allsportsfan

Tag: NFL

  • The Top 5 Running Backs in the NFL.

    A collage of NFL team logos arranged in a grid pattern, featuring teams like the Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers, and more.

    After the “devaluation” of the running back position swept the NFL for the better part of the last decade, teams are starting to see why the position is so valuable.

    It’s becoming “trendy” again, to hand the ball off 25 to 30 times a game.

    Us fans have known this all along though.

    A running back affects the game in so many ways. It’s far from simply taking a handoff.

    Running routes out of the backfield, they have to know protection details, when is the right time to leave and go into the flat as a dump off option for the quarterback.

    I could go on and on, because everyone knows that I LOVE the running back position.

    So, without further ado, here are the Top 5 running backs in the NFL today.

    Saquon Barkley – Philadelphia Eagles.

    NFL player celebrating on the field, wearing a Philadelphia Eagles jersey and showing a positive gesture with his finger raised.

    Not only on Barkley lead the entire league in rushing last season (2,005 yards), but he also led the league in carries with 345. That’s a heavy workload, and he played 16 games last season.

    You have to account for him coming out of the backfield as well, with 33 catches. He’s a true three-down back, who does a serviceable job in pass blocking.

    Any time he touches the football, he can take it for a touchdown. He has the speed to break long runs, and the power to bulldoze his way between the tackles.

    No running back had a bigger impact on his team last season than Saquon Barkley did.

    Without Barkley, the Philadelphia Eagles aren’t winning the Super Bowl, they probably don’t even win their division.

    Christian McCaffrey – San Francisco 49ers.

    Christian McCaffrey running with the football during an NFL game, wearing a white uniform with red and gold details, showcasing power and agility.

    Absolutely no fan, coach, GM, player, or anybody, can deny the fact the McCaffrey is arguably the best running back in the league, when he’s healthy.

    That’s always been the problem with him. His durability is an issue not just season to season, but game to game.

    He has sneaky speed. He doesn’t look like he’s running fast, but he’ll take a 3-yard run and turn it into long touchdown before you realize what’s happening.

    He’s a far better receiver out of the backfield than Barkley, and maybe the best in the league.

    You simply cannot move him out of the Top 5 or even 3, no matter what.

    Josh Jacobs – Green Bay Packers.

    A running back wearing a green and gold uniform, holding a football, and looking focused on the field during an NFL game.

    Josh Jacobs was the real engine that pulled the train in Green Bay last season, it wasn’t quarterback Jordan Love.

    His first season as a Packer, erased whatever “stain” people had on him from his final season as a Raider.

    The Packers leaned heavily on Jacobs in all situations, enroute to their Wildcard Playoff berth.

    Running for 1,329 yards (6th) on 301 carries (6th) and 15 TDs (4th), proved that he’s a bellcow back with the speed and power to do it all.

    He had 36 catches out of the backfield and did a great job in pass protection for the Packers.

    Derrick Henry – Baltimore Ravens.

    A player in a purple football uniform with the number 22 is running while holding a football. The background features blurred stadium spectators.

    Derrick Henry is a throwback running back to the good ole days of football.

    Just hand him the football and watch him completely steamroll people.

    He’s proven that he can handle a heavy workload throughout his whole career, and showed it again last season.

    Rushing for 1,921 yards (2nd), on 325 carries (2nd), he tied for first in the league with 16 TDs.

    He’s not going to give you receiving yards out of the backfield or do much of anything in terms of pass protection, but he’s going to break a defense and wear them out throughout the entire game.

    Aaron Jones Sr. – Minnesota Vikings.

    A professional football player in a purple jersey, number 33, stands on the field during practice, showcasing a focused expression and athletic build.

    Jones is your classic slasher type running back. He’s quick with his feet, and once he sees the hole in the line, he’s off and going.

    He’s got the speed to break off long runs, and the power to get into the endzone in goalline situations.

    He does have durability issues and is quite similar to McCaffrey (see above). He did play all 17 games last season though.

    He had 1,138 yards (9th) on 255 carries (9th) to go along with a whooping 51 catches out of the backfield.

    He’ll stick his nose in on pass protection, and does a serviceable job in that regard.

    With JJ McCarthy (basically a rookie, though it’s officially his 2nd year in the league) now starting at QB, they’ll lean on him even more this season, as he gets his feet wet to the NFL game.

    I expect a great start for Jones in 2025.

    – Sean McKenzie

    Follow me on X (Twitter) at JoeAmerican6771 and allsportsfancom.

    Like, follow, comment and subscribe.

    Stats and information courtesy of…..NFL and ESPN.

    Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, clutchpoints, bvmsports, sportskeeda, and cbssports.

  • NFL Will Allow Players to Play in the 2028 Games, Thunder Roll, Panthers Dominate, and more.

    NFL NEWS.

    NFL logo overlaying an American flag, representing the league's association with the United States.

    On Tuesday, NFL owners voted unanimously 32-0, in favor of letting league players “try out” for flag football at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angelos, California.

    What we know so far about flag football at the Olympics,

    • There will be 6 teams (USA included).
    • It will be a 5 on 5 format. (5 on offense and 5 on defense).
    • Each team will have a roster of 10 players. (That means it will be a 2 deep roster).
    • Only 1 player from each team can try out. (Example: QB Jalen Hurts and HB Saquon Barkley from the Philadelphia Eagles, both cannot try out).

