FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — When the New England Patriots were considering hosting Division II receiver Andrew Jamiel for a tryout this week, they reached out to five-time All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman for a reference. Sherman told the Patriots the same thing he’s been relaying to Jamiel: “What took you so long! He deserves a shot in...
HENDERSON, Nev. — Running back Josh Jacobs, author of two 1,000-yard rushing seasons in his three-year career, did not have his fifth-year option picked up this offseason by the Las Vegas Raiders‘ new regime. Darren Waller, who set a franchise record with 107 catches two years ago, is just the 17th highest-paid tight end in...
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — A year ago, New York Jets tackle Mekhi Becton was so high on his new right-hand man, guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, that he retweeted a photo of them on the practice field, predicting, “JORDAN AND PIPPEN!!! Mark my words!!!” Becton’s right-hand man is now his left-hand man. The Jets flipped their offensive...
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The dreaded cart. The courtesy clap for the injured. New York Giants offensive lineman Nick Gates wanted no part of it. He had never needed it before the Thursday night game against Washington in Week 2 of last season. Not until he heard his left leg go “crack, crack, pop” and...
Jul 31, 2022 Lindsey ThiryESPN Close Covered Rams for two years for Los Angeles Times Previously covered the Falcons Has covered the NBA and college football and basketball COSTA MESA, Calif. — Derwin James Jr. stood alongside pass-rushers Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack on the sideline when the Los Angeles Chargers opened training camp this...
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Quick-hit thoughts and notes around the New England Patriots and NFL: 1. Parker’s place: The red zone was a primary emphasis through the first four days of training camp, and it quickly became clear that veteran receiver DeVante Parker is a big part of the Patriots’ plans. When the space gets tight...
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — When Bill Belichick was in his second season as New England Patriots coach in 2001, Bill Russell — the Boston Celtics great who won 11 NBA championships — visited the team. Russell’s death on Sunday at age 88 had Belichick reflecting on that visit, and current Patriots players reflecting on Russell’s legacy....
Aug 3, 2022 Brady HendersonESPN RENTON, Wash. — For the first time in his NFL career, running back Rashaad Penny began training camp as the Seattle Seahawks‘ projected starter. It didn’t happen as a rookie in 2018, when Chris Carson returned from his broken leg and reclaimed the job, even though the Seahawks had just...
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Quick-hit thoughts and notes around the New England Patriots and NFL: 1. Thornton’s fit: Given the most recent chapter of the Patriots’ shaky history selecting receivers early in the draft — when they whiffed on N’Keal Harry at the end of the 2019 first round — the status of 2022 second-round pick...
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — It was the final play of the third practice of training camp for the New York Giants. Coach Brian Daboll called upon quarterback Daniel Jones and safety Xavier McKinney to take the roles of offensive and defensive coordinator. Jones called the offensive plays; McKinney the defense. It was supposed to be...
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Quick-hit thoughts and notes around the New England Patriots and NFL: 1. Challenging change: One of the reasons Bill Belichick has traditionally promoted from within on his coaching staff is valuing continuity, and players not having to learn a new system with every change. Offensively, that resulted in Charlie Weis (2000-04) passing...
“The happiest person in the building should be Josh Jacobs. I know that.” — Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr on the team’s offensive system under new coach Josh McDaniels HENDERSON, Nev. — Josh McDaniels landed in Las Vegas with the reputation of an elite playcaller, one who leans heavily on a roster of running...