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Patriots Rally Falls Short vs Philly

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FOXBORO – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – Philadelphia kicker Jake Elliott made good on three second-half field goals to help the Eagles ward off a comeback en route to a 25-20 victory over the New England Patriots on Sunday.

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Elliott’s final kick came from 51 yards out with 5:33 left in the game. It proved to be critical when Mac Jones found Kendrick Bourne for an 11-yard touchdown just under two minutes later to pull New England within five.

The Patriots (0-1) couldn’t convert the two-point conversion, but they ended up getting the ball back twice. On the second possession, New England drove to the Eagles 20, and Jones seemingly threw a first-down completion to Kayshon Boutte on fourth-and-11 with 25 seconds remaining.

But replay ruled Boutte didn’t get both feet in bounds, allowing Philadelphia (1-0) to hang on for the win.

Elliott also converted field-goal attempts from 56 and 48 yards following halftime to keep the Eagles in front.

Jalen Hurts completed 22 of 33 passes for 170 yards and a touchdown for Philadelphia. Kenneth Gainwell had 54 yards on 14 carries.

Jones threw for 316 yards, three touchdowns and one interception on 35-for-54 passing. Bourne had six catches for 64 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

After Elliott capped Philadelphia’s opening drive with a 32-yard field goal, Darius Slay came down with an interception on the Patriots’ seventh offensive play of the game. Jones threw wide of Bourne, who got a hand on the ball and deflected it up in the air. It fell right to Slay, who then took it 70 yards to the end zone for a 10-0 lead.

Ezekiel Elliott fumbled on New England’s ensuing possession, setting the Eagles up at the Patriots’ 26-yard line. Five plays later, Hurts found DeVonta Smith for a 5-yard touchdown, but Jake Elliott couldn’t convert the extra point.

New England flipped a switch in the second quarter, though.

Jones completed 14 of 17 passes for 128 yards in the period, connecting with Hunter Henry for a 9-yard touchdown with 4:34 left before finding Bourne for a 19-yard score just over four minutes later.

That surge allowed the Patriots to pull within 16-14 by the break.

–Field Level Media

NFL: WEEK ONE PREVIEWS

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Week 1
NFL preview capsules for Sunday’s Games – Action via Betting Hero

Texans at Ravens: First-year head coach DeMeco Ryans and rookie QB C.J. Stroud lead Houston into Baltimore eyeing a turnaround for a franchise with 11 wins the past three seasons. The Ravens loaded up at wide receiver after signing QB Lamar Jackson to a five-year contract, adding Odell Beckham and first-round pick Zay Flowers. Baltimore won 10 games last season for the ninth time during the John Harbaugh era and even without Pro Bowl CB Marlon Humphrey (foot) brings a veteran-laden defense to this fight.

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49ers at Steelers: Second-year QB Kenny Pickett put up a brilliant preseason and graduates to a stern test from a San Francisco defense likely to have DE Nick Bosa in the fold. Bosa signed a monster contract on Wednesday and the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year joined the team for the first time since minicamp. The 49ers reached the NFC title game behind rookie QB Brock Purdy, whose elbow injury in that game led to offseason ligament surgery. He threw multiple TD passes in each of the final six games (five starts) in 2022 as defenses locked down on RB Christian McCaffrey. With at least two TDs and a win this week, Purdy would become the only QB in NFL history to go 6-0 with multiple TD passes in his first six career starts.

Packers at Bears: Welcome Jordan Love to the stage. The Packers intercepted the torch from Aaron Rodgers, trading him to the Jets and inserting Love into the starting lineup. A rivalry game at Soldier Field pits two solid defenses and unproven quarterbacks. Justin Fields rushed for 1,143 yards last season, but the Bears want him to prove he’s a pro passer with new weapon D.J. Moore matched up with Packers CB Jaire Alexander in a popcorn-worthy pairing.

Eagles at Patriots: A coach for twice the lifetime of Jalen Hurts, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick appreciates the unique challenge the running quarterback presents as the engine of the Eagles’ multi-faceted offense. New England changed offensive coordinators, bringing back Bill O’Brien, who is tasked with getting greatness out of QB Mac Jones while matching wits this week with former co-worker Matt Patricia, an assistant with Philadelphia. The Patriots invested their top three picks on defense, including CB Christian Gonzalez, and expect big things out of other rookies (DE Keion White, LB Marte Mapu, WR Kayshon Boutte). The club will honor the retired QB and franchise legend, Tom Brady, in a halftime ceremony at Gillette Stadium.

Panthers at Falcons: Panthers OLB Brian Burns’ “hold-in” is a fancy way of saying he wants more money but plans to play as Carolina chases Atlanta first-round RB Bijan Robinson and QB Desmond Ridder around the dome Sunday afternoon. The Falcons put up a season-high 37 points and beat Carolina on Oct. 30 last season but lost 25-15 in Charlotte. No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young makes his first career start for the Panthers, who went 7-10 last season and hired Frank Reich as head coach in January. Carolina’s new look spans the roster. Active building the roster in the offseason, the Panthers added versatile RB Miles Sanders and veteran WR Adam Thielen and brought in SS Vonn Bell to anchor the back end of the defense.

