Sports Al Dente

New York Jets guard Xavier Newman suffered a neck injury during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium and was subsequently carted off the field. Following the incident, he was taken to a local hospital in Pittsburgh for a full examination to assess the severity of his injury. The team and fans alike were anxious for updates on his condition.

Interim Jets coach Jeff Ulbrich expressed relief when he announced that Newman’s tests came back negative, indicating that there were no serious injuries. The news provided a much-needed sense of comfort for the team, who had witnessed the alarming scene unfold on the field. Newman’s injury occurred during the third quarter as he was involved in a play following an interception return.

During the play, Newman was knocked down by linebacker Patrick Queen, who was blocking for the return. He landed awkwardly on his back and remained motionless for several minutes, leading to immediate concern from teammates and coaching staff.

Medical personnel attended to him on the field before he was carefully placed on a spine board and transported by ambulance, although there was reported movement in his limbs.

Newman, who had been filling in for starter Alijah Vera-Tucker—who left the game in the second quarter with an ankle injury—was a backup offensive lineman. Despite Newman’s efforts and resilience, the Jets ultimately lost the game to the Steelers with a score of 37-15.

Week 7 of the NFL season delivered intense drama, highlighted by significant match-ups and pivotal moments, including a first loss for one franchise and the continuation of another’s unbeaten streak. The weekend kicked off with the Jacksonville Jaguars securing a vital win against the New England Patriots in London, setting the stage for the day’s excitement.

The marquee event of the week featured a Super Bowl rematch between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers. The Chiefs emerged victorious once again, winning 28-18. Despite injuries affecting both teams, particularly the 49ers, who lost key receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk during the game, Kansas City’s ability to find a way to win shone through. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes struggled with his passing but found success on the ground, supported by a strong running game.

Mahomes completed 16 of 27 passes for 154 yards, but his two interceptions raised concerns. However, the running game thrived, with Kareem Hunt rushing for 78 yards and two touchdowns, alongside contributions from Mecole Hardman Jr. The Chiefs’ defense played a crucial role, intercepting 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy three times, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure. Mahomes emphasized the need for improvement despite the victory, noting the importance of these tough match-ups for playoff preparation.

In a dramatic return, Saquon Barkley faced off against his former team, the New York Giants, as the Philadelphia Eagles triumphed 28-3. Barkley, traded in the offseason, was met with hostility from Giants fans, including some burning his jersey. Nevertheless, he delivered a remarkable performance, rushing for 176 yards and a touchdown, showcasing the skills the Giants missed after his departure. Despite the animosity, Barkley expressed gratitude towards the Giants but focused on his role with the Eagles.

The Giants struggled offensively, leading to starting quarterback Daniel Jones being benched in the fourth quarter after a lackluster performance. Head coach Brian Daboll reaffirmed Jones as the starting quarterback but acknowledged the team’s overall offensive failures. The loss emphasized the ongoing challenges the Giants face this season, contrasting sharply with Barkley’s success in his new role.

Two pivotal NFC North games added to the drama, starting with the Detroit Lions defeating the Minnesota Vikings 31-29. The Lions’ victory marked the Vikings’ first loss of the season, thanks to a late field goal from Jake Bates. The game featured momentum shifts, with the Lions initially falling behind but rallying back to secure the win. Bates’ performance under pressure highlighted the Lions’ resilience as they improved to 5-1.

Simultaneously, the Green Bay Packers clinched a narrow 24-22 victory over the Houston Texans, thanks to a last-second 45-yard field goal by new kicker Brandon McManus. Both teams struggled offensively, with Packers quarterback Jordan Love throwing two interceptions. However, key plays, including a touchdown reception by running back Josh Jacobs, provided moments of excitement. McManus, making his debut with Green Bay, sealed the game, highlighting the importance of special teams in close contests.

Week 7 was a showcase of high-stakes games that included a mix of triumphant returns, ongoing injury challenges, and nail-biting finishes. The performances not only shifted playoff dynamics but also set the stage for critical upcoming match-ups as teams aimed to solidify their positions as the season progresses. With both established stars and rising talents making headlines, the NFL continues to captivate fans with its unpredictable nature.

