Category Archives: football

Patrick Surtain II Sends Message Ahead of Matchup With Cowboys’ High-Powered Offense

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The Denver Broncos are gearing up for what many inside the building believe is their toughest defensive test yet. Fresh off a stunning fourth-quarter comeback win over the Giants, Denver’s defense now faces Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys, one of the NFL’s top-ranked offenses.

As Mile High Sports noted, superstar cornerback Patrick Surtain II didn’t mince words when discussing the challenge. “They nearly lead the league in all the passing numbers,” Surtain said. “They’re balanced, too, strong in the run game and efficient in the air. It’s going to be a pretty good challenge.”

At 5-2, the Broncos boast one of the league’s stingiest defenses, but Sunday’s matchup against a Dallas offense averaging nearly 400 yards per game will put that identity to the test. Surtain made it clear this week that Denver isn’t backing down.

“They’ve got playmakers everywhere,” Surtain said of Dallas’ receiving corps. “CeeDee [Lamb] is one of the best in the game—strong hands, great route runner, dangerous after the catch. And Pickens brings a different kind of physicality. We know exactly what we’re up against.”

Surtain’s confidence mirrors the tone across Denver’s locker room. “They’re pretty efficient,” he added. “They nearly lead the league in all the passing numbers, and they can run it, too. It’s going to be a great challenge, but this is what we live for as competitors.”

### Broncos Defense vs. Cowboys Offense: Strength Meets Strength

The numbers tell the story of two units at the top of their game. Dallas leads the league in yards per game (390.6), ranks second in points scored (31.7), and has allowed just eight sacks all season, tied for the second fewest in the NFL.

Dak Prescott has been surgical, completing 71% of his passes for 1,881 yards, 16 touchdowns, and only three interceptions on the season.

Denver’s defense, however, has been equally elite. The Broncos allow just 273.1 yards per game (third fewest), 4.49 yards per play (second fewest), and 18.1 points per game (fourth fewest). They lead the NFL in sacks with 34, while also holding opponents to a 29.2% conversion rate on third down and a red-zone success rate under 38%.

Edge rusher Nik Bonitto knows what’s at stake. “He’s [Prescott] a guy who can make a lot of things happen in the pocket,” Bonitto said. “We’ve got to make life easy for the DBs this week.”

Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper, both ranked in the top five in the NFL for sacks, will look to put consistent pressure on Prescott and disrupt Dallas’ offensive rhythm.

### Denver’s Secondary Proving Itself Among the NFL’s Best

While the pass rush has stolen headlines, Denver’s secondary has quietly become the backbone of the defense. Surtain continues to shadow top receivers, while cornerback K’Waun Williams, often playing under the radar, has delivered exceptional performances.

According to Next Gen Stats, Williams has allowed just 20 completions on 45 targets (44%) and only 286 total yards across 264 coverage snaps.

Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero praised his young corner’s resilience: “[He’s] playing outstanding,” Evero said. “He’s getting a lot of targets, but he’s on to the next play every time.”

That next-play mentality will be critical against an elite Dallas receiving corps led by CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens.

With Denver’s defense leading the NFL in sacks and Dallas’ offense ranking near the top in nearly every key metric, Sunday’s matchup is shaping up as a heavyweight battle between the league’s best offense and the league’s best defense.

“It’s going to be fun,” Surtain said with a grin after practice. “That’s what you play this game for, to face the best.”
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/denver-broncos/patrick-surtain-message-matchup-with-cowboys/

Athletic Bilbao vs Getafe Prediction and Betting Tips | 25th October 2025

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The 2025-26 edition of La Liga returns this weekend with an exciting fixture as Getafe face off against Ernesto Valverde’s Athletic Bilbao at the San Mamés Stadium on Saturday. Both teams are capable of delivering strong performances and will be eager to secure a victory in this important encounter.

### Athletic Bilbao vs Getafe Preview

Currently sitting 12th in the La Liga standings, Getafe have struggled to find consistency this season. The away side suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat against Real Madrid last week and will be keen to bounce back with a positive result.

Athletic Bilbao, on the other hand, are the more in-form side, positioned eighth in the league table. The Basque giants have shown resilience over the past year and come into this match buoyed by a 3-1 victory over Qarabag FK in their previous outing. They will look to maintain their momentum this weekend.

