Tag Archives: interceptions

Kansas State forces 5 turnovers to edge Oklahoma State 14-6

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STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) — Kansas State forced five turnovers in a gritty 14-6 victory over Oklahoma State on Saturday. All of the Wildcats’ points came off those crucial turnovers, highlighting the importance of capitalizing on opponent mistakes.

Despite averaging 34.2 points in their previous five games, Kansas State was held to just 284 total yards in this contest. Nevertheless, the Wildcats’ defense stepped up when it mattered most.

With this win, Kansas State has now secured three victories in their last four games, demonstrating resilience and strong defensive play throughout the season.
https://mymotherlode.com/sports/college-sports-general-news/10190492/kansas-state-forces-5-turnovers-to-edge-oklahoma-state-14-6.html

Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers owns missed throws in brutal SNF loss to Chargers

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The Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive struggles under prime-time lights continued on Sunday night as quarterback Aaron Rodgers struggled through a 25-10 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.

Nearing his 42nd birthday, Rodgers finished 16-of-31 for 161 yards, with one touchdown, two interceptions, and a 50.6 passer rating—his lowest of the season. His 51.6% completion rate was his worst since 2020, and the 50.6 passer rating ranks as the fifth-lowest of his career in a full game.

Rodgers admitted after the game that several throws missed their mark. “A lot of stuff wasn’t working. We were bad on third down. I was just a little bit off, missed DK [Metcalf] early, could’ve been a big play. Little high to Jonnu [Smith]. But yeah, we didn’t run the ball super effectively in the first half. I missed, obviously, some throws, for sure. And then we weren’t getting guys open and couldn’t put it all together. Times guys were open, I missed the throws that I usually make.

“Our defense played really well tonight. Offensively, we were pretty bad. So, we’ve got to find a way to get open on third down, I’ve got to find a way to hit ‘em, because that was just some bad ball.”

The Steelers started the night with early energy. Kicker Chris Boswell converted a 59-yard field goal—his 50th career 50+ yard kick in 60 attempts—giving Pittsburgh a 3-0 lead early in the first quarter.

However, momentum shifted when Rodgers fumbled in the end zone on a third-and-7 snap from the Pittsburgh 9-yard line. Chargers’ Khalil Mack recovered the ball in the end zone for a safety, cutting the Steelers’ lead to 3-2.

The first half proved to be a nightmare for Pittsburgh’s offense. Rodgers completed just 7-of-14 passes for 64 yards, with one interception. The interception occurred when Rodgers overthrew DK Metcalf, resulting in RJ Mickens’ pick that set up Justin Herbert’s 15-yard touchdown pass to Ladd McConkey just before halftime.

Pittsburgh entered the break with only 85 total yards, three first downs, and an 0-for-6 mark on third downs.

The Steelers rallied briefly in the fourth quarter, with Jaylen Warren’s screen pass resulting in an 18-yard gain to the Chargers’ 14-yard line. However, the drive stalled shortly thereafter. Rodgers missed a checkdown to Kenneth Gainwell and then threw incompletions to Metcalf, who was covered tightly by two defenders, ultimately resulting in a turnover on downs.

The Chargers capitalized immediately. McConkey caught a 58-yard pass, setting up Kimani Vidal’s 2-yard touchdown run, which put the game out of reach for Pittsburgh.

Vidal finished the game with 95 rushing yards and a touchdown, while Justin Herbert completed 20 of 33 passes for 220 yards and a score. Jaylen Warren rushed efficiently, gaining 70 yards on 14 carries, averaging 5.0 yards per attempt. Despite this, the Steelers went 0-for-9 on third downs, a critical factor in the loss.

On defense, the black-and-gold unit played stoutly. Patrick Queen recorded a team-high 12 tackles, and Alex Highsmith contributed two sacks.