The formula may look a bit different with the defense and running game leading the Kansas City Chiefs. But the results feel very familiar as the two-time defending champions continue to defeat teams, especially the San Francisco 49ers.

Patrick Mahomes bounced back from two interceptions to make several important plays with his legs, helping the Chiefs remain the only undefeated team in the league by beating the 49ers 28-18 on Sunday in a Super Bowl rematch.

“I just don’t think it’s normal for what you’ve seen from us because there’s not a lot of passing touchdowns,” Mahomes said after going two games in a row without a touchdown pass for only the second time in his career.

“There’s been a lot of turnovers, especially by me. I think it’s just showing the versatility of our team. It’s not just about me, it’s not just about the stats and the light show and stuff like that. It’s about playing team football, and I believe if we continue to work, we’ll get better offensively at throwing the ball down the field.

But until then, it’s nice to know that we have a great running game, we’ve got a great defense, and we’re able to execute when it matters to win football games.”

The Chiefs (6-0) ran for a season-high 184 yards and scored four touchdowns on the ground for the first time since the 2018 playoffs against Indianapolis. The defense did its part too, with three interceptions against Brock Purdy and the 49ers (3-4), on a day when Mahomes had his second-fewest passing yards ever (154) in a game he didn’t leave due to injury.

Mahomes made his best plays without throwing the ball. He had a 33-yard run where he faked out Dee Winters by stopping near the sideline and then continued for more yards. That set up a 1-yard run on fourth-and-goal when he lowered his shoulder to push past rookie safety Malik Mustapha at the goal line.

“He’s just a playmaker,” said Kareem Hunt, who ran for two touchdowns. “Whenever the ball is in his hands, he can make plays with his arm or legs.”

The stakes and the quality of play weren’t as high as eight months ago when Mahomes and the Chiefs defeated the 49ers 25-22 in overtime for their third Super Bowl title in five seasons.

But the outcome was the same, with Kansas City winning its fifth consecutive game against San Francisco, including two Super Bowls.

The game came with a potentially serious cost for San Francisco. Star receiver Brandon Aiyuk was taken off the field after injuring his right knee while making a catch late in the first half. Coach Kyle Shanahan mentioned that the team fears Aiyuk may have torn his ACL.

Aiyuk’s absence became crucial late in the third quarter when the 49ers were driving and trying to overcome a 14-12 deficit.

Purdy threw an inaccurate pass to backup receiver Ronnie Bell, leading to an interception by rookie Chris Roland-Wallace. The Chiefs then converted that into a touchdown thanks to two runs by Mahomes.

Mahomes completed 16 of 27 passes for 154 yards and has eight interceptions and six touchdown passes this season. But that has been enough for Kansas City to become the 10th defending Super Bowl champion to start the next season with six straight wins.

“We got plenty of room to improve on things,” coach Andy Reid said. “Eventually guys will start coming back. But the thing I appreciate the most is guys stepping up and then the other guys trusting them to step up and believing in them.”

Purdy wasn’t much better, as the defenses had the upper hand in this game. He completed 17 of 31 passes for 212 yards, with two rushing touchdowns and three interceptions.

His third pick came in the end zone midway through the fourth quarter while San Francisco was trying to make a comeback.

“We didn’t do anything really good on offense,” Shanahan said. “I know he’d love to have all three of those picks back. Brock’s been playing unbelievable this year. He’s done some good things on offense this year but today wasn’t that day.”

Sabrina Ionescu’s performance in Game 4 of the WNBA Finals starkly contrasted with her previous heroics. After hitting a memorable shot in Game 3 to clinch a victory, Ionescu struggled significantly in the following match.

She started with two missed shots, ultimately finishing the game with just one successful basket out of 19 attempts. Breanna Stewart also had an off night, contributing to the Liberty’s challenges on the court. However, Jonquel Jones emerged as the game’s MVP, delivering a stellar performance that led the New York Liberty to a 67-62 overtime victory against the Minnesota Lynx.

