Author: James Brown

James Brown is currently a senior at Utica University, studying communications and media with a minor in sports communications. He serves as the Sports Director at WPNR 90.7 FM, the university's radio station, and aspires to be a sports broadcaster

Categories
NFL (American Football)

Browns considering another quarterback change after Winston throws 3 more interceptions in loss to the Chiefs

Jameis Winston in the 2nd half

Jameis Winston’s third interception on Sunday — his eighth in three games — was the final straw for Browns coach Kevin Stefanski. He benched Winston, possibly for good.

With three games left in this tough season for Cleveland, Stefanski said Monday that he’s still deciding on the quarterback situation and will do “what’s best for the team” as the Browns (3-11), who had six turnovers — four interceptions and two fumbles — in a 21-7 loss to Kansas City, prepare to play at Cincinnati this week.

Stefanski could either stick with Winston, who has been inconsistent, or give the chance to second-year quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson or possibly third-stringer Bailey Zappe. Right now, all options are being considered.

But at this point, does it even matter?

“We’re still putting this game to bed,” Stefanski said Monday on a Zoom call, referring to the loss to the Chiefs. “So anything relating to Cincinnati I’ll update as we get into the week.”

The uncertainty around Winston’s role is a clear sign that another quarterback change might happen in Cleveland.

Stefanski has clearly grown frustrated with Winston’s habit of forcing passes into double coverage or throwing interceptions. This has been a problem for Winston throughout his career since being the No. 1 overall pick.

Stefanski has a lot to think about, especially since Winston has brought some energy to Cleveland’s offense in his seven starts after Deshaun Watson ruptured his Achilles tendon on October 20.

Kevin Stefanski watches the game in the 1st half

Winston is not perfect, but he’s been a major upgrade over Watson, who went 1-6 in seven starts and had his second season cut short after breaking a bone in his throwing shoulder last year.

Besides his play on the field, Winston has been a strong leader for the Browns, helping build a strong bond with his teammates, who have come to value his experience and unique energy.

“It’s been clear and very evident how impactful Jameis has been for us as a leader, both on and off the field,” said safety Rodney McLeod. “That was evident from Day 1. That was my observation as he supported Deshaun through it all. Through OTAs, training camp and up to the point where he was the starter, he stayed consistent.

“He is the identity of what selfless looks like and he’s continued to demonstrate that throughout his time here. It’s been a pleasure just to have him as a teammate, learn from him, pick his brain, and it’s been exciting to watch him on the field and what he’s been able to do for the offense.”

The case for playing Thompson-Robinson, who went 4 of 9 for 18 yards with an interception in the final 7:57 of Sunday’s game, is that he could be part of Cleveland’s future — either as a starter or backup — and it might be time to give him a chance.

He showed promise in three starts as a rookie last season, and the Browns have been happy with his development.

It may be time to see if he’s a good fit for the team moving forward.

Categories
NFL (American Football)

Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell will not play against the Falcons, while Desmond Ridder takes the starting role

Aidan O’Connell is taken off the field after an injury

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell did not play in Monday night’s game against the Atlanta Falcons, allowing Desmond Ridder to start against his former team.

O’Connell hurt his left knee on December 8 during a game against Tampa Bay.

Ridder played 13 games for the Falcons last season before being traded to Arizona. The Raiders signed him off the Cardinals’ practice squad on October 21.

“Whether it’s against the Falcons — it doesn’t matter who it’s against — any opportunity that I get to go out there and showcase my talents, it’s an exciting time,” Ridder said Wednesday.

Ridder has played as a backup in four games, completing 28 of 44 passes for 239 yards and one touchdown, with no interceptions.

Carter Bradley, the son of Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, was Ridder’s backup on Monday night.

Desmond Riddler runs with the ball in the 1st half

O’Connell has faced several setbacks this season, starting in the preseason.

He lost the starting job to Gardner Minshew. Coach Antonio Pierce benched Minshew after five games, but O’Connell broke his thumb in a game against the Los Angeles Rams and missed almost six weeks.

Two games after returning, O’Connell was pushed to the ground by Buccaneers defensive lineman Calijah Kancey.

The injury seemed worse than it was, and O’Connell even participated in a walk-through practice on Wednesday. But he did not practice the following three days.

