ESPN’s Doris Burke opens up about COVID-19 struggle, NBA’s resumption concerns
When asked about the challenges the NBA will face as it attempts to mount a comeback next month, Burke didn’t mince words.“The thing that I felt the most was fatigue and headache,” Burke said about having coronavirus. “So for a good stretch of the first two weeks of that, I was just thinking I had a bad flu, because my symptoms were not aligning with what was being told were the main symptoms — the shortness of breath, the pressure on the chest — I didn’t have those scary symptoms. So for a good stretch of time, I didn’t think I had it. But then I finally decided to get tested.
When it matters most in the NFL playoffs or the Super Bowl, a great defense steps up to deliver the plays needed for a win. Everyone knows the best defenses in the NFL each year, but the 2020 NFL season could provide a few surprise units.
© Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports Aaron Donald has been the league's best defensive player for a while. The ability to create pressure on opposing quarterbacks is always crucial. Whether a defense can collapse the pocket or the interior defensive line can cause havoc on the inside, getting a passer out of his comfort zone is key. Of course, a great secondary can also do the trick by blanketing receivers and giving a quarterback no options.
NFL preseason can be ruled out
As the NFL continues to prepare for training camps amid COVID-19, news on how the league will operate once players return surfaces frequently. Here is the latest on the virus-NFL front: A four-week preseason slate looks like the less realistic scenario, Mike Garafolo of NFL.com notes (video link).As the NFL continues to prepare for training camps amid COVID-19, news on how the league will operate once players return surfaces frequently. Here is the latest on the virus-NFL front: © Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports The NFL prepare for training camps amid COVID-19. A four-week preseason slate looks like the less realistic scenario, Mike Garafolo of NFL.
We looked at five offenses that could surprise this year. Now let’s dive into five NFL defenses that could surprise during the season.
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins came into the offseason flush with money to spend and that’s just what they did. Seeking to build a defense that head coach Brian Flores can be proud of, Miami strengthened its secondary, bolstered its front seven and came away with a vastly improved defensive unit.
Passing against this defense is going to be difficult. Byron Jones and Xavien Howard are two shutdown corners who will blanket top receivers. Meanwhile, first-round pick Noah Igbinoghene should impress in the slot. Adding Kyle Van Noy, Shaq Lawson and Emmanuel Ogbah should help Miami’s pass rush significantly this year. Put it all together under Flores’ direction and this could be an above-average defense in 2020.
Giannis Antetokounmpo: NBA title in Orlando will be ‘toughest’ ever to win
Antetokounmpo thinks the 2019-20 NBA title will the be hardest one to win.With players having to quarantine in Orlando and follow numerous guidelines in order to get back to playing, Giannis told reporters on Wednesday that he believes this year’s championship will be the “toughest championship you can ever win.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams underwhelmed in 2019. After such a disappointing year, it’s understandable why changes were made to the roster and coaching staff. While making Brandon Staley the defensive coordinator came out of nowhere, it could be the move that gets this unit back to dominating.
There’s no denying that Aaron Donald is an unstoppable force capable of taking over a game. The presence of the two-time Defensive Player of the Year recipient makes this defense capable of greatness. Add in Jalen Ramsey, who will be moved all over the field this year, and you’ve got two cornerstones. We expect Leonard Floyd to thrive in Los Angeles, rounding out this front seven nicely. If the defense steps up and Jared Goff can execute the offense, the Rams will remain playoff contenders.
Cleveland Browns
There is an abundance of talent on Cleveland’s defense. Unfortunately, like the rest of this team, that hasn’t quite translated to consistent success on the field. Myles Garrett’s suspension clearly hurt this past season, but he’s back in 2020 and this unit looks stronger than ever.
Blazers coach Terry Stotts gushes about Jusuf Nurkic ahead of NBA resumption
Stotts also said that Nurkic will 'in all likelihood' be starting next to Carmelo Anthony but could possibly even start alongside fellow big man Hassan Whiteside.Speaking with the media Wednesday, Stotts raved about the Bosnian big’s physical condition and said he was ready for the NBA’s resumption in Orlando.