Jaguars at Colts: A playoff team in 2022 with a 9-8 record, the Jaguars are widely expected to be the best in the AFC South. They split a pair of games with the Colts last season with a 34-27 loss at Indianapolis, then ended the season with a six-game winning streak, including the wild-card victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, before falling at Kansas City in the divisional playoffs. Indianapolis hit the reset button following a 4-12-1 season, hiring Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen and drafting Anthony Richardson No. 4 overall to end a run of musical chairs at QB. The Colts won’t have RB Jonathan Taylor (ankle), who was inactive for the 2022 home date with Jacksonville.

Buccaneers at Vikings: No Tampa Tom Brady means something new, or at least not as old, at quarterback for the Buccaneers. Baker Mayfield won the job over Kyle Trask and has a star-studded receiving corps, provided Mike Evans puts his contract rift with the club to bed. He’ll be operating behind a young offensive line. Both teams made difficult roster moves to work from under a growing salary-cap burden since they last played a game that counted. The Bucs also made a switch at offensive coordinator, hiring Dave Canales (Seahawks) to replace Bryon Leftwich and shuffling Rachaad White into the featured running back role. Minnesota, a winner of two of the past three meetings with its former NFC Central rival, has a new lead back, too. Dalvin Cook was released after four straight 1,000-yard seasons and replaced by understudy Alexander Mattison.

Titans at Saints: Tennessee tries to find its way back to a winning path on the heels of a season wrecked by injuries that ended with a seven-game losing streak. Two constants remain for the Titans: Derrick Henry and Ryan Tannehill, who is attempting to bring balance to the offense after Tennessee ranked 30th in passing last season. DeAndre Hopkins joined Tennessee to make a trio of weapons and could help the new-look scheme establish balance. New is fitting for the Saints. They signed QB Derek Carr, RB Jamaal Williams and TE Foster Moreau and must cope with the three-game suspension of RB Alvin Kamara. Carr could be busy considering the Titans ranked No. 1 against the run in 2022.

Cardinals at Commanders: Arizona plans to contend, but likely down the road after a cleaning house in January and starting over from the top, down. The Cardinals are keeping Washington guessing as to who’ll start at quarterback with Kyler Murray (knee) shelved for at least a month. It could be Josh Dobbs, the journeyman with two career starts, or rookie fifth-rounder Clayton Tune staring across at a Commanders’ defense drenched with first-round draft selections. If Dobbs starts, it will be after just five practices since he was acquired Aug. 24 from the Browns. Washington put its chips behind QB Sam Howell, a second-year quarterback making his second career start with new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy planning to spice up the attack to highlight WRs Jahan Dotson and Terry McLaurin. McLaurin (toe) is expected to play.

Bengals at Browns: Perhaps the Bengals pulled the appropriate levers in the offseason and the offensive line woes exposing QB Joe Burrow to 100-plus hits the past two seasons are in the past. Nothing like a face-to-face with Myles Garrett to test that theory. Garrett had 16 sacks in 2022, 3.5 of them in two games against Cincinnati. Burrow’s lead receiver, Ja’Marr Chase (2,501 receiving yards, 29 games), can pass Hall of Famer Randy Moss (2,527) for the third-most receiving yards in a player’s first 30 games on Sunday. Cleveland turned the defense over to spicy veteran coordinator Jim Schwartz, who emphasizes pressure.

Raiders at Broncos: The Raiders (6-11 last season) have beaten the Broncos six straight times and aim to extend the streak under new quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. Denver is putting past history to bed, or at least that’s the plan under new head coach Sean Payton. The former boss of the Saints sat out last season and arrived with ideas on how to resurrect Russell Wilson from a serious downturn in 2022, his first with the Broncos. Injuries hit at wide receiver in preseason, but Wilson gets a reprieve thanks to a rebuilt offensive line and the return of RB Javonte Williams from an ACL injury. Garoppolo has two big-time playmakers to work with: RB Josh Jacobs and WR Davante Adams. Jacobs led the NFL with 1,653 rushing yards last season while Adams had an NFL-leading 14 scoring receptions.

Dolphins at Chargers: AFC wild-card playoff teams last season, the Chargers and Dolphins are connected by their 2020 draft decisions, when Tua Tagovailoa went to Miami ahead of Justin Herbert landing with L.A. Tagovailoa showed brilliance in moments but also experienced multiple frightening ones with two documented concussions. Tagovailoa was 10 of 28 for 145 yards in a loss to Herbert and the Chargers last season. Chargers RB Austin Ekeler needs one TD reception for 30 in his career, an achievement only five others at his position have accomplished. Marshall Faulk holds the all-time record for RBs with 36 TD catches.