### Head-to-Head and Key Statistics

Athletic Bilbao hold a superior recent record against Getafe, having won 13 of the last 40 meetings between the two clubs, compared to Getafe’s 8 wins.

After enduring a frustrating seven-match winless streak across all competitions, Athletic Bilbao have now gone unbeaten in their last three games, claiming victory in two of those.

Getafe face a tough challenge as they remain winless in their last five La Liga matches. Their most recent league win was a 2-0 triumph over Real Oviedo last month.

Defensively, Athletic Bilbao have conceded at least one goal in 10 of their last 11 matches across all competitions. Their only clean sheet during this stretch was a 0-0 draw against Elche last week.

### Match Prediction: Athletic Bilbao vs Getafe

Athletic Bilbao possess a strong squad and have much to prove in this encounter. Key players like Nico Williams and Gorka Guruzeta have the ability to change the game and are expected to make an impact.

While Getafe can be dangerous on their day, their current slump makes an upset less likely. Considering form, squad strength, and home advantage, Athletic Bilbao are favored to claim the win.

**Prediction:** Athletic Bilbao 3-1 Getafe

### Betting Tips

– **Tip 1:** Athletic Bilbao to win
– **Tip 2:** Match to have over 2.5 goals
– **Tip 3:** Athletic Bilbao to score first
https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/athletic-bilbao-vs-getafe-prediction-betting-tips-25th-october-2025

Patriots’ Mike Vrabel eases concerns of TreVeyon Henderson fantasy owners

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The New England Patriots are off to a great start in the Mike Vrabel era. New England holds a 5-2 record after an impressive performance against Tennessee, where they dominated the Titans with a 31-13 victory on Sunday.

On Monday, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel addressed the role of one offensive player who didn’t have a big part in the Week 7 game. Vrabel reassured fans that rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson remains an important piece of the offense.

“It’s just kinda how it played out. Thought Rhamondre was running well,” Vrabel said, according to SI’s Mike Kadlick. “Had some good protections. TreVeyon’s gonna be a large part of what we do — that’s just kind of where it was this week.”

Starting running back Rhamondre Stevenson carried the bulk of the workload against the Titans, logging 18 carries for 88 rushing yards and a touchdown. Despite Stevenson’s solid performance in Sunday’s win, many Patriots fans are eager to see Henderson play a bigger role on offense, especially considering Stevenson’s struggles earlier in the season.

So far through seven games, Henderson has totaled 43 rushing attempts for 153 yards and one touchdown. He has also contributed as a receiver, with 16 receptions for 99 yards. Given the expectation that the Patriots would easily roll over the Titans, it made sense for the team to lean on an established running back and focus on a straightforward game plan. However, there is a good chance that Henderson will get more involved in the offense as the season progresses.

Adding to the positive outlook for Henderson, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported over the weekend that the Patriots are not actively shopping for running backs ahead of the November 4th trade deadline.

“The Patriots are not making calls for a running back, but they have talked to teams about pass rushers,” Rapoport wrote on Saturday. “They’re fielding calls on several of their own players as well.”

New England’s comfort with their current running back situation is a promising sign for Henderson. Although he is not the lead back at the moment, there is potential for him to grow into that role. Additionally, Henderson is just one injury away from becoming the Patriots’ primary running back.

With the team sitting at 5-2 through seven weeks, it’s too early for Patriots fans to panic about Henderson’s role. The rookie still has plenty of opportunities to make an impact this season.

Up next for the Patriots is a Week 8 matchup against the Cleveland Browns.
https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/new-england-patriots/patriots-news-mike-vrabel-eases-concerns-treveyon-henderson-fantasy-owners

Cowboys QB Dak Prescott Confirms CeeDee Lamb News

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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott confirmed that wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is ready to roll for Sunday’s matchup against the Washington Commanders. Lamb has been sidelined since suffering an ankle injury against the Chicago Bears in Week 3.

Despite his absence, the Cowboys’ offense has continued to perform well, averaging 387.5 yards and 29.7 points per game. However, the team’s record stands at 2-3-1. Having Lamb back will add another layer of explosiveness to the unit.

“A lot of excitement, I’ve seen just the last two days of practice, he looks good. He’s ready to go,” Prescott said. “I mean, obviously, I saw him last week and during the rehab, and probably could have went but he’s ready to go. Looks great. It’s gonna be fun.”

