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Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills) and Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens) are the betting favorites for the 2025-26 NFL MVP award. Allen won the MVP in 2024-25, throwing 40 touchdowns with a career-low 6 interceptions, showcasing elite dual-threat ability and ranking third in EPA/play. Despite potential benefits from a second year with his offensive coordinator and a strong supporting cast, his path to a repeat win is challenging due to historical voter reluctance. Lamar Jackson finished second in the 2024 MVP voting despite leading the league in passer rating, QBR, yards per attempt, and deep-ball efficiency. He threw 41 touchdowns versus only 4 interceptions, averaged 6.6 yards per rush, and ranked second in adjusted EPA/play. With key offensive weapons returning and Baltimore having strong Super Bowl odds, Jackson is well-positioned to contend for his third MVP if he maintains his performance level. Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers) is a long shot (+1800) for MVP. He had the most efficient season of his career in 2024, posting the second-lowest interception rate (0.6%) in NFL history for a 500-attempt passer and ranking fifth in on-target rate. While receiver drops hurt his raw stats, Herbert excelled throwing deep, leading the NFL in deep-ball touchdowns. Paired with new head coach Jim Harbaugh and a revamped backfield, Herbert has the arm talent and potential narrative to rise in MVP contention if the Chargers win and his receivers improve.
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The Los Angeles Chargers' training camp has started with significant setbacks, undermining their offseason efforts to upgrade the offense around quarterback Justin Herbert. Three key offensive upgrades are already sidelined: running back J.K. Dobbins suffered an injury in a fireworks accident (practice status unclear), wide receiver DJ Chark Jr. begins camp on the PUP list, and rookie receiver Brenden Rice is holding out in a contract dispute, marking the NFL's first rookie holdout. These absences directly impact the Chargers' planned offensive diversification, specifically hindering improvements to the ground game, vertical passing, and play action. Furthermore, Dobbins needs to learn the new offense, Chark needs to rebuild chemistry with Herbert, and Rice requires adaptation to the NFL, quarterback, and system. Consequently, the Chargers enter camp relying heavily on rookie running back Omarion Hampton, two interior offensive linemen who struggled last season, and receivers Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston. This situation puts the team "off on the wrong foot" at the start of training camp.
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The New York Jets may reconsider their stance on roster additions after San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings demanded either a trade or a new contract, becoming available on the open market. This development could prompt the Jets to pursue Jennings as a potential solution for their WR2 position. Jennings presents an attractive opportunity as an affordable, high-upside addition who would immediately become New York's second receiver behind Garrett Wilson. His best football years likely lie ahead, and his 2023 performance—nearly 1,000 yards and six touchdowns—demonstrated significant potential despite being an outlier compared to earlier seasons. Known for clutch plays earning him the nickname "3rd and Jauan," Jennings excels as one of the league's best blocking receivers with versatility in alignment and reliable hands for difficult catches. These traits align with coach Aaron Glenn's team philosophy, making him a natural fit for the Jets' offensive scheme. Jennings would likely surpass current receivers Josh Reynolds and Allen Lazard on the depth chart, though his acquisition could jeopardize roster spots for players like Malachi Corley. While his 2023 breakout occurred in a crowded 49ers receiver room that limited opportunities, he projects as a reliable WR2 in New York. Acquiring Jennings carries risk if he reverts to pre-2023 production levels, but his ceiling in the right offensive system makes him an enticing gamble for the Jets given the potential reward of securing a cost-effective starting receiver.
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A record 197 nominees have been announced for the 2025 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®, marking the highest number in the award's 34-year history. The honor recognizes college football student-athletes and head coaches across all levels for their commitment to community service and leadership beyond the sport. Sam Acho, an ESPN analyst, former NFL player, and 2010 Good Works Team member, praised the nominees, stating they are "standing out" and creating lasting change through their commitment to service, inspiring the next generation. This year's nominees are tackling diverse community issues, including youth mentorship, mental wellness, homelessness, and health care access. Allstate is partnering with the Wuerffel Foundation for the second year to align the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team with the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy. This collaboration recognizes student-athletes who demonstrate excellence in community service, academics, and athletics. Danny Wuerffel, the namesake of the Wuerffel Trophy, highlighted the impact, noting that the service of nearly 200 young athletes creates a "ripple effect far beyond the game" and their community leadership is as worthy of recognition as their athletic performance. The final roster of 23 award recipients will be announced in September. It will consist of 11 players from the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), 11 players from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), Divisions II, III, and the NAIA, plus one head coach. A voting panel of former Good Works Team members, head coaches, and journalists will select the team based on outstanding leadership on and off the field. The article concludes by stating the full list of 2025 nominees is available, starting alphabetically by college with the Football Bowl Subdivision (D-1).
