NFL News, Videos, Scores, Teams And More

Rex Ryan was shown the door in Buffalo after another lackluster season in 2016. Now he’s taken his personality and smile to the small screen as an analyst for ESPN.

Though his job title is far different, his alliances haven’t changed much since December.

In an extensive Q&A with The Buffalo News, Ryan praised Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor as “a winner” and said he “felt bad” about letting down Bills owner Terry Pegula.

But most interesting was his obvious belief in the Bills moving forward. When asked about USA Today’s prediction of the team to go 4-12 this upcoming season, Ryan said: “There’s no way in hell.”

Smith, 22, suffered nerve damage when he tore the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in his left knee in his Notre Dame team’s Fiesta Bowl Jan. 1, 2016, an injury so severe many thought he’d never play again.

The Cowboys drafted him in 2016 and he has been rehabbing the knee since.

“He hasn’t disappointed,” coach Jason Garrett said Wednesday. “The expectations for him as a guy were really high, and I think he’s exceeded all of them.”

Smith will continue to wear a brace on his ankle and foot, a consequence of the nerve damage, according to the Star-Telegram, which added that the Cowboys plan to limit his reps in practice and won’t let him practice in full pads on consecutive days.

“We have a plan for everything we have done,” Smith said. “We have started off slow. We have continued to progress. We have succeeded. So I don’t anticipate that stopping. It was a matter of getting out there and going. I was really excited. It’s a great accomplishment. But this is the first of it.”

Bennie Fowler Authentic Jersey There’s some feeling in the front office the record being what it is, the writing is on the wall, the source said. Might as well make a change in April and start searching. But is that really fair? Can’t you give Dell an offseason to get some shooters, give Alvin some time to remake the offense? They’ve at least got to give this playoff spot a run and that might buy more time. That’s sort of where it stands.

The glimmer of hope there for Gentry and Demps is that they’re not looking at a playoffs-or-bust scenario, and with good reason. There must be some leeway granted for the difficulty that has come with upending the team at the trade deadline by bringing in talented, volatile center DeMarcus Cousins to pair with star Anthony Davis inside. In nine games with the Pelicans, Cousins has had a difficult entry period, averaging 20.9 points and 42.1 percent shooting (down from 27.8 points and 45.1 percent shooting in Sacramento).

One issue in replacing Gentry could be the lack of top candidates on the coaching market now. Gentry has one more year on this contract, worth around $3.3 million, and hasn’t really gotten a chance to coach a full, healthy Pelicans team. If the Pelicans were to make a change, speculation is that the team would prefer to bring in a combination team president/coach. There are few coaches on the market who would warrant a dual job, though.

He cited the NBA’s living god — Michael Jordan — as a model for today’s stars.

If today’s superstars really want to Be like Mike, they should follow Air Jordan’s example and and play all 82 regular-season games if they’re healthy, he added.

There’s like 20 guys I actually think that people (buy) tickets to see, Van Gundy said. To me, those guys have an added responsibility — and bear a greater burden to play when healthy.
Elite Ryan Hewitt Jersey

Paul is expected to be designated as one of the Clippers’ six-year-contract players, making his deal worth around $210 million. But it’s uncertain whether the Clippers would do the same for the oft-injured Griffin, especially if L.A. can’t make any progress in this year’s postseason. Redick would prefer to stay with the Clippers, but if the team makes a commitment to both Griffin and Paul, Redick may become the odd man out. He is a career 41.3 percent 3-point shooter, and would have an ample stable of suitors on the market. There was a chance for the Clippers to address these issues at the trade deadline (or last summer), but Rivers decided to try one more run with the current group.

Limited Womens John Greco Jersey Thibodeau was going to change that, immediately and convincingly. That’s what the league’s observer class assumed, at least. He was always wary, though, about the project he was taking on when he landed in Minnesota last offseason.

The Wolves are 23rd in efficiency this year, a modest improvement. But in their last 11 games, the Timberwolves have held opponents to 100.5 points per game, without slowing down their own offense (106.0 points). In the first 56 games of the season, the Timberwolves allowed 105.8 points, 47.3 percent shooting and 36.4 percent 3-point shooting. In addition to dropping their average points allowed, teams have shot just 44.0 percent from the field and 32.4 percent from the 3-point line against Minnesota in the last 11 games.
Game Womens Matt Darr Jersey
Thibodeau brought to Minnesota a reputation for defensive acumen, his blitzing style having been the backbone of the Celtics’ NBA Finals teams of 2008 and 2010, as well as his 51-win-per-season teams in Chicago.

Andrew Bogut is back in the mix to win a second NBA championship.

The Australian big man signed with the Cavaliers on Thursday, ending a week in limbo after he was traded from the Mavericks to the 76ers and waived by Philadelphia days later.

Patrick: I like it. Like pay-per-view.

Barkley: No, no, no. Just get him in here. Only when I know I’mma die….’Cause I just want to get Skip Bayless in a room one time and beat him like a dog.

Patrick: So you’d kill him.