Rams at Seahawks: Eastern Washington product Cooper Kupp was looking forward to returning home to play the Seahawks in Week 1. That won’t happen due to a hamstring injury in camp, putting the Rams in a hole after a 5-12 season and roster rebuild during the offseason. Gone are CB Jalen Ramsey, WR Allen Robinson, LB Bobby Wagner and DE Leonard Floyd. Wagner makes his homecoming by returning to the Seahawks and facing the Rams in the opener. Seattle re-upped with QB Geno Smith after his Pro Bowl campaign in 2022 helped make the Seahawks a surprise playoff entry. Seattle won two games by a combined seven points over the Rams last season. Smith was sacked seven times.

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Cowboys at Giants: New York crashed the playoffs thanks to a 7-2 start last season. But the Giants have only one win in the past 12 meetings with Dallas. The Cowboys roll with Dak Prescott, who faced criticism after throwing 15 interceptions last season, and expected the revamped offense with head coach Mike McCarthy taking over play-calling to be a boost. Tony Pollard replaces Ezekiel Elliott as the RB1 and adds a big-play dimension. Dallas relies heavily on defense and revealed plans to move pass rusher Micah Parsons into a more traditional defensive end role. He has nine career games with two or more sacks.

–Field Level Media

TL’s Sunday Sports Notes | Aug 27

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While We’re Young (Ideas) | A Look at the NE Patriots’ Tough Road

By TERRY LYONS

FOXBORO – After missing a few concert dates in Philadelphia, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band came back as strong as ever on Thursday night and they’ll be icing the guitar strings by the time you read this (on Saturday night or Sunday morning) after their second of two shows in New England.

The rock show stage and equipment trucks will head to Met Life Stadium on Sunday but the real question is whether the New England Patriots can bounce back as quickly as Springsteen did.

In two of three preseason games, the Patriots couldn’t break 10 points, the last coming Friday night, a 23-7 loss at Tennessee (hardly the strength of the AFC). New England previously fell, 20-7, to Houston and – in between – they managed a 21-17 victory at Green Bay, hardly the Pack of old. Only the Houston Texans game was at Gillette Stadium.

The old adage is to never put much stock in NFL preseason games, as second stringers battle for roster positions and veterans sit-out for health reasons and load management, but the main issue facing the Patriots as summer preseason games fade to opening day is a dose of reality – a reality speech you won;t hear on Boston sports talk radio or on WBZ-TV.

The fact of the matter is New England has a very tough schedule over the first eight weeks of the NFL regular season.

The Patriots open with two home games, against Philadelphia and Miami. A split would be an admirable outcome. From there, it gets dicey, especially with the fact four of the next six games are on the road. Here’s a quick look at the opening eight:

  • Sept. 10 – vs Philadelphia
  • Sept. 17 – vs. Miami
  • Sept. 24 – at NY Jets
  • Oct. 1 – at Dallas
  • Oct. 8 – vs New Orleans
  • Oct. 15 – at Las Vegas
  • Oct. 22 – vs Buffalo
  • Oct. 29 – at Miami

It’s entirely within reason that the New England Patriots start the year (1-7) or, ahem, (0-8) and with their highest hopes of being – (4-4) after eight weeks.

At the tail-end of the regular season, it doesn’t look any better, as the Patriots will face the two toughest teams in the AFC and two teams on the rise. Their “final four” schedule is as follows:

  • Dec. 18 – vs Kansas City
  • Dec. 24 – at Denver
  • Dec. 31 – at Buffalo
  • Jan. 7 – vs NY Jets

Two of the huge unknowns of this NFL season are within the AFC East.

  1. Will QB Aaron Rodgers and an improved NYJ offense warrant a playoff spot?
  2. Will the Miami Dolphins continue to improve and can oft-injured QB Tua Tagovailoa stay healthy, take the next step and compete with Buffalo and New York for the AFC East Divsional title?

The prediction here is for Buffalo to dominate the division but for the NY Jets to step-up to No. 2 and a playoff berth. The Dolphins and Patriots are likely to be (8-8, at best) and receive the home version of the game by New Year’s Eve.

Rodgers’ impact – as seen in this year’s HARD KNOCKS – is clearly evident. His throws remain effortless and his tutelage to young NYJ QB Zach Wilson might put the J-E-T-S’ quarterback situation amongst the NFL elite for a decade to come. Meanwhile, New England’s QB Mac Jones will face increasing pressure – both on and off the field – as the New England faithful long for the halcyon days of Tom Brady. Even the wizardry of Patriots coach Bill Belichick can’t team poise and performance under pressure. He’ll have to rely on defensive techniques and let the man who wears the “Mac” in the pouring rain, be very strained.