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New England Revolution captain Carles Gil has been selected for the 2025 MLS All-Star Game by Head Coach Nico Estévez. The midfielder, leading the Revolution with 8 goals and 7 assists through 21 matches, earns his fourth career All-Star selection. This ties him for the third-most All-Star appearances in Revolution club history. This marks Gil's fourth All-Star selection in the last five seasons. He joins Shalrie Joseph (8), Taylor Twellman (5), and Matt Reis (4) as the only Revolution players to earn four selections. Gil is a two-time MLS Best XI member and has won the Landon Donovan MLS MVP Award, four Revolution Team MVP Awards, MLS Newcomer of the Year, and MLS Comeback Player of the Year. This season, Gil has started all 21 regular-season games, leading the team with 15 goal contributions (8 goals, 7 assists), including four game-winning goals, and has earned six MLS Team of the Matchday selections. In 2025, he became the Revolution's all-time leader in MLS assists (80), while his 47 regular-season goals rank fourth in club history. He needs just three more goal contributions to surpass Taylor Twellman's club record of 129. Since the start of 2019, Gil leads all MLS players with 85 assists, including MLS Cup Playoffs. The 2025 MLS All-Star Game and MLS All-Star Skills Challenge presented by AT&T will be held at Q2 Stadium and broadcast globally in English, Spanish, and French on MLS Season Pass via the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions. The Revolution continue their MLS regular season with two matches this week: away at the New York Red Bulls on Wednesday, July 16 (7:30 p.m. ET on MLS Season Pass and 98.5 The Sports Hub), and home against Orlando City SC at Gillette Stadium on Saturday, July 19 (7:30 p.m. ET on MLS Season Pass, 98.5 The Sports Hub, Más Latino 99.9 FM & 1300 AM (Spanish), and 1260 AM Nossa Radio USA (Portuguese)).
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Jalen Hurts, the 26-year-old quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, has secured his first Super Bowl victory and Super Bowl MVP award after leading the team to a win against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX. This continues his established pattern of winning throughout his college and professional career. Despite his success, Hurts remains a polarizing figure in NFL quarterback rankings. While some analysts place him as high as No. 1 or 2, most position him around No. 5—behind Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, and Lamar Jackson. Notably, ESPN's rankings placed him significantly lower at No. 9. An AFC defensive coordinator, quoted by Sports Illustrated's Matt Verderame, countered criticism by praising Hurts: "Jalen is an elite competitor and a big-time leader. Two necessary and vital attributes in any great quarterback." This endorsement highlights his perceived intangible strengths beyond statistical rankings. The Eagles, described as "loaded" with talent, are considered strong contenders to repeat as champions in the upcoming season. The article emphasizes that regardless of subjective rankings, Philadelphia's championship aspirations hinge fundamentally on Hurts' performance and leadership.
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Everton and Accrington Stanley (ASFC) played a pre-season friendly. Everton started with: J. Pickford; A. Young, J. O'Brien, M. Keane, V. Mykolenko; J. Garner, I. Gueye; J. Harrison, C. Alcaraz, I. Ndiaye; Beto. During the match, Everton made substitutions: O'Brien, Tamen, and Beto came on for Branthwaite, Mykolenko, and Garner. Accrington Stanley made multiple changes: Kelly, Sass, Coyle, Papoola, Brown, Walton, Smith, and Tunstall replaced Wright, Grant, Rawson, Whalley, Sinclair, Caton, Martin, and J. Woods. The home side (Accrington Stanley) started stronger with an unconverted early chance. As the first half progressed, the visitors (Everton) created clearer opportunities but lacked effectiveness, resulting in a dull first half. The Accrington Stanley goalkeeper made several good saves during the match. Beto scored an equalizer for Everton ("the Toffees"). Live updates and pre-match analysis were provided by Gianluca Pantano on VAVEL.