Jones’s impact on the game was undeniable, as she tallied 17 points and six rebounds while showcasing her defensive prowess. Her ability to dominate in the paint and provide help on defense was crucial for the Liberty’s success. Stewart highlighted Jones’s importance in finally reaching the finals and securing a championship, noting that her contributions were vital in the moments when the team’s stars struggled to find their rhythm. The Liberty’s roster, featuring high-profile players like Ionescu and Stewart, was designed to create a super-team capable of winning a title.

Despite Ionescu’s shooting struggles, she managed to add eight assists and seven rebounds, illustrating her versatility beyond scoring. Stewart, while also having a difficult night, managed to pull down 15 rebounds in addition to her 13 points. During the trophy presentation, Ionescu emphasized the collective effort required to win, asserting that championships are not won alone and that every player played a role in Liberty’s success.

The path to the WNBA Finals for the Liberty involved the hopes of building a powerhouse team with star players like Stewart, a two-time Finals MVP, and Jones, who had previously contended for a title.

However, the journey was not without its challenges, particularly as Ionescu and Stewart faced shooting difficulties in critical moments. In Game 4, Ionescu missed her first 13 shots, extending a streak of 15 consecutive misses that began in Game 4. She finally found success with a 3-pointer that momentarily gave the Liberty a lead.

As the game progressed, the Lynx took a late lead, putting the Liberty’s championship aspirations in jeopardy. However, Stewart’s crucial free throws with seconds left in regulation allowed the game to go into overtime. In the extra period, key baskets from teammates Leonie Fiebich and Nyara Sabally secured the victory for New York.

Jones’s consistent performance throughout the series, particularly her ability to exploit defensive mismatches, played a significant role in the Liberty’s triumph, as highlighted by Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve. Ultimately, the Liberty’s victory was a testament to teamwork and resilience, showcasing the significance of every player’s contribution in achieving their championship goal.

Seven games into the season, the New York Giants are struggling badly. The Giants’ offense had another poor performance in a 28-3 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, highlighting how much they miss star running back Saquon Barkley.

Playing against his former team for the first time since signing with the Eagles in March, Barkley had an impressive game, rushing for 176 yards and scoring a touchdown. Meanwhile, the Giants fell to 2-5 and are now at the bottom of the NFC East, behind Washington (5-2), Philadelphia (4-2), and Dallas (3-3).

“No one was happy about the result,” said Giants coach Brian Daboll. “I think we have a strong group. You need to have a strong group in this league. There are a lot of ups and downs. Unfortunately, we’ve had more downs.

But our guys will come back. We’ll regroup and do everything we can to be at our best on Monday night.”

This was a tough loss. Barkley alone had 187 total yards, which was 68 more than the entire Giants offense. While the defense held Jalen Hurts to 114 yards passing, it allowed 269 yards rushing.

That wasn’t the only issue. Daniel Jones was taken out in the fourth quarter after New York fell behind 28-3 due to Hurts’ second rushing touchdown. Backup Drew Lock came in and fumbled the snap on his first play. He managed to recover it, but he didn’t bring the energy that Daboll was hoping for.

Jones, who completed 14 of 21 passes for 99 yards, was frustrated about being taken out, especially since he faced constant pressure throughout the game. The Eagles recorded a season-high eight sacks, taking advantage of Giants left tackle Josh Ezeudu, who was filling in for the injured Andrew Thomas.

“You want to be out there playing with your teammates and fighting to score points and move the ball,” Jones said. “So, I was frustrated, but not my decision. Yeah, frustrating for sure, I want to be out there playing.”

The remaining fans at MetLife Stadium didn’t want him on the field. They cheered when Lock came into the game, but their team fell to 0-4 at home, managing only 31 points in those games.

The Giants’ longest play was a 14-yard pass to Malik Nabers. Barkley had runs of 55, 41, and 38 yards for Philadelphia, and Hurts threw a 41-yard touchdown pass to A.J. Brown.

New York’s 119 yards of offense was the lowest under Daboll, with his previous lowest being 150 yards against San Francisco on September 21, 2023. The Giants hadn’t gained fewer yards since September 12, 1999, when they finished with 112 yards at Tampa Bay.

The Giants will have an extra day to prepare for their next game, which is next Monday night against Pittsburgh.