HERE NOW, THE NOTES: The ink is barely dry on the final boxscore as the United States’ men’s senior national basketball team opened the 2023 FIBA Men’s World Cup with a 99-72 win over New Zealand on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines. The USA is in Group C, and will face Greece on Monday (8:40am ET) and Jordan (the country, not the guy) on Wednesday (4:40am ET). Both games can be seen on ESPN2 or ESPN+ (streaming). The U.S.A. is seeking its sixth FIBA Men’s World Cup gold medal, winning in 2010 and 2014 but losing-out to Spain for the gold in 2006 and 2019. … In Coach Mike Krzyzewski’s first go-round with the NBA-level players back in the ‘06 Worlds in Japan, the USA was upset in the semifinals by Greece. In 2019, the US lost to both France and Serbia to finish in 7th Place under newly inducted Hall of Fame coach Gregg Popovich. … Golden State’s Steve Kerr is in the drivers’ seat this summer and he has a stacked coaching staff and a talented roster of young players. Only the lack of high-level international experience can come between the USA and gold, or maybe an equally stacked Team Canada who ran the French team off the court Friday (Sat in Asia) with a 95-65 thrashing. Might they be singing “Oh Canada” when the FIBA Cup finals roll around on September 10th?

TID-BITS: Doesn’t the career arc of Phil Mickelson reflect the career arc of Rudy Giuliani (minus the recent State of Georgia indictment)? … A bad night on Chicago’s South Side has given a whole new meaning to the phrase “Bloody Sox.” Police in Chicago are investigating a shooting that left two women with non-life-threatening injuries Friday night at Guaranteed Rate Field as the White Sox lost to the Oakland Athletics. In a statement issued early Saturday, the White Sox confirmed the incident and said it was unclear whether the women, who were in outfield seats in left field, were struck by bullets that came from inside or outside the park. Chicago police said one woman, 42, sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and was transported to the University of Chicago Medical Center, listed in fair condition. The other woman, 26, was grazed by a bullet to the abdomen but declined medical attention. In its statement, the team implied the incident was unprovoked. “While the police continue to investigate, White Sox security confirms that this incident did not involve an altercation of any kind,” the team said. “The White Sox are thinking of the victims at this time and wishing them a speedy recovery.”

BC OPENER: The Notre Dame v Navy (in Ireland) score will be in the books by the time you read this, but the bulk of College Football games will be played next weekend with games beginning Thursday night. On Saturday, September 2, the Boston College Eagles will open their 2023 season at home against an always tough Northern Illinois Huskies squad. BC opens with three home games, the third against potential ACC champion Florida State. That said, the September 16 (Noon) game on ABC will be the annual “Red Bandana” game. Look out Seminoles!

PGA TOUR Championship: Tune-in (CBS) Sunday for the grand-finale of the 2023 PGA Tour season when the TOUR Championship determines the winner of the FedEx Cup Playoffs and an $18 million haul. … The golfers will continue playing in a Fall schedule of PGA Tour events, and they’ll begin to accumulate FedEx Cup points towards the 2024 title. … The next, call it REAL serious pro golf tournament, will take place in Rome, Italy when the Ryder Cup is up for grabs (Sept. 29-Oct.1).

WHEN YOU THINK OF IT: The next few weeks will include some of the most anticipated sporting events of the year. Here’s a quick list – top of mind:

  • FIBA World Cup of Basketball
  • TOUR Championship/FedEx Cup Playoffs Finale
  • Opening of NCAA College Football
  • Opening of NFL regular season
  • US Open Tennis
  • Rugby World Cup
  • Conclusion of 2023 MLB Season
  • MLB Post Season
  • MLB World Series
  • Solheim Cup
  • Ryder Cup Golf
  • Pan American Games (Chile)

TL’s Sunday Sports Notes | August 6

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By TERRY LYONS 

BOSTON – The countdown clock is on for the NFL Preseason to begin for all 32 teams. The Hall of Fame game (Cleveland Browns 21, vs New York Jets, 16) is in the books, and the end of week of August 10-13th will soon be upon us.

With that fact and the 2023 NFL season to begin Thursday, September 7th and the regular season to begin in earnest September 10th, the all-out marketing blitz of advertising for the NFL Sunday Ticket (now available exclusively on Youtube TV) and for online Gambling on the NFL, via the likes of Draft Kings, Bet MGM, Fan Duel and WynnBet MA (all new here in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts) will fill the coffers for broadcast and media outlets.

The ads will overwhelm sports TV viewers, especially those tuning in to late season MLB and PGA Tour broadcasts, never mind the beginning of College Football. (Boston College opens Saturday, September 2nd vs Northern Illinois).

OPENING NFC WIN TOTALS/ODDS: Are you ready for some football? Not yet? Here are some NFC Conference franchise win totals for the 2023 season. You decide, is it Over or Under?