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The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) has confirmed that its 2021 policy on transgender athlete participation is no longer in effect and has not been since Commissioner Jessica Berman was hired in March 2022. The league currently operates with no policy on transgender players, despite widespread belief that the 2021 rules were still active. The 2021 policy allowed male-to-female transgender athletes to compete if they declared their gender identity as female and maintained testosterone levels "within typical limits of women athletes." It barred female-to-male transgender athletes undergoing testosterone therapy from competing. While no known transgender athletes currently play in the NWSL, past players include Canadian Olympian Quinn and Japan's Kumi Yokoyama, who criticized the policy. The NWSL did not explain why the policy lapsed or if a new one is planned. This development occurs alongside England's and Scotland's Football Associations banning transgender women from women's football following a UK Supreme Court ruling defining "woman" as biological sex. The United States Soccer Federation (USSF) also lacks a policy for national teams, citing no elite transgender players in their pool. For amateur players, USSF policy allows registration based on gender identity with supporting documentation. The absence of clear policies from major US soccer authorities exists within a contentious national climate. The US Supreme Court recently allowed Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care and will hear cases on transgender sports bans this fall. Advocacy organizations like Human Rights Campaign and Athlete Ally declined to comment, reflecting reduced public support. Lobby groups view this policy vacuum as an opportunity to push for bans, with a legal advisor noting "the tide is changing" in the US regarding transgender participation in sports.
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The Los Angeles Chargers have not significantly bolstered proven wide receiver talent around quarterback Justin Herbert this offseason. While they re-signed Mike Williams in free agency and drafted rookies Tre Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Williams has struggled since 2022, and the rookies lack experience, leaving Herbert without dependable weapons. A potential new option has emerged as the regular season approaches: San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings. Jennings is unhappy with his contract and is seeking either a new deal or a trade, creating an opportunity for the Chargers to pursue a trade. Jennings, previously a minor contributor, had a breakout season in 2023, recording 77 receptions for 975 yards and six touchdowns. The article describes the 6-foot-3, 215-pound Jennings as the type of big-bodied target Herbert needs to stretch the field, similar to Williams in his earlier Chargers tenure. While not considered elite, Jennings would serve as a strong complementary receiver alongside rookie Ladd McConkey. The main hurdle is Jennings' contract demands and the Chargers' general manager Joe Hortiz's known approach to significant financial commitments. However, the possibility of a trade remains viable, as Jennings would likely cost less in draft picks and be far less expensive than top-tier receivers like D.K. Metcalf.
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Baker Mayfield's career has experienced a significant resurgence since joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers two years ago, marked by high-quality play that contrasts sharply with his earlier struggles in Cleveland and Carolina. His remarkable comeback, rare for a quarterback previously written off in the NFL, has revitalized his standing in the league. Due to Mayfield's stellar performance, the Buccaneers are now considered strong contenders for NFC supremacy, with expectations so high that failing to win a fifth consecutive NFC South championship would be seen as a major disappointment. Despite widespread belief in Mayfield's abilities, some analysts remain unconvinced. Dan Orlovsky, on ESPN's First Take, praised Mayfield's clutch play and big-time throws, highlighting his success in Tampa Bay. However, fellow ESPN analyst Kevin Clark presented a contrasting view. Clark controversially stated that if Justin Herbert were swapped for Mayfield as the Buccaneers' quarterback in a "fantasy world," he would immediately pick Tampa Bay to win the Super Bowl. Clark doubled down on this opinion when questioned by Orlovsky, specifically linking the Super Bowl prediction to Herbert being the quarterback. Clark's comments can be interpreted as a direct critique of Mayfield's perceived ceiling as the Buccaneers' quarterback. Alternatively, they might be seen as an endorsement of the talent surrounding the quarterback position in Tampa Bay, suggesting Herbert's undeniable talent would be a perfect fit for a roster Clark potentially views as superior to Herbert's current team, the Chargers. Regardless of the intent, Clark's statement clearly indicates he does not believe Mayfield is the quarterback who can lead the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl victory.