    While this is an exciting development, the LA 2028 Games are still years away. A lot can happen in the time. Players playing college football right now could end up on the roster.

    Logo for the LA 2028 Olympic Games featuring the text 'LA 28' with colorful Olympic rings below.

    Personally, I don’t think flag football should be an Olympic sport.

    They’re trying to attract “younger viewers”, and flag football is gaining popularity in youth sports and college campuses. So, I understand the reasoning behind the decision.

    That being said, of course I’m going to watch it. It’s football.

    NBA PLAYOFFS.

    The #1 seeded Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the #6 seeded Minnesota Timberwolves 114-88 in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.

    The Timberwolves had a 48-44 lead at the half, behind PF Julius Randle’s 20 points.

    The break completely changed the momentum of the game, as the Thunder, led by PG Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, scored 20 of his team-leading 31 points in the 2nd half.

    OKC scored 32 points in the 3rd quarter and 38 in the fourth quarter to get the important win at home. They now led the series 1-0. Full game highlights below.

    Game 2 is Thursday night, in Oklahoma City, at 8:30 PM, on ESPN.

    NHL STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS.

    The A3 Florida Panthers went into Charlotte, North Carolina and got a big win against the A2 Carolina Hurricanes 5-2, in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

    The Panthers special teams were on displayed, as they got powerplay goals by C Carter Verhaeghe in the 1st period, and C Sam Bennett in the 3rd period.

    There was a stretch where Florida did not have a single shot for 15 minutes in the 2nd period. Carolina just dominated the puck. They had their chances, but Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky was just a brick wall. He stopped 31 of 33 total shots he faced. Full game highlights below.

    Game 2 is Thursday night, in Charlotte, at 8:00 PM (EST) on TNT, truTV, and Max.

    MLB SCORES.

    The Chicago Cubs put a beatdown on the Miami Marlins 14-1.

    The Red Sox get their 2nd straight win over the New York Mets 2-0.

    The Detroit Tigers beat the St. Louis Cardinals 5-4.

    The lowly Colorado Rockies continue to struggle as they lose to the Philadelphia Phillies 7-4.

    The Los Angelos Dodgers get the win over the Arizona Diamondbacks 4-3.

    The New York Yankees beat the Texas Rangers 5-2.

    OTHER NEWS.

    The Ottawa Charge defeated the Minnesota Frost in Game 1 of the PWHL (Professional Women’s Hockey League) Walter Cup Finals, 2-1 in overtime.

    Charge F Emily Clark scored the game winner at 2:47 into the OT period, beating Frost goalie Nicole Hensley just over the goalie stick. Full game highlights below.

    Game 2 is Thursday night, in Ottawa, at 7:00 PM (EST) on TSN and RDS in Canada and FanDuel Sports North and PWHL YouTube channel in America.

    – by Sean McKenzie

    Follow me on X (Twitter) @JoeAmerican6771 and @allsportsfancom.

    Stats and information courtesy of…..ESPN, NFL, Olympics, NBA, NHL, MLB, PWHL.

    Pictures and videos courtesy of…..wallpapercave, Olympics, and YouTube.

  • Shedeur Sanders Signs Rookie Contract, LB Warner Signs Big Contract, NHL Referee Gets Stitches, and more.

    NFL NEWS.

    Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders throwing a football during practice.

    Cleveland Browns 5th round quarterback Shedeur Sanders has signed his rookie contract.

    It is a 4-year, $4.6 million dollar deal. with a $447,380 signing bonus.

    I’m not going to talk about his “slide” in the draft. I’ve already done an article on that, plus we all know that story, it’s been beaten to death.

    I’m “on the record” with my prediction that Sanders will be QB2 when the season starts.

    San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner in action during a game, wearing a red jersey with the number 54 and looking toward the opposing team's player.

    The San Francisco 49ers have made LB Fred Warner the highest paid “off ball” linebacker in the NFL.

    They came to terms on a 3-year, $63 million dollar contract extension, with $56 million dollars guaranteed. This new deal keeps Warner the red and gold through the 2029 season.

    The linebacker had 131 total tackles, 1 sack, 4 forced fumbles, and 2 INTs last season, all of which earned him his 4th All-Pro appearance and 3rd straight.

    NHL NEWS.

    NHL referee Chris Rooney receiving medical attention after an injury during a playoff game, with players and staff assisting.

    Veteran NHL referee Chris Rooney received stitches Sunday night after taking a high stick to the face by Panthers Defenseman Niko Mikkola, during the 2nd period of the Maple Leafs/Panthers pivotal Game 7.

    Medical personnel from both teams attended to him, and a stretcher was brought out; however, he refused and skated off the rink under his own power.

    Rooney hopes to return to resume duties during these Stanley Cup Playoffs.

    MLB SCORES.

    Collage of Major League Baseball team logos on a colored background.

    Guardians\Twins game was suspended in the 4th inning due to rain. Twins were up 2-1. Game resumes tonight at 6:10 PM (EST).

    Marlins beat the Cubs 8-7.

    Reds win 7-1 over the Pirates.

    Red Sox beat the Mets 3-1.

    Diamondbacks get the win over the Dodgers 9-5.

    The Cardinals beat the surging Tigers 11-4.

    Question of the day – What is your favorite sport to watch?