With the loss, the Steelers fall to 4-5 on the season. They will look to bounce back at home against the Cincinnati Bengals next Sunday in Week 11.
https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/pittsburgh-steelers/steelers-news-aaron-rodgers-owns-missed-throws-loss-chargers

Drake Maye Sends Clear Message on Bills After Patriots Extend Division Lead

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The New England Patriots have extended their lead in the AFC East Division over the Buffalo Bills, moving to an 8-2 record after upsetting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the road Sunday. Meanwhile, the Bills fell to 6-3 following a blowout loss to the Miami Dolphins in Miami.

New England now holds a 1.5-game edge over Buffalo, who have won the division each of the last five years. Patriots quarterback Drake Maye participated in a sideline interview after his team’s seventh consecutive victory. During the interview, CBS Sports reporter Tracy Wolfson asked Maye about Buffalo’s recent defeat.

“We’re not worried about Buffalo,” Maye responded. “We’re worried about Thursday night. We got a big one.”

Looking ahead, New England will host the New York Jets, another AFC East Division opponent, on November 13. The Jets secured their second win of the season on Sunday by defeating the visiting Cleveland Browns 27-20.

The Patriots and Bills won’t face each other again until Week 15 on December 14. New England won the first matchup back in Week 5 in Buffalo by a tight 23-20 score.

Maye, who is already in the conversation alongside Bills quarterback Josh Allen for the NFL MVP award in just his second professional season, was 22 of 30 passing for 273 yards in that crucial road victory over Buffalo.

In the Patriots’ Week 10 win over the Buccaneers, Maye completed 16 of 31 pass attempts for 270 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. He entered the Sunday contest leading the league with a 74.1 percent completion percentage. Across nine games played, Maye has amassed 2,285 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, and four interceptions.

As the Patriots continue their impressive run, all eyes will be on Maye as he leads New England toward their next big test.
https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nfl/new-england-patriots-drake-maye-buffalo-bills-11018913

Western Illinois scores final 17 points to rally past Lindenwood 24-21

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MACOMB, Ill. (AP) — Cason Carswell threw a go-ahead touchdown pass to Alex Williams with 1:21 remaining, and Western Illinois scored the final 17 points to beat Lindenwood 24-21 on Saturday.

It was all Western Illinois (3-7, 2-4 OVC-Big South Association) after Nate Glantz threw a 13-yard touchdown pass to Rico Bond to put Lindenwood (4-6, 3-3) ahead 21-7 with 7:05 left in the third quarter.

Antonio Chadha sparked the Leathernecks’ rally with a 41-yard field goal with 19 seconds left in the period. Markell Holman then scored on a 27-yard run, cutting the score to 21-16 after Western Illinois failed their two-point conversion attempt.

A crucial turnover came when Jacques Wyatt muffed a punt, which was recovered by the Leathernecks’ Don Paul Keith at the Lions’ 37-yard line. Carswell capitalized on the opportunity, delivering the game-winning touchdown pass just four plays later. He then connected with Holman for a successful two-point conversion, giving Western Illinois a three-point lead.

Lindenwood had built an early advantage by scoring touchdowns on their first two possessions, using eight-play drives to lead 14-0 after the first quarter. Glantz opened the scoring with a 2-yard touchdown pass to Jalen Smith, capping a 75-yard drive to start the game. Steve Hall added a 6-yard touchdown run to finish an 80-yard drive.

Western Illinois responded in the second quarter, narrowing the gap to 14-7 at halftime with a 17-yard touchdown pass from Carswell to Brandon Lanier—the lone score of the quarter.

Stats Highlights:
– Carswell completed half of his 34 passes for 175 yards.
– Holman rushed 25 times for 172 yards.
– Glantz totaled 216 yards on 20-for-31 passing with two interceptions.
– Hall rushed 21 times for 148 yards.

