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Terry Lyons

No Go, Joe

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CINCINNATI – (Wire Service Report) –  Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow will not play for the Bengals on Sunday against the New England Patriots, according to multiple reports on Saturday. Burrow, who had surgery for turf toe on Sept. 19, practiced with the team the past three days, and coach Zac Taylor said he had a decision to make about the veteran’s readiness for the visiting Patriots (9-2).

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Now, the Bengals (3-7) are shifting gears, hoping he will be able to play against the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL’s primetime game on Thanksgiving.

Instead, veteran Joe Flacco, who is dealing with a shoulder injury, will start his sixth straight game. He sustained the injury in the Oct. 26 loss to the New York Jets.

Burrow played the first two games of the regular season and landed on injured reserve on Sept. 16.

“Everything is moving in a great position,” Taylor said Friday. “Now we just have to make a decision. You play a game Sunday, you play a game Thursday, you got to factor in all that stuff. He has tried to put himself in a position to be ready to go.”

The Bengals started his 21-day window for practice availability on Nov. 10, but Burrow would need to be added to the active roster by 4 p.m. ET on Saturday to be eligible for Sunday’s game versus New England.

Burrow, 28, has played in 71 career games and has a 40-30-1 record. In his sixth NFL season, Burrow has completed 68.5% of his passes for 19,190 yards with 142 touchdowns and 46 interceptions.

He is a two-time Pro Bowl selection and has twice been named Comeback Player of the Year after his return from serious injuries that ended his 2020 and 2023 seasons.

–Field Level Media

 

From the Vault:

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A Memory of an Old Friend

Note: Reprinted from a Digital Sports Desk column of November 18, 2019

By TERRY LYON(S)

There’s a very special bond shared with Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Bill Lyon that only the letter “s” could separate. He had a highly demanding job as lead sports columnist in a sports-loving city where the games frequently ended just as his deadline approached. In Philadelphia, no sportsman wore glass slippers, so … somehow, through sheer talent … Bill Lyon endured and excelled, an hour and a half before the clock struck midnight. Just as many a writer with a west coast, pacific time zone deadline would be sitting down to craft a game story or sidebar, Lyon would be packing up for the night, computer tucked away in his bag slung over his shoulder with his work already placed in a column, flush-left, adorning the front page of the sports section or maybe A-1 of the newspaper, if the game just concluded was as worthy as his prose.

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Bill Lyon was a gentleman and a professional. He covered sports in Philadelphia and his job placed him in press boxes and locker rooms all across America. He wrote about the Phillies and baseball, the Eagles in football, the Flyers in ice hockey, but the bond shared revolved around the Philadelphia 76ers and NBA basketball. Bill rode shotgun alongside the Inquirer’s beat writers for 76ers basketball. From Hall of Famer Bill Livingston to the eccentric style of the late George Shirk to the solid reporting of Frank Lawlor or Joe Juliano, and nowadays Keith Pompey. Bill marched side-by-side at the broad sheet Inquirer with the great Bob Ford, as Lyon cranked out columns, on tight deadlines, with an upbeat approach and depth that few could even imagine, nevermind dream up and publish in 20 or 25 minutes.

During his tenure, he covered Julius “Dr. J” Erving and Moses Malone of the Sixers, although Lyon’s personality was undoubtedly more Maurice Cheeks than Darryl Dawkins. As the seasons changed, he covered Steve Carlton or Mike Schmidt of the Phillies, Randall Cunningham and Donovan McNabb of the Eagles, Rick Tocchet and Eric Lindros of the Flyers, prize fights, golf tournaments and maybe an Olympics or ten, but it was adjacent to NBA hardwood where we met and spoke quite often.

You see, long before the days of electronic mail, voicemail or iPhone 11s, Motorola Razors, Blackberries or any other type of mobile, voice-mail enabled devices, Bill Lyon was the recipient of hundreds upon hundreds of my hotel messages. Back in the day, they say with a degree of reminiscence and disdain at the same time, hotel phone operators took a pen and a pad of pink, pre-printed message slips and wrote down the name and phone number of a caller who used a telephone with a hard line and dialed the main number seeking out a guest. In our case, we frequently stayed at the same NBA media headquarters hotel and Lyon would appear on the operator’s screen before Lyons, and thus the problem.

Bill and I formed a bond in 1981 or so, and we made a pact, written in stone and not on a pink message slip. That pact was to diligently and without judgement, frustration or fatigue, with neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night, nor first flights out, nor late nights at the hospitality room stay our bond to swiftly deliver the message or voice mail to one another during our appointed round. The ratio of Lyons to Lyon messages was probably, oh, roughly 100-3. Bill would either call, or sometimes it was easier to just walk them over. From the Los Angeles Airport Marriott to Boston’s Copley Place, the Lyon-to-Lyons message center was more reliable than a Maytag, more efficient than a GM factory and stronger than U.S. Steel. We traveled the land, undaunted by incompetent hotel operators and mixed up messages.

He marveled at the number of media credential requests, or later, of the sheer volume of international media seeking NBA information.