    – by Sean McKenzie

    Stats and information courtesy of…..ESPN, NFL, NHL, MLB.

    Photos courtesy of…..wallpapercave, profootballnetwork, PFF, and SI.

  • NFL News, NBA and NHL Conference Finals Set, MLB Pitcher Test Positive, Scores, and more.

    An artistic collage of NFL team helmets arranged in a circular pattern around the NFL logo set against a colorful background.

    NFL NEWS.

    The San Francisco 49ers have signed their starting quarterback Brock Purdy to a 5-year $265 million dollar contract extension, including $181 million dollars guaranteed. The new contract runs through the 2030 season.

    Purdy made a total of $2.6 million in his first three seasons combined, now he’ll have an average salary of $53 million dollars, which is $2.9 million per week.

    The old saying “He who laughs last, laughs the hardest”. Well, Purdy who is known as “Mr. Irrelvant” for being the final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, is laughing all the way to the bank.

    In his career, Purdy has completed 67.5% of his passes, for 9,518 yards, with 64 TDs and 27 INTs.

    NBA PLAYOFFS.

    An infographic displaying the NBA playoff bracket for the current season, featuring matchups between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Memphis Grizzlies, Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers, Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Lakers, and Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors.

    The NBA Conference Finals are now set.

    The #1 seeded Oklahoma City Thunder will take on the #6 seeded Minnesota Timberwolves in the West.

    The Thunder and Wolves split the season series 2-2.

    Game 1 is Tuesday night, in Oklahoma City, at 8:30 PM (EST) on ESPN.

    The #3 seeded New York Knicks will take on the #4 seeded Indiana Pacers in the East.

    The Knicks got the season series 2-1.

    This is a great nostalgia feel for me. Brings back memories of the Knicks-Pacers rivalry games in the 90’s.

    Game 1 is Wednesday night, in New York, at 8:00 PM (EST) on TNT, truTV, and Max.

    NHL STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS.

    NHL playoff bracket showing matchups for the Conference Finals, including teams like the Winnipeg Jets, Dallas Stars, Edmonton Oilers, Florida Panthers, and more.

    The Conference Finals for the Stanley Cup are now finally set.

    In the West, the C2 Dallas Stars will take on the P3 Edmonton Oilers.

    Game 1 is Wednesday night, in Dallas, at 8:00 PM (EST) on ESPN.

    In the East, the A3 Florida Panthers will take on the very rested M2 Carolina Hurricanes.

    Game 1 is Tuesday night, in Charlotte, at 8:00 PM (EST), on TNT, truTV, and Max.

    MLB SCORES AND NEWS.

    Philadelphia Phillies P Joe Alvarado has been suspended by Major League Baseball for the next 80 games, after testing positive exogenous testosterone, which is a performance-enhacing drug.

    Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Joe Alvarado wearing a grey uniform with red accents, holding a baseball glove and looking upwards, in a stadium setting.

    The suspension is effective immediately and also disqualifies him from being eligible to play in the postseason, if the Phillies make the playoffs.

    Alvarado will not appeal the suspension.

    My Aunt Chris’ teams continue to beat mine in 2025, as her Cincinnati Reds complete the weekend sweep against my Cleveland Guardians with a 3-1 win yesterday afternoon.

    The Milwaukee Brewers ended the Minnesota Twins 13-game winning streak with a 5-2 win.

    The Cubs sweep the White Sox with a 6-2 win.

    The Yankees take two out of three from the Mets in the Subway Series, as they get the 8-2 victory last night.

    OTHER NEWS.

    The PWHL’s (Professional Women’s Hockey League) Walter Cup Finals are set.

    The Ottawa Charge will take on the defending champion Minnesota Frost.

    I’m very much looking forward to this series. Both teams have good goalie tandems and strong forward lines.

    Two female hockey players competing on the ice, one in a red jersey and the other in a white and purple jersey, with a focus on their intense gameplay and teamwork.

    Women’s hockey doesn’t get enough love or credit.

    Game 1 is Tuesday night, at TD Place in Ottawa, at 7:00 PM (EST), on TSN and RDS for Canada, and on FanDuel Sports Newtwork North and YouTube for America.

    Prediction – I love that Ottawa has made it here, it’s good for the city and the fans, but Minnesota has been here before.

    Frost forwards Kendall Coyne-Schofield (12G-12A-24P) and Taylor Heise (8G-14A-22P) just always seem to be around the puck in the big moments this season. The Frost also have a big edge on the Powerplay and Penalty Kill.

    I’m taking Minnesota to repeat as Walter Cup Champions winning in 4 games.

    A female hockey player in a white jersey with purple accents joyfully holds up a championship trophy above her head, celebrating a victory in front of a cheering crowd.

    – by Sean McKenzie

    Stats and information courtesy of…..ESPN, NBA, NHL, MLB, NWHL, NFL.

    Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, bleacherreport, totalprosports, kare11, chicagotribune.

  • Cleveland Browns 2025 Regular Season Breakdown.

    Cleveland Browns football helmet logo on an orange and brown background with bulldog graphics.

    The Cleveland Browns 2025 season schedule was released on Wednesday night.

    Looking at the scheduled, I noticed a few things first, before I started getting into the X’s and the O’s, as well as the Jimmy’s and the Joe’s.