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Manchester United and manager Ruben Amorim face missing out on striker target Viktor Gyokeres, with reports indicating the Swedish international is now expected to join Arsenal. Gyokeres, 27, desires to leave Sporting CP this summer, attracting interest from both United and Arsenal. He has an £85m (€100m) release clause at Sporting, but Arsenal are reportedly close to securing a deal worth around £63.5m (€73.5m). Consequently, Manchester United must pursue alternative options. One such alternative is Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, 25, who has also been linked with AC Milan. Vlahovic's contract with Juventus expires in 2026, and the club is reportedly keen to sell him this summer. He scored 17 goals and provided 5 assists in 44 appearances last season, with Juventus open to offers as low as £20m; however, Vlahovic is reportedly negotiating for a compensation fee. United have suffered a "significant setback" in their pursuit of Vlahovic. According to reports, the Serbian striker is set to reject a move to Old Trafford and instead join AC Milan, reuniting with his former Juventus manager, Massimiliano Allegri.
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Malik Knowles, an undrafted wide receiver from Kansas State, signed a one-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers in June 2024. Despite previous stints with the Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers' practice squad, the 6-foot-2, 196-pound receiver has yet to appear in a regular-season NFL game. Knowles may benefit from uncertainty at the back end of the 49ers' receiver depth chart, particularly due to veteran Jauan Jennings' contract demands and trade request. Jennings is expected to attend training camp but might stage a "hold-in," refusing on-field drills to avoid fines. This situation effectively moves every receiver below Jennings up on the depth chart, including Knowles. While Knowles, who had a collegiate best of 725 yards in 2022 and offers value as a return specialist, lacks the physicality and blocking ability of Jennings, the circumstances present him with a significant opportunity. The increased visibility during camp allows him a platform to showcase his skills and intangible qualities to the 49ers' coaching staff. This situation, though a long shot, could improve Knowles' chances of earning a spot on the 49ers' 53-man roster if he can capitalize on the opportunity and impress during training camp.
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Buffalo Bills quarterback and NFL MVP Josh Allen has partnered with supplements brand Natrol to promote their Sleep & Restore line of products, including calming drink mixes, gummies, and capsules designed to improve sleep. Allen stars in a new commercial illustrating how restorative sleep enables peak performance in demanding situations. Allen personally tested Natrol's melatonin gummies during a flight with his now-wife Hailee Steinfeld. Skeptical of partnerships but struggling to sleep on planes due to his height, he tried the product and slept soundly for approximately 10 hours, leading him to enthusiastically endorse the brand. He called his agent immediately after the flight to initiate the partnership. Allen states this partnership has made him prioritize sleep as a key component of his preparation for the upcoming season, believing it will unlock the next level in his game. He contrasts this focus on a "sleep journey" with last year's emphasis on diet, aiming to wake up feeling refreshed and restored for optimal performance. Allen emphasizes his genuine belief in Natrol, contrasting it with brands he rejects despite lucrative offers. He connects better sleep directly to on-field performance and leadership, explaining that taking the supplements helps him wake up refreshed without excessive caffeine, puts him in a better mood, and makes him genuinely excited to interact with teammates and practice, especially important for morning training camp sessions. Beyond supplements, Allen shared his sleep must-haves: an extremely cold room (he turns dorm AC units as low as possible during training camp), a softer pillow, and an additional pillow to hug as a side sleeper to prevent his shoulders from collapsing.
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Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz during the upcoming summer transfer window. According to Football Insider, Manchester United will face competition for the Brazilian international from Premier League rivals Everton. However, Everton's approach differs as they are seeking to secure the player on a loan deal and are not prepared to commit to a permanent transfer.
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The Dallas Cowboys, facing diminished expectations after a disappointing 7-10 season in 2024 where quarterback Dak Prescott suffered a season-ending injury in Week 9, are surprisingly viewed as an under-the-radar team heading into the 2025 NFL season. Despite Prescott's expected full recovery and offseason roster upgrades, external expectations outside the organization are reportedly low. However, analyst Mike Jones labeled the Cowboys as underrated, citing Prescott's healthy return as key to improving an offense that struggled without him. Jones suggested the pairing of new receiver George Pickens with holdovers CeeDee Lamb, Jalen Tolbert, and tight end Jake Ferguson could create a potent attack if Pickens matures, making a playoff push behind Philadelphia and contending with Washington plausible. The analysis argues the Cowboys should not be overlooked. Before his injury, Prescott was performing near an MVP level. With new head coach Brian Schottenheimer, Prescott is anticipated to return to the upper echelon of quarterbacks. While acknowledging some roster weaknesses, the piece concludes the Cowboys possess enough offensive firepower to compete significantly in the NFC. The team faces a challenge in the highly competitive NFC East division, but with a healthy Prescott and a dynamic new receiver duo, Dallas is positioned as a team requiring close attention in the upcoming season.