Likewise, his editors or occasionally his wife, Ethel, might cross telephone lines into the land of Lyons rather than Lyon. The mishaps were usually met with good-natured laughs and a promise to pass a message along or even better. As the Lyon-Lyons tandem learned over the years, we’d compare notes before a “Game 1” and then be able to say, oh no, he’s in Room 404, let me see if I can transfer your call.

It was a special bond.

Yesterday, Jim Nantz of CBS Sports informed me and the rest of the world of Bill Lyon’s passing and, at the same time, he reminded me a fantastic and wonderful bond had officially and irreversibly ended.

That made me quite sad.

Rest In Peace, old pal. You’ve got a smooth operator now.

NFL’s Tagliabue, Dead at 84

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CHEVY CHASE – (Wire Service Report) – Paul Tagliabue, who served as the NFL’s commissioner for 17 seasons, died Sunday morning at the age of 84. Per Tagliabue’s family, the apparent cause of death was heart failure complicated by Parkinson’s disease. He passed away at his home in Maryland.

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Tagliabue replaced Pete Rozelle as the NFL’s commissioner in 1989. He was succeeded by current commissioner Roger Goodell in 2006.

Under Tagliabue’s watch, the league signed what was then the largest television contract for the NFL, enjoyed 17 seasons of labor peace, and expanded to 32 teams after adding the Carolina Panthers (1995), Jacksonville Jaguars (1995), the reborn Cleveland Browns (1999) and Houston Texans (2002).

Tagliabue, who also ushered in an era of state-of-the-art stadiums, was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a contributor in 2020.

“All of us in the NFL are deeply saddened by the passing of Paul Tagliabue, whose principled leadership and vision put the NFL on the path to unparalleled success,” Goodell said.

“Throughout his decades-long leadership on behalf of the NFL, first as outside counsel and then during a powerful 17-year tenure as commissioner, Paul served with integrity, passion and an unwavering conviction to do what was best for the league.

“Paul was the ultimate steward of the game — tall in stature, humble in presence and decisive in his loyalty to the NFL. He viewed every challenge and opportunity through the lens of what was best for the greater good, a principle he inherited from Pete Rozelle and passed on to me.”

The terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, and Hurricanes Katrina in 2005 also came to pass during Tagliabue’s time as commissioner. He canceled the weekend’s NFL games in the aftermath of Sept. 11, and ensured the Saints would return to New Orleans after being dispatched to San Antonio during the 2005 season.

A native of New Jersey who captained the basketball team at Georgetown in college, Tagliabue is survived by his wife, Chandler, son Drew and daughter Emily.

–Field Level Media

NBA Abu Dhabi Games ’25

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Philadelphia 76ers vs New York Knicks Play First of Two Games in UAE

ABU DHABI – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – As the sun sets over Yas Island, the Etihad Arena is set to pulse with basketball energy today, October 2, 2025, hosting the kickoff of the NBA Abu Dhabi Games presented by ADQ. In a marquee preseason clash that tips-off the 2025-26 NBA campaign on an international stage, the Philadelphia 76ers (0-0) face the New York Knicks (0-0) at 12:01pm ET (8:01 pm local time). This is more than just an exhibition – it’s a global showcase blending two storied franchises with championship pedigree of long ago; the two-time NBA champion Knicks and the three-time champion 76ers.

(Broadcast live on NBA TV, the game carries a Vegas line favoring New York by 6.5 points, with an over/under of 217.5, hinting at a high-scoring affair under the UAE lights.)

“It’s good,” said Embiid, when asked about the importance of playing oversees. “I think the way the game is growing, it’s always a good thing to go overseas to showcase the talent that the whole league has. I’ve been fortunate to be part of some of these games, whether it’s London or even with Team USA last summer. It’s always good.”

Setting the Scene: A Desert Duel with Playoff Implications

For the fourth straight year, the NBA brings its flair to the Arabian Gulf, transforming the state-of-the-art Etihad Arena—home to everything from concerts to UFC—into a hoops haven. This doubleheader (with Game 2 slated for October 4) isn’t just about rust-busting; it’s a tune-up for two Atlantic Division rivals eyeing deep Eastern Conference runs. Last season’s Knicks, fresh off acquiring Karl-Anthony Towns, notched a franchise-record 50 wins but fell short in the playoffs. Meanwhile, the 76ers endured a nightmare 24-58 campaign marred by injuries, missing the postseason entirely—a stark contrast to their championship aspirations. With both squads healthy and hungry, expect fireworks that could foreshadow their regular-season battles.

Off the court, the NBA’s commitment to growth shines through: Players from both teams, including 76ers forward Paul George, recently hosted youth clinics in Abu Dhabi, emphasizing community ties in this burgeoning basketball market. Knicks president Leon Rose called it “an exciting moment” to tip off the season abroad, while 76ers managing partner Josh Harris highlighted the chance to “connect with new fans in a dynamic region.”