    • For the 1st time since 2017, the Browns are taking part in the International Series. Cleveland travels to London, England to take on my friend Nick’s, Minnesota Vikings in a very early morning Week 5 matchup. Game starts at 9:30 AM (EST) on NFL Network.
    • The Browns do not have a “primetime game” this season. In fact, Cleveland only has 3 games, that do not start in the 1 PM window (Weeks 5, 11, and 12).
    • Cleveland’s farthest distance to travel is only to Las Vegas to play the Raiders in Week 12 (2,076 miles).

    The schedule is very balanced for the Browns this season. There is only 1 “back-to-back” road game trip (Weeks 8 and 10), however, Cleveland has their Bye week between those two games (Week 9).

    Graphic of the Cleveland Browns 2025 season schedule, featuring game dates, opponents, and kickoff times.

    A potentially great thing for the Browns, is that 4 of their final 6 games are at home. If Cleveland somehow, some way, finds themselves in the playoff hunt, homefield advantage is always nice to have.

    The Browns open the 2025 season at home against division and in-state rival Cincinnati. Cleveland has not won a season opener at home since 2014 (against the Saints).

    Cleveland REALLY needs to get that win in Week 1, as their next 5 straight games, are against teams that made the playoffs last season (Baltimore, Green Bay, Detroit, Minnesota, Pittsburgh).

    Having that Bye week smack dab in the middle of the season again, is a nice break for Cleveland.

    In Weeks 12, 13, and 14, the Browns play teams that finished in last place within their own divisions, in the Las Vegas Raiders, San Francisco 49ers, and the Tennessee Titans.

    Cleveland finishes the regular season with back-to-back divisional games. Week 17 against the Steelers is the final home game of the season, while Week 18 is once again, against the Bengals, this time in Cincinnati.

    The #1 question on every Browns fans mind, is about who the starting quarterback will be. Veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett are paired along 2 rookies, in Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.

    The answer is, there is no answer right now. They plan to let them all fight it out. Personally, I think Joe Flacco will start the season, with Shedeur Sanders as QB2, and Gabriel as the 3rd stringer. I believe Pickett will end up being traded before the regular season starts.

    The over/under win projection sits at 4.5 games right now; after coming off of a dismal 3-14 season in 2024. I think the Browns can beat that mark.

    My first response upon seeing the 2025 schedule was the Browns can win at least 6 games, Cincinnati, Minnesota, New England, New York Jets, San Francisco, and Tennessee.

    Question – What do you think about the Browns schedule and how many games do you think they can win???

    – by Sean McKenzie

    Stats and information courtesy of…..NFL and Cleveland Browns.

    Pictures and videos courtesy of…..wallpapercave, Cleveland Browns, and YouTube.

  • #1 Seed Eliminated, Superstar Player Has Surgery, NFL Schedule Releases, Coach Involved in Sexual Assault Scandal Hired, and so much more.

    A graphic illustrating the NBA playoffs bracket, showing the teams and matchups, including the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers.

    NBA FINALS PLAYOFFS AND NEWS.

    My #1 seeded Cleveland Cavaliers have officially been eliminated from the NBA Finals Playoffs, losing to the #4 seeded Indiana Pacers 4-1, with a 114-105 loss last night.

    The injury bug finally got his teeth into the Cavaliers at the worst possible time. Superstar SG Donovan Mitchell with an ankle injury, PF Evan Mobley, SF De’Andre Hunter, all missed time in this series.

    The shots just weren’t falling for the Cavaliers in this series. The momentum that came from winning 60+ games in the regular season and sweeping the Miami Heat, just didn’t follow them into the 2nd round.

    The Pacers budding stars played their best this series. PG Tyrese Haliburton and PF Pascal Siakam stepped up when it was needed throughout this series. Full game highlights below.

    PG Tyrese Haliburton led the team with 31 points and 8 assists, while SF Aaron Nesmith brought in 13 rebounds.

    The Pacers await the winner between the #2 seeded Boston Celtics and the #3 seeded New York Knicks.

    The Knicks lead that series 3-1.

    The #1 seeded Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the #4 seeded Denver Nuggets 112-105 last night, to take a 3-2 lead in the series.

    PG Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 31 points and 7 assists. F Jalen Williams led the team with 8 rebounds.

    Nuggets C Nikola Jokic had a big night in a losing effort, scoring 44 points, bringing in 15 rebounds, and 5 assists. Full game highlights below.

    Game 6 is Thursday night, in Denver, at 8:30 PM (EST) on ESPN.

    Boston Celtics superstar SF Jayson Tatum had surgery to repair a torn left Achilles tendon yesterday.

    He suffered the injury late in the 4th quarter of the Celtics Game 4 loss to the Knicks on Monday.

    No timetable has been given for his return.

    NFL NEWS.

    The NFL released the schedule for their international games this upcoming season.

    NFL International Games 2025 schedule overview with matchups and locations including São Paulo, Dublin, London, Berlin, and Madrid.

    The Minnesota Vikings have 2 games overseas this upcoming season, including one against my Cleveland Browns on October 5th.

    My fellow LabRoomFam and close friend Nick, might have to put another wager on that game. I won the last bet on 10/3/21, when the Browns beat the Vikings 14-7 in Minnesota.

    Games will be played in England, Ireland, Spain, Germany, and Brazil.

    The full schedule release will be tonight at 8:00 PM (EST) on NFL Network.

    NHL STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS AND NEWS.