For more college football updates, including the AP Top 25 poll alerts, sign up here.
https://mymotherlode.com/sports/college-sports-general-news/10162128/western-illinois-scores-final-17-points-to-rally-past-lindenwood-24-21.html

Who won KHSAA football playoff games? Manual, CAL, Collins among first-round winners

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Hayden Winn and Devin Allen returned interceptions for touchdowns to lead Manual High School to a decisive victory over Fern Creek in the first round of the Class 6A playoffs. Winn’s 32-yard interception return gave Manual (9-2), ranked No. 4 in Class 6A, a 14-0 lead at the 7:51 mark of the first quarter. Allen followed with a 15-yard interception return, extending the lead to 28-0 with 6:06 left in the second quarter.

Manual’s quarterback Kaden Mack passed for 65 yards and three touchdowns—two to Brayland Miles and one to Noah Price. Gerian Traynor spearheaded the rushing attack with 77 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries. Manual will face Male in the second round of the playoffs next week. The Crimsons previously defeated the Bulldogs 52-13 on October 31.

Fern Creek quarterback Javis Wallace passed for 150 yards, including a 69-yard touchdown to Jaydyn Jackson in the third quarter. The Tigers ended their season with a 4-7 record.

In Class 3A action, Jackson Burke led the host Centurions (11-0), ranked No. 1, in a dominant 52-49 win over the Titans (1-10). Burke completed 16 of 17 passes for 285 yards and threw touchdowns to Jeffrey Vazzana (two), Gaines Howard, Stone Perkins, and Jayden Leak. Vazzana (five catches, 88 yards) and Perkins (four catches, 113 yards) were Burke’s primary targets. Tyree Stoner carried seven times for 90 yards and three touchdowns. CAL will host the DeSales-Garrard County winner in the second round.

A thrilling game unfolded between Collins and host Dixie Heights, with Collins edging out a 52-49 victory thanks to Gage Miller’s 18-yard field goal with one second remaining. Collins quarterback Kade Goodin carried 28 times for 214 yards and four touchdowns, and completed 25 of 44 passes for 321 yards with two scoring throws. His main receivers were Avi Delaney (12 catches, 121 yards, two touchdowns) and Jason Hence (nine catches, 132 yards). Dixie Heights quarterback Mason Fields completed 20 of 30 passes for 410 yards and seven touchdowns. Receiver Nishawn Golsby had seven catches for 248 yards and three scores. Collins outgained Dixie Heights 598-541 in total yardage and will travel to Woodford County next week for the second round of the Class 5A playoffs.

In another Class 5A matchup, Keagan Maher rushed for two touchdowns, reaching 4,000 career rushing yards, to lead the host Jaguars (8-3), ranked No. 2, over the Dragons (5-6). Maher scored on runs of 12 and 1 yards. Cooper quarterback Cam O’Hara, a Western Kentucky University commit, threw a 22-yard touchdown pass to Max Wethington and scored on a 19-yard run. South Oldham quarterback Adrian Miles contributed with a 1-yard touchdown run and a 9-yard touchdown pass to Anthony Dixon. Cooper will host Scott County next week in the second round of the playoffs.

Landon Brown, Jason Rabe, and Jordan Pendleton each rushed for touchdowns to lead Simon Kenton over the Colonels. Simon Kenton also got a 65-yard touchdown reception from Grayson Harris to Forest Hughes. The Pioneers will travel to No. 1 Trinity next week for a second-round Class 6A playoff matchup. Nash Meredith had a 1-yard touchdown run for Oldham County.

**Thursday’s Results**

Trinity High School’s Zane Johnson threw three touchdown passes and rushed for a score in the first quarter, leading the Shamrocks (9-2), ranked No. 1 in Class 6A, to a victory over visiting Great Crossing in the first round. Johnson completed 5 of 6 passes for 67 yards and threw touchdown passes to Jayce Duvall (two) and Kaleb Warner. He also scored on a 49-yard touchdown run. Backup quarterbacks Isaac Byers and Will Howard added touchdown passes, both connecting with Evan Myers-Smith. Ashton Taylor and Jamaurion Berry contributed touchdown runs. Trinity’s defense was stout, recording five interceptions, with Allen Evans snagging two. Trinity will host Simon Kenton in the second round. Great Crossing finished the season 2-9.