When Cleveland wants to pressure quarterbacks, Garrett, Larry Ogunjobi and rookie Jordan Elliott will do just that. As that trio collapses the pocket, a loaded secondary with Denzel Ward, Greedy Williams and Karl Joseph will be taking out passing windows. Oh, this defense also has Grant Delpit ready to be a force against the run and make plays in coverage. We’re especially confident in this group because of defensive coordinator Joe Woods, who could be the key in helping the Browns contend for a playoff spot.
Washington Redskins
Washington’s offense will not be fun to watch this season. Simply put, there isn’t enough surrounding talent at receiver or along the offensive line for Dwayne Haskins to thrive. That will lead to this defense spending a lot of time on the field, but this group could also make a strong impression in 2020.
The pass rush of Montez Sweat, Ryan Kerrigan, Jonathan Allen and Matthew Ioannidis already looked impressive. By hiring Ron Rivera and Jack Del Rio, this group could take another step forward. Then they added Chase Young, a generational talent who could make a Nick Bosa-like impact as a rookie. The secondary will keep Washington’s defense from being great, but we think this will be a fun unit to watch when it takes the field.
Does Blue Jays being over 60-man limit suggest more positive COVID-19 tests?
Toronto originally announced a player pool with 58 names, so the addition of these four will put them over the limit. However, as Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi tweets, a team can exceed 60 players if exceptions need to be made due to positive COVID-19 tests. It’s likely, then, that the Jays either have had additional positives in the organization that will remove some players from the 60-man pool or that additional transactions are coming Thursday. Notably, the MLB.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints have developed a recent tendency of falling short in the playoffs. Entering what might be Drew Brees’ final season, this team is more determined than ever to make it back to the Super Bowl. When we look at this defense, it looks like a group capable of winning it all.
There aren’t enough adjectives to describe how great this front seven is. Cameron Jordan is an easy All-Pro selection, Sheldon Rankins has shown flashes of ability and Marcus Davenport is coming into his own as a pass rusher. Behind them, Demario Davis is one of the NFL’s best linebackers and Zack Baun could make a big impact in his rookie year. The secondary is where we could see real improvement, especially with the addition of Malcolm Jenkins. If Janoris Jenkins can play up to his talent, this could be an elite defense. Combine that with the electrifying offense and this might be the best team in the NFC.
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More must-reads:
- Report: Dolphins haven't ruled out an extension for LB Raekwon McMillan
- Top NFL edge-rushers still available
- The '18 or more sacks in a season' quiz
Related slideshow: The most memorable moment in the history of every NFL franchise (Provided by Yardbarker)
NFLPA recommends canceling all 2020 preseason games
Of course, the NFL has full authority over whether to schedule preseason games or not, and it’s unclear whether the league will consider the union’s recommendation. As Breer points out, teams would lose out on gate revenue — if fans are allowed in stands, which is a dubious proposition — and local TV money. Plus, the NFL Network usually sees its highest ratings in August, so cancelling the preseason slate altogether would be a tough pill to swallow.Subscribe to Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the most comprehensive newsletter in sports. Customize your email to get the latest news on your favorite sports, teams and schools.
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The most memorable moment in the history of every NFL franchise
In the rich history of the NFL, some moments stand out more than others. Here's a look at the most memorable of those moments for each of the 32 NFL franchises.
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Arizona Cardinals: Fitzgerald's 64-yard touchdown in Super Bowl XLIII
Oh, what could have been. Trailing 20-16 with less than three minutes left in Super Bowl XLIII, Kurt Warner connected with Larry Fitzgerald for a 64-yard touchdown down the middle of the field to take the lead over Pittsburgh. Unfortunately for Arizona, Santonio Holmes and the Steelers were able to make a late comeback to win, 27-23.
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Atlanta Falcons: Team blows 28-3 lead in Super Bowl LI
It's been three years, but Falcons fans still have nightmares when hearing "28-3." That was the lead Atlanta held in the third quarter of Super Bowl LI over the Patriots, but Tom Brady and Co. came storming back to win, 34-28, in overtime. Following the game, criticized offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan left to take the head coaching job in San Francisco.
