” Panthers coach Dave Canales said this week. “Certainly some things to work on.”

Quarterback Andy Dalton, who had replaced Young as the starter in Week 3, was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice eight days after he suffered a minor thumb injury in an automobile accident.

The Saints (2-6) are only a game ahead of the Panthers (1-7) — who dropped a 28-14 decision at Denver last week — at the bottom of the NFC South standings. New Orleans has lost six straight games, one more than Carolina.

“What we have to focus on is how do we play better football against Carolina this week,” Saints coach Dennis Allen said.

There have been changes for the Saints since their 47-10 thumping of the Panthers in the Sept. 8 season opener. Quarterback Derek Carr’s oblique injury led to rookie Spencer Rattler taking over as the starting quarterback Oct. 13. Carr threw for three touchdowns in the first meeting.

Rattler has thrown for one TD in the past three games combined.

Carr could be back from the injury and play against the Panthers. He went through his first practice on Wednesday since getting hurt on Oct. 7 in a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

“(It depends) how he looks out there and in practice and how he throws the football and how he feels doing that,” Allen said. “My expectations is that Derek is going to be ready to go.”

Carr will get more repetitions before the weekend.

“The real test is seeing how I would feel afterwards,” Carr said. “I feel good. Now stack some days together and, hopefully, play this week.”

The Saints, who have averaged 15.7 points per game during their losing streak, have other ways to hurt the Panthers. Running back Alvin Kamara accounted for 110 total yards from scrimmage in the September meeting.

Yet New Orleans has topped an opponent in time of possession in only one of its last six games.

The Panthers managed only 193 yards of total offense at New Orleans, where Young was intercepted twice. Carolina was 1-for-10 on third downs (with the Saints at 7-for-13).

Carolina’s offense will have a different look in some regard with the trade of receiver Diontae Johnson to the Baltimore Ravens. Johnson was the Panthers’ leader in receptions (30) and receiving yards (357) in his first season with the team.

It’s possible that receiver Adam Thielen could be available Sunday for the Panthers as he was a limited practice participant Wednesday. He’s working his way back from injured reserve after suffering a hamstring injury in September.

“These guys all have the ability, and I think that it’s about just finding the right mix and the right style of plays to be able to attack defenses,” Canales said of the passing attack.

Canales said the Saints’ defense forces accuracy on passes, making it more important for Carolina receivers to create separation from defensive backs.

Carolina listed five players absent from practice on Wednesday because of injuries: offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu (ankle), tight ends Feleipe Franks (concussion) and Tommy Tremble (back), outside linebacker DJ Johnson (ankle) and safety Jammie Robinson (knee).

The Panthers on Tuesday waived safety Russ Yeast, who was a depth addition for last week’s game at Denver.

While Kamara (hand/rib) was limited at Wednesday’s practice for the Saints, six teammates didn’t participate: cornerbacks Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) and Rico Payton (back), free safety Tyrann Mathieu (illness), running back Keandre Miller (hamstring) and wide receivers Bub Means (ankle) and Cedrick Wilson Jr. (hip).

–Field Level Media

Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) exits the field after losing to the Indianapolis Colts 20-17 at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024.

Titans stress patience in losing campaign, while Patriots upbeat after tight win

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The Tennessee Titans are 1-6 and already making plans for 2025. The No. 1 pick in next spring’s draft is more likely than any kind of run to the fringes of playoff contention.

But unlike a couple of teams that have benched their young starters at quarterback to play veterans, Tennessee is committed to playing Will Levis as soon as he returns from a right shoulder injury. That could happen as early as Sunday, when the New England Patriots visit Nashville in a battle of teams that are a combined 3-12.

Levis has shown little of the big arm that made him a pleasant surprise last year when he took over in late October. He has averaged two turnovers in five games, tossing seven interceptions and losing three fumbles.

Brian Callahan is a first-year coach with a hall pass for now. He and the franchise can afford on some level to play Levis and let him — and the team — take lumps now in hopes they can learn from mistakes later.

“There’s not a lot of patience in pro sports in general,” Callahan said. “Sometimes, it does take a little bit of time to learn all these things. You’re balancing winning with developing and that’s a very, very hard thing to do in pro football and probably every professional sport because fans want success.

“It’s a really tricky thing, but it also stems mostly from (quarterback) is just such a difficult position to play and there’s so much demand on the position that you have to play a good amount of football to learn those lessons.”

Levis is actually completing 66.4 percent of his passes, up eight percent from last year, but he is averaging less than nine yards per completion. Backup Mason Rudolph is hitting nearly 59 percent of his attempts but averaging just over 10 yards per completion.