“We just have to do more, do better,” said right tackle Jermaine Eleumunor. What the Giants can’t do is give up, but it seemed some players were going through the motions toward the end. That’s not a good sign.

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump attended the NFL game on Sunday night between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Jets as a guest of an unnamed suite holder at Acrisure Stadium.

Trump arrived about halfway through the first quarter and was welcomed by a small group of supporters wearing Pittsburgh jerseys, holding a banner that said “Trump Nation.”

He later waved from the suite while some fans chanted “USA.” In the third quarter, a female fan dressed in black-and-gold, the Steelers’ colors, ran onto the field with a pro-Trump sign, briefly stopping the game. She was quickly removed from the field by officials.

The former president’s visit capped a busy weekend in important Pennsylvania for his campaign, with the election just over two weeks away. This visit created some mixed loyalties.

Trump is originally from New York and is friends with Jets owner Woody Johnson, who briefly served as the U.S. ambassador to the UK during Trump’s time in office.

The Steelers have been owned by the Rooney family for over 90 years, and the late president/chairman Dan Rooney was the U.S. ambassador to Ireland from July 2009 to December 2012 under President Barack Obama.

On Sunday, the Steelers made it clear they were not taking sides regarding Trump’s presence, with club spokesman Burt Lauten stating that Trump was a guest of a suite holder and not of the team.

Trump received support from a couple of former Steelers. Wide receiver Antonio Brown and running back Le’Veon Bell—both of whom had complicated relationships with the team and were seen as villains during their exits in the spring of 2019—have endorsed Trump.

The former teammates met with Trump poll workers at an event near the stadium on Sunday afternoon and welcomed Trump when his plane landed at Pittsburgh International Airport just before the kickoff.

In contrast, franchise legends and Hall of Famers Joe Greene and Jerome Bettis, along with the family of late Hall of Fame running back Franco Harris, supported Vice President and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris.

Trump’s choice to team up with Brown and Bell was an interesting one.

Brown, a standout player during his nine seasons in Pittsburgh from 2010 to 2018, forced a trade to Las Vegas in the spring of 2019 after several public incidents, including famously skipping the team’s 2018 season finale.

Bell missed the entire 2018 season due to a contract dispute before signing with the Jets in 2019. He couldn’t match the success that made him a Pro Bowler in Pittsburgh and has been out of the league for three years, instead focusing on celebrity boxing.

Choosing Brown seemed a bit out of touch with the local feelings, given the former star’s messy exit. Brown rose from a sixth-round draft pick to a regular All-Pro during his nine seasons in Pittsburgh, but his increasingly erratic behavior off the field caused his career to derail.

The Steelers traded Brown to the Oakland Raiders in the spring of 2019. However, Oakland cut Brown before he ever played a game due to several issues with the team, including a heated argument with the general manager.

He quickly signed with the New England Patriots but was released just weeks later amid allegations of sexual misconduct involving people around him. The two sides later reached a settlement out of court.

Brown later appeared with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, winning a Super Bowl. However, he was released the following season after a series of events, including a three-game suspension for violating the league’s COVID-19 protocols and a strange incident where he quit during a game, famously taking off his jersey and pads before leaving the stadium without a shirt.

Brown’s problems made him undesirable for NFL teams, but he has remained close to the sport. In 2023, he briefly became the majority owner of a National Arena League team in Albany, New York, before the team was removed after Brown failed to meet financial responsibilities.

Earlier on Sunday, Trump was asked about being associated with Brown given his controversial past. “I don’t know anything about the allegations,” Trump replied to a reporter’s question.

When informed that it involved sexual assault allegations, Trump responded, “I don’t know anything about it. I know he’s a hell of a football player.”

The Pittsburgh Steelers faced a rocky start in their game against the New York Jets, with their offense struggling to make progress early on. As the team exited the field after a disappointing third consecutive three-and-out, the crowd at Acrisure Stadium expressed their frustration through loud boos, primarily directed at quarterback Russell Wilson. His performance in the initial stages of the game, characterized by inaccuracy and an inability to convert on third downs, had fans clamoring for backup quarterback Justin Fields.