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Baltimore Ravens: Defense dominates Super Bowl XXXV
One of the most dominant defenses in NFL history finished off the 2000 season in fitting fashion, defeating the Giants, 34-7, in Super Bowl XXXV. Super Bowl MVP Ray Lewis led the way for Baltimore's punishing defense, and New York's only points came on a kickoff return touchdown.
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Buffalo Bills: Norwood wide right
It's a moment Bills fans have been trying to forget for nearly 30 years. Trailing 20-19 to the Giants with eight seconds remaining in Super Bowl XXV, kicker Scott Norwood missed a 47-yard field goal wide right. Despite the disappointment, Buffalo would advance to the following three Super Bowls but also come up short in each of those games.
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Carolina Panthers: Steve Smith's game-winning touchdown
The Panthers and Rams battled in one of the best playoff games of the 2000s, going to double overtime tied, 23-23, in the 2003 divisional round. Steve Smith ended the game with a 69-yard game winning score from Jake Delhomme to win. The Panthers would eventually advance to the Super Bowl before losing to New England.
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Chicago Bears: Win Super Bowl XX over Patriots
The 1985 Bears were a legendary team with a legendary defense, and they capped off their season with a 46-10 win over New England. Defensive star Richard Dent was the game MVP, and perhaps the most memorable play was a short-yardage touchdown by stout defensive lineman William "Refrigerator" Perry.
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Cincinnati Bengals: Jennings runs to Super Bowl history
Most football fans remember Super Bowl XXIII for the final drive orchestrated by Joe Montana, but before that point Stanford Jennings ran back a kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown. It was Cincinnati's only touchdown in a 20-16 loss.
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Cleveland Browns: NFL Champs in 1964
For all the heartbreaking moments Cleveland has had in recent years, the team was triumphant in 1964, winning an NFL championship. The team dominated the Baltimore Colts in a 27-0 win in the championship game, as Jim Brown rushed for 114 yards and Gary Collins had three receiving scores.
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Dallas Cowboys: The Hail Mary
The Cowboys have their fair share of great moments, but it's tough to top the "Hail Mary" 50-yard pass from Roger Staubach to Drew Pearson in 1975. The game-winner gave Dallas a 17-14 win over the Vikings in the NFC divisional round, and after the game Staubach said, "I closed my eyes and said a Hail Mary."
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Denver Broncos: Elway's helicopter in Super Bowl XXXII
John Elway won his first Super Bowl in a thriller vs. Green Bay, and he left it all on the field. Staring down a third-and-6, he was able to give his team first-and-goal with a run to the right in which he left his feet and helicoptered in the air after getting hit by three Packers defenders. The run set up a touchdown and 24-17 lead, and the Broncos eventually won, 31-24.
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Detroit Lions: Playoff win featuring Barry Sanders' greatness
Barry Sanders was a human highlight reel during his great NFL career, and it showed in Detroit's last playoff win back in 1991-92. Sanders capped off the 38-6 victory over Dallas with a 47-yard run, finishing the game with 99 yards from scrimmage.
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Green Bay Packers: The Ice Bowl
The 1967 NFL championship between the Packers and Cowboys is still considered one of the greatest games in league history. The temperature at game time was -15 Fahrenheit in Green Bay, and after a game of back and forth, quarterback Bart Starr was able to score late on a game-winning 1-yard run to win, 21-17. Green Bay went on to blow out the Raiders in Super Bowl II two weeks later.
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Houston Texans: Watt's pick six
J.J. Watt is arguably the greatest player in the history of the young Texans franchise, so it's fitting that he also made the greatest play. Tied 10-10 in the team's first-ever playoff game, vs. the Bengals in the 2011 playoffs, Watt picked off Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton and ran the ball 29 yards for a score. Houston eventually won 31-10.
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Indianapolis Colts: Marlin Jackson sends Colts to the Super Bowl
The rivalry between the Colts and Patriots during the 2000s was arguably the best in football, and the 2006 AFC championship was one of its best games. The Colts led New England, 38-34, with 24 seconds remaining when Jackson picked off Tom Brady. Indianapolis got over the hump by finally beating the Patriots and would advance to easily beat the Bears in the Super Bowl, Peyton Manning's only championship as a member of the Colts.