    NHL playoff bracket showing matchups and team rankings for the tournament.

    The C2 Dallas Stars defeated the C1 Winnipeg Jets last night 3-1, to take a big 3-1 lead in the series.

    Stars C Mikael Granlund got his first career playoff hat trick, scoring goals in all 3 periods, including 2 of them on the powerplay.

    Stars goalie Jake Gettinger stopped 31 of the 32 shots he faced.

    See all 3 goals below.

    Game 5 is Thursday night, in Winnipeg, at 9:30 PM (EST) on TNT, truTV, and Max.

    The Anaheim Ducks have hired Joel Quenneville as their new head coach.

    The 66-year-old is 2nd in NHL history with a record of 969-572-150, in stints with the St. Louis Blues, Colorado Avalanche, Chicago Blackhawks, and Florida Panthers.

    He’s been out of the league since October 27th, 2021, when he was fired by Florida Panthers, after he covered up evidence, of sexual assault on former Blackhawks player Kyle Beach, by then video coach Brad Aldrich in 2010.

    A man with a white mustache stands speaking to reporters, surrounded by microphones and smartphones, with a sports team logo in the background.

    My personal opinion is that this is a disgusting move. Quenneville deserves to be banned from coaching at any level, in any league, anywhere in the world.

    It’s a disgrace to victims of sexual assault of both sexes everywhere. He knowingly covered up evidence and misled law enforcement and NHL investigators.

    I’m ashamed of the NHL for even allowing this to happen. It puts a dark pall on what has been a very exciting Stanley Cup Playoffs this season.

    MLB SCORES AND NEWS.

    MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred removed all-time hits leader Pete Rose, “Shoeless” Joe Jackson, and others from the leagues permanently ineligible list.

    They had all been banned from anything MLB related for admitting to gambling and in Jacksons’ case “fixing” the 1919 World Series.

    They will now all be eligible for the MLB Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY.

    A baseball player wearing a red cap and jacket, looking serious while glancing over his shoulder against a blurred background.

    In my personal opinion, lifting the ban on Pete Rose in long overdue. He never lost games on purpose. Lifting the ban on “Shoeless” Joe Jackson is a disgrace to the game of baseball and all sports. He and others intentially rigged the 1919 World Series. There should never, ever be a place of forgiveness in any sport, for that.

    Guardians beat the Brewers 2-0.

    The Detroit Tigers continue to surprise everyone, as they beat the Boston Red Sox 10-9.

    The Mariners beat the Yankees 2-1, in extra innings (11).

    The Dodgers get smoked by the Athletics 11-1.

    A Seattle Mariners player celebrating joyfully on the field, wearing a Mariners uniform and a teal headband, with fans cheering in the background.

    Question of the day – Do agree that Pete Rose and “Shoeless” Joe Jackson’s bans deserve to be lifted???

    Drop a comment telling me why or why not.

    – by Sean McKenzie

    Stats and information courtesy of…..NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, ESPN, bleacherreport, MSN.

    Pictures and videos courtesy of…..NFL, SI, MLB, MSN, bleacherreport, and YouTube.

  • Knicks are One Game Away, Draft Lottery Winner, Commanding Series Leads, Chiefs Superfan Gets Prison Time, and more.

    NBA PLAYOFFS AND NEWS.

    The #3 seeded New York Knicks are now 1 win away from their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance is 25 years; with a 121-113 victory over the #2 seeded Boston Celtics. Full game highlights above.

    PG Jalen Brunson continued to show the world why he’s the leader of this team, with 39 points and 12 assists. C Karl Anthony-Towns had 11 rebounds.

    Celtics star SF Jayson Tatum left the game in the 4th quarter with a lower right leg injury. He is expected to get an MRI sometime today.

    Game 5 is Wednesday night, in Boston, at 7:00 PM (EST) on TNT, truTV, and Max.

    The #6 seeded Minnesota Timberwolves beat the #7 seeded Golden State Warriors 117-100 last night, to take a 3-1 series lead. Full game highlights above.

    A 17-0 run by the Timberwolves in the third quarter, gave them a 20-point lead going into the fourth quarter. The Warriors simply couldn’t catch up, especially without their superstar PG Stephen Curry.

    PF Julius Randle led the team with 31 points. PF Jaden McDaniels pulled in 13 rebounds, and C Rudy Gobert had 6 assists.

    Game 5 is also on Wednesday night, in Minnesota, at 9:30 PM (EST) on TNT, truTV, and Max.

    The Dallas Mavericks will have the #1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. The Mavericks had a lowly 1.8% chance of winning the lottery.

    It is widely expected that they will select Duke F Cooper Flagg with the pick. Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game at Duke last season.

    The 2025 NBA Draft is on June 25th, from the Barclay’s Center in New York, at 8:00 PM (EST) on ESPN and ABC.

    NHL STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS.

    The P3 Edmonton Oilers defeated the P1 Vegas Golden Knights 3-0, to take a 3-1 series lead. Full game highlights above.

    Oilers backup goalie Stuart Skinner stopped all 23 shots he faced, to get his 7th career shutout. C Adam Henrique scored 2 goals for the Oilers. It was the first time since 2012 the Henrique scored multiple goals in a Stanley Cup Playoff game.

    Game 5 is Wednesday night, in Las Vegas, at 9:30 PM (EST) on ESPN.