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Tyler Meiser's transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Borussia Mönchengladbach is confirmed, as reported by Sky Germany. The 18-year-old centre-half is recognized as one of Germany's top talents within his age group and position. Meiser has already signed a professional contract with Gladbach following an agreement between the two clubs. He is expected to be given opportunities to prove himself with Gladbach's first team in the upcoming season, with plans for his permanent integration into the senior squad starting from the 2026-27 season. So far, Meiser has played for Dortmund's U-19 team in both domestic competitions and the UEFA Youth League. Although he hasn't made a senior appearance for Dortmund, he was named in the squad for their Champions League match against Sturm Graz in November.
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Justin Fields has officially joined the New York Jets, signing a two-year, $40 million contract with $30 million guaranteed, marking his first time in New York as their quarterback. The Jets expressed strong confidence in him following his impressive performances during several starts for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024. Fields, entering his fifth NFL season at age 26 and now on his third team in three years, will have the opportunity to be the full-time starter in New York. He will be paired with running back Breece Hall, who is entering his fourth season with the Jets after consecutive quality years, including an eight-touchdown season in 2024 with Aaron Rodgers. Fields and Hall showcased their rapport on social media. Fields posted a photo captioned, "Some places don’t just change your view, they change your mind.." Hall jokingly commented, "Can you stop taking pics and Hand the ball off please," prompting Fields to reply, "You know I’m pulling it every time," hinting at the option offense New York might employ in 2025. Fields brings significant rushing ability, having surpassed 1,000 yards on the ground in 2022. Hall nearly reached that mark in 2023 (falling six yards short) but saw his 2024 yards dip to 876, partly due to the emergence of rookie Braelon Allen (334 yards). Fields' dynamic style promises to drastically alter the Jets' offense compared to 2024 under Rodgers. Fields demonstrated potential in 2024, going 4-2 as a starter. His two losses were by a combined six points, and he didn't throw an interception in those games, though he was sacked seven times. The Jets, who haven't made the playoffs since 2010 or had a winning season since 2015, haven't won more than eight games in a season during the 17-game era. While avoiding the division cellar since 2022, Fields and Hall aim to lead the team to success and end the franchise's prolonged struggles.
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Two Atlanta Falcons players, running back Bijan Robinson and right guard Chris Lindstrom, were selected by Fox News NFL Reporter Ben Arthur for his 2020s Future Half-Decade team (projected 2025-29). Robinson earned the nod over Detroit's Jahmyr Gibbs. Arthur cited Robinson's impressive 2024 season: 1,866 total yards (1,456 rushing, 410 receiving) and 15 total touchdowns, ranking him fourth in scrimmage yards and tied for third in touchdowns, leading to his first Pro Bowl selection. Arthur argued Robinson is likely to receive a heavier workload than Gibbs in the coming years due to Atlanta's unproven quarterback situation (Michael Penix Jr.) and less high-end talent at wide receiver, coupled with the fact Robinson doesn't share carries with a Pro Bowl-caliber running back like Gibbs does. The report noted that while Arthur expects Robinson to get more usage, the talent level of the top wide receiver duos for both Atlanta (Drake London, Darnell Mooney) and Detroit (Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams) was comparable, with both duos featuring two top-25 receivers in yards; specifically, Mooney and London were the only duo where both receivers were top 25 in yards and each had 60+ catches. Arthur also selected guard Chris Lindstrom, highlighting his status as PFF's top-ranked guard for each of the last three seasons. Lindstrom's 2024 performance was exceptional, allowing just one sack and eight quarterback hits over nearly 1,100 snaps. Arthur pointed out Lindstrom had the NFL's best run-blocking grade among qualified guards in both 2022 and 2023 according to PFF, and has been a top-five run-blocking guard every season since 2021. Over the last two seasons combined, he has surrendered only four total sacks, a feat noted as particularly impressive given the pocket mobility issues of Atlanta's quarterbacks Kirk Cousins, Desmond Ridder, and Taylor Heinicke during that period. Lindstrom was also recently ranked as ESPN's No. 7 interior lineman for next season.
