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The Buffalo Bills focused their 2025 offseason efforts on strengthening their defense to pursue a Super Bowl victory and compete with AFC rivals like the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs. Key areas targeted for improvement included linebacker, safety, cornerback, and defensive line. General Manager Brandon Beane addressed these needs through the draft, selecting cornerback Maxwell Hairston in the first round, defensive tackle T.J. Sanders in the second round, defensive tackle Deone Walker in the fourth round, and cornerback Jordan Hancock in the fifth round. Additionally, the team signed veteran defensive linemen Joey Bosa, Larry Ogunjobi, and Michael Hoecht in free agency. Analyst Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report questioned whether these moves were sufficient, noting that both the Bills and Ravens face immense pressure to overcome Patrick Mahomes' Chiefs. While acknowledging Buffalo's significant defensive line investments—adding six new players for depth—Ballentine highlighted concerns about the team's salary cap limitations potentially hindering their ability to gain a decisive competitive edge.
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The Adidas Newcastle United 2025-2026 third goalkeeper shirt has been leaked, revealing its design. The kit features a predominantly pink base color combined with black elements for the logos, collar, and shoulder stripes. A subtle, tonal vertical stripe pattern runs down the front of the shirt. A significant design element is the inclusion of the classic Adidas Trefoil logo on this goalkeeper jersey. This choice is deliberate to match the upcoming outfield third shirt for the same season, which will also feature the Trefoil logo. The design is also noted as potentially paying tribute to the 1997-98 season. The kit is described as being made by Adidas for Newcastle United FC and is expected to be available for purchase soon.
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Kilmarnock secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Livingston at Rugby Park, strengthening their position at the top of Premier Sports Cup Group H. The win gives them maximum points from two matches, while Livingston now have three points from their two games. Livingston missed a golden early opportunity when Stevie May broke through on goal, only to be denied by Kilmarnock goalkeeper Max Stryjek. The decisive moment came in the 31st minute when Livingston goalkeeper Jerome Prior's misjudged punch rebounded off his own teammate, Mo Sylla, resulting in an own goal that gave Kilmarnock the lead. Despite falling behind, Livingston dominated possession and created the majority of chances throughout the match but repeatedly failed to beat Stryjek. Kilmarnock had late opportunities to extend their advantage, but Marley Watkins' shot was saved by Prior and Bruce Anderson headed wide, leaving the final score at 1-0. Kilmarnock's next match is against Kelty Hearts on Tuesday, while Livingston face Brora Rangers on Saturday in their upcoming group fixtures.
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Jordan Henderson has joined Brentford on a free transfer, signing a two-year contract after leaving Ajax. The 35-year-old England midfielder expressed his determination to prove he can still compete in the Premier League, stating he still has the "fire" to return to what he considers "the best league in the world." He described the move as a "big challenge" he is keen on, and said speaking with Brentford made it an "easy decision." Henderson, the former Liverpool title-winning captain, left Anfield in 2023 for a controversial spell with Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq before moving to Ajax. At Brentford, he is reuniting with former Liverpool teammates Caoimhin Kelleher, Sepp van den Berg, and Fabio Carvalho, which he finds helpful for settling in. He also mentioned playing against new Brentford boss Keith Andrews during his early career at Sunderland as another reason for joining. Looking ahead, Henderson will face his boyhood club Sunderland at the end of August and return to play against Liverpool in October. While acknowledging both clubs mean a lot to him and that he owes Sunderland and Liverpool a debt, he stated clearly that "when I’m playing against them there’s no friends."
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Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field will host six World Cup matches in June and July 2026, bringing top international soccer players to the city. FIFA has announced that securing tickets will require participation in a multi-phase lottery system. The first ticket sales phase begins on September 10, 2025. Interested fans must register online with FIFA to receive updates and create a FIFA ID if they don't already have one. This ID will be essential for applying to purchase tickets when sales open. FIFA emphasizes there will be multiple ticket phases running from September 10, 2025, through the tournament's conclusion on July 19, 2026, providing repeated opportunities for fans to obtain tickets. The Final Draw determining team match schedules and venues will occur in December 2025. Premium hospitality packages including match tickets are already available for purchase. The 2026 World Cup will kick off in Mexico City on June 11, 2026, and conclude with the final at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium on July 19, 2026.