    The M2 Carolina Hurricanes take a commanding 3-1 series lead over the M1 Washington Capitals, with a 5-2 victory last night. Full game highlights above.

    Both teams scored a combined 5 goals in a wild and fast paced 3rd period. Capitals superstar LW Alex Ovechkin got it to a 3-2 game when he connected on a powerplay goal. That was as close as they would get, as D Sean Walker and RW Andrei Svechnikov would add 2 more goals.

    Game 5 will be on Thursday night, in Washington DC, at 7:00 PM (EST) on TNT, truTV, and Max.

    MLB SCORES AND NEWS.

    An ambulance at T-Mobile Park where medical staff are attending to a player on a stretcher during a baseball game.

    Yankees 3B Oswaldo Cabrera was taken off the field by ambulance, with a brace on his left ankle, after suffering a gruesome injury in their 11-5 victory over the Mariners last night. He was batting .243 with 1 HR and 11 RBIs through 34 games this season.

    3B Evan Longoria will sign a 1-day contract with the Tampa Bay Rays and officially retire as a member of the team on June 7th.

    Longoria is the easily the greatest player in the franchise’s history. He was selected with the 3rd overall pick in the 2006 MLB Draft. He leads the team in GP (1,435), Home runs (261), RBIs (892), Runs (780), Extra Base Hits (618), and Walks (269).

    He was the American League Rookie of the Year in 2008, as well as a 3 time All-Star. He won 3 Gold Glove Awards in 2009,2010, and 2017. He won the Silver Slugger Award in 2009.

    A man wearing a Tampa Bay Rays cap smiles broadly during a press conference, with a colorful MLB backdrop.

    Guardians beat the Brewers 5-0.

    The Tigers continue to win, blasting the Red Sox 14-2.

    Cubs beat the Marlins 5-2.

    Rockies win total stands at only 7, after losing to the Rangers 2-1.

    Mets win 4-3 over the Pirates.

    OTHER NEWS.

    Kansas City Chiefs “superfan” Xaviar Babudar, also known as “ChiefsAholic” was sentenced to 32 years in prison, in an Oklahoma Courtroom for bank robbery.

    Kansas City Chiefs mascot at a football stadium, holding a towel and dressed in team colors, with a bold overlay announcing news about a superfan's sentencing.

    Question of the day – Who is your favorite team mascot?

    – by Sean McKenzie

    Stats and information courtesy of…..ESPN, NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB.

    Pictures and videos courtesy of…..thenationalherald, newsweek, wtsp, emporianews, and YouTube.

  • NFL News, New Champion, Legend Retires, Hall of Famer Announced, NBA Playoffs, Stanley Cup, and more.

    Grid of NFL team logos, including logos from various teams like the Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens, and Dallas Cowboys.

    NFL NEWS.

    Quarterback Derek Carr has decided to retire, after 11 seasons in the NFL. The former Raiders and Saints QB attended Fresno State and was the 36th pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. He finishes his career throwing for 41,245 yards, with 257 TDs and 112 INTs.

    Rookie mini camps were held over the weekend. Jaguars #2 pick WR/CB Travis Hunter took snaps on the offensive side of the ball. HC Liam Coen said that Hunter will get defensive reps next week. Browns #5 pick DT Mason Graham made headlines after he was caught vomiting on the field. HC Kevin Stefanski blew it off saying that he simply ate too much.

    MMA NEWS.

    Jack Della Maddalena (18-2) defeated Belal Muhammad (24-4) to become the new UFC Welterweight Champion, in an absolute slugfest. The judges gave Jack the UD win with scores of 48-47 (x2) and 49-46. Jack has now won 18 straight fights. His last lost coming way back in 2016.

    Some things just seem to stay the same. Valentina Shevchenko (25-4-1) defended her Women’s Flyweight Championship for a record 10th time, defeating Manon Fiorot (12-2) by UD. 48-47 (x3).

    Featherweight legend Jose Aldo (32-10), retired in the octagon after losing to Aiemann Zahabi (13-2).

    A muscular mixed martial artist wearing a UFC championship belt and a shirt with a photo of a woman, standing in front of a Brazilian flag.

    Former Light Heavyweight Champion Vitor Belfort will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame later this year.

    Belfort (26-14) burst onto the scene when he won the UFC Heavyweight Tournament back in 1997, at only 19 years of age.

    In 2013, his legal use of testosterone-replacement therapy (TRT) became a worldwide sports controversy. The Nevada State Athletic Commission later banned TRT, from competition without medical proof of necessity.

    He holds career wins against legends Randy Couture, Wanderlei Silva, Rich Franklin, Luke Rockhold, Michael Bisping, and Dan Henderson.

    NBA Playoffs.

    Graphic displaying the NBA playoff bracket with team matchups and seedings.

    The #4 seeded Indiana Pacers defeated the #1 seeded Cleveland Cavaliers 129-109, to take a 3-1 series lead.

    PF Pascal Siakam led the team with 21 points. C Myles Turner had 7 rebounds, and PG T.J. McConnell had 8 assists.

    Game 6 is Tuesday night, in Cleveland at 7:00 PM (EST) on TNT, truTV, and Max.

    The #1 seeded Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the #4 seeded Denver Nuggets 92-87, to tie the series at 2-2.

    PG Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led with 25 points and 6 assists. C Isaiah Hartenstein had 14 rebounds to lead the team.