  • Arizona Cardinals Over 5.5 (+105) Under 5.5 (-125)
  • Atlanta Falcons Over 7.5 (-115) Under 7.5 (-105)
  • Carolina Panthers Over 7.5 (-110) Under 7.5 (-110)
  • Chicago Bears Over 7.5 (-115) Under 7.5 (-105)
  • Dallas Cowboys Over 9.5 (-120) Under 9.5 (+100)
  • Detroit Lions Over 9 (-150) Under 9 (+125)
  • Green Bay Packers Over 7.5 (+115) Under 7.5 (-135)
  • Los Angeles Rams Over 7.5 (-125) Under 7.5 (+105)
  • Minnesota Vikings Over 8.5 (-115) Under 8.5 (-105)
  • New Orleans Saints Over 9.5 (+110) Under 9.5 (-130)
  • New York Giants Over 8.5 (+110) Under 8.5 (-130)
  • Philadelphia Eagles Over 10.5 (-130) Under 10.5 (+110)
  • San Francisco 49ers Over 11.5 (+105) Under 11.5 (-125)
  • Seattle Seahawks Over 8.5 (-125) Under 8.5 (+105)
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers Over 6.5 (-115) Under 6.5 (-105)
  • Washington Commanders Over 7.5 (+115) Under 7.5 (-135)

HERE NOW, THE NOTES: When we last left the USA men’s national team at the FIBA Worlds, it was September 14, 2019 and the United States team was victorious in its 7th Place qualification round game over Poland. Yes, SEVENTH PLACE or one slot better than the SIXTH PLACE finish USA Basketball suffered in 2002 on the hometown soil of Indianapolis. Yes, that 2002 finish was three slots below USA Basketball and Coach Mike Krzyzewski’s outing in Japan in 2006 when the USA world team lost to Greece but managed a win against Argentina to take the bronze medal.

In between (2010 and 2014), the USA Basketball senior national team played tremendous basketball and won the two world tournaments, first in Turkey and then in Spain.

This year, it’s on to Manila (The Philippines) to compete in another 32-team extravaganza. The US has begun training, hitting the hardwood in its usual training camp hometown of Las Vegas, Nevada where the temperatures are higher than the game scores.

There will be a friendly (vs. Puerto Rico) on Monday (August 7) in Vegas before the team heads for Malaga, Spain for friendlies vs. Slovenia (August 12) and Spain (August 13) before a stop in Abu Dhabi for games against Greece (August 18) and Germany (August 20).

On Friday, USA Basketball cut a deal with FOX Sports to televise all the “USA Showcase” games. Check HERE.

LISTS and LISTS: Which of the USA Basketball (Olympics and World teams) are the best of the best? Let’s look at one insider’s list:

  1. 1992 – Dream Team – Barcelona
  2. 2008 – Olympic Team – Beijing
  3. 1960 – Olympic Team – Rome
  4. 1956 – Olympic Team – Melbourne
  5. 1996 – Olympic Team – Atlanta
  6. 1994 – Worlds Team – Toronto
  7. 2012 – Olympic Team – London
  8. 2016 – Olympic Team – Rio
  9. 2010 – Worlds Team – Spain
  10. 2014 – Worlds Team – Turkey

DOC, SHAQ – MORE LISTS: Shaquille O’Neal was recently asked about a Top 10 list of Greatest NBA Players submitted by Julius “Dr. J” Erving. O’Neal believes Erving is entitled to his opinion being that he helped pave the way for the players of today. The Big Aristotle was fine with the fact “The Doctor” did not list any active NBA players, thus leaving the likes of Lebron James and Steph Curry as players to be named later, maybe by others.

Let’s start with Julius Erving’s list (he stressed it is not in any particular order):

  • Jerry West
  • Oscar Robertson
  • Elgin Baylor
  • Wilt Chamberlain
  • Bill Russell
  • Michael Jordan
  • Kareem Adbul-Jabbar
  • Karl Malone
  • Magic Johnson
  • Nate “Tiny” Archibald

Shaq’s Top 10 (again, claimed as in no order):

  • Magic Johnson
  • Kobe Bryant
  • Michael Jordan
  • LeBron James
  • Then [expletive] me!

“That ain’t no disrespect to Malone, [Charles] Barkley and Kareem,” O’Neal said. “Hey, that’s my list. Understand what I’m saying? … as he went for the second group.

  •  Steph Curry
  • Allen Iverson
  • Tim Duncan
  • Malone (he didn’t specify Karl or Moses, but was probably thinking Karl).
  • Isiah Thomas
  • Then, he paused and noted Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had to be listed, too, making it a Top 11.

This columnist vividly remembers the morning the NBA at 50 were to be honored at the 1997 NBA All-Star Weekend in Cleveland. A photo of the honorees – all decked out in their special, one-of-a-kind Mitchell & Nessjackets – was presented to Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and Erving for their signatures during an all-out, closed-door frenzy of autograph seeking led by the legends themselves.

The great Doctor signed and glanced at the other names alongside his, asking “would you like me to ask Kareem (Abdul-Jabbar) to sign this, too?”

“No, no thanks,” was the reply. “You, Larry and Magic are my guys. You were the best to work with during my career, and you were always there for the NBA, no matter what we asked of you. You are my guys.”

“What about Kareem, he’s the best player,” noted Doc.

“No, it’s okay. Just three.”

The TL Top 10? (In order)

  1. Bill Russell
  2. Michael Jordan
  3. Wilt Chamberlain
  4. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
  5. Magic Johnson
  6. LeBron James
  7. Oscar Robertson
  8. Larry Bird
  9. Elgin Baylor
  10. Kobe Bryant

Apologies to: Jerry West, Julius “Dr. J” Erving, Karl Malone, Walt “Clyde” Frazier, Shaq, Hakeem Olajuwon, John Havlicek, Moses Malone, Scottie Pippen, among others.