Categories
NFL (American Football)

Cowboys Struggle with Third Straight Loss, Facing Mounting Pressure and a Bleak Playoff Outlook

Cowboys Struggle with Third Straight Loss, Facing Mounting Pressure and a Bleak Playoff Outlook
Cowboys Struggle with Third Straight Loss, Facing Mounting Pressure and a Bleak Playoff Outlook

The Dallas Cowboys’ season is spiraling downward after a tough 27-21 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, marking their third consecutive defeat. With a 3-5 record, they have already matched the number of losses from the previous two seasons. The team’s struggles suggest that this year is unlikely to end the franchise’s long drought without a Super Bowl appearance, which now stands at 29 seasons. The sense of urgency is growing, as every loss pushes them closer to a bleak outcome.

Quarterback Dak Prescott remains hopeful, insisting that a single win could turn things around and restore the team’s confidence. However, his statement may be a plea for help as the Cowboys continue to struggle. As the losses mount, the team’s confidence is eroding, and the pressure is mounting on both players and coaches. All-Pro right guard Zack Martin emphasized the need to get back to work and regain confidence if the Cowboys are to salvage their season.

The Cowboys’ season has been marked by distractions off the field as well. Veteran running back Ezekiel Elliott was deactivated for missing team meetings, while cornerback Trevon Diggs recently lashed out at a local reporter after a loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Meanwhile, owner Jerry Jones publicly criticized his radio show hosts for their tough questions following a humiliating 47-9 loss to the Detroit Lions on his 82nd birthday. These incidents only add to the drama surrounding the team, compounding the pressure they are facing.

Cowboys Struggle with Third Straight Loss, Facing Mounting Pressure and a Bleak Playoff Outlook
Cowboys Struggle with Third Straight Loss, Facing Mounting Pressure and a Bleak Playoff Outlook

On the field, the Cowboys’ problems have been evident in their sloppy play. Their defense, which was expected to be a strength, struggled to contain the Falcons, despite holding their running game to just 3.3 yards per carry. Their pass defense allowed Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins to throw three touchdowns, including wide-open passes to receivers. The offense also faltered, with costly mistakes such as lining up with only 10 players on one play, and struggling on third and fourth downs, converting just 3-of-13 and 1-of-5, respectively.

Penalties have also been a recurring issue, with the Cowboys committing nine penalties in the game, including pre-snap infractions like false starts and delays of the game. Martin acknowledged that the Cowboys are beating themselves, noting that the margin for error is slim in the competitive NFL. He highlighted the importance of fixing these issues to avoid further damage to their already shaky season.

Despite the bleak outlook, there’s still a sliver of hope for the Cowboys, as owner Jerry Jones pointed to the potential for a turnaround, recalling the 2018 season when the team started 3-5 but rebounded with five straight wins. However, many remain skeptical, as Jones has made similar promises in the past but failed to follow through, especially in terms of roster moves. With important upcoming games against divisional rivals like the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders, the Cowboys’ season could get even worse if they fail to make a quick recovery.

Categories
FEATURED

Seahawks receive positive updates on injured QB Geno Smith as they regroup following their loss

Geno Smith and Rashan Gary in the 1st half

Geno Smith and the Seattle Seahawks received some good news a day after their disappointing loss to the Green Bay Packers.

Coach Mike Macdonald said on Monday that tests on Smith’s right knee showed no major injury and he was hopeful that the veteran quarterback would be ready for next weekend’s game against the Minnesota Vikings.

“We’re fortunate,” Macdonald said. “A lot of positive, optimistic signs coming out of the tests. Geno’s a beast, man. He’s in here working out in the morning, working through it. I know he’s still feeling it, but this guy is tough as nails and hopefully we’ll see him practice throughout the week, and optimistic that he’ll be ready for the game.”

If Smith is able to play, it would be another twist in an unpredictable season for the Seahawks, who entered Sunday night’s game on a four-game winning streak and in first place in the NFC West — only to lose 30-13 to the Packers.

Geno Smith throws in the 1st half

Seattle now finds itself tied with the rising Los Angeles Rams at the top of the division. Even the Seahawks’ famous home crowd, the “12s,” took a hit, as Packers fans loudly cheered “Go Pack Go,” making Lumen Field feel more like Lambeau Field.

The Packers dominated the Seattle offensive line, sacking Smith and backup Sam Howell seven times, while their offense took advantage of a Seahawks defense that had been strong during the winning streak.

In addition to Smith, center Olu Oluwatimi was also hurt, making things even harder for Macdonald in the final three games.