Key Storylines: Stars, Health, and Revenge

  1. Embiid’s Redemption Arc vs. Towns’ Dominance: Joel Embiid, the 2023 NBA MVP and seven-time All-Star, enters this matchup with a short but optimistic approach for playing time, coming after a frustrating 2024-25 sidelined by injuries. Paired with new addition Paul George (nine-time All-Star) and rising guard Tyrese Maxey (2024 All-Star), Philly’s “Big Three” could finally gel—if Embiid stays upright. On the flip side, Towns—making his return to Abu Dhabi after suiting up here with the Timberwolves in 2023—brings elite scoring and rebounding to a Knicks frontcourt that’s already Knicks tough. Watch for a battle in the paint: Embiid’s post mastery against Towns’ mid-range finesse.
  2. Backcourt Brilliance: Brunson and Maxey Light It Up: Jalen Brunson, the reigning Kia NBA Clutch Player of the Year, torched Philly for 30+ points in last year’s playoff meetings. Teamed with Mikal Bridges (2022 All-Defensive First Team), New York’s guards aim for a third straight 50-win season. Maxey, exploding into stardom last year, will counter with his blistering speed—Philly desperately needs his consistency to offset their depth issues.
  3. Injury Ghosts and Preseason Priorities: Health looms large. Philly’s collapse last season was injury-riddled; expect coach Nick Nurse to manage minutes carefully. The Knicks, bolstered by Bridges’ two-way play, prioritize chemistry-building. Andre Drummond could see run off the bench for the Sixers, adding rebounding grit.

Prediction: Knicks Edge a Thriller, 112-106
In this exotic opener, the Knicks’ cohesion and defensive edge should prevail, but don’t sleep on Philly’s star power sparking a statement win. Either way, it’s prime viewing for global fans—expect highlight-reel dunks, trash-talk, and a taste of what’s to come in the East. Game on from the desert!

Sox Beat Tigers: Will They Be Back?

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BOSTON – (Wire Service Report) – The Boston Red Sox defeated the Detroit Tigers sealing the Tigers’ fate as the No. 6 seed in the American League Postseason while the Sox will hold the No. 5 and play at the Bronx against their longtime rival, the New York Yankees. The Toronto Blue Jays took the American League East title.

Boston now plays New York on Tuesday, Sept. 30, Wednesday, Oct 1 and, if necessary, Thursday, October 2. The winner of the Boston vs. New York wild card will face the No. 1 seed Blue Jays.

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To close out the season today, Boston spot starter José De León pitched a career-high 6 2/3 innings in his first outing in two years. Red Sox DH Masataka Yoshida and second baseman David Hamilton homered to give the Boston Red Sox a 4-3 victory. The Tigers’ loss gave the AL Central title to the Cleveland Guardians.

After each team wrapped up a playoff berth during the final series of the regular season – the Red Sox on Friday and the Tigers on Saturday – they both sent out lineups for the regular-season finale that allowed some regulars to rest. That included Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman.

De León, called up from Triple-A so the Red Sox could line up their starters for the AL Wild Card series, allowed three runs on eight hits and three walks. He struck out eight. Greg Weissert pitched the ninth for his fourth save. Detroit starter Chris Paddock suffered his 12th loss against five victories on the 2025 season.

Detroit lost 13 of their final 16 and 22 of their last 31 regular season games to allow Cleveland to grab the Central title. Coincidentally, Detroit will travel to Cleveland for their best-of-three game Wild Card series, with the winner to play the Seattle Mariners.

 

 

NFL Week 4: Previews

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Minnesota Vikings (2-1) at Pittsburgh Steelers (2-1)

Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET (in Dublin)

Odds: Vikings -2.5, Total 40.5

Series Rewind: Sunday is the first leg of an international double-dip for the Vikings. Minnesota plays the Browns in London next week. The Vikings are 4-0 in international games, most wins without a loss among NFL clubs.

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Minnesota is making the two-city tour of Europe and the AFC North starting with the first-ever NFL regular-season game in Dublin. Head coach Kevin O’Connell raised a glass to backup Carson Wentz for his play as the fill-in starter for J.J. McCarthy last week and handed Wentz a second start. McCarthy is dealing with a high-ankle sprain, and Wentz — starting for his sixth team in the past six seasons — is backed by a strong running game and high-performing defense that produced two touchdowns last week to bury the Bengals. Pittsburgh’s vaunted defense did enough to get a win at New England last week but hasn’t discovered its usual game-changing footing in the early portion of the schedule. Minnesota continues to shuffle the offensive line with left guard Blake Brandel breaking into the front five, making for a third different alignment in four games. Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers has preferred RB Jaylen Warren in the passing game. He’s the leader on the roster with 11 receptions for 142 and has 43 carries for a team-best 132 yards. While Rodgers said this week he’s excited to be at the home of beer brand Guinness, he’ll get brain tests from Vikings coordinator Brian Flores. Rodgers has had plenty of big games in 29 starts and 30 total appearances against the Vikings in his career. Rodgers has 7,401 passing yards, 63 TDs (59 passes), 11 interceptions and a 105.4 passer rating all-time facing the Vikings.

Cleveland Browns (1-2) at Detroit Lions (2-1)

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

Odds: Lions -9.5, Total 44.5

Series Rewind: Lions QB Jared Goff is tied for the NFL lead with a passer rating of 100-plus in 22 games since 2023.