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Several top teams, including holders England, world champions Spain, heavyweights Germany, and hosts Switzerland, remain contenders as the UEFA Women's Euros enters the high-stakes knockout stages. The tournament has drawn unprecedented attention with nearly half a million fans attending group-stage games. Eight teams are left, with hosts Switzerland reaching the quarterfinals for the first time, Spain living up to their favourites tag, and holders England advancing after an early scare. The quarterfinals commence with Norway facing Italy in Geneva on Wednesday, July 16th. Norway topped Group A with a perfect nine points but showed defensive frailty, conceding five goals. They rely heavily on the experienced attacking duo of Ada Hegerberg and Caroline Graham Hansen. Italy, finishing second in Group B, are in the knockouts for the first time since 2013. Despite a recent barren spell, they believe their best football is ahead after navigating a tricky group stage. Midfielder Annamaria Serturini expressed the team's desire "to continue dreaming." The winner will face either Sweden or England in the semifinals. England meets Sweden in Zurich on Thursday, July 17th. England recovered from an opening defeat to win their next two Group D games emphatically, scoring ten goals combined, showcasing the attacking prowess of Lauren James, Ella Toone, and Georgia Stanway. They face Sweden, whom they defeated 4-0 at the same stage during their Euro 2022 triumph.
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Two key players from the Los Angeles Chargers, Justin Herbert and Rashawn Slater, were recently recognized in ESPN analyst Jeremy Fowler's annual top 10 rankings for their positions. Quarterback Justin Herbert was ranked No. 7 on the list. He holds the NFL record for most career passing yards through five seasons with 21,093 yards. In the 2023 season, his attempts per game decreased from 35 to 29.6 due to offensive coordinator Greg Roman's run-heavy strategy, but he achieved a remarkably low interception rate of 0.6% on 504 attempts, the best since Tom Brady in 2016. Herbert threw for 3,870 yards with 23 touchdowns and three interceptions, posting a career-high passer rating of 101.7, and added 306 rushing yards with two touchdowns. An AFC executive praised him as underrated, stating Herbert is consistently a top 5-8 quarterback due to his accuracy, athleticism, and decision-making, and would be a high draft pick if the league restarted. Offensive tackle Rashawn Slater secured the No. 6 spot on his position list. Voters highlighted his athleticism as an ideal fit for Roman's system, noting he had the fewest run-block losses (68) among qualifying players who appeared in at least 12 games. Slater committed only two penalties across 904 snaps and earned Pro Bowl honors. An NFC executive emphasized that Slater excels against pressure and in schemes prioritizing movement over physicality. Additionally, rookie Joe Alt received honorable mention consideration after his first NFL season, with an AFC executive providing comments, though the specifics were not detailed in the report.
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Former NFL player James Jones strongly criticized ESPN's Top 10 quarterback rankings, specifically objecting to Jalen Hurts being placed at No. 9 and Justin Herbert ranked ahead of him at No. 7. Jones called the list "awful" during an appearance on FS1's 'The Facility', stating, "There should never be a list where Justin Herbert is in front of Jalen Hurts," dismissing arguments based purely on Herbert's perceived talent. Herbert's No. 7 ranking represented a slight drop from his No. 6 position the previous summer. An anonymous AFC executive defended Herbert's placement, describing him as "always been a top-5-8 QB" who is "accurate to all levels, athletic, [a] sound decision-maker," and even suggested Herbert is now "underrated" and "taken for granted." Jones vehemently disagreed with the notion that Herbert is underrated, pointing directly to their playoff accomplishments as the key differentiator. He argued, "I see Justin Herbert at seven, who hasn't won a playoff game. [Jalen Hurts] has been to more Super Bowls than you have won playoff games." Jones found the idea that Herbert is better than Hurts disrespectful to Hurts. Jones highlighted Hurts' recent success, noting his MVP-caliber season two years prior where he threw for 3,701 yards and 22 touchdowns while rushing for 760 yards and 13 touchdowns, leading the Eagles to a 14-1 record. That season culminated in a Super Bowl appearance, and although they lost, Hurts was widely considered to have outperformed Patrick Mahomes. Hurts later won the Super Bowl and its MVP award the following season. Jones contrasted this with Herbert's resume, which lacks comparable playoff success. He also expressed strong belief in rookie Jayden Daniels, stating, "Jayden Daniels is going to be a superstar in this league."