Mason Trimble threw three touchdown passes as the host Tigers (8-3) quickly built a 35-0 lead and cruised past the Trojans (2-9). Trimble connected on touchdown passes of 45 and 19 yards to University of Louisville commit Karsten Busch, and 58 yards to Lucas Shelton. He finished the game 6-for-7 for 171 yards. U of L commit Marlon Harbin had two first-quarter touchdown runs of 32 and 10 yards. Cooper Yates and Brandon Mobley also scored rushing touchdowns for the Tigers, ranked No. 3 in Class 6A. St. X will host Bullitt East in the second round next week.

DyMetrius Taylor rushed for three touchdowns and Jarel Butler threw two touchdown passes to lead the Bulldogs (7-4) over the Raiders (4-7). Butler’s scoring throws were 44 and 35 yards to Rakale Johnson. Fairdale’s defense posted its third straight shutout and fourth of the season. The Bears, riding a six-game winning streak, will host Butler next week in the second round of the Class 5A playoffs.

The host Bears (5-6) amassed 341 rushing yards to defeat the Cougars (3-8), marking their fourth straight victory. Jaeden James led the ground attack with 134 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries. Kevin Blone added 108 yards and two touchdowns, and James Cornish contributed 99 yards and one touchdown. Cornish also threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Damarcus Watkins. Butler will travel to Fairdale next week for the second round.

Bullitt Central’s Kyler Crenshaw had six catches for 83 yards, scoring three touchdowns (two rushing and one receiving). Larron Westmoreland added two rushing touchdowns to lead the Chargers (6-5) over the Redhawks (4-7) for their first playoff win since 2012. J’town will travel to Atherton next week in the second round.

Atherton’s host Ravens (10-1), ranked No. 6 in Class 5A, recorded their eighth shutout of the season in a victory over the Eagles (3-8). Atherton’s defense ranks No. 1 statewide, allowing just 4.8 points per game.

The Vikings (9-2) posted their third straight shutout to defeat the Wolverines (4-7), securing their first playoff win since 2008. Valley’s nine victories are the most since their 9-3 season in 2007. Valley will face Franklin County on the road next week in the second round of Class 4A.

Knox Barrett passed for 179 yards and four touchdowns to lead the Flyers (11-0), ranked No. 2 in Class 4A, over the Wildcats (3-8). Jacob Taylor was the top target with four catches for 73 yards and two touchdowns.

Noah Coleman contributed a 27-yard touchdown run and returned a fumble 25 yards for a score. Isaiah Mashni rushed for two touchdowns, while Jonathon Harper caught two touchdown passes to lead the host Knights (9-2) past the Warriors (1-9). Mashni had 42 rushing yards on two carries; Harper recorded two catches for 50 yards. Lexington Catholic, ranked No. 4 in Class 3A, will host No. 10 Central next week.

Branson Williams rallied the host Falcons (8-3), ranked No. 10 in Class 2A, with a 24-yard touchdown pass to Brison Nuckols on fourth down, followed by a two-point conversion run with 19.2 seconds remaining to defeat the Lions (4-7). DuBois had previously taken a 28-14 lead on Brian Dickerson’s 39-yard touchdown pass to Kedrean Yarnell. DuBois’ Rashad High ran for two touchdowns, and Yarnell returned an interception 80 yards for a touchdown. Monroe County will travel to Lexington Christian in the second round next week.

Deion Davidson scored two touchdowns—one rushing and one receiving—to lead the host Bearcats (9-1) past the Colonels (2-8). Davidson rushed for 34 yards and caught a 5-yard touchdown pass. Tyler Wilson led rushing with 66 yards and a touchdown, while Caden Long threw a 49-yard touchdown pass to D. J. Lawless. KCD’s Pierce Bahm posted three tackles and recovered a fumble for a touchdown. Kentucky Country Day, ranked No. 4 in Class A, will face Holy Cross next week in the second round.

Caverna’s Tyson Martin made an impact with an 84-yard touchdown reception and a touchdown pass.