The Lions have ratcheted up the offense with 90 points and 937 yards while winning the past two weeks. They put up 224 rushing yards — including a career-high 151 from David Montgomery — in Monday’s 38-30 victory over the Baltimore Ravens. The sledding will be tougher against the Browns, who lead the league in rushing defense (57.3 yards per game) and total defense (204.3). Of course, Myles Garrett (four sacks) promises to keep Goff on his toes. Goff has completed a league-best 77.9 percent of his passes and is tied for second with seven passing touchdowns. Lions star wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown is tied for the league lead with four scoring receptions. Cleveland’s offense isn’t scaring anyone with Joe Flacco being an underwhelming starter. The 40-year-old is undefeated in three career starts against the Lions. But he has thrown four interceptions this season and the Browns rank 30th in scoring offense (15.3). Protecting Flacco will be a big need against a Lions defense that racked up seven sacks against Ravens elusive star Lamar Jackson. Browns rookie running back Quinshon Judkins flashed some skills with 94 yards and a score in last week’s 13-10 win over the Green Bay Packers.

Carolina Panthers (1-2) vs. New England Patriots (1-2)

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

Odds: Patriots -5.5, Total 43.5

Series Rewind: This will mark the ninth meeting with the all-time series split 4-4. The Patriots won the most important game in the series, defeating Carolina on Adam Vinatieri’s last-second field goal for a 32-29 Lombardi-clincher in Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004.

Carolina enters this road trip to New England with some confidence coming off a 30-0 shutout of Atlanta for its first win of the season and first shutout since 2020. Bryce Young had only a rushing TD last week, but also delivered his first turnover-free game of the season after throwing three picks and fumbling twice in the first two games. WR Tetairoa McMillan is still looking for his first TD, but he does lead all rookies in receiving yards (216). He didn’t practice Wednesday with a calf injury and was limited Thursday. Patriots QB Drake Maye, who grew up in the Charlotte area, will face his hometown team for the first time this week. He has five TD passes to two interceptions with a 101.3 passer rating and is also tied for the team lead with 87 rushing yards. New England’s defense has held its first three opponents to 181 rushing yards (second fewest in the league) and could get a boost this week with All-Pro cornerback Christian Gonzalez trending toward possibly making his season debut vs. Carolina.

Philadelphia Eagles (3-0) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-0)

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

Odds: Eagles -3.5, Total 44.5

Series Rewind: In their past 25 games, including the playoffs, the Eagles are 0-2 against the Buccaneers and 21-2 against the rest of the league.

The only NFL matchup of unbeaten teams this week is an early battle for NFC supremacy. The cardiac Bucs are the first team in the Super Bowl era to open a season with game-winning scores in three straight games in the final minute of regulation. The swashbuckling Baker Mayfield made the Eagles walk the plank in their last visit to the Pirate Ship in Week 4 last season, throwing for 347 yards and with three TDs (two passing, one rushing) in a 33-16 win. The Eagles were without top receivers DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown in that loss. In this game, Mayfield will be without star wideout Mike Evans (hamstring) on Sunday but slot receiver Chris Godwin, out since last October with a nasty ankle injury, is expected to be available. The Eagles pulled off their own stunner last weekend, rallying from 19 down in the second half to beat the Rams. Off to a slow start, Saquon Barkley needs 173 scrimmage yards to hit 10,000 for his career. Philadelphia’s passing game has been lightly used and produced an average of just 146.7 yards through three games.

Washington Commanders (2-1) vs. Atlanta Falcons (1-2)

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

Odds: Commanders -1.5, Total 45.5

Series Rewind: After losing six consecutive games to Atlanta from 2006-18, the pigskin pendulum has swung in Washington’s favor with four straight wins in the 2020s.

Commanders coach Dan Quinn returns to Atlanta, where he compiled a 43-42 record from 2015-20 as head coach. It’s worth noting that the Falcons are 34-48 since firing Quinn after their 0-5 start in 2020. He will face a languid Atlanta offense that was blanked 30-0 by Carolina last weekend and has scored three or fewer points in eight of 12 quarters so far. Only two of seven trips to the red zone have resulted in a touchdown. Michael Penix got benched for Kirk Cousins against the Panthers but Penix has played well at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where he looks for his third straight home game of 295-plus passing yards with at least one passing and one rushing TD. The Commanders are going back to ex-Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota with Jayden Daniels (knee) ruled out and set to miss a second consecutive game with a knee injury. Mariota (5-8 as the Falcons’ starter in 2022) will join Quinn on the Atlanta reunion tour. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin is out with a quad injury.

New Orleans Saints (0-3) at Buffalo Bills (3-0)

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

Odds: Bills -15.5, Total 48.5

Series Rewind: Winless in nine career starts, Saints QB Spencer Rattler is the only quarterback with 25-plus completions in every game this season.

Kellen Moore heads to Buffalo still chasing his first win as a head coach but New Orleans is facing a tall order. The biggest underdog on the board this week at more than two touchdowns, the Saints will face a Bills team still without injured DT Ed Oliver and LB Matt Milano. Rattler completed more than 70 percent of his passes in each of the past two games and hasn’t hampered the Saints with decision-making. But New Orleans is missing the big-play elements to throw punches with heavy-hitting Buffalo. WR Chris Olave’s 10 receptions went for 57 yards last week at Seattle. The Bills lead the NFL in total offense and rushing yards, and reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen is looking to extend Buffalo’s home winning streak to 14 games. Allen hasn’t thrown an interception in 11 of his past 12 starts and has been content in the pocket with teams altering their approach to slow down RB James Cook. Cook is one of four NFL players with at least 100 yards from scrimmage in every game this season.