    Game 5 is also on Tuesday night, in Oklahoma City, at 9:30 PM (EST) on TNT, truTV, and Max.

    NHL STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS.

    A graphic depicting the NHL playoff bracket, showcasing the matchups and seeds for the 2023 playoffs.

    The A3 and defending Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers, defeated the A1 Toronto Maple Leafs 2-0, to tie the series at 2-2.

    Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky got his 5th career playoff shutout, stopping all 23 shots attempted.

    Tempers flared at the end of the game, when Maple Leafs C Max Domi (Pussycat Max, as I call him), landed his latest in a long career of cheap shots, this time on Panthers C Aleksander Barkov.

    Game 5 is Wednesday night, in Toronto, at 7:00 PM (EST) on ESPN.

    The C2 Dallas Stars defeated the C1 Winnepeg Jets 5-2, to take a 2-1 lead in the series.

    Stars RW Mikko Rantanen continues his incredible playoff run with another 3 points (1G/2A). Full game highlights below.

    Game 4 is Tuesday night, in Dallas, at 8:00 PM (EST) on ESPN.

    MLB NEWS.

    Phillies beat the Guardians 3-0.

    In a battle of division leaders, the Mets beat the Cubs 6-2.

    League leading Dodgers beat the Diamondbacks 8-1.

    Surprising Tigers lose to the Rangers 6-1.

    The Rockies actually win a game!!! Beating the Padres 9-3.

    OTHER NEWS.

    A digital bracket showcasing the results of the ECHL Kelly Cup Playoffs, displaying team logos, series scores, and results for various matchups in different divisions.

    Congratulations to my Aunt Chris’ as her Toledo Walleye defeated my Fort Wayne Komets 4 games to 2 and advance to the Western Conference Finals in the ECHL Kelly Cup Playoffs.

    Question of the day – Did your favorite team make the playoffs?

    – by Sean McKenzie

    Stats and information courtesy of…..ESPN, NFL, NHL, MLB, ECHL, NBA, bleacherreport, UFC.

    Pictures and video courtesy of…..wallpapercave, UFC, ECHL, bleacherreport, and YouTube.

  • The Cleveland Browns 2025 NFL Draft Review.

    Cleveland Browns logo featuring an orange helmet and the team name 'CLEVELAND BROWNS' in bold lettering.

    After a 3-year absence from picking the in the 1st round, thanks to the Deshaun Watson fiasco, the Cleveland Browns made their return in a big way.

    They made their first trade before the draft even started. Then decided to keep it going, making multiple trades during the draft.

    They started with the #2 pick, but decided to trade it to the Jacksonville Jaguars for the #5 pick, in addition to the Jaguars 1st round pick in next year’s draft.

    Mason Graham holds up his jersey after being selected 5th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, flanked by a league official on stage.

    With that pick, they took Mason Graham, DT, Michigan. He was my one of my top two players. Graham is a hardhat, blue collar type of player. He plays through the snap; he sheds blockers and can rush the passer from the interior. Something the Browns have been sorely missing for over a decade now. Lining him up next to Myles Garrett, will cause problems for opposing offensive lines.

    Graphic featuring Carson Schwesinger, a linebacker from UCLA, showcasing his draft details including Round 2, Pick 33 for the Cleveland Browns, with a city skyline in the background and a bold design.

    With the 33rd pick, the first in the 2nd round, the Browns took Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA. Carson is a do everything player. His 115 tackles, 4 sacks, and 2 interceptions, proved his ability to play sideline to sideline. He can drop back into zone coverage and cover tight ends and running backs. He hits the hole hard on the blitz, and does a nice job against the run.

    I reported months ago, that the neck injury to Browns starting linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, was much more serious than the team let on. There’s a chance the he never plays again, so taking Schwesinger here was a good pick.

    Graphic featuring Quinshon Judkins, a running back from Ohio State, with details about his NFL draft selection number (36) and round (2) against a colorful background.

    Three picks later, with the 36th pick, the Browns selected Quinshon Judkins, HB, Ohio State. Judkins is a hard-nosed, between the tackles, power back. He doesn’t have the speed to take it 90 yards on any play; he has the speed to pick up the chunk plays needed to keep the offense on the field. He showed that he has the capability to catch the ball out of the backfield and showed improvement when picking up blitzers. He’s a faster Kareem Hunt for Browns fan.

    Graphic featuring Harold Fannin Jr., a tight end from Bowling Green, selected 67th overall by the Cleveland Browns in the 2025 NFL Draft.

    With the 67th pick, the Browns selected Harold Fannin Jr, TE, Bowling Green. I love this pick! Fannin is a catching machine. He play on the line of scrimmage, in the slot, and the Falcons even played him out wide at the X sometimes. While he does need to improve his blocking technique, his playmaking ability is undeniable, and he played his best football during Bowling Green’s biggest game. The vaulted defenses at Penn State and Texas A&M had no answers for him at all. Fannin along with Browns Pro-Bowl TE David Njoku, gives the Browns a hellava combination for 12 personnel formations.

    Graphic highlighting Dillon Gabriel, a quarterback from Oregon, selected by the Cleveland Browns with the 94th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The image features him in a white and green uniform, giving a thumbs up, with a city skyline in the background.