Barkley: Yes. Only if I knew I was gonna die. Not if I’m gonna live, cause I don’t wanna go to prison. ‘Cause like Mahorn say, ‘They would love you in prison.’

Whoa. Now, we all know Bayless doesn’t have the best bedside manner, but to kill him on national TV? Barkley also said this after he explained how he would knock out Shaquille O’Neal in a fight, so take it all with a grain of salt.

Game Mens J.J. Watt Jersey Although a Barkley-Bayless fight would probably draw in a good crowd.

Griffin, meanwhile, told ESPN’s Lisa Salters during the broadcast (per Cleveland.com) that Irving and Love were held out because they were nursing injuries. He also directly addressed the fan aspect.

We’re very sensitive to the fact that from a fan’s standpoint it hurts. But it’s the right thing for us, Griffin told Salters.

It cuts both ways, Griffin added. We’re protecting the Cavaliers fans that are watching us and have expectations that we’re going to compete at the highest level.

Game Mens Datone Jones Jersey But there’s no reason for some of these other twentysomething stars like Irving (24) to be sitting on their butts during nationally televised, prime-time games, especially when NBA TV ratings are down this season.

Markieff Morris has every right to feel hard-done by Tuesday after receiving a $25,000 fine for lightly tossing the ball into the general area of the crowd Sunday against the Jazz.

There wasn’t a whole lot to Morris’ “throw” into the stands. It appeared as if he basically rolled the ball toward the sideline — and general direction of the official.

Morris will not be suspended, which is good for the Wizards, who are taking on the Warriors on Tuesday.

This is the kind of unique shooting big man that NBA teams continue to search for in order to help them space the floor without having to go small. He’ll go in the lottery, certainly.

Bridges is single-handedly saving the Big Ten’s draft class, as he’s the only healthy player from the league within the top 40 of this big board. He’s an elite, explosive leaper who also has a ton of physical strength that he utilizes well on both ends. He rebounds, passes and has even hit 38 percent of his 3s this season.

That’s probably higher than his true shooting ability, but he does have good touch, and teams will be able to work with him and get him up to par. Overall, there’s a ton to like here from Bridges, a wing in a league that is starved for more of them.

DeMarre Carroll gets caught ball-watching, and Corey Joseph is too concerned about Thomas to switch onto Brown on the backdoor cut. Even for someone who isn’t a great passer, it’s an easy lob to make.

There are obviously other options out of it, and it’s here where having versatile wings who are comfortable with their backs to the basket comes into play. Smart continues to improve as a low-post scorer, and Brown is comfortable using his size and athleticism to overwhelm smaller defenders on the block. If either of them can draw a double team in those situations, someone will be open for a 3-pointer.

If you were to say prior to the season that the Rangers would be sellers, well, it would be nuts. But the team is under .500 heading into the second half of the season, and given that we’ve seen some ridiculous hauls for quality starting pitching this season, it might make sense for Texas to want to listen to some offers for their 1-2 in the rotation.

Game Youth Jeremiah Attaochu Jersey Health for these guys is always the question, but when they’re healthy, they’re among the best. Calculated risk for sure, but it could be a risk worth taking for contenders.

The BoSox, it appears, are making sure the ChiSox don’t get comfortable. Silverman, citing a source, listed six other potential third base trade candidates: David Freese and Josh Harrison from the Pirates; Asdrubal Cabrera and T.J. Rivera from the Mets; Eduardo Nunez from the Giants; and Martin Prado from the Marlins. Prado has been mentioned previously (see below). Reports Sunday night said Boston had settled on a Brock Holt-Deven Marrero platoon for the time being; based on Silverman’s report, that arrangement won’t last long.

Bumgarner missed the last three months with a left shoulder AC sprain sustained the injury during a dirt bike accident on April 20. He is still without a win on the season, now 0-3, but the Giants ace did not show any ill-effects from his extended stay on the DL.

To make room for Bumgarner, the Giants placed struggling Johnny Cueto (6-7, 4.59 ERA) on the DL with blisters. Bumgarner made four quality rehab starts, striking out 16 batters with four walks in 16 2/3 innings and allowed just four hits.

Game Youth DeShawn Shead Jersey Also finding his groove following a stint on the DL is Angels center fielder Mike Trout, who collected a pair of hits in Saturday’s 6-3 loss to the Rays. Trout was activated from the DL on Friday after missing 39 games with an injured thumb. He went 1 for 5 in his return and, though the Angels have lost both games with Trout back, they have to feel good that he has had a hit in each game.

Why it makes sense: The metropolitan area is comparable in population to New York and it would be a chance for Major League Baseball to open a huge national market that already has a passion for baseball.

Authentic Youth Tyrell Williams Jersey Why it might not happen: The issues with expanding into Mexico are obvious on a lot of levels, but also consider this: Mexico City’s elevation is 2,100 feet higher than Denver.

With their core still being on rookie contracts, the 76ers didn’t have those same concerns. They can overspend on a player like Redick, who brings everything they were missing from a position of need, without jeopardizing their ability to retain Embiid, Simmons, Fultz, Saric and Robert Covington in the future when they’re in need of extensions. It’s a win-win for both sides.