**Other Louisville-area Scores**

– Class 6A: Bullitt East 28, North Hardin 21
– Class 3A: Central 29, Bardstown 18

The KHSAA playoffs are underway, and the excitement continues as top players shine, and six state championships remain up for grabs.

For more information and analysis, contact Jason Frakes at 502-582-4046 or jfrakes@courier-journal.com, or follow @kyhighs on Twitter.
https://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/preps/kentucky/2025/11/07/kentucky-high-school-football-scores-today-khsaa-playoffs-first-round-scoreboard-louisville-ky/86750596007/

Cardinals QB Kyler Murray limited in practice once again ahead of Cowboys game

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The Arizona Cardinals enter Week 9 facing uncertainty about the status of quarterback Kyler Murray, who was limited in practice for the second consecutive day, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. This comes ahead of Monday night’s matchup against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium.

Murray has been dealing with a toe and foot injury sustained in Week 5, causing him to miss the past two games. He continued to work on a restricted basis throughout this week’s practices. On Friday, backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett took the majority of the first-team reps, throwing to top targets Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, and Trey McBride. Meanwhile, Murray primarily worked with reserve receivers such as Simi Fehoko and Xavier Weaver.

During team drills, Brissett attempted 16 passes compared to Murray’s eight, signaling that Arizona may once again be preparing its veteran backup to start. Head coach Jonathan Gannon stated Thursday that the team is preparing Murray to start, but the quarterback’s limited workload raises ongoing doubts about his readiness.

Throughout Week 7, Murray was listed as a limited participant before ultimately being ruled inactive on game day. Despite the extra rest from the bye week, his status for Week 9 remains uncertain.

Murray’s potential absence would be significant, especially considering his perfect 9-0 record at AT&T Stadium. This unbeaten streak includes his time playing for Allen High School (5-0), Texas A&M (1-0), Oklahoma (1-0), and the Arizona Cardinals (2-0).

In his two NFL wins against Dallas, Murray combined for 377 passing yards and four touchdowns. Those victories include a dominant 38-10 rout in 2020 and a tight 25-22 triumph in 2022 — his only win against Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott to date.

On the other hand, Brissett has thrown for 599 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception over the past two games — both of which ended in losses. The 10-year veteran holds a 19-36 career record as a starter.

With a 2-5 record, the Cardinals will need stability at the quarterback position as they face a Cowboys team (3-4-1) looking to bounce back on home turf.

Arizona’s offense currently ranks 19th in scoring, averaging 21.9 points per game, and 22nd in total yardage with 310.3 yards per game. Defensively, the Cardinals sit 13th in points allowed, giving up 22.0 points per game.

Kyler Murray has been the driving force behind Arizona’s offense this season, completing 68.3% of his passes for 962 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions over five games. He has also contributed 173 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown.

In addition to Murray, the Cardinals listed several players as limited participants during Friday’s practice. These included Emari Demercado (ankle), Zay Jones (knee), BJ Ojulari (knee), Walter Nolen III (calf), Garrett Williams (knee), and Kitan Crawford (ankle).

The team is expected to release its final injury designations after Saturday’s practice. However, Kyler Murray’s availability remains the biggest question heading into Monday night’s primetime matchup in Arlington.
https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/arizona-cardinals/cardinals-news-kyler-murray-limited-practice-ahead-of-cowboys-game

No. 8 Georgia Tech and NC State meet in ACC play

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No. 8 Georgia Tech (8-0) at NC State (4-4)

Date & Time: Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m. EDT

BetMGM College Football Odds Opening Line: Georgia Tech by 6.5

Against the Spread: Georgia Tech 6-2, NC State 3-5

How to Watch: ESPN2

Key Stats

Georgia Tech Offense

  • Overall: 472.5 yards per game (16th in FBS)
  • Passing: 242.8 yards per game (59th)
  • Rushing: 229.8 yards per game (12th)
  • Scoring: 36.0 points per game (25th)