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Gracie Hunt, the 26-year-old heiress to the Kansas City Chiefs and daughter of owner Clark Hunt, is dating Derek Green, the son of former Chiefs quarterback Trent Green. This connection is notable as Trent Green became the team's starting quarterback in 2001 when Gracie was just two years old, linking both families to the Chiefs' football legacy. The Hunt family's wealth is estimated at $24.8 billion. Hunt first hinted at the relationship in April 2024 without revealing her partner's identity, sharing photos that omitted tags or captions identifying Derek. She publicly confirmed their romance by posting a photo of them together at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, prompting positive reactions from followers. The New York Post later identified her partner as Derek Green, Trent's youngest son. Further details emerged when Hunt shared an Instagram story referencing their meeting 7.5 years prior at Arrowhead Stadium, the Chiefs' home stadium, captioning it with a lyric about an "invisible string" connecting them. She later "hard launched" the relationship with vacation photos, expressing gratitude for post-football season downtime and captioned "My heart is full."
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The Miami Dolphins have entered training camp with roster decisions looming, needing to finalize their 53-man roster by the first week of September in a single cut-down period. Rookies are present, but not all, including seventh-round pick Quinn Ewers, are guaranteed spots. The quarterback position might see only two players kept: Tua Tagovailoa and Zach Wilson. Rookie Quinn Ewers, despite being drafted, faces uncertainty. If he doesn't impress sufficiently in camp to attract waiver claims, the Dolphins may attempt to place him on the practice squad. At running back, the Dolphins are expected to carry five players: De'Von Achane, Jaylen Wright, Ollie Gordon, Alexander Mattison, and fullback Alec Ingold. Speculation about Mattison being cut after Gordon's drafting is countered by the team's recognized need for depth, making him likely to stay. The wide receiver group projects five spots: Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Malik Washington, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, and Dee Eskridge. Erik Ezukanma faces a challenge to retain the WR5 position, while rookie Malik Washington has a significant opportunity after missing last season. The team may add another veteran receiver during camp. Tight end depth changed significantly with Jonnu Smith departing via trade and Darren Waller coming out of retirement to join Pharaoh Brown. Three spots are projected: Brown, Waller, and Julian Hill. Competition is expected for the spots behind Brown and Waller, and while Hill has an advantage for the third spot, it's not guaranteed. The team ideally wants four tight ends but lacks depth elsewhere. The offensive line may consist of eight players initially: Austin Jackson, Jonah Savaiinaea, Aaron Brewer, James Daniels, Patrick Paul, Jackson Carman, Larry Borom, and Liam Eichenberg. Keeping more linemen (like Andrew Meyer) is possible if the roster expands to 10, but with only 8 or 9 spots, the final position might be between Eichenberg and Kion Smith. Depth concerns at other positions and practice squad flexibility influence these decisions. Defensive tackles listed include Zach Sieler, Kenneth Grant, Jordan Phillips, Benito Jones, and Ben Stille. (Note: The original text ends abruptly at DT).
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Josh Jacobs is firmly established as the Green Bay Packers' starting running back for the 2025 season, positioned as one of the offense's most crucial players alongside quarterback Jordan Love. Behind Jacobs, a significant training camp battle looms for the RB2 role between Emanuel Wilson and MarShawn Lloyd. Wilson proved to be a highly efficient backup in 2024, rushing 103 times for 502 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 4.9 yards per carry. Lloyd, however, is a 2024 third-round draft pick (No. 88 overall) from USC who missed nearly his entire rookie season due to significant injuries. He brings an enticing blend of explosiveness and dual-threat ability, evidenced by his 2023 college stats: 820 rushing yards, nine touchdowns, a 7.1 yards per carry average, and 13 receptions for 232 yards (17.8 yards per catch). Beat reporter Zach Kruse identifies this as one of the biggest position battles to watch when training camp begins on July 23rd. He notes Wilson's efficiency and success rate (59.9%) but highlights Lloyd's high draft pedigree and dynamic potential, framing it as a true competition. Lloyd profiles as potential "lightning" to Jacobs' "thunder," while Wilson is a solid, experienced backup entering his third year in the system. Kruse concludes that regardless of who wins the RB2 spot, the Packers should feel great about their running back depth heading into the 2025 season, describing it as an extremely deep and talented group led by the All-Pro Jacobs, barring injuries.