Apologies for possibly shaking up prior/personal Top 10 lists. Like any rock and roll lists, one must reserve the right to change mind, and thus the list every 24 hours.

NLL: The Sunday Notes column is always sharing some keen insights to what makes us tick, one being the fact indoor “box” lacrosse is a favorite sport. Of course, the outdoor game is great, as well, and I miss watching both the college and professional versions of the game (Boston Cannons or Long Island Lizards).

Here are some of the key dates for the NLL this Fall:

  • Sept. 15: NLL Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Burlington, Ontario*
  • Sept. 16: NLL Draft in Oakville, Ontario
  • Oct. 28-29: NLL Training Camps officially open
  • Dec. 1-2: 2023-24 NLL Face-off Weekend

*The NLL will induct 10 new members into the NLL Hall of Fame on September 15. Among the honorees are eight former players and two referees to be enshrined under the Builders category.

TIDBITS: What does former Kentucky coach Tubby Smith – the head coach of the 1998 national champions – think?

“We had over 800 Division I players transfer last year.

“Over 800.

“C’mon.

“Teaching ’em how to quit. That’s what we’re doing. Things not going well? Let’s quit.

“I remember calling my dad when I was a freshman. High Point College. “Dad, people not treating me… this and that… I’m unhappy here.’ There wasn’t but two blacks in the whole school. My Dad, he said, ‘Son, somebody do something to you?’ No. ‘You’re still getting your scholarship aren’t you? They’re still feeding you? They’re still housing you? You’re still getting your education?’ I said, ‘Yes, sir.’ He said, ‘You can’t come home. Your bed’s been taken… But you can join the Army.’ Best thing he ever said to me.”

While We’re Young (Ideas) is a weekly Sunday Sports Notebook and sports news column written by Terry Lyons. The posting of each notebook harkens back to the days when you’d walk over to the city news stand on Saturday night around 10pm to pick-up a copy of the Sunday papers. Inside, just waiting, was a sports-filled compilation of interesting notes, quotes and quips.

TL’s Sunday Sports Notes is brought to you by Digital Sports Desk.

TL

“Air” Coryell In at Canton

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CANTON – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – Don Coryell’s offenses routinely flew to the top of the statistical charts and remnants of his philosophies are part of modern-day NFL attacks.

But not until Saturday did the innovative former San Diego Chargers and St. Louis Cardinals coach get inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

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Coryell died in 2010 at age 85 and it took another 13 years for him to get inducted. This was his seventh time as a finalist. Overall, it was a 30-year battle for daughter Mindy Coryell Lewis and the rest of the family.

“Ladies and gentlemen, ‘Air Coryell’ has landed in Canton!” Lewis said to wrap up her speech.

The Air Coryell offense revolutionized the single-back formation, tight ends in motion and receiver option routes.

Coryell’s offense in San Diego was ahead of its time and earned the catchy ‘Air Coryell’ nickname. His system turned quarterback Dan Fouts into one of the biggest stars of that era. Fouts presented Coryell into the Hall on Saturday.

“The Air Coryell system is second to none,” Fouts said. “His philosophy was that the defense would have to protect the entire field. … His influence on the game is one that continues to grow not only in the NFL but in college and high school football.”

Coryell’s Chargers led the NFL in scoring offense three times, in total offense five times and in passing offense in seven seasons.

Coryell had a record of 111-83-1 in 14 NFL seasons with the Cardinals (1973-77) and Chargers (1978-86), and his teams made six playoff appearances.

Among the coaches who learned under Coryell at San Diego State were future Hall of Famers John Madden and Joe Gibbs. Coryell also is a member of the College Hall of Fame and was the first coach to win 100 games at both the college and NFL levels.

“But these things have a profound impact on every decision we make and who we become. The conditions had to be just right for me to end up here. Every moment, every opportunity perfectly aligned.”

One of the most popular players on Induction Day was Joe Thomas, the former mainstay of the Cleveland Browns offensive line from 2007-17. Thomas started all 167 games that he played and earned 10 Pro Bowl bids in 11 seasons.

“It’s the greatest honor of my career to be able to accept this lifetime award on behalf of all of Browns Nation,” Thomas said. “Cleveland, you could always count on me. Thank you so much for allowing me to count on you. Don’t forget to show up for each other.”

–Field Level Media

Patriots Sign Picks Ahead of Camp

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FOXBORO – New England cornerback Christian Gonzalez and defensive pass rusher Keion White signed their rookie contracts with the New England Patriots on Friday, getting their top two draft picks in the door before the official start of training camp.

Gonzalez was drafted 17th overall after the Patriots moved down in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers from No. 14. The Oregon product was the third cornerback selected in the first round.

“I’m glad Gonzo was there,” Patriots coach Bill Belichick said of the selection. “I think when you just go and look for one guy and then he’s not there, there’s other players in the draft that can help us, as well. But he’s been great to work with, and I look forward to getting him ready to go for training camp.”