Georgia Tech Defense

  • Overall: 371.5 yards per game (74th in FBS)
  • Passing: 216.3 yards per game (61st)
  • Rushing: 155.3 yards per game (88th)
  • Scoring: 20.0 points per game (34th)

NC State Offense

  • Overall: 420.5 yards per game (43rd in FBS)
  • Passing: 270.0 yards per game (29th)
  • Rushing: 150.5 yards per game (75th)
  • Scoring: 30.5 points per game (56th)

NC State Defense

  • Overall: 408.0 yards per game (107th in FBS)
  • Passing: 278.0 yards per game (131st)
  • Rushing: 130.0 yards per game (46th)
  • Scoring: 29.9 points per game (105th)

NC State ranks 114th in defensive third down percentage, allowing opponents to convert 43.8% of the time. Conversely, Georgia Tech’s offense is strong on third downs, ranking 16th in the FBS by converting on 50.0% of third downs.

Turnover margin also favors Georgia Tech, as NC State is 114th in the FBS with a -5 turnover margin.

Both teams possess strong red zone offenses. Georgia Tech is 14th in the FBS, scoring on 93.9% of red zone trips, while NC State’s red zone offense ranks 20th at 92.0%.

Team Leaders

Georgia Tech

  • Passing: Haynes King – 1,480 yards, 7 TDs, 1 INT, 72.3% completion rate
  • Rushing: Haynes King – 651 yards on 113 carries, 12 TDs
  • Receiving: Eric Rivers – 313 yards on 29 catches, 1 TD

NC State

  • Passing: CJ Bailey – 2,071 yards, 17 TDs, 7 INTs, 70.2% completion rate
  • Rushing: Daylan Smothers – 825 yards on 120 carries, 6 TDs
  • Receiving: Terrell Anderson – 468 yards on 26 catches, 4 TDs

Last Game Recap

Georgia Tech won 41-16 over Syracuse on Saturday, Oct. 25. Haynes King led the offense with 304 yards on 25-of-31 passing (80.6%) for three touchdowns and no interceptions. He also added 91 rushing yards on 12 carries with two rushing touchdowns. Malachi Hosley contributed 81 yards on eight carries, while Jordan Allen recorded 67 yards on six catches.

NC State fell 53-34 to Pittsburgh on Saturday, Oct. 25. CJ Bailey threw for 225 yards on 24-of-40 attempts (60.0%) with three touchdowns and no interceptions. He also ran six times for 39 yards. Daylan Smothers ran eight times for 86 yards and one touchdown, adding three receptions for 25 yards. Justin Joly had six receptions for 101 yards and two touchdowns.

Next Games

  • Georgia Tech: at Boston College on Nov. 15
  • NC State: at No. 10 Miami (FL) on Nov. 15

https://wtop.com/ncaa-football/2025/10/no-8-georgia-tech-and-nc-state-meet-in-acc-play/

Seahawks Receive Major Defensive News, Insider Says

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The Seattle Seahawks are getting healthy in a hurry—and just in time for the second half of the season. According to ESPN’s Brady Henderson, the Seahawks will have several key defensive players returning from injury following their bye week, including safety Julian Love, cornerback Devon Witherspoon, and safety Nick Emmanwori.

“The Seahawks will get Julian Love (four missed games) and Devon Witherspoon (five) back post-bye. Nick Emmanwori (three and most of a fourth) also missed time,” Henderson reported.

Love has missed four games with a hamstring injury, while Witherspoon has been sidelined for five with a shoulder issue. Emmanwori, the team’s promising rookie safety, missed three games and most of a fourth after suffering an early-season knee injury.

### Defense Holds Strong Despite Absences

Despite the absences of these key players, Seattle’s defense has quietly been one of the league’s best. The Seahawks are allowing just 19.4 points per game—the sixth-fewest in the NFL—and maintaining a slightly better defensive record than division-leading San Francisco. This performance is especially impressive considering they’ve played most of the last month without three starters in the secondary.