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Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence acknowledges the significant pressure he faces entering his fifth NFL season, heightened by his status as the 2021 first overall draft pick and the most important player on the offense. He recognizes that while he tries to treat every season the same, his career and the Jaguars' performance have been inconsistent so far, marked by significant organizational change including having his third different head coach. Despite this turnover, Lawrence expresses strong confidence in the current situation under new head coach Liam Coen and his staff. He specifically praises the offensive system Coen brings, which is rooted in the schemes popularized by Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan. Lawrence believes this "tried and true" system, also run successfully by teams like the Minnesota Vikings, is excellent for quarterbacks and that the Jaguars have made great offensive changes this offseason. Lawrence emphasizes that entering his fifth year represents a critical "now or never" moment in his career. He states it's time to start winning consistently and transform the Jaguars into a team seriously competing for the playoffs and Super Bowls, rather than being overlooked. He feels he is entering his prime years and needs to elevate his performance, viewing the team's offseason moves as a strong foundation for this push.
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Trevor Lawrence, the Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback and 2021 No. 1 overall NFL draft pick, has experienced significant ups and downs during his first four seasons. His rookie year was marked by interception struggles, followed by a strong second season where he earned a Pro Bowl selection and led an epic playoff comeback. However, his 2023 campaign was again plagued by interceptions, and an injury-marred 2024 saw him and the Jaguars' offense struggle throughout Doug Pederson's final season as coach. Entering his fifth season and carrying the weight of a massive contract extension signed last year ($55 million annually), Lawrence feels an urgency to reset his career trajectory. He expressed on the Pardon My Take podcast that he believes he is entering his prime and needs to "really turn it on," praising the team's offseason moves as a positive start. Lawrence's career has featured streaks of elite, top-five quarterback play, but these have been consistently undermined by turnover issues, offensive inconsistency, mental errors, and surrounding deficiencies like offensive line play and lack of playmakers. The Jaguars' offense struggled significantly in 2024 even before Lawrence suffered a season-ending concussion on December 1st. In his 10 appearances, he surpassed 300 passing yards only twice and failed to reach 200 yards in six games. While he has faced substantial criticism for the team's mediocre results, the Jaguars have actively worked this offseason to support him. Key moves include hiring offensive coordinator Liam Coen, drafting wide receiver Travis Hunter, and upgrading the offensive line. Lawrence has voiced strong enthusiasm for the new offensive system under Coen, stating it fits his skill set better than previous schemes and praising the new staff and free-agent additions. On paper, the Jaguars appear much improved. While optimism exists for a swift turnaround, the article notes that pressure remains high, especially on the highly paid quarterback, and early-season struggles could quickly sour expectations. The article also includes brief updates on other NFL news: Rams WR Puka Nacua is excited to play with new teammate Davante Adams; the New York Jets signed CB Sauce Gardner to a four-year, $120.4 million extension; the Los Angeles Chargers revealed new uniforms, including a gold "Charger Power" alternate jersey and powder blue pants; and the Kansas City Chiefs signed G Trey Smith to a four-year, $94 million extension with $70 million guaranteed.
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Nico O'Reilly emerged as a success story for Manchester City during the latter stages of the 2024/25 season, impressing while playing out of position at left-back and demonstrating clear potential for a long and successful career. His strong form, talent, and potential have now attracted significant interest from multiple clubs in the Premier League and Bundesliga, making it crucial for Manchester City to retain him this summer to avoid losing such a promising young player. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported that O'Reilly is drawing strong interest from Bundesliga and Premier League clubs, with several prepared to offer him regular first-team football—a key priority for the young midfielder. Romano did not specify the names of the interested clubs, but the opportunity for consistent playing time is a central factor in the emerging transfer interest. O'Reilly, naturally an attacking midfielder, seized his chance during City's rebuild by making a seamless transition to left-back late last season, showcasing his adaptability and potential to develop into a top player. However, he requires regular playing opportunities to fulfill his potential, and while he might get minutes at left-back next season, his long-term development hinges on moving back to his preferred midfield role to leverage his talent, eye for goal, size, and athleticism. Integrating O'Reilly into Manchester City's crowded midfield presents a challenge, as the squad includes established players like Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, Rayan Cherki, Ilkay Gundogan, Mateo Kovacic, Nico, Rodri, and Tijjani Reijnders. This intense competition for minutes under Pep Guardiola could prompt O'Reilly to seek opportunities elsewhere to secure playing time in midfield. Despite the midfield logjam, Manchester City cannot afford to let O'Reilly leave this summer, given his tantalizing talent and physical attributes. The club has seen other young players depart for more playing time in recent seasons, and retaining O'Reilly is vital to prevent adding him to that list.