“I thought just in general you’ve got to give Green Bay a lot of credit,” the first-year coach said. “I thought they outcoached us. We didn’t have a good enough plan in all three phases. I’m responsible for that, and frankly didn’t play good enough. Didn’t do the things we been doing that have won us games.”

Categories
NFL (American Football)

The Chargers are struggling after their defeat to the Buccaneers, with a crucial game against the Broncos upcoming

Mike Evans Jr. scores a touchdown in the 2nd half

Playoff-contending teams would like to be on a winning streak as they head into the final three games of the regular season.

But instead, the Los Angeles Chargers are struggling after their 40-17 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, with little time to recover before their next big game.

“You play a game in the National Football League, give up 40 points and 500 yards, there’s a high level of concern,” said defensive coordinator Jesse Minter on Monday. “I think you look to your foundation and what you’ve built over time and hope that your foundation allows you to rebound from a game like that. You hope that it’s only a one-off.”

The only positive for the Chargers as they prepare for Thursday night’s game against AFC West rival Denver is that they have an 83% chance of making the playoffs, according to the NFL.

Los Angeles (8-6), which has lost three of its last four games, holds the last wild-card spot in the AFC and has a two-game lead over Indianapolis, Miami, and Cincinnati.

A win against Denver would give the Chargers the season sweep and the tiebreaker if both teams have the same record at the end of the season. No one wants to be the seventh seed because it would likely mean a first-round game against either Buffalo or Kansas City.

Justin Herbert in the 1st half

However, the loss to the Buccaneers highlighted areas where the Chargers are still struggling.

The offense has become one-dimensional since running back J.K. Dobbins suffered a knee injury against Baltimore on November 25.

The Chargers had a balanced attack for most of the season but have been running the ball on only 33.1% of their plays over the past three games since Dobbins was placed on injured reserve. The league average during the same period is 39.1%.

The Chargers gained a season-low 32 rushing yards against Tampa Bay and are averaging just 60.7 yards on the ground in their last three games, which is far below their season average of 105.8 yards.

At the same time, the defense has struggled to stop the run.

Tampa Bay’s 223 rushing yards were the second time in four games that the Chargers allowed at least 200 yards rushing. Teams are averaging 4.7 yards per carry against them.

“You’re probably not going to reinvent the wheel this week with the guys in terms of what you’re doing. So you don’t want to really do too much new stuff,” said offensive coordinator Greg Roman. “The great thing is we got a lot of stuff that we haven’t done yet that we’ve been working on.”

Categories
NFL (American Football)

The Eagles overcome injuries and internal conflicts to extend their winning streak to 10 games

A.J. Brown and James Pierre in the 2nd half

Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley both played through injuries that were more of a minor hassle than serious long-term problems for the Eagles.

Injuries heal, and so do bruised egos and hard feelings caused by criticism and rumors, not from fans, social media, or sports talk radio, but from within the Philadelphia locker room.

Hurts connected with wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith for touchdowns, and the Eagles put any internal issues regarding their offense to rest with a 27-13 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.

The Eagles (12-2) won their 10th straight game, setting a franchise record. A win this weekend against Washington would secure the NFC East title for them, and they moved into a tie with Detroit for the best record in the conference.

With three games left, the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye are still within reach, and all they need to do is stay healthy.

Hurts shared that he played through a broken finger on his non-throwing hand, while Barkley, the NFL’s leading rusher, said he dealt with “a little something” against the Steelers that sent him to the medical tent.

Jalen Hurts runs with the ball in the 2nd half

When the Eagles are working together, injuries might be the only thing that can stop them.

“I just felt extremely locked in and focused through the entire week, through what could have been a time where people could say, ‘What’s going on over in Philadelphia?’” said coach Nick Sirianni.

Smith and Brown had both expressed frustration about the passing game after a lackluster performance the previous week against Carolina. Defensive end Brandon Graham then suggested in a radio interview that there were issues between Hurts and Brown.

After their dominant win over Pittsburgh, the Eagles acted like one big happy family in the locker room.

“Behind closed doors, we talk about that, we called each other out,” Brown said. “That’s very uncomfortable. You don’t want to feel like you’re getting attacked. We’re trying to get on the same page. We’re trying to win.”