    With the 94th pick, the Browns selected Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oregon. Gabriel had 63 career starts in college, with 3 different teams (UCF, Oklahoma, and Oregon). He makes quick decisions, and his 155-32 touchdown-to-interception ratio shows that he doesn’t put the ball in danger that often. Yes, he’s short at 5’10”, but his ability to scramble and move within the pocket, keeps hit “batted balls” stat low.

    Graphic featuring Dylan Sampson, a running back from Tennessee, selected 126th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. He is shown in action wearing an orange jersey with the number 6.

    With the 126th pick, the Browns took another running in Dylan Sampson, HB, Tennessee. Sampson is a short, fast, and sneakily powerful running back. He has a nose for the endzone scoring 22 rushing touchdowns last season. He was the SEC Offensive Player of the Year last season with 1,485 yards rushing as well. He can take it to the house at any time, from anywhere on the field. He needs to improve his blitz pickup and blocking ability. He only had 19 catches last season. To be fair, he wasn’t asked to that a lot at Tennessee though.

    With their final pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, selected Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado. See my previous article.

    FINAL GRADE.

    When you add everything together, the Cleveland Browns get an A+.

    They came away with 6 players who will start on Day 1 or be meaningful contributors to the team.

    Along with securing a 2nd first round draft pick in the 2026 class, it’s impossible to deny that the Cleveland Browns got better not just for this upcoming season, but for the next 3 to 4 seasons to come.

    – by Sean McKenzie

    Stats and information courtesy of…..ESPN, NFL, NCAA, Cleveland Browns.

    Photos courtesy of…..wallpapercave, brownsnation, brownswire, USA Today, Cleveland Browns, duckswire,

  • Shedeur Sanders NFL Draft Nightmare.

    Shedeur Sanders speaking at the NFL Scouting Combine, wearing a black hoodie and baseball cap, with a microphone in front of him.

    The NFL Draft is a culmination of many factors for players. The years of blood, sweat and tears on the field. The dog days of summer conditioning in August, where you can barely drag your feet as coach calls it to an end. The excitement and bonding on the bus rides. The sacrifices made by their moms and/or dads, to make every practice and game.

    For most the journey starts at the peewee level, then middle school, junior varsity, varsity, then onto college. Dreams of hearing their names called out by the commissioner, after getting that phone call from the teams’ head coach.

    Shedeur Sanders got privileged start. As everyone knows, his father is Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders. He grew up around the game his whole life. His father coached him his formative years. From high school, to Jackson State, to Colorado.

    Coming into the 2025 NFL Draft, almost all the media “experts” and pundits had him rated as the #2 ranked quarterback in the class, only behind Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward.

    Sanders finished his four years of college football completing 70.7% of his passes, for 14,347 yards, with 134 touchdowns, and 27 interceptions. He had an additional 17 rushing touchdowns.

    Those are great numbers, in a very down quarterback draft class. So why wouldn’t he be rated has high as he was? Why wouldn’t he or anyone expect him to go high or at least in the 1st round?

    The world watched as he not only fell out of the 1st round, but he also didn’t even go in the 2nd round. He didn’t go in the 3rd round. He didn’t go in the 4th round. It wasn’t until the 144th pick in the 5th round, for him to get that phone call and hear his name called.

    The Cleveland Browns took him. The team with the worst quarterback history in the league, traded up to get him.

    Digital display showcasing Shedeur Sanders' selection as quarterback by the Cleveland Browns, including details of his college team and draft pick information.

    Why did he fall so far?

    On Day 3 of the draft, word started leaking out about Sanders showing up to interviews unprepared and trying to dictate the teams. New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll “called him out about it, and Sanders didn’t like that” according to NFL insider Todd McShay.

    ESPN insider Adam Schefter even stated that “he might not be one of the first quarterbacks taken on day two.”

    As the picks and rounds went on, it was apparent to everyone that has common sense, that not only did the NFL scouts and coaches did not view Sanders as a Day 1 starting quarterback, but this was a product of media hype run amuck.

    Us fans had to sit back and listen to the insufferable whining of Mel Kiper Jr, Rich Eisen, and others, completely drown out and not report on the other players, whose dreams came true. Letting their personal relationships with his father Deion, get in the way of what truly makes the NFL Draft so special.

    There simply were not very many “quarterback needy teams” this draft cycle. Add into the fact that this was an extremely deep class at running back, wide receiver, defensive line, offensive line, and cornerback.

    In my own personal rankings, I had Shedeur as my #2 ranked quarterback. Certainly, ahead of Dillion Gabriel, who the Browns drafted in the 3rd round with the 94th pick.

    Yes, he does hold onto the football too long at times. Yes, he does take some incredibly dumb sacks. Yes, he does try to do too much. Yes, the “media circus” around him is annoying.

    What he is though, was the most accurate passer in college football last season, completing 74% of his passes. What he does do, is stay in the pocket and take a hit to deliver the football.

    What Shedeur and all the other “experts” and fans need to remember, is that the greatest quarterback of all-time is Tom Brady, and he was taken with the 199th pick.

    Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner, did not even get drafted.

    As a lifelong Browns fan myself, I hope he goes out there and lights it up.

    I hope he goes out there and shows that he is a franchise quarterback.

    WELCOME TO THE DAWG POUND SHEDEUR!!!

    – by Sean McKenzie

    Stats and information courtesy of…..NCAA and ESPN.

    Photos courtesy of…..totalprosports and YouTube.