White, the 46th pick in the draft, had 7.5 sacks at Georgia Tech in 2022 and previously played at Old Dominion.

–Field Level Media

Jim Brown, NFL and Lax Legend, 87

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LOS ANGELES – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – Syracuse University and National Football League legend Jim Brown passed away Saturday, May 20, 2023. Brown is the only man enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame (1995), National Lacrosse Hall of Fame (1984) and the Professional Football Hall of Fame (1971), where he was inducted in his first year of eligibility. The 87-year-old is survived by his wife, Monique, their children, Aris and Morgan, and his daughter, Kim, and his sons, Kevin and James Jr.

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“Jim Brown is widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes to ever wear Orange,” said Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Syverud. “Jim was a four-sport athlete at Syracuse who was an All-American in both football and lacrosse. An NFL legend, he set numerous records, won countless awards and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, among others. He epitomized Syracuse University’s deep commitment to military service having been commissioned as a second lieutenant through Army ROTC and continuing his military service in the Army Reserves while playing in the NFL. He went on to be a successful actor, tireless advocate for social justice and one of Syracuse’s proudest ambassadors. I extend my deepest condolences to Monique, his family and all who knew, loved and admired him.”

Brown’s career at Syracuse started the legacy of the number 44. As a senior in 1956, he was a unanimous All-American and finished fifth in Heisman Trophy voting. That season he set the SU record for highest rush average in a season (6.2), most rushing touchdowns in a game (6) and most points scored in a game (43). He ran for 986 yards — third-most in the country despite Syracuse playing only eight games — and scored 14 touchdowns. In the Cotton Bowl, he rushed for 132 yards, scored three touchdowns and kicked three extra points. Syracuse University retired the #44 in 2005 — recognizing Brown, Ernie Davis and Floyd Little, and all those who wore the number.

“Jim Brown is one of the greatest all around athletes of all time,” said Syracuse Director of Athletics John Wildhack. “At Syracuse he was the first of the famed 44s and excelled at lacrosse, basketball and track & field. In addition to his athletic accomplishments, he was a civil rights pioneer and created the Amer-I-Can Foundation for Social Change, which is designed to empower individuals to take charge of their lives and achieve their full potential.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to Jim’s wife, Monique, their children, Aris and Morgan, his daughter, Kim, and his sons, Kevin and James Jr.”

A four-sport letterwinner at Syracuse, Brown wore the Block S on the football and lacrosse fields, the basketball court and as a track & field student-athlete. The National Lacrosse Hall of Fame regards Brown as the greatest lacrosse player ever. A two-time lacrosse All-American, Brown was the nation’s second leading scorer as a senior (43 goals in 10 games). As a sophomore, he was the second-leading scorer for the basketball team and earned a letter on the track team. In 1955, he finished in fifth place in the National Championship decathlon.

“Jim Brown was the greatest player to ever play the game,” said Syracuse head football coach Dino Babers. “I remember my dad making me watch his highlights as a kid so I could appreciate his greatness. He was the best of the best and will be forever remembered as a Syracuse legend and the best of all time.”

In 1957, the Cleveland Browns selected Brown with the sixth overall pick in the National Football League Draft. During his nine-year NFL career, Brown earned NFL Rookie of the Year honors, was a two-time league MVP and was selected for the Pro Bowl in every season. With Brown in the backfield, the 1964 Browns won the NFL championship. He retired from the NFL at the age of 29, having set records in single-season rushing, career rushing, rushing touchdowns, total touchdowns and all-purpose yards. He was also the first player to ever reach the 100-rushing-touchdowns milestone. The Browns retired his number 32 jersey.

Following his football career, Brown pursued acting and broadcasting, and was social activist. He appeared in several films throughout the late 1960s and 70s and served as an analyst in football and boxing. In 1988, he founded the Amer-I-Can Program, which focuses on working with at-risk and high-risk youth in underserved schools and juvenile detention facilities and has had a significant impact with adult incarceration and reentry programs.

In 2016, Brown was inducted into the U.S. Army ROTC National Hall of Fame. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant through the Army ROTC in 1957 following his graduation from Syracuse University. After he was selected in the NFL Draft, he also continued his military training commitment at Ft. Benning, Ga. as an Army Reserve officer. Brown continued to serve for four more years and was honorably discharged from the Army Reserve with the rank of captain.

— NCAA

Arizona’s Bidwell Accused of Defamation

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PHOENIX – (Staff and Wire Service Report from Field Level Media) – Terry McDonough, who previously served as the Cardinals’ vice president of player development, is accusing owner Michael Bidwell and the team itself of defamation and invasion of privacy because of comments Arizona posted on its website and gave out to the media, ESPN reported.

McDonough reportedly submitted an amended arbitration complaint to Jeffrey Mishkin on Friday, and it included the claims of defamation and invasion of privacy. Mishkin, who was selected by the NFL to serve as an arbitrator, will be attempting to help McDonough and the Cardinals work out the dispute.