Categories
NFL (American Football)

Rodgers Stays Noncommittal on Jets Future as Chaos, Injuries, and Rebuild Plans Cloud Outlook

Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers (NFL)

Aaron Rodgers, as usual, remains coy about his future with the New York Jets following a disappointing and chaotic season. Despite his outward calm, Rodgers is fully aware of the uncertain situation within the organization after the firings of head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas. His close friend Nathaniel Hackett, the demoted offensive coordinator, and the rest of the staff seem unlikely to remain, which puts Rodgers’ plans for next year into question. Rodgers, however, has been vocal in his support for interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich, calling him a “fantastic human being” and expressing his desire to play for him again.

Rodgers stated his intention to potentially return in 2025 but left open the possibility that circumstances could change. While he prefers to play for the Jets if he decides to continue his career, he emphasized that it depends on whether the team wants him back. This decision is not entirely in his control, especially as a new general manager might have different plans for the franchise. Rodgers’ comments reflect the complicated nature of his situation: his loyalty to the Jets contrasts with the reality of a franchise approaching a major rebuild after a dismal 3-8 record.

Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers (NFL)

Adding to the uncertainty are Rodgers’ physical issues, including his Achilles injury and lingering hamstring, knee, and ankle problems, which have limited his ability to perform to his Hall of Fame standards. Although there were rumors that he could be placed on injured reserve and might have played his last snap for the Jets, both Rodgers and Ulbrich quickly denied this. Ulbrich maintained that as long as Rodgers is healthy, he plans to play him, and Rodgers himself confirmed his preference to remain on the field.

Rodgers also acknowledged the complexities surrounding his future with a potential new regime. If the Jets bring in a new coaching staff or front office, it could affect his standing with the team and his desire to play. He emphasized that staff decisions, schemes, and the overall direction of the franchise will factor heavily into his choice to return in 2025. Rodgers appears to be positioning himself carefully, weighing his loyalty to the Jets against his need for organizational stability and alignment.

For Rodgers, this represents the most uncertain moment of his illustrious 20-year career. Known for his desire to control narratives, this lack of clarity seems unsettling for him. Still, Rodgers insisted on staying in the moment, focusing on the remainder of this season while leaving the future to unfold on its own. His willingness to adapt will be critical as the Jets navigate their inevitable rebuild and determine whether Rodgers is part of their long-term plans.

Categories
NHL (National Hockey League)

Matt Duchene’s Overtime Heroics Lift Stars to 2-1 Victory Over Blues in Thrilling Finish

Matt Duchene's Overtime Heroics Lift Stars to 2-1 Victory Over Blues in Thrilling Finish
Matt Duchene's Overtime Heroics Lift Stars to 2-1 Victory Over Blues in Thrilling Finish

The Dallas Stars edged out the St. Louis Blues 2-1 in an overtime thriller on Saturday night, with Matt Duchene delivering the game-winning goal on a remarkable end-to-end rush at 2:31 into the extra period. Starting near his own goal line, Duchene maneuvered past defenders to secure the win at the American Airlines Center. Jake Oettinger was solid in goal, stopping 15 shots and maintaining an impressive 11-1-0 home record. Jason Robertson also contributed significantly for Dallas, scoring a goal and assisting on another.

Duchene’s game-winner further cemented his role as a key player for Dallas this season. Leading the team with 13 goals, including four decisive game-winners, he continues to be a clutch performer. Robertson, the Stars’ top scorer for the past two seasons, has recently rediscovered his scoring touch, netting goals in two of his last three games—a feat he hadn’t achieved since late October. The Stars showed resilience, earning their first win in seven games this season after trailing at the end of the first period.

Matt Duchene's Overtime Heroics Lift Stars to 2-1 Victory Over Blues in Thrilling Finish
Matt Duchene’s Overtime Heroics Lift Stars to 2-1 Victory Over Blues in Thrilling Finish

For the Blues, Jordan Kyrou opened the scoring in the first period and extended his streak with goals in three straight games, totaling five goals in his last six outings. Goaltender Jordan Binnington was a standout for St. Louis, making 35 saves and keeping the Blues competitive, especially during a second period where they were outshot 14-3. His strong play in penalty-kill situations limited Dallas to just one power-play goal on three opportunities.

Both teams had standout moments and notable performances. For St. Louis, Robert Thomas assisted on Kyrou’s goal, extending his own point streak to six games with three goals and eight assists in that span. However, the Blues continue to face challenges, particularly with injuries. They recently acquired defenseman Cam Fowler to bolster their lineup in the absence of Nick Leddy, and veteran forward Brandon Saad was a healthy scratch after a prolonged scoring drought.