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The Pittsburgh Steelers' 2025 schedule presents a significant challenge primarily due to the number of elite quarterbacks they will face. Based on ESPN.com's anonymous survey of executives, scouts, and coaches ranking NFL quarterbacks, the Steelers are scheduled to play against five of the top 10 quarterbacks on that list. This includes two games each against Baltimore Ravens' Lamar Jackson (ranked No. 4) and Cincinnati Bengals' Joe Burrow (ranked No. 3), both within AFC North play (Ravens: Weeks 14 & 18; Bengals: Weeks 7 & 11). They will also face single matchups against Detroit Lions' Jared Goff (No. 8) in Week 16 at Ford Field, Los Angeles Chargers' Justin Herbert (No. 7) in Week 10 on the road, and Buffalo Bills' Josh Allen (No. 2) in Week 13 at Acrisure Stadium. In total, this amounts to seven games against these top-tier quarterbacks. Historically, the Steelers have struggled against these quarterbacks. They hold a 1-3 record against Josh Allen (including playoffs), with Allen accumulating 1,071 passing yards, 8 TDs, 3 INTs, plus 142 rushing yards and a TD in those games. Against Justin Herbert, they are 1-1; Herbert left their last meeting early due to injury. Jared Goff is 0-1-1 against Pittsburgh, including a tie in 2021. Notably, Goff is coming off a strong 2024 season (4,629 yards, 37 TDs), helping elevate the Lions to contender status. An AFC executive described Herbert as a consistently "top-5-8 QB" who is accurate, athletic, and a sound decision-maker, suggesting he is underrated. Allen is highlighted as a unique challenge due to his blend of size, strength, mobility, and powerful arm. While the Steelers have bolstered their defense with additions like Jalen Ramsey, Darius Slay, and rookie Derrick Harmon, and hired new secondary coach Gerald Alexander, facing these elite quarterbacks remains a major hurdle. The rebuilt secondary may be vulnerable early in the season as communication issues are addressed.
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The Los Angeles Chargers, led by quarterback Justin Herbert, reached the postseason but suffered a decisive 32-12 Wild Card round loss to the Houston Texans. Herbert had a poor performance in that game, completing only 43.8% of his passes for 242 yards and one touchdown, while throwing four interceptions and being sacked four times. Former Chargers teammate and current Baltimore Ravens linebacker Kyle Van Noy criticized Herbert, suggesting he needs to do more to connect with his teammates beyond attending team dinners. Van Noy acknowledged Herbert's strong work ethic but believes his perfectionism is an issue, advising him to relax, rely more on instincts, and potentially reassess his preparation balance. Despite the criticism and playoff disappointment, Herbert had a strong regular season statistically, throwing for 3,870 yards and 23 touchdowns. New head coach Jim Harbaugh, hired ahead of the 2024 season, guided the team to the playoffs and is determined to maximize Herbert's potential, aiming for eventual Pro Football Hall of Fame recognition. Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Herbert and Harbaugh enter their second year together. Key offensive developments include the emergence of rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey (1,149 yards, 7 TDs) and significant veteran additions to bolster the unit: offensive lineman Mekhi Becton, center Andre James, tight end Tyler Conklin, wide receiver Mike Williams, and running back Najee Harris. These additions aim to support Herbert and open up the offense. The Chargers, competing in a tough AFC West, aim to build on their playoff appearance and make a deeper postseason run in 2025.