New England (2-6) has quarterback questions of its own, even after snapping a six-game losing streak last week with a 25-22 win over the New York Jets. Rookie Drake Maye suffered a concussion late in the first quarter and practiced in a limited role on Wednesday.

Veteran Jacoby Brissett, who led a late fourth-quarter touchdown drive to secure the victory, will start if Maye is unable to make it all the way through the league’s protocol.

“I feel very comfortable putting Jacoby in there as he is a professional and always stays ready, as you could see from the last game,” first-year Patriots coach Jerod Mayo said of Brissett. “However that plays out, we’ll see.”

One thing that became clear last week is that Mayo found the right button to push after a blowout loss to Jacksonville in London on Oct. 20, when he called his team soft. The Patriots displayed a renewed purpose against the Jets, an opponent that beat them 24-3 in September in New York.

“I would say those guys answered the challenge,” Mayo said. “I don’t think we have soft guys in the locker room.”

The Patriots listed 13 players as limited at practice on Wednesday, including Maye and safety Kyle Dugger (ankle). Three players didn’t practice: linebacker Christian Eliss (abdomen), offensive tackle Vederian Lowe (ankle/shoulder) and defensive tackle Jaquelin Roy (neck).

Levis was a limited participant while nine of his teammates missed practice on Wednesday, including wide receivers Tyler Boyd (shoulder) and Calvin Ridley (shoulder), running back Tony Pollard (foot), cornerback L’Jarius Sneed (quad) and nose tackle T’Vondre Sweat (hip).

The Patriots own a 26-18-1 advantage in the all-time series with the Titans, including four postseason games. New England won the teams’ last matchup 36-13 in 2021 in Foxboro, Mass.

–Field Level Media

Oct 27, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston (5) throws a pass during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Browns, now in QB Jameis Winston’s hands, face stingy Chargers

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Jameis Winston was just an afterthought earlier this month when the Cleveland Browns had a full stable of quarterbacks.

But Deshaun Watson’s season-ending Achilles injury changed the dynamic and Dorian Thompson-Robinson’s injury to a throwing finger in the same Oct. 20 game fully opened the door for the 30-year-old Winston.

Winston excelled last weekend in his first start in 25-plus months. He will attempt to repeat the performance when the Browns host the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.

Winston wiped off the cobwebs and passed for 334 yards and three touchdowns in a 29-24 home victory over the Baltimore Ravens.

The performance prompted Cleveland coach Kevin Stefanski to anoint Winston as the starter for the rest of the season.

Winston wasn’t moved, saying there is only one thing on his list of goals.

“My main focus is getting back out there and having a great practice today and continuing to lead this offense to do what we’re capable of doing,” Winston said Wednesday.

There was a time when Winston owned the keys to a franchise. He was the No. 1 overall selection of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2015 and made 70 regular-season starts over five seasons.

Results were mixed and the Buccaneers were ready to move on after Winston led the NFL in passing yardage (5,109) and interceptions (30) in the same campaign in 2019.

Winston then spent four seasons with the New Orleans Saints and started 10 games. He joined the Browns as a free agent in March, very aware that Watson would be the starter.

Now Winston will be the key figure if the underachieving Browns (2-6) are to get back into the playoff mix.

His second consecutive start comes against the Chargers (4-3), who are excelling in limiting opposing offenses. Los Angeles leads the NFL in scoring defense (13 points per game) and is eighth in total defense (305.4 yards per game).

Winston isn’t the least bit deterred.

“Our guys are physical,” Winston said. “Our guys are up for the challenge and I think that’s what football is. They got some good guys. I believe in my guys.”

The Chargers played a solid all-around game last weekend while posting a 26-8 home win over the New Orleans Saints. It was just their second victory since Sept. 15.

The scoring output matched a season high posted in Week 2 against the Carolina Panthers.

Justin Herbert passed for 279 yards and two touchdowns against the Saints after having a season-high 349 yards six days earlier in a loss to the Arizona Cardinals.

The breakout star against New Orleans was rookie receiver Ladd McConkey, who had six receptions for 111 yards and two touchdowns. McConkey is a second-round pick from Georgia.

“Any time you get in the end zone, it’s a big deal,” McConkey said. “Just glad I was able to contribute.”

Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh raves about McConkey while Herbert spots a future standout.

“He’s a complete receiver,” Herbert said. “To have that short game and intermediate routes where he’s been so good at it, especially on third downs. Now you add open up some of those go balls that you have to respect … we’ve got a true ball player on our hands.”