Tennessee Titans (0-3) at Houston Texans (0-3)

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

Odds: Texans -7.5, Total 38.5

Series Rewind: Tennessee has won three of its past four games at Houston. Rookie quarterbacks are 2-7 against Houston head coach DeMeco Ryans.

Quarterbacks coach Bo Hardegree takes over play-calling duties for the Titans, who are struggling to sustain drives and protect No. 1 pick Cam Ward. He’s ready for Sunday but was limited by a lower-leg injury to begin the week. Houston’s defense has teeth and a pass rush capable of collapsing the Titans’ offensive line, which will again be without starting OT J.C. Latham (hip). The Titans have averaged just 3.6 yards per play, worst in the NFL, putting Ward in third-and-long situations and in harm’s way too often. The Texans changed offensive coordinators and have yet to leave the runway in 2025. C.J. Stroud has two touchdowns and three interceptions, and Houston ranks 28th or lower in the NFL in yards per game, points per game and third-down percentage. Offensive line changes are not working out. LT Laremy Tunsil was traded to the Commanders and Stroud has not had time to plant and throw in critical passing situations, muting the big-play ability of WR Nico Collins. Collins and Titans CB L’Jarius Sneed became a more compelling watch this week when Sneed asked “Who?” in response to a reporter’s question about contending with the wideout. Stroud has a 105.6 passer rating on attempts intended for Collins in 2025. His rating is 65.8 when targeting any other player.

Chicago Bears (1-2) at Las Vegas Raiders (1-2)

Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

Series Rewind: The Bears beat the Raiders 30-12 in 2023, their last meeting, and have wins in three of the past four matchups.

A faster start to the game is a vital part of the plan for the Bears, who scored a 31-14 win — the first of the Ben Johnson era — last week and play four of their next five games on the road. This week they visit the Raiders, who also are 1-2 under new coach Pete Carroll. In the first three games with Johnson at the helm, Chicago has scored 28 first-quarter points, tied for tops in the league and one more than they managed in 17 games last season. Caleb Williams passed for 298 yards and four touchdowns last week. Williams spread the ball — and scoring passes — to receivers Luther Burden III, Rome Odunze, DJ Moore and tight end Cole Kmet while compiling a career-best passer rating of 142.6. Las Vegas rarely blitzes but has a streak of 38 consecutive games with a QB sack. Raiders defensive tackle Jonah Laulu leads the team with three, but Johnson especially is concerned about end Maxx Crosby, a four-time Pro Bowl selection. Las Vegas gained 354 yards while leaning into a special connection between quarterback Geno Smith and receiver Tre Tucker. Smith completed 19 of 29 passes for 289 yards and three scores, all to Tucker, who gained 145 yards on eight receptions. Smith has passed for 831 yards through three games, second in the NFL, while throwing for four touchdowns against four interceptions. Las Vegas is aiming to shore up its running game. Rookie Ashton Jeanty was hit at or behind the line of scrimmage on 11 of 17 carries against Washington. Las Vegas’ Brock Bowers is planning to play while nursing an ailing knee.

Indianapolis Colts (3-0) vs. Los Angeles Rams (2-1)

Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

Odds: Rams -3.5, Total 49.5

Series Rewind: Indianapolis leads the all-time series 23-21-2 but has lost the past four games against the Rams, last beating them when they were still in St. Louis in 2009.

Almost unrecognizable in his ability to function and even flourish in the face of pass-rush pressure, Indianapolis QB Daniel Jones has kept things rolling for the Colts’ high-powered offense. He’s third in the league in passing yards (816) and the offense ranks second in total offense (418.7 yards/game) and scoring offense (34.3 points/game). Jones is the only QB in the league with 225-plus yards, a touchdown pass and no interceptions in each of the first three games this season. He’s supplemented by Jonathan Taylor, who leads the league in rushing yards (338). This game appeared likely to be a battle of 3-0 teams before Los Angeles blew a 19-point lead last week at Philadelphia. The Rams defense, tied for the league lead with 12 sacks and fifth in total defense (268.3) allowed three second-half touchdown passes. WR Puka Nacua leads the league in catches (29) and receiving yards (333) early this season.

Jacksonville Jaguars (2-1) vs. San Francisco 49ers (3-0)

Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

FanDuel odds: 49ers -3.5, Total 46.5

Series Rewind: San Francisco leads the all-time series 5-2, and has won the past five games and each of its two home games vs. Jacksonville.

San Francisco is just one of six unbeaten teams left, but enters this game battered and bruised. Starting QB Brock Purdy (left shoulder, toe) and his backup, Mac Jones (knee) were limited in practice. Jones said he’ll be ready to play while Purdy gave a less definitive answer but his mobility was improved. Whoever starts could have a somewhat limited pool of skill-position players available. Tight end George Kittle (hamstring) and receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) remain out while receivers Jauan Jennings and Jordan Watkins have not practiced this week and Ricky Pearsall has been limited. Jacksonville’s defense has held opposing offenses without a touchdown until the fourth quarter in two of its first three games this season. Arik Armstead (1.5 sacks) will be facing his former team for the first time after spending his first nine seasons in San Francisco. Cornerback Jourdan Lewis recorded his second pick of the season last week and leads the league with six pass breakups.