However, as the game progressed, Wilson turned things around spectacularly. He led the Steelers to a resounding 37-15 victory, setting a franchise record for both passing yards and points scored in a debut. Wilson’s final stats showcased a strong rebound: he finished the night with 264 passing yards and three total touchdowns, recovering from a lackluster start where he completed only 2 of 6 passes for 19 yards in the first quarter. By the end of the game, his completion percentage had risen to 60%, demonstrating his ability to adapt and improve.

Coach Mike Tomlin praised Wilson’s performance, noting how he got better as the game unfolded. Wilson attributed his comeback to maintaining a neutral mindset despite early setbacks, emphasizing the importance of believing in himself and staying composed. Drawing on the wisdom of his late mental conditioning coach, he focused on finding his rhythm and staying the course, ultimately channeling his energy into a more effective second half.

The turning point for Wilson seemed to come just before halftime when he connected with wide receiver George Pickens for their first touchdown of the season. This moment sparked confidence in Wilson, allowing him to fully embrace his role. He went on to score two more touchdowns, one with a 1-yard sneak and another through a 4-yard pass to Van Jefferson. Wilson highlighted the effectiveness of offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s play-calling, which enabled him to find a groove and perform at a high level.

Despite the initial questions surrounding Wilson’s starting position over Fields, he expressed respect for his teammate and emphasized the unity within the team. Wilson downplayed any rumors of internal conflict, focusing instead on the collective goal of winning games. He acknowledged Fields’ talent and leadership, reaffirming his commitment to supporting him. With this victory, the Steelers demonstrated resilience and a shared commitment to their success, showcasing Wilson’s ability to thrive in challenging situations.

Russell Wilson threw two touchdown passes and ran for another score in his first game with the Steelers, leading them to a 37-15 victory over Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets on Sunday night.

The 35-year-old Wilson, who had been sidelined for the first six weeks due to a calf injury, proved head coach Mike Tomlin right for choosing him over Justin Fields, who was steady but not always impressive during Wilson’s absence.

While he may not be in his prime “Let Russ Cook” form, Wilson showed he was capable despite a slow start, passing for 264 yards and throwing touchdowns to George Pickens and Van Jefferson.

This win marked Pittsburgh’s (5-2) second consecutive victory in front of a packed Acrisure Stadium crowd that included Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.

The Jets (2-5), who revamped their offense by adding Davante Adams after trading for him from Las Vegas, struggled to keep up and lost their fourth straight game, with an 0-2 record under interim coach Jeff Ulbrich.

Rodgers passed for 276 yards and had one touchdown, connecting with Adams three times for 30 yards. However, he was also intercepted twice by Pittsburgh rookie cornerback Beanie Bishop, who helped turn those mistakes into key scores.

The Jets started strong, taking a 15-6 lead, and had a chance to extend it late in the first half. But Bishop intercepted a pass from Rodgers intended for Garrett Wilson at midfield, marking his first career interception.

Wilson then led the Steelers 54 yards in 48 seconds, finishing with an 11-yard lob to Pickens in the back corner of the end zone, giving Pittsburgh momentum heading into halftime.

Chris Boswell kicked his third field goal midway through the third quarter, putting the Steelers in the lead.

On New York’s next drive, Rodgers attempted to pass to Garrett Wilson down the left sideline, but the ball bounced off Wilson and into Bishop’s hands. Bishop ran to the Jets’ 1-yard line but only stopped from scoring because a sprinting Adams caught up to him just before the goal line.

No problem, as Wilson pushed into the end zone on the next play and later led a crucial drive in the fourth quarter that ended with a 4-yard pass to Van Jefferson.

This score, by the son of Jets wide receivers coach Sean Jefferson, marked the first time since early in the 2020 season that the Steelers scored 30 points in back-to-back games.

Tomlin surprised some people earlier in the week when he chose Wilson over Fields, who had scored 10 touchdowns (five passing and five rushing) with only one turnover in six starts. Tomlin explained that while the Steelers had been good, they were “not to be confused with great.”

Although there is still improvement needed, Wilson showed he was in control at times against one of the league’s better defenses, completing 16 of 29 passes. The dynamic Pickens had a strong game, finishing with five catches for 111 yards and his first touchdown of the season.