Looking ahead, the Blues will host the New York Rangers on Sunday, seeking to bounce back from the narrow loss. Meanwhile, the Stars will look to maintain their momentum when they host the Washington Capitals on Monday. The key moment of the game occurred late in overtime when Oettinger’s critical save on Pavel Buchnevich set the stage for Duchene’s heroic game-winner, sealing a gritty and hard-fought victory for Dallas.

Categories
NFL (American Football)

The Ravens hand the Giants their 9th consecutive loss, tying a franchise record, with a 35-14 victory

Baltimore Ravens players celebrates after scoring

Lamar Jackson was upset after losing a fumble at the Giants’ 12-yard line on the second play of the game. He took his frustration out on the New York team for the rest of the day.

Jackson tied his career high by throwing five touchdown passes, leading the Baltimore Ravens to a 35-14 win on Sunday. The victory sent the Giants to their ninth straight loss, tying a franchise record.

“I started out slow with that turnover. I was hot about that,” Jackson said. “I was ticked off. I just had to lock in and play Ravens football and that’s what we did.”

Jackson threw touchdown passes to Rashod Bateman (49 and 20 yards), Mark Andrews (13 yards), Devontez Walker (21 yards), and Justice Hill (27 yards), the last one capping a 97-yard drive.

Rashod Bateman takes a catch in the 2nd quarter

“All around he had a great game,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said after Baltimore (9-5) came off a bye week and moved closer to a playoff spot. “He’s been locked in all season, all week. He’s on the guys in meetings, walk-throughs, everything. He’s keeping it about football and getting the football right.”

Jackson finished 21 of 25 for 290 yards, with a quarterback rating of 154.6, just short of the NFL maximum of 158.3. It was Jackson’s sixth game with five TD passes in his career and his second this season, after doing it against Tampa Bay on Oct. 21. He has now thrown 34 TDs this year.

“It’s kind of crazy how he can get through his reads, make his line better, it’s everything,” Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith said after the team gained 445 yards. “What the guy is doing is truly special.”

Andrews’ touchdown catch late in the first quarter gave him a franchise-record 48 career touchdowns, surpassing running back Jamal Lewis.

The Giants (2-12) are struggling in their 100th season. They remain winless in eight games at MetLife Stadium, putting more pressure on head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen. The nine-game losing streak is the third longest in franchise history, with the last one happening in 2019.

“These guys are doing everything they can do,” Daboll said. “We ran into a good football team with a lot of good football players, and they played well, and we didn’t play well.”

Devin Singletary scored a 2-yard touchdown for the Giants in the second quarter. Rookie Malik Nabers caught a 23-yard touchdown pass from Tim Boyle in the final moments of the game after Boyle replaced Tommy DeVito, who had a concussion.

Lamar Jackson and Justice Hill in the 4th quarter

Boyle finished 12 of 24 for 123 yards and an interception. DeVito went 10 of 13 for 68 yards. Drew Lock, who started the last two games, was out due to a heel injury. Nabers had 10 catches for 82 yards.

“It doesn’t feel good to lose,” tackle Evan Neal said. “I just want to get a win at this point. But all you can do is just get back to the chopping block and work.”

Before the game, a small plane flew around MetLife Stadium with a banner reading, “Mr. Mara Enough — We won’t stop until you fire everyone.” It was the second straight week that a plane had flown over the stadium to express frustration with the Giants’ performance. Mara declined to comment after the game.

Categories
NHL (National Hockey League)

Collins catches 2 TD passes as Texans create 4 turnovers in 20-12 victory over Dolphins

Houston Texans players celebrate after the win

Derek Stingley was outstanding as he was assigned to cover Miami’s top receiver Tyreek Hill for most of Sunday’s game. Stingley played a big role in Houston’s defense, which forced four turnovers, including two interceptions in the fourth quarter. These turnovers helped the Texans win 20-12 against the Miami Dolphins.

“Stingley is playing just unbelievable football right now,” said Houston coach DeMeco Ryans.

With this victory, the Texans (9-5) secured their second consecutive AFC South title after the Broncos defeated the Colts later that day.

Stingley talked about his performance against Hill, who had only two receptions for 36 yards: “It’s a good opportunity going against somebody that’s the face of the NFL. So anytime you get to go out there on the field, it’s just a good time, just time to have fun.”