Baltimore Ravens (1-2) at Kansas City Chiefs (1-2)

Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

Odds: Ravens -2.5, Total 48.5

Series Rewind: The Chiefs have won five of the past six meetings in the series.

The loser of these two AFC powerhouse teams will be saddled with a 1-3 record so playoff-type intensity could be unleashed. The Chiefs have struggled to score — they are tied for 21st in scoring offense at 20 points per game — while Baltimore can score but can’t seem to stop anyone. The Ravens average a league-high 37 points per game but rank 31st in scoring defense (32.0 points per outing) and last in total defense (415.0 yards). In Monday’s 38-30 loss to the Detroit Lions, Baltimore allowed a stunning 224 yards on the ground. Patrick Mahomes leads Kansas City with 125 rushing yards so there shouldn’t be a repeat. Mahomes would like to get points earlier against the Ravens as slow starts have been an issue this season. The 22-9 win over the New York Giants last weekend represents Kansas City’s best point total of the season. Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson has thrown a league-high nine touchdown passes, is first with a 141.8 passer rating and hasn’t been intercepted. Ravens star running back Derrick Henry is fourth in the NFL with 242 rushing yards but his three fumbles (two lost) have tarnished his solid start.

Green Bay Packers (2-1) at Dallas Cowboys (1-2)

Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET

FanDuel odds: Packers -6.5, Total 47.5

Series Rewind: Green Bay has never lost at AT&T Stadium. The Packers have won seven of the past eight meetings.

You might have heard the Packers are coming to Dallas and bringing an old friend to visit the Cowboys. Micah Parsons, the NFL leader in pass-rush pressures and the only player in the league with eight-plus pressures in multiple games this season, has a new crew and it includes the league leader in sacks (Rashan Gary, 4.5). Green Bay gives up 16 fewer points per game than the Cowboys (30.7) and arrives angry after laying an egg — much gentler terms than Parsons used — at Cleveland in a 13-10 loss last week. Dak Prescott is playing at a high level but Dallas went scoreless in the second half of both losses. CeeDee Lamb (ankle) won’t play this week and the Cowboys are down key personnel on the offensive line. The shuffled starting 11 on offense features George Pickens as the No. 1 wide receiver; TE Jake Ferguson (13 catches last week) will have a bigger share of the play-call sheet this week, according to coach Brian Schottenheimer. Dallas’ best weapon has been the ground game with a rejuvenated Javonte Williams averaging 4.7 yards per carry. Jordan Love is also behind a modified blocking scheme because of injuries. Against a Dallas front adding Jadeveon Clowney, Love figures to let it fly after the Cowboys’ pass defense was roasted by the Giants and Bears.

Cincinnati Bengals (2-1) vs. Denver Broncos (1-2)

Monday, 7:15 p.m. ET

FanDuel odds: Broncos -7.5, Total 43.5

Series Rewind: It’s their fourth meeting on “Monday Night Football,” with the Bengals winning in 2004 and 2014 and the Broncos victorious in Week 16 of their Super Bowl season in 2015.

It’s a rematch of last season’s Week 17 thriller, when Broncos QB Bo Nix tied it with a 25-yard TD to Marvin Mims Jr. with eight seconds left in regulation, only to fall 30-24 on Joe Burrow’s short TD pass to Tee Higgins with 1:07 left in overtime. This time, Burrow-less Cincinnati limps into Denver still smarting from the most lopsided loss in franchise history: 48-10 last weekend at Minnesota. Despite their winning record, the Bengals have been outscored 91-58 and have more turnovers (eight) than touchdowns (seven). They’ll need a whopper from Ja’Marr Chase, who has 43 catches for 585 yards and five TDs in four appearances on “MNF.” Nix is 6-0 with a 102.6 rating in his last six home starts for the Broncos. J.K. Dobbins has rushed 33 times for 294 yards (8.9 average) and four TDs against the Bengals while going 4-0 in his career.

New York Jets (0-3) at Miami Dolphins (0-3)

Monday, 7:15 p.m. ET

FanDuel odds: Dolphins -2.5, Total 44.5

Series Rewind: Miami is 4-1 in the past five games against the Jets, who claimed a 32-20 win in the 2024 regular-season finale.

The loser will be looking at an 0-4 start and the knowledge it is OK to start focusing on 2026 draft preparations. Miami badly needs to win this contest or coach Mike McDaniel will see the heat pick up. The Dolphins have allowed more than 30 points in each of their three games, and the offensive precision has dipped. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has thrown five touchdown passes but has been picked off four times. Tyreek Hill is averaging 13.2 yards per catch but has just 198 receiving yards. Linebacker Bradley Chubb always goes all-out and has three of the team’s six sacks. The Jets might be going with Tyrod Taylor for the second straight week after fellow quarterback Justin Fields sustained a concussion in Week 2. Taylor helped New York overcome a 17-point fourth-quarter deficit last week before the Tampa Bay Buccaneers walked it off with a 29-27 victory. Receiver Garrett Wilson (229 on 21 catches) is the only Jet with more than 80 yards or in double digits in receptions. Putting LB Quincy Williams (shoulder) on injured reserve is a blow for the Jets’ defense.