Lamb has been limited during the last two days of practice, but all signs point to him being active and involved on Sunday. The four-time Pro Bowler told reporters he could have played last week against the Carolina Panthers but chose to play it safe.

“I’m out there moving around, running around, being me. Happy as can be,” Lamb said on Thursday.

Lamb is not expected to be on a “pitch count” against the Commanders and should be a full go.

### Cowboys WR George Pickens Addresses CeeDee Lamb’s Return

One of the biggest beneficiaries of Lamb’s absence has been George Pickens. Now in a contract year, Pickens is on pace for a breakout season. Through six games, he’s racked up 525 yards and six touchdowns—already a career high for the former second-round pick.

Despite this, Pickens is not concerned that Lamb’s return will affect his production. Instead, he’s excited to see the offense at full strength.

“I’m super excited,” Pickens said. “I don’t even think the words can fully explain him, and possibly [KaVontae Turpin] too, so super excited. [The offense can be] way more dangerous and way more explosive, too, when you got other guys like CeeDee and Turp. It’s another component of explosiveness that you can’t really describe. And don’t forget about Jake [Ferguson].”

Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer echoed that sentiment.

“Integrating them both in and, you know, there’s one ball we know that, and they’re both really good players, so we’ll see where the defense makes the ball go,” Schottenheimer said.

### Cowboys QB Dak Prescott Doesn’t Feel Added Pressure With Defense Struggling

Prescott is having an MVP-caliber season, passing for 1,617 yards, 13 touchdowns, and just three interceptions so far. The Cowboys’ offense is humming, but they can only impact one phase of the game.

The defense has struggled significantly, ranking as the worst in the league in slowing down opponents, giving up 411.7 yards and 30.7 points per game.

Despite the defense’s struggles, Prescott does not feel any added pressure.

“That’s my standard. That’s our standard. That’s what we expect to do. I don’t think it’s any added pressure,” Prescott said. “I feel like I need to score every time. I feel like I need to complete every pass.”

With Lamb back in the lineup and players like Pickens stepping up, the Cowboys hope to turn things around and make a strong push as the season progresses.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/dak-prescott-confirms-ceedee-lamb-news/

Colts’ Zaire Franklin backs suspended Lions safety Brian Branch over JuJu Smith-Schuster fight

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NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin said Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch was doing “the work of the Lord” when he got into it with Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster. Branch and Smith-Schuster were at the center of a scrum following the Chiefs’ 30-17 win over the Lions on Sunday, and Franklin was all for it. “JuJu needed his a– whooped,” Franklin said during a recent appearance on the “Club 520 Podcast.” CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS. COM “Let’s just go there . He’s been needing his a– whooped for a minute. Brian Branch is doing the work of the Lord.” Franklin called Smith-Schuster an “a” for how he plays. “(Smith-Schuster’s) an a bro,” Franklin said. “This is my thing, I’m gonna talk greasy to you. We gonna go right up. And when we get that one-on-one, I ain’t gonna duck the smoke. So if I win or lose, it is what it is. He the type that’s gonna do all the little weird, sneaky stuff, push you behind the back, go run to the ref . then try to be cool with you after.” Franklin referenced photos that circulated online after the fight that showed Smith-Schuster with a bloody nose, and he made fun of the Chiefs wide receiver for it. “Bro, you can’t be crying with your nose (bloody). You got kids, bro,” Franklin said. “Like, what’s going to happen with your son? C’mon, bro. I really be feeling like, bro, I can’t let y’all — my son in the stands, I can’t let you put your hands on me. My girl watching. She might like you now after this. Like, what, I’m going to tell my girl when I come home I just got my a– whooped on Sunday night.” LIONS SAFETY BRIAN BRANCH SUSPENDED 1 GAME FOR FIGHT AFTER LOSS TO CHIEFS While Franklin might have loved the scrum, the Lions certainly did not. The NFL suspended Branch for one game, and he lost his appeal. The Lions will be without their star safety for their Week 7 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Lions head coach Dan Campbell condemned Branch’s actions. “I love Brian Branch, but what he did is inexcusable, and it’s not going to be accepted here. It’s not what we do. It’s not what we’re about,” Campbell said after the game. “I apologized to coach (Andy) Reid and the Chiefs, and Smith-Schuster. “That’s not OK. That’s not what we do here. It’s not going to be OK. He knows it. Our team knows it. That’s not what we do.” Branch called his decision to start the scuffle “childish. It was a childish thing, but I’m tired of people doing stuff in between the play and refs don’t catch it,” Branch said. “They be trying to bully me out there. I should have never did it. It was childish.”.
https://www.foxnews.com/sports/colts-zaire-franklin-backs-suspended-lions-safety-brian-branch-over-juju-smith-schuster-fight