### Depth Players Step Up

Seattle’s defensive backfield has been held together by unsung contributors. Ty Okada, a third-year defensive back who made the 53-man roster as a special-teams standout, has drawn praise from coaches for his versatility and tackling in space. Defensive backs Josh Jobe and Coby Bryant have filled in admirably; both recorded five solo tackles against the Texans, with Jobe also knocking down a pair of passes.

The Seattle defensive front has shown why the Seahawks are trending in an elite direction. DeMarcus Lawrence registered two tackles for losses and a sack against the Texans, while linebackers Ernest Jones (who led the game with 11 tackles) and Uchenna Nwosu were active in many aspects of the defense.

### Why It Matters

Getting Love and Witherspoon back will change the complexion of Seattle’s defense entirely.

Witherspoon, the No. 5 overall pick in the 2023 draft, was one of the NFL’s most disruptive slot defenders in 2023. He finished with 16 pass breakups and 3 sacks and has maintained that strong production into 2024.

Love, meanwhile, led the team in interceptions and forced fumbles in 2024. He brings critical communication and leadership on the back end.

The Seahawks (5-2, 2nd in NFC West) will need both players as they prepare for a pivotal stretch that includes games against the Washington Commanders, Arizona Cardinals, and Los Angeles Rams. Seattle will especially need its full defense for late-season matchups against the Indianapolis Colts, the Rams again, and the San Francisco 49ers to close out the season.

Having a healthy secondary also allows Seattle to be more aggressive with blitz packages and tighter man-to-man coverage.

### What’s Next

Seattle returns from its bye week to face the Commanders in Week 9—a matchup that should serve as a test run for the unit’s restored lineup, depending on whether Jayden Daniels returns from a hamstring injury.

With depth players gaining valuable experience during the injury stretch, the Seahawks could soon field one of the NFL’s deepest and most dynamic secondaries.

If the first half of the season proved Seattle could survive without its stars, the second half could show just how dominant it can be with them back.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/seattle-seahawks/big-seahawks-defensive-news/

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/

Dolphins’ Bradley Chubb defiant after embarrassing loss to Browns, but he’ll probably be traded

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Even a giant flashlight would have trouble finding a bright spot for the Miami Dolphins after their embarrassing 32-6 loss to the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field on Sunday. The Dolphins suffered their third straight defeat, dropping to a disappointing 1-5 overall, including 0-4 on the road.

Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa had a dismal showing, registering a career-worst 24.1 passer rating. He threw three interceptions for the second straight game, severely hampering the Dolphins’ offensive efforts. The team’s meager score came solely from Riley Patterson’s pair of field goals in the second quarter.

Despite the tough blowout, linebacker Bradley Chubb remained defiant and expressed cautious optimism ahead of the team’s upcoming assignments.

“It’s easy to blame and point fingers. But we have to dig deep and find a way to turn this thing around,” Chubb said, as quoted by Dolphins reporter Joe Schad.

The 29-year-old linebacker also acknowledged that the team essentially shot themselves in the foot, stressing that they weren’t disciplined enough against the Browns, according to ESPN’s Marcel Louis-Jacques. The Dolphins were flagged for 11 penalties, resulting in 103 lost yards. They also committed four turnovers, compounding their struggles on both sides of the ball.

Looking ahead, Chubb may find himself in a better position, as rumors suggest he is on the trading block. Multiple reports indicate that several teams have shown interest in acquiring the two-time Pro Bowler, who could be a valuable addition to a legitimate contender seeking experienced defensive talent.

Though Chubb has played well after missing the entire last season due to an ACL injury, Miami is expected to leverage him as a bargaining chip rather than keeping him as a long-term asset, given his age and upcoming $30 million salary for next year.

At this point, it would take a miracle for the Dolphins to advance to the playoffs. Chubb has maintained professionalism amidst the team’s disappointing campaign, but this could be one of those rare occasions where being on the trading block turns out to be a blessing in disguise.
https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/miami-dolphins/dolphins-news-bradley-chubb-defiant-loss-browns-probably-trade