Filed Under: NFL Tagged With:

Ole ‘Mo is Back at Fenway

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By TERRY LYONS, Editor of Digital Sports Desk

BOSTON – Momentum is the heartbeat of a Major League Baseball team when the calendar reads August 15th, so soon to be September 1st.

Yes, the definition is pressure-packed baseball, as in Momentum: “The driving force or advancing strength of a development or course of events.”

Winning two of their last three games after losing four of their previous five is a combination of lively heartbeats and killer heart-ache. It’s been the driving characteristic of the 2025 Boston Red Sox.

Now, Boston is an American League-best 25-12 (.676) since the start of July, and the Sox hold MLB’s second-best record in that span, only behind the NL’s Milwaukee Brewers (30-7).

Yet, games like Friday night’s 2-1 cliff-hanger have defined what the Summer of ’25 has been for Alex Cora and the Red Sox.

Miami Marlins starting pitcher Sandy Alcantara threw six innings of one-hit ball but let up a single run in the sixth. Boston Red Sox starter Lucas Giolito scattered seven hits but allowed only one run which came in the third inning. From the 1-1 tie in the 6th, with bullpens taking over the mound, it was anyone’s game.

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Giolito gave up consecutive doubles to Miami’s second baseman Xavier Edwards and left fielder Kyle Stowers which produced the only run for the Marlins as they faced a sturdy Giolito and three other Red Sox pitchers.

Boston tied the game in the sixth when DH Roman Anthony drew a walk and third baseman Alex Bregman doubled him in to score from first base. The game remained 1-1 until the ninth inning.

Alcantara, who went 6.0 IP, two hits, one run, one walk and seven strikeouts (86 pitches/65 strikes) gave way to RHP Anthony Bender in the 7th inning who gave way to RHP Lake Bacher in the 8th.

Giolito went 6.1 IP, seven hits, one run, one walk and five strikeouts but gave way to LHP Justin Wilson in the 7th who gave the ball to Garrett Whitlock in the 8th.

Arnoldis Chapman, Boston’s all-star closer pitched a 1-2-3 9th inning, striking out first baseman Eric Wagaman.

It was a game of chess for managers Clayton McCullough of the Marlins and Alex Cora of the Red Sox. McCullough chose not to play newfound closer designee Ronny Henriquez in the 9th and, instead, went with LHP Josh Simpson.

Simpson walked lead-off hitter Anthony and No. 2 hitter Bregman, then with none out and two on base, proceeded to hit Jarren Duran with a pitch to load the bases with none out.

All eyes turned to Boston veteran shortstop Trevor Story who delivered a game-winning base hit to right field to score Anthony for a 2-1 Boston walk-off victory.

Anthony scored both of Boston’s runs and Story went 2-for-4 with several stellar defensive plays, including turning a nidty inning ending double play in the 7th.

Chapman (4-2) was credited with the win, while Simpson (2-2) was charged with the loss.

The game was played in front of a sellout crowd of 36, 854 fans at Fenway Park.

The two clubs play the second game of a three-game series Saturday at 4:10pm. Brayan Bello (8-6) is scheduled to start for Boston while Cal Quantrill (4-9) will start for the Marlins.

 

 

 

Lakers for Sale: Pricetag = $10B

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LOS ANGELES – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – For the first time since 1979, the Los Angeles Lakers will not have the Buss family as a majority owner. According to ESPN, the Buss family has entered into an agreement to sell majority ownership of the franchise to Mark Walter, CEO of diversified holding company TWG Global. The Lakers’ sale will be for a reported $10 billion.

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While Walter, who has been a stakeholder in the Lakers in 2021, will own the majority stake, Jeanie Buss will reportedly continue to serve in her role as the team’s governor.

One of the franchise’s all-time greats, Magic Johnson, said the team’s fans should be thrilled by the sale.

“Laker fans should be estatic. A few things I can tell you about Mark — he is driven by winning, excellence, and doing everything the right way. AND he will put in the resources needed to win! I can understand why Jeanie sold the team to Mark Walter because they are just alike – they are competitive people, have big hearts, love to give back, and both prefer to be behind the scenes. This makes all the sense in the world. I am so so SO happy and excited for @Lakers fans all over the world!”

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Jerry Buss purchased the Lakers from Jack Kent Cooke in 1979, a deal that also included the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings and the Los Angeles Forum. At the time, the Lakers were valued at $67.5 million. The Lakers won 11 of their 17 NBA championships under Buss family ownership.

The team’s ownership was passed on to Buss’ children when he died in 2013, with Jeanie taking over the responsibilities as team governor.

Walter will now step in as majority owner, although exact details of the agreement were not yet reported. That said, ESPN and The Athletic reported that the valuation of the deal is in the neighborhood of $10 billion — which would be the largest sale of a professional sports franchise in the world.