According to the complaint, Bidwell and the team “publicly disclosed private facts about McDonough” and made “false and defamatory statements about McDonough.” Supposedly the team knew those statements “to be false” as part of an “effort to intimidate and harass (McDonough) and his family members.”

“We are aware of the amended complaint and remain confident in our position,” the Cardinals said in a statement. “We are precluded from commenting further based on an existing confidentiality order that binds all parties.”

This isn’t the first time that McDonough has brought accusations upon Bidwell, as he sent an arbitration claim to commissioner Roger Goodell on April 4 that stated Arizona’s owner was guilty of gross misconduct, including cheating, discrimination and harassment.

Arizona denied those claims through a public relations advisor outside of the organization. In fact, the Cardinals responded with claims against McDonough, saying that they “learned of disturbing allegations of extreme domestic violence by Terry,” which included financial abandonment of one of his children.

McDonough’s amended complaint made reference to that statement by the team, stating that it was “untrue and reprehensible.”

When reached out to for an interview, McDonough declined to comment, saying he was acting in accordance with the league’s arbitration confidentiality rules. Michael Caspino, McDonough’s attorney, also declined an interview.

–Field Level Media

First Up: Alabama’s Bryce Young

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INDIANAPOLIS – (Staff and Wire Service Report by Field Level Media) – Alabama’s Bryce Young was the first quarterback to the lectern at the NFL Scouting Combine, an appropriate anecdote that included hundreds of reporters gathered to hear from the prized ‘Bama passer and purported No. 1 overall pick in April.

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While Young and Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud are expected to entice another team to trade for the top pick and move the Chicago Bears down a peg, Young said he isn’t trying to read the tea leaves.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen,” Young said of being drafted. “I obviously don’t get to choose. I’d be surprised either way. I’m just happy to be here.”

Young has been popular with teams at the top of the draft, meeting with the Bears, Houston Texans (who pick second and have the No. 12 pick), Indianapolis Colts (fourth) and Seattle Seahawks (fifth) and Las Vegas Raiders (seventh).

“Bryce is an outstanding leader, and an outstanding quarterback,” Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said. “It’s no surprise the success that he’s had, just because of the makeup and the type of guy that he is.”

Young said he had a “great” meeting with the Texans, which might not be a surprise given Ryans also attended Alabama. Crimson Tide products John Metchie III and Christian Harris, former Young teammates, are also in Houston.

“It was a great environment, just being in that room, I got a lot of wisdom. I’m super-grateful for it,” Young said.

Young had 80 touchdowns, 12 interceptions at Alabama, and he left Tuscaloosa as a Heisman Trophy winner and national champion. It won’t hurt in team meetings with NFL suitors that Young trained under former Texans head coach Bill O’Brien, who was Alabama’s offensive coordinator and recently rejoined the New England Patriots.

Stroud said his first meeting in Indianapolis was with the Raiders. He also met with the Texans and Colts and looks to get a leg up on Young by throwing and performing in on-field events during the combine. Young is holding out for Alabama’s pro day March 23.

“I want to be myself no matter what room I step in, let them know I control the room no matter what room I step in, that I’m a leader,” Stroud said Friday. “And show them the IQ I have, that I’m a student of the game. … I’m willing to go back to square one and learn it all over again.”

Former NFL personnel evaluators appear to be split on whether Young or Stroud is the right quarterback to build around. Louis Riddick said in an ESPN appearance that “sky is the absolute freaking limit” if Stroud gets in the right offense.

“This kid right here, look I love Bryce Young too, it’s like a video game watching the young man play. This guy right here, I think is the gem,” said Riddick, who previously worked in the Eagles’ scouting department.

Height and weight are questions for Young, who is nothing close to the physical prototype at the position. But his instincts, awareness and ability to execute at a high level when plays break down give him one of the highest “off script” grades from general managers since Kyler Murray was selected No. 1 overall.

“I’ve been this size, respectfully, my whole life,” Young said Friday. “I know who I am. I know what I can do. For me, it’s fair, everyone can speculate and ask whatever questions are necessary. I’m going to continue to control what I’m going to control.”

Stroud will be measured with the other quarterbacks in the class on Saturday, when throwing sessions and other on-field workouts take place at Lucas Oil Stadium. Like Stroud, Kentucky’s Will Levis and Florida’s Anthony Richardson plan to participate in all QB events.

The average height and weight of quarterbacks on NFL rosters in 2022 was 6-2 1/2, 219.8. Of course, there are notable exceptions.

Based on the tape at the combine, Murray was 5-10 1/8, Russell Wilson measured 5-10 5/8, Drew Brees was 6-0.

“You do want to pay attention to body type,” former Patriots general manager Scott Pioli said on NFL Network. “But go back and watch the tape. Spend time with Bryce Young. I’ve spent time with Bryce Young, I’ve spent time with his parents. This guy is the real deal as a quarterback and human being. This is the guy you want leading your offense and leading your huddle.”

–Field Level Media