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Jacksonville Jaguars: Shocking victory over Broncos in 1996 Divisional Round
Jacksonville wasn't given much of a shot as heavy underdogs at Denver in only their second season as an NFL franchise. Despite trailing, 12-0, after the first quarter, terrific performances by Mark Brunell and Natrone Means helped the Jags claim their second consecutive 30-27 playoff win before falling to New England in the AFC championship.
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Kansas City Chiefs: Jet Chip Wasp
Prior to the 2019 season, the play known as "65 toss power trap" called by head coach Hank Stram in Super Bowl IV was undoubtedly the most memorable for Chiefs fans. However, the 2019-20 squad put another play in the history books with 44-yard pass from Patrick Mahomes to Tyreek Hill in Super Bowl LIV known as Jet Chip Wasp. The play came at a critical point in the game with the Chiefs trailing, 20-10, on third-and-15 with only 7:13 remaining in the fourth quarter. Kansas City went on to score their first of three late touchdowns to win 31-20.
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Las Vegas Raiders: Marcus Allen shines in the Super Bowl
Allen had one of the greatest Super Bowl performances by a running back, in Super Bowl XVIII, as the Raiders defeated Washington, 38-9. He broke the Super Bowl rushing record at the time with 191 yards, headlined by a 74-yard touchdown run to cap off the 1983 season.
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Los Angeles Chargers: 1994 AFC championship
The Chargers advanced to the Super Bowl with an upset of the Steelers in a 17-13 road victory. The game featured a great performance by linebacker Junior Seau and two touchdown passes from Stan Humphries. Unfortunately, the team was blown out by the dominant 49ers in Super Bowl XXIX.
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Los Angeles Rams: Mike Jones' tackle
The Rams have had so many memorable moments in L.A. and St. Louis., but the end of Super Bowl XXXIV stands out, ending a movie-script season. Leading 23-16, the Rams defense needed to stop Tennessee once more to seal the victory. Titans wideout Kevin Dyson caught a pass over the middle but was tackled just before reaching the goal line by Jones in a play affectionately remembered as "The Tackle." Vermeil rode off into the sunset with an incredible Super Bowl victory in the 1999 season.
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Miami Dolphins: Perfect season
Miami's most memorable "moment" encompasses a full season of perfection. The 1972 Dolphins still stand as the only NFL team to ever finish a season undefeated, going 17-0 through the playoffs. The team finished off perfection with a 14-7 win over Washington in Super Bowl VII.
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Minnesota Vikings: The Minneapolis Miracle
It looked like another playoff disappointment for the Vikings in the 2017 season, trailing the Saints 24-23 after leading 17-0 at halftime in the divisional round. With only one play left in the game, Case Keenum threw up a prayer that was answered by Stefon Diggs. A botched missed tackle by Saints safety Marcus Williams allowed Diggs to run untouched down the sideline for a 61-yard game winning touchdown later called the "Minneapolis Miracle."
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New England Patriots: Adam Vinatieri kicks off a dynasty
The Patriots have had countless unforgettable moments in their 20-year dynasty, but it all started with a Vinatieri kick. New England entered as major underdogs vs. the Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI, but had the ball tied 17-17 near the end of the game. Against commentator John Madden's advice, the team opted not to play for overtime, making a quick drive down the field to give Vinatieri a 48-yard game-winning field goal. The game furthered the legend of arguably the most clutch kicker in NFL history and was the first of six Super Bowl wins during the team's dynasty with Tom Brady and Bill Belichick.
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New Orleans Saints: Steve Gleason's punt block
Sports are often more than just a game, as the Saints showed in an epic 2006 season when the franchise brought the city of New Orleans back from Hurricane Katrina. In the team's first game at the Superdome since the hurricane, Steve Gleason made an incredible punt block early in Week 3 vs. Atlanta that led to a touchdown. New Orleans returned to the playoffs that season with Drew Brees at quarterback and would win it all three years later. Gleason's block now lives on with a statue outside the Superdome.
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New York Giants: David Tyree's helmet catch
The Giants pulled off the impossible in Super Bowl XLII by halting New England's undefeated season, and it wouldn't have been possible without a legendary catch by David Tyree late in the game. Eli Manning and the Giants trailed the Pats, 14-10, with 1:15 remaining on a critical third-and-5. Escaping the pressure, Manning threw the ball in the air to Tyree, who pinned the ball to his helmet for an incredible 32-yard gain, eventually leading to a game-winning catch by Plaxico Burress.