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Italian reports indicate that Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli is prepared to meet Juventus's asking price for winger Nico Gonzalez. Juventus is open to selling the player after just one season in Turin, following a relatively underwhelming debut campaign where he contributed three goals and two assists in 26 Serie A appearances. Tactical reasons also factor into his potential departure, as manager Igor Tudor's preferred 3-4-2-1 system reportedly doesn't consistently maximize the Argentine international's abilities. Juventus sees Francisco Conceicao as the preferred option for the wing position next season if they can secure his return. Juventus initially acquired Gonzalez on loan for the 2024-25 season for €8 million, with an obligation to buy for a further €25 million (excluding bonuses). Recent reports suggested Juventus would accept around €25 million to sell him this summer. However, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Al-Ahli is ready to offer approximately €30 million to sign the 27-year-old this summer. Furthermore, Al-Ahli would be able to offer Gonzalez a significant salary increase, exceeding his current net earnings of €3.6 million per season at Juventus.
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Despite leading the Philadelphia Eagles to two Super Bowls, including a win in 2022, quarterback Jalen Hurts was ranked only ninth among NFL quarterbacks in a poll of league executives, coaches, and scouts. Sports commentator Colin Cowherd expressed intrigue by this ranking and defended it on his show "The Herd." Cowherd argued that statistics suggest Hurts isn't as impressive upon closer examination as he might appear at first glance. He believes Hurts is a good quarterback but attributes the Eagles' success more to the team's coaching philosophy than Hurts' individual passing skills. Cowherd specifically stated that Hurts is not an elite pocket passer, quoting, "The Eagles basically had one of those philosophical resets and what they decided was, 'This offense is great as long as we pass the ball fewer times.'" While acknowledging Hurts might not be an elite passer like Patrick Mahomes or Joe Burrow, the summary notes he has consistently succeeded in getting the Eagles to the playoffs. In four seasons as a full-time starter, Hurts has led the Eagles to the playoffs each time, reached the Super Bowl twice, and won the NFC East division title in both Super Bowl seasons. His career statistics include a 65.4% completion rate and a 45-17 record as a starter. However, the summary points out limitations in Hurts' passing production: he has never thrown for 4,000 yards or 25 touchdowns in a single season. His mobility compensates for this, but it also leads to criticism that he is a less polished passer. Furthermore, it suggests the Eagles' success in 2024 might be more attributable to star running back Saquon Barkley than any significant improvement in Hurts' passing abilities.
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The Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard are under significant pressure entering the season. Their Week 4 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams could be critical, potentially becoming a "win or be fired" situation. The Colts face a challenging start, playing the Dolphins, Broncos, and Titans in the first three weeks. There's a real possibility they could be 0-3 entering the Rams game. A loss to the Rams might prompt new owners Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, and Kalen Jackson to initiate a full-scale rebuild. Conversely, desperation could lead the Colts to win early games, setting up a crucial test against the Rams. Optimism exists that the Colts could contend for the division title by relying on running back Jonathan Taylor and a significantly improved defense. Key defensive additions include cornerback Charvarius Ward and safety Camryn Bynum. The hiring of defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, credited with developing strong Bengals defenses, is expected to benefit the team. Consistent, turnover-free play from either quarterback Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones could be enough for the Colts to rise in the standings. The Rams' offense will be tested by this formidable Colts defense, built by Anarumo (who developed Trey Hendrickson) and featuring rookie Laiatu Latu, along with established stars DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart. Furthermore, the Colts bolstered their secondary. For the Rams, this game serves as a key evaluation of their offseason improvements against the run. The Colts are expected to heavily utilize Jonathan Taylor, providing a clear assessment of the Rams' run defense depth and their newly formed linebacker group.
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Daniel Brunskill, a former San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman, remains unsigned as a free agent despite his proven versatility and track record. He rose to prominence with the 49ers starting in 2019 after joining from the defunct Alliance of American Football, playing multiple positions across the offensive line through 2022. Notably, he earned recognition for consistently containing future Hall of Fame defensive tackle Aaron Donald during twice-yearly matchups against the Los Angeles Rams. After leaving the 49ers in 2023, Brunskill spent two seasons with the Tennessee Titans before re-entering free agency in March. Despite being 31 years old, the article argues he merits more interest due to his positional flexibility—having played tackle, guard, and center—and his recent performance history. While his 2024 season with Tennessee was considered a down year (earning a 55.3 Pro Football Focus grade), he posted consecutive seasons with grades above 67 prior to that. The 49ers appear unlikely to re-sign him despite offensive line departures like Jaylon Moore and Aaron