Broncos’ top-ranked defense set to get even better with Dre Greenlaw’s return

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ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Statistically, the Denver Broncos boast the best defense in the NFL, and it could be getting even better this weekend.

Linebacker Dre Greenlaw is eligible to come off injured reserve (IR) against the New York Giants (2-4) on Sunday after recovering from a quadriceps injury that sidelined him since summertime. Greenlaw practiced Wednesday for the first time since September 12.

“Dre looked good out there,” star cornerback Patrick Surtain II said. “Obviously, his first day back out there on the field in a minute. It seems like he’s very sharp on everything, the game plan, so I’m very excited for him.”

Greenlaw’s return also has his teammates eager to see how much better the Broncos (4-2) can become with their prized free-agent acquisition making his Denver debut.

“I think it’s awesome,” edge rusher Jonathon Cooper said. “Obviously, we know the type of player Dre Greenlaw is, you watch the film. And you add that type of dynamic to this defense with him being right, it’s just going to take us even to another level. I’m excited for him to return.”

Denver’s defense leads the NFL in several key categories, including red zone defense (28.6%) and third-down defense (27.1%). Their 254.2 yards allowed per game is just behind Atlanta’s 253.4.

The Broncos also lead the league with 30 sacks, which is 10 more than second-place Pittsburgh. Nik Bonitto leads the NFL with eight sacks, putting him on pace for 23 this season.

Cooper was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week on Wednesday, just one week after Bonitto earned the honor.

“It’s just motivating me to do more,” Cooper said.

Cooper and Bonitto are the first Broncos teammates to win the league’s weekly defensive award back-to-back.

“I’m just trying to beat him. I can’t let him take over me. I should be out there with sacks with him right now,” Cooper joked, who has 4 1/2 sacks himself. “But no, I think it’s really cool. That’s my brother. I shout him out every time I get a chance to. Yeah, he’s one of the best football players I’ve ever played with. He does it one week, I’ve got to make sure I’m right there with him, you know?”

The Broncos held the New York Jets to minus-10 passing yards in a gritty 13-11 win in London last Sunday. They limited quarterback Justin Fields to just nine completions and sacked him nine times — the second-highest single-game total in franchise history.

Cooper is eager to see what Denver’s defense can accomplish this Sunday when they face Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart.

“Yeah, I mean, he’s a young guy. He’s feeling himself a little bit. He’s out there running around, he’s got the chain on, he’s dancing,” Cooper said. “You know, looks like everybody needs something. But we went against QBs who have run around the pocket and everything, try to do stuff with their legs. So, it ain’t nothing we haven’t seen.”

With Dre Greenlaw back and a dominant defensive unit clicking, the Broncos hope to keep their momentum going as they aim for continued success this season.
https://www.denver7.com/sports/broncos/broncos-top-ranked-defense-set-to-get-even-better-with-dre-greenlaws-return

Leicester City vs Portsmouth Prediction and Betting Tips | October 18th 2025

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Leicester City will lock horns with Portsmouth on Saturday as Championship action resumes following the October international break.

The two sides currently occupy opposite halves of the standings, setting the stage for an intriguing clash. Fans can expect an intense battle as both teams look to secure valuable points moving forward in the season.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/leicester-city-vs-portsmouth-prediction-betting-tips-october-18th-2025

Browns QB Dillon Gabriel’s NSFW reaction to being hit 16 times by Steelers

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Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel faced the ultimate trial by fire in Week 6, as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense overwhelmed him in a 23-9 loss at Acrisure Stadium. The rookie signal-caller, making just his second career start, absorbed 16 hits and six sacks. The Cleveland offense failed to score a single touchdown for the third time this season.