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Lionel Messi and Evander stood out again during MLS Matchday 24, with Messi scoring his fifth consecutive brace and Evander netting a remarkable long-range goal despite his team's loss. Hugo Cuypers scored a rare and skillful side-footed volley directly from a corner kick for the Chicago Fire, although they ultimately lost to San Diego FC. Kerwin Vargas secured a goal with a powerfully struck second attempt for Charlotte FC in their 2-0 victory over New York City FC, stepping up in the absence of Patrick Agyemang. Nathan Ordaz opened the scoring for LAFC with a slick touch and powerful finish against FC Dallas, contributing to their 2-0 win alongside a Denis Bouanga penalty. Evander scored his 13th goal of the season with an exceptional strike from distance, giving FC Cincinnati an early 2-0 lead within five minutes against Columbus Crew SC, though they eventually lost 4-2. Lionel Messi continued his exceptional form, scoring another brace – including a trademark free-kick goal – in Inter Miami's 2-1 win over Nashville, marking his fifth straight game with two goals.
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Tottenham Hotspur face significant activity in the summer transfer window, with a major focus on potential player departures. Among those linked with moves away are Cristian Romero and Richarlison. Specifically, Richarlison has been connected with a return to his former club, Everton. The recent official signing of Mohammed Kudus by Tottenham is seen as a key development impacting Richarlison's future. Given the significant financial investment in Kudus, he is expected to be a regular starter, not a substitute. This acquisition is believed to make securing playing time even more difficult for Richarlison. Former player Paul Robinson explicitly stated that Kudus's arrival "opens the door for Richarlison to leave," suggesting Richarlison's time at Tottenham hasn't worked out as planned. Robinson emphasized that Kudus is the type of player who will start in crucial matches, like against Arsenal or in the Champions League, whenever fit. He will be a key figure in Tottenham's strongest lineup. The signing of Kudus marks the end of Tottenham's long unofficial transfer embargo under chairman Daniel Levy and is considered a major addition. Kudus is expected to bring much-needed pace, power, and creativity to the team.
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Newcastle United has completed the signing of winger Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest in a reported £55 million deal. This addresses a long-standing need for an exciting first-choice right-winger, a position the club had struggled to fill adequately due to constraints from Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). These financial regulations forced difficult decisions, limiting squad investment and requiring manager Eddie Howe to maximize existing players. Despite leading Newcastle to two cup finals (winning one) and two Champions League qualifications in three seasons, Howe faced persistent challenges on the right flank. While Miguel Almiron excelled in 2022-23 and Jacob Murphy delivered unexpectedly strong numbers (8 goals, 12 assists) last season, consistent top-level output remained elusive. Elanga represents the first significant first-team improving signing in two years, arriving against a backdrop of financial restrictions, revenue limitations compared to rivals, and internal power struggles involving departed sporting directors. This signing is seen as a personal victory for Howe, who has regained more influence over recruitment this summer, similar to when he first joined. He had pursued Elanga previously, with a £45m bid submitted on last year's deadline day. Elanga fits Howe's preferred player profile: exceptionally quick (sub-11 second 100m pace), remarkably durable (missed only two Premier League games in two seasons for Forest), and productive (11 assists and 6 goals last season). Tactically, Elanga's pace and ability to exploit space, particularly in transition when Newcastle regains possession, align with Howe's approach, even as the team emphasizes greater possession dominance. His strength with both feet compensates for not being naturally left-footed. Elanga expressed his readiness and commitment, stating to the club's website: "I’m excited, I’m really happy but most importantly I’m ready... to really fight for this team and give everything for the passionate fanbase."
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Russell Martin, Rangers manager, expects Sheffield Wednesday winger Djeidi Gassama to join Rangers soon, stating the deal is "all done at our end" and awaiting completion on Sheffield Wednesday's side. Martin described the 21-year-old Gassama, who has scored 12 goals in 84 appearances for the English Championship club, as "different to what we've got" and emphasized the need for "a point of difference in the squad," expressing hope the transfer concludes "very, very soon." Martin also confirmed that Rangers have accepted an offer from Dutch club Twente Enschede, his former club, for defender Robin Propper. The 31-year-old Dutchman, who joined Rangers last summer, has struggled for playing time. Martin stated the move now depends on Propper agreeing personal terms, noting that new defensive signings make playing time difficult for him and that a transfer to Twente would be "a good move" if he accepts. Rangers have been active in the summer transfer window, having already signed midfielders Thelo Aasgaard, Lyall Cameron, and Joe Rothwell, alongside defenders Max Aarons, Nasser Djiga, and Emmanuel Fernandez.
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