Jonnu Smith gets tackled by Will Anderson Jr. and Christian Harris in the 1st half

Nico Collins had two touchdown catches for the Texans in the win. His first was a 6-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter, and his second came in the third quarter, making the score 20-6. This score was set up by a 35-yard run by Dare Ogunbowale on a fake punt.

Tua Tagovailoa threw a 7-yard touchdown pass to Jonnu Smith with about 4½ minutes left in the third quarter, but the Dolphins missed the extra point, so they couldn’t get closer than 20-12.

The Dolphins tried to make a comeback, but Stingley intercepted a pass intended for Hill with about 10½ minutes left, which stopped the drive at the Houston 20-yard line. After two more Texans drives ended in punts, Stingley sealed the win by grabbing another interception off Hill.

“Defensively our guys stepped up and did a really good job of closing out the game the way we needed to,” Ryans said.

Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud was impressed by Stingley’s abilities. “He’s one of a kind,” Stroud said. “Trying to get him a play on offense one of these days. I think he’s that good with the ball in his hands.”

Stroud threw for 131 yards and two touchdowns in the win. Miami’s quarterback Tua Tagovailoa had a rough day, throwing for 196 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions. He also lost a fumble. The Dolphins (6-8) struggled without their starting tackles, Terron Armstead and Kendall Lamm.

Tagovailoa took responsibility for his mistakes. “Plain and simple, my fault,” he said. “I’ve got to protect the ball. I’ve got to play better ball for our guys, especially in the situation where the team is counting on me to drive our offense down to potentially tie the game up. That is not what I did.”

There was a scary moment in the third quarter when Miami receiver Grant DuBose was taken off the field on a stretcher after a helmet-to-helmet hit. The team reported he is in stable condition and was sent to a local hospital for further evaluation.

C.J. Stroud looks to pass in the 1st half

“There’s been some positive feedback related to some head and neck imaging,” said coach Mike McDaniel. “He will stay here overnight, and we’ll find out more by (Monday).”

DuBose had been hit in the head by rookie Calen Bullock after trying to make a catch. He stayed on the field for a while as medical staff attended to him. Bullock was flagged for unnecessary roughness on the play.

The game started with the Texans getting a 44-yard field goal on their first drive, and the Dolphins tied it with a 55-yard field goal. Miami’s defense came up big when Will Anderson Jr. sacked Tagovailoa, forcing a fumble that Tim Settle recovered at the Miami 28. Stroud then found Collins for a 6-yard touchdown pass, putting the Texans ahead.

Miami answered with a 36-yard field goal to make it 10-6, but the Texans extended their lead to 13-6 with a field goal after an interception by Bullock.

Categories
FEATURED

The Titans bench quarterback Will Levis after his four turnovers result in 24 points for the Bengals

Will Levis throws a pass in the 1st half

Will Levis received his loudest applause on Sunday when first-year Tennessee coach Brian Callahan decided to bench the second-year quarterback.

This moment reflected not only Levis’ poor performance in a 37-27 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, but also highlighted the tough spot the Titans are in right now.

The team needs to keep playing the 33rd overall pick from the 2023 draft to figure out what they have before what is expected to be their highest draft pick since 2017.

Levis had shown some progress. Coming into the game, he hadn’t thrown an interception in his last two games, though the team lost both.

“We’re not getting enough positive plays in a row from the quarterback position, and that, to me, is the hard part,” said Callahan about Levis. Levis had a tough game on Sunday.

He fumbled the ball when Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson came in unblocked. Then Levis threw three interceptions, one of which was returned 39 yards by Geno Stone for a pick-6. Levis now leads the NFL with four pick-6s this season. These turnovers led to 24 points for Cincinnati.

Brian Callahan reacts in the 1st half

Callahan said Levis struggled, which is why he pulled him, hoping that backup Mason Rudolph would give the team a spark. Rudolph went 21 of 26 for 209 yards and two touchdown passes, but he also threw an interception inside the Cincinnati 20.

“Those things happen,” Callahan said, referencing his past coaching experience with Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. “I’ve been a part of them before. Just a bad half, a bad series that kind of spiraled on him, and you need to take a seat for a little bit and let somebody else do it.”

With three games remaining for the Titans (3-11), Levis has already matched the four pick-6s thrown by Sam Howell last season and Matthew Stafford in 2021. Levis is among a select group of quarterbacks who have thrown at least four pick-6s in a season over the last 10 years.