Despite the brutal punishment, Gabriel showed casual indifference when asked about the 16 hits he took. “My mom used to beat my ass when I was a kid, so I don’t think anything will live up to what my mom did,” Gabriel joked. “No, I was just playing around, but I’m good,” he added (h/t NFL Insider Jordan Schultz).

That response came after one of the most physically demanding outings by any rookie quarterback this year. Gabriel’s 16 quarterback hits were a season-high allowed by any team against Pittsburgh, surpassing the Steelers’ 14-hit performance against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4. Pittsburgh’s defense dictated every snap.

Jalen Ramsey and Nick Herbig each recorded two sacks, while the Steelers’ front consistently collapsed the pocket, forcing Gabriel into hurried throws. Gabriel completed 29 of 52 passes for 221 yards, marking the second-highest single-game pass attempt total by any quarterback this season.

Although he didn’t record a touchdown, Gabriel avoided turnovers—an impressive feat for a rookie under constant duress. In total, Gabriel has thrown for 430 yards, three passing touchdowns, and zero interceptions in four appearances this season, completing 57.3% of his passes.

According to ESPN metrics, the Browns’ offensive line ranks 27th in pass protection, making Gabriel one of the league’s most pressured QBs. Head coach Kevin Stefanski defended keeping Gabriel in the game, saying the entire coaching staff shares blame for the protection breakdowns.

Backup Shedeur Sanders, elevated after the Joe Flacco trade to the Cincinnati Bengals, remained on the sidelines. The defeat left Cleveland at 1-5, extending their streak to 11 straight games scoring under 17 points.
https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/cleveland-browns/browns-news-dillon-gabriels-reaction-being-hit-16-times-steelers

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca receives one-match touchline ban: Here’s why

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**Chelsea Manager Enzo Maresca Receives One-Match Touchline Ban: Here’s Why**

*By Rajdeep Saha | October 15, 2025, 10:03 PM*

Chelsea’s head coach, Enzo Maresca, has been handed a one-match touchline ban and fined £8,000 by the Football Association (FA). This penalty follows his exuberant celebrations during Chelsea’s thrilling 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Matchday 7 of the Premier League 2025-26 season.

### The Incident: Over-the-Top Celebrations Lead to Ban

Maresca’s intense celebrations after Chelsea’s last-minute winning goal did not go down well with referee Anthony Taylor. The official issued Maresca a second yellow card, resulting in his dismissal from the touchline and being sent to the stands.

The FA stated that Maresca’s behavior was inappropriate and/or involved abusive or insulting words or gestures during the match. Maresca admitted the charge and accepted the standard penalty, meaning he will miss Chelsea’s upcoming Premier League fixture against Nottingham Forest this Saturday.

### Details of the Ban

Despite the suspension, FA regulations allow a banned manager to communicate with coaching staff and enter the dressing room before kick-off, during half-time, and after full-time.

This marks Maresca’s second touchline ban as Chelsea manager. He previously served a ban in April 2025 after receiving a third yellow card of the season for celebrations following Pedro Neto’s last-minute winner at Fulham.

### Maresca Reflects on the Victory

Following the game against Liverpool, Maresca took to Instagram to share his thoughts. He described the late win as “a beautiful joy for all of us,” while expressing disappointment at not being able to celebrate the victory with the fans due to the sending off.

He concluded, “Now, recovery energy and focus on what we can do better.”

### Chelsea’s Current Standing

After seven matches, Chelsea sits 7th in the Premier League table. The Blues have recorded three wins, two draws, and two defeats so far this season. They have scored 13 goals and conceded nine, showing promising but inconsistent form as the campaign progresses.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/maresca-receives-one-match-touchline-ban-for-liverpool-celebrations/story

J1広島、田中聡が顔面骨折　12日のYBCルヴァン杯で負傷

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スポーツニュース：J1広島の田中聡選手が顔面骨折

2025年10月15日 18:44（2025年10月15日 18:46 更新）
※この記事は有料会員限定です。

J1リーグの広島に所属する田中聡選手が、10月12日に行われたYBCルヴァンカップの試合中に負傷し、顔面を骨折したことが明らかになりました。

[クリップ機能は有料会員の方のみご利用いただけます]

西日本新聞meとは？
この記事は有料会員限定記事となっております。
残り74文字を読むには7日間の無料トライアル（1日37円で読み放題）または年払いプランがお得です。
https://www.nishinippon.co.jp/item/1411660/