Chargers pass rusher Joey Bosa returned on a part-time basis against New Orleans after missing three games with a hip injury.

Bosa was limited in Wednesday’s practice. Tight ends Will Dissly (shoulder) and Stone Smartt (ankle), linebacker Denzel Perryman (toe) and cornerback Kristian Fulton (hamstring) all missed practice.

Browns linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (neck) will miss the contest. He was injured in Sunday’s game against the Ravens and spent the night in the hospital after being carted off the field.

Cornerback Denzel Ward (concussion) missed practice Wednesday and was termed day-by-day by Stefanski. Also missing practice were guard Joel Bitonio (foot), middle linebacker Jordan Hicks (elbow/triceps) and defensive end Za’Darius Smith (illness).

The Chargers have won the past four meetings.

–Field Level Media

Oct 27, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

Cowboys look to change fortunes against surging Falcons

Posted on | by Field Level Media

A pair of NFC teams trending in opposite directions will meet in Atlanta on Sunday, when the Falcons host the Dallas Cowboys.

Atlanta (5-3) is arguably at its highest point as a franchise since 2017, which was the last year the Falcons had a winning season and appeared in the postseason. The Falcons have won four of their last five games, with each victory coming against NFC South divisional opponents.

If Atlanta has struggled to do one thing this season, it’s win at home. The Falcons have won all three of their road games but are 2-3 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the setting for Sunday afternoon’s game.

Atlanta will host Dallas for the first time in six seasons with a chance to extend its best start since beginning 6-3 in 2016 — the year the Falcons won the NFC.

So far, Atlanta can point to its offensive firepower as a reason for its success. Under a new-look offense, the Falcons’ 24.3 points per game have jumped from last year’s 18.9. Atlanta has eclipsed the 30-point total in three games this year, a mark it failed to meet a single time in 2023.

First-year head coach Raheem Morris and quarterback Kirk Cousins have brought excitement back to an Atlanta franchise that was badly in need of a shot in the arm. Cousins’ 2,106 passing yards rank third in the NFL and his 14 touchdowns through the air are tied for fifth.

Cousins has shown an ability to spread the wealth, as the Falcons have five players with at least 29 receptions, with Drake London leading the way at 48.

“With the amount of playmakers we have, when you talk about Drake, (Darnell) Mooney, Bijan (Robinson), Tyler (Allgeier), (Kyle) Pitts, you think at the end of the game, somebody’s not going to be happy,” Morris said. “But what’s been happening is the ball has been moving around really nicely of late. I’m really inspired by our style of play and it all starts with our quarterback.”

It’s a different story in Dallas.

The Cowboys (3-4) have dropped two in a row and are 2 1/2 games behind the NFC East-leading Washington Commanders. The first of those two losses was a 47-9 drubbing at home to the Detroit Lions on Oct. 13.

The Cowboys, in jeopardy of missing the playoffs for the first time since 2020, have struggled mightily under first-year defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer. They allow the second-most points in the league (28.3 per game) and the most rushing yards (154.6, tied with the Carolina Panthers).

The problems extend to the offensive side of the ball for Dallas, as the 74.1 rushing yards per game rank last, as well.

Sunday’s 30-24 loss at San Francisco marked quarterback Dak Prescott’s third straight two-interception game and fourth this season. The turnover battle has been unkind to Dallas, and it’s an area head coach Mike McCarthy vows to right.

“Every series on offense needs to end in a kick, whether it’s a field goal, an extra point or a punt,” McCarthy said. “We cannot, and will not, continue to play with the giveaways. We’re minus-eight right now (in the turnover margin) as a football team. That’s the No. 1 focal point of a complementary team. … I’m about winning. Everybody’s got a job to do and it’s to win.”

On the injury front, Atlanta offensive lineman Chris Lindstrom (knee) and defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (ankle) didn’t practice Wednesday, while linebackers Troy Andersen (knee) and Kaden Elliss (knee) were limited. Safety Justin Simmons (hamstring) and center Drew Dalman (ankle) were also limited.

For Dallas, star linebacker Micah Parsons (ankle) has been out the last three weeks and didn’t practice Wednesday. Cornerback Trevon Diggs (calf) also missed practice, but the team did activate corner DaRon Bland (foot) from the IR. Bland led the NFL with nine interceptions last season and set an NFL record with five pick-sixes. Bland hasn’t played this year due to a stress fracture suffered in training camp.

–Field Level Media