However, Levis is the first Tennessee quarterback since the team moved to the state in 1997 to throw four pick-6s in a season. Matt Hasselbeck (2011, 2012) and Steve McNair (2000, 2005) both had seasons with three pick-6s.

Levis understands that when a quarterback throws four turnovers, they will get benched. Now, he plans to watch the video and learn from his mistakes.

“I know what I’m capable of,” said Levis. “The ball was coming out of my hand well. There’s things we could do at all positions to help us out with a couple of those turnovers. There’s nothing discouraging about it. It was just one of those days, and I’m going to keep swinging, that’s for sure.”

Rudolph, who has been benched in his career, said it’s not easy, but a quarterback can grow from the experience.

“It hardens you as a man and as a human being,” said Rudolph. “It’s all about how you respond, and I know he’ll respond well.”

Categories
NFL (American Football)

The Broncos surged ahead with five takeaways, defeating the Colts 31-13

Denver Boncos players celebrate after a touchdown

Nik Bonitto’s defensive touchdown was amazing, while Jonathan Taylor’s failed touchdown run was surprising.

Bonitto ruined a trick play by stepping in front of quarterback Anthony Richardson and intercepting Adonai Mitchell’s lateral pass. He then ran 50 yards for a touchdown that helped the Denver Broncos secure a 31-13 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.

The game turned around in the third quarter due to a mistake by Taylor. Indianapolis’ star running back dropped the ball just before crossing the goal line on what should have been a 41-yard touchdown.

“That can’t happen,” Taylor said, who finished with 107 yards but no touchdowns on 22 carries. “No, you’re never consciously aware you’re dropping the ball. Otherwise, you wouldn’t do it.”

The mistake gave the Broncos new energy, with their special teams and defense stepping up to support an offense that only managed 193 yards.

“If he would have scored that touchdown, it would have been even more of a dogfight to get back,” said Denver pass rusher Jonathon Cooper. “We would have had a tougher fight. … I just hope it never happens to us.”

Bo Nix throws in the 1st half

Denver’s defenders were disappointed as they walked off the field, but the fans suddenly started cheering. Safety P.J. Locke looked up and saw the replay on the big screen, realizing the Broncos had been given a chance.

Instead of the Colts going for the extra point to take a 20-7 lead, the touchback meant the Colts were only ahead by six points, which they soon lost.

“That was a game changer, yeah, absolutely,” said Colts coach Shane Steichen. “Obviously, it hurt us, but he’s one of our leaders. Sometimes that happens in football, but he’s our guy, and that’s what you say to him.”

With five takeaways, the Broncos (9-5) ended a seven-year stretch of losing seasons and moved closer to securing an AFC wild-card spot, which would break a playoff drought that started in 2016. That was the last time they were four games above .500, during their Super Bowl 50 title defense.

The Colts (6-8) lost their 10-0 lead and missed a big chance to stay in the AFC wild-card race. Taylor’s mistake and Bonitto’s play were the main reasons.

Denver had just taken its first lead of the game with Bo Nix’s 15-yard touchdown pass to tight end Nate Adkins, making it 17-13, when Bonitto scored his second touchdown in as many games.

Bonitto, who had a pick-6 against Cleveland before the Broncos’ bye week, was in full stride when he intercepted Mitchell’s pass at midfield and ran all the way to the end zone untouched.

The play was officially recorded as a fumble recovery, not a pick-6, because it was a backward pass. Regardless of the term used, Cooper said it was the boost the Broncos needed.

“Man, I love playing with this dude,” Cooper said. “His football instincts are off the charts. He’s a phenomenal football player. He’s got my vote for Defensive Player of the Year.”

Jonathan Taylor runs with the ball in the 1st half

Mitchell said his coach had told him to throw the ball away if he saw the Broncos reading the trick play, but he didn’t realize Denver had figured it out.

“It was there pretty much until 15 turned into Ed Reed and just came through out of nowhere,” Mitchell said.

Denver’s five takeaways helped make up for Nix’s first three-interception game of his rookie season.

One of Denver’s interceptions was by cornerback Patrick Surtain II, who limped off the field with a sprained right ankle. He returned to the game but had to be helped off the field near the 2-minute warning after aggravating the injury.

He left the stadium without speaking but wasn’t wearing a walking boot, which was a positive sign as the Broncos prepare for their next game with a short week.

Denver’s scoring began with Wil Lutz’s 44-yard field goal, which pulled the Broncos to within 13-10, and ended with Nix’s 20-yard touchdown pass to Courtland Sutton.