The Boston Celtics were sold for $6.1 billion earlier this year, the previous high for an NBA franchise.

Walter has investments in several other professional sports organizations, including the Los Angeles Dodgers of MLB, the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks and professional soccer.

–Field Level Media

A Father’s Day “Save” for Whitlock

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By TERRY LYONS, Editor of Digital Sports Desk

BOSTON – (Wire Services Contributed to this Story) – For the first time in his career of facing the New York Yankees, Garrett Whitlock found out what pressure is all about. Although he sported a 2.12 ERA vs. the vaunted Yankees over his five years in the majors, the Boston reliever faced more pressure today than he ever knew he would see.

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Whitlock was on the mound at Fenway Park with a 2-0 lead on Father’s Day. He now has a 15-month old son to provide for and closing out a game against the Yankees and gaining a sweep for his Boston team might establish his role with the Sox and even help pay some bills down the road.

After successfully putting out a brush fire in the 8th inning by coercing New York slugger Aaron Judge to ground into an inning ending double play, Whitlock took the mound for the 9th.

A ground out to Yankees OF Cody Bellinger provided the first out, and then the 36,475 fans (sans, maybe 3,000 NY fans) stood to support the new Dad. A strike-out of Jazz Chisholm added to the drama.

Then, the “baby got new shoes” when Whitlock struck-out NY shortstop Anthony Volpe to secure the Boston win and send the Fenway faithful home with the Sox’ fifth straight victory, their seventh of the last eight, eighth of the last nine and their 10th of the last 15 games played.

Boston is now (37-36) on the season and trail the first first place Yankees by 6.5 games after the three-game sweep.

When Boston walked into Yankee Stadium on June 6, they trailed the New Yorkers by 9.5 games. The 9-6 loss in the Bronx made it 10.5 back. But, since then, Boston has won five in a row against NY and they’ve climbed back into an American League East race that is likely to go down to the last days of September.

The Red Sox scored early on this grand Father’s Day in Boston. In a game played under bright, semi-overcast skies and in a lovely 64 degrees, three mph breeze, Boston 1B Romy Gonzalez tripled in the home half of the 1st inning, and SS Trevor Story knocked him in with a base hit.

That one run would prove to be enough, but Boston tacked up another in the 5th inning when DH Rafael Devers clocked an opposite field home run into the front row of the Green Monster seats in left field. A video review proved the two umpires who made the call correct and the scoring for the day was complete.

Red Sox starting pitcher Brayan Bello threw a career-high 114 pitches over seven innings to secure the victory, his third of the season. Bello allowed only three hits, three walked batters while striking out eight Yankees.

A rather shakey 0.1 inning of relief by Red Sox reliever Brennan Bernardino provided the Yanks with two baserunners after singles by pinch hitter Paul Goldschmidt and centerfielder Trent Grisham were cause of Sox manager Alex Cora to pull the plug and insert the young father.

Whitlock did his job and the Red Sox won, 2-0.

Boston will not rest easy this evening, as the club departs today for a nine game road trip, starting tomorrow (Monday) night in Seattle. The three games in the Queen City are to be followed by three in San Francisco and three more in Los Angeles, against the American League Angels.

It’s Marchand’s Cup to Win

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EDMONTON – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – Florida’s Brad Marchand scored twice for the Panthers, who moved a win away from repeating as Stanley Cup champions with a 5-2 win in Game 5 against the host Edmonton Oilers on Saturday.

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Eetu Luostarinen had a goal and an assist, and Sergei Bobrovsky made 19 saves for the Panthers, who can clinch the trophy at home in Florida on Tuesday night.

Connor McDavid and Corey Perry scored for the Oilers. Calvin Pickard made 14 saves.

Marchand gave Florida a 1-0 lead at 9:12 of the first period. He got to a loose puck off a center-ice face-off, went around Mattias Ekholm inside the Edmonton zone and skated to the left hash mark before roofing a snapshot.

Bennett made it 2-0 at 18:06 when he collected the rebound of a Matthew Tkachuk shot that was blocked and fired it quickly past Pickard.

The Oilers had their chances to cut the deficit in the second period with a pair of power plays early in the frame but couldn’t convert.

Marchand extended it to 3-0 at 5:12 of the third period. The veteran retrieved a pass from Luostarinen in the neutral zone, carried it inside the Oilers’ zone, and jumped around defenseman Jake Walman above the left circle before sliding it five-hole on Pickard.

McDavid’s first of the series cut it to 3-1 at 7:24. He took a feed from Evan Bouchard in the left circle and brought it down to the crease, slipping it by Bobrovsky’s right skate to bring life to the crowd.

But Reinhart quieted the crowd when he responded for Florida 46 seconds later. Aleksander Barkov collected the puck behind the net and sent a backhand feed to Reinhart, who snapped it from the left circle through two Edmonton defensemen and past Pickard to make it 4-1 at 8:10.

With Pickard pulled for the extra attacker, Perry narrowed it to 4-2 when he fired a blast from the blue line through traffic at 16:47.

Luostarinen scored an empty-net goal at 18:41 for the 5-2 final.

–Field Level Media

Filed Under: NHL