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New York Jets: Joe Namath makes good on guarantee
The Jets were given little chance against the Colts in Super Bowl III, but Joe Namath guaranteed a win before the game. He proved to be a man of his word in a 16-7 win to hand the Colts only their second loss of the season.
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Philadelphia Eagles: Philly Special
Philadelphia finished off their Cinderella Story with backup quarterback Nick Foles leading the way to game MVP in Super Bowl LII. The most memorable play of the game was known as "Philly Special," a trick play in which running back Corey Clement took the snap, flipped the ball to tight end Trey Burton, and Burton threw the touchdown pass to a wide open Foles in the end zone to give Philadelphia a commanding 22-12 lead in the second quarter.
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Pittsburgh Steelers: The Immaculate Reception
Arguably the most incredible play in the history of football, the Immaculate Reception still gives Steelers fans goosebumps some 40 years later. Pittsburgh trailed the Raiders, 7-6, on a fourth-and-10 with 22 seconds remaining in the divisional round of the 1972 playoffs when Terry Bradshaw threw a pass into the air. Raiders Jack Tatum and John Fuqua collided while trying to intercept the ball, and Franco Harris was in the right place at the right time, catching the ball just before it landed on the ground and running for a touchdown to win 13-7.
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San Francisco 49ers: The Catch
San Francisco's success in the '80s and '90s brought plenty of memorable moments, but none more epic than Dwight Clark's incredible touchdown catch in the 1981 NFC championship. Trailing the Cowboys, 27-21, Joe Montana drove the 49ers down the field and had third-and-3 on the 6-yard line with 58 seconds remaining. Rolling to his right under heavy pressure, Montana threw a seemingly perfect pass that ended up in Clark's outstretched arms at the back of the end zone, as "The Catch" capped off an 89-yard game-winning drive.
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Seattle Seahawks: Malcolm Butler's Interception
The Seahawks' most memorable moment is one they'd like to forget. Seattle had an opportunity to win back-to-back Super Bowls, but Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler and questionable play calling at the goal line stood in their way. Trailing 28-24 with 26 seconds left at the 1-yard line, the Seahawks opted to throw a slant rather than hand the ball off to star running back Marshawn Lynch. Butler jumped Ricardo Lockette's route and made an incredible interception with 20 seconds left to preserve the win in Super Bowl XLIX for New England.
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Super Bowl XXXVII
The 2002 Bucs defense is known as one of the best ever and paved the road to immortality by defeating the Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII. The win also gave head coach Jon Gruden sweet revenge over his former team after he was traded the previous offseason. Tampa Bay picked off Rich Gannon five times in the 48-21 victory, with three of the picks being returned for touchdowns in the second half.
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Tennessee Titans: Music City Miracle
Perhaps the best special teams play in NFL history, the Titans pulled off the "Music City Miracle" to defeat Buffalo and win 22-16 in the Wild Card round of the 1999 playoffs. Trailing 16-15 with 16 seconds left, the Titans kickoff return team performed the "Home Run Throwback" in which Frank Wycheck threw the ball laterally across the field to Kevin Dyson, who had a line of blockers and ran for a touchdown. Tennessee would later advance to the Super Bowl, where it would lose a close game to the Rams.
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Washington Redskins: John Riggins makes big run in Super Bowl XVII
Washington dominated the second half of Super Bowl XVII vs. Miami, and the biggest play was a 43-yard touchdown run by John Riggins on fourth-and-one during the fourth quarter. The run down the right sideline gave Washington a 20-17 lead, and the team went on to win, 27-17.
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NHL, NHLPA hoping to finalize CBA, return-to-play agreement Saturday? .
The NHL and NHLPA are hoping that they will finalize a six-year CBA agreement Saturday along with a tentative agreement on Phase 3 and 4 protocols as well as a critical calendar.Assuming the new CBA is agreed upon, it would need to be ratified by the Board of Governors and the full membership of the NHLPA, where the players would get 72 hours, starting Monday.