Authentic Keanu Neal Jersey Redick might even be able to help the 76ers make the playoffs next season. With the mass exodus of Eastern Conference All-Stars this offseason, teams like the 76ers now have an easier path to the playoffs. They already performed at a high level last season when Embiid was on the court. A lot hinges on his health and how quickly Fultz and Simmons adjust to the NBA, but Redick has the potential to make their transition to the NBA easier by giving them the room they need to be at their best without stepping on their toes.

Tucker hit a high note last season when he tied Blair Walsh’s NFL record by converting all 10 of his field goals from 50-plus yards, with a long of 57. Tucker further showcased his leg strength at the Pro Bowl by booting a 75-yard field goal off a tee during practice.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh might not give Tucker the chance to strike from that distance during an actual game because of the scoring possibility the opposition would have via return should the kick fall short. But in terms of execution itself, Tucker believes not a whole lot would be different between a 75-yard attempt and a PAT.

As Aaron Judge stockpiles superlatives, Under Armour is negotiating a long-term extension of its endorsement deal with the Yankees slugger that began when he was in the minors.

Limited Kids Christian Kirksey Jersey We’re right now in the middle of renewing Aaron’s deal, Walker Jones, Under Armour’s senior director for global sports marketing, told the Baltimore Sun. We’re putting the finishing touches on a long-term extension with him.

Hall of Fame defensive lineman Dan Hampton, who was on Chicago’s Super Bowl-winning team during the 1985-86 season, said if Cutler was the Bears quarterback in his era, they would have won more titles.

If my team had Jay Cutler at QB we would have won four Super Bowls, Hampton said at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Despite the Super Bowl title, the Bears didn’t have the typical franchise quarterback during the ’80s. Jim McMahon quarterbacked the team to its championship, but it was the Bears’ defense that shined during that time.

While Cutler’s arm was impressive in Chicago, he was notorious for turning the ball over. During his 11-season NFL career, he had 146 interceptions and fumbled 56 times.
Youth Kyle Van Noy Jersey
Cutler is no longer Bears fans’ concern. He retired from the league and recently took a job as a Fox Sports broadcaster.

The Thunder needed Russell Westbrook to play all 48 minutes of Tuesday’s first-round playoff game against the Rockets.

He played 42 minutes, and rested for the first three minutes of the fourth quarter. The Thunder held a three-point lead after three quarters. By the time Westbrook returned, the Thunder were down by five and never recovered in a 105-99 Rockets victory.

With the win, the Rockets eliminated the Thunder from the playoffs with a 4-1 series victory.

Westbrook’s historic season, with an NBA-record 42 triple-doubles and becoming the first player since Oscar Robertson in the 1961-62 season to average a triple-double, came to an end with another bit of statistical history. With his 47 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists on Tuesday, Westbrook became the first player in NBA history to have at least 150 points, 50 rebounds and 50 assists through the first five games of a playoff series.

Houston’s James Harden, Westbrook’s main competitor for NBA MVP, scored 34 points with eight rebounds and four assists to lead the Rockets, who await the winner of the Grizzlies-Spurs series. The Spurs took a 3-2 series lead with Tuesday’s 116-103 victory.

If Lowry does decide to go West, the best spot for him would be the Spurs. With 35-year-old Tony Parker (who was just injured in the playoffs) at the helm, San Antonio could look to go younger with Lowry, 31. He’d join one of the best players in the league (Kawhi Leonard), and make San Antonio a strong enemy of the Warriors. But money could be tight in San Antonio, making it a difficult decision.

Draymond Green made comments on his podcast Monday calling Celtics center Kelly Olynyk a dirty player. While most fans agreed with that take, they couldn’t help but point out the irony when he said, I don’t respect guys like that.

Green has been the source of a number of controversial plays over the years, including his multiple high-leg kicks. When asked Tuesday to respond to Green’s comments, many of the players pointed to those incidents, saying Green doesn’t have room to talk.

I don’t know how he can call anybody dirty, Isaiah Thomas told reporters. It is what it is, everybody has comments or something to say.

Some things are not fixable in life. Some things that confront people don’t have solutions. There is a solution here. We just need to discover it, and we will. I’m confident we will.

Kerr, 51, wasn’t on the bench for Games 3 and 4 of the Warriors’ first-round sweep of the Trail Blazers as he dealt with painful symptoms related to two back surgeries. He is scheduled to be examined at Stanford this week and won’t rejoin the team until he is feeling better. Kerr also missed the first 43 games of last season dealing with the issues.

Elite Kids Chris Harris Jr Jersey It’s not easy, but it’s not insurmountable, Myers said. This one, we will overcome it. And those aren’t just words, that’s the truth. I wouldn’t put a time on it, but that’s how I feel.

Certain diagnoses you are forced to accept entirely and know that there isn’t a solution. There is a solution for this, we’ve just got to find it.
Elite Kids Bobby Cox Jersey
In the interim, assistant Mike Brown will lead the Western Conference’s top seed in the second round, against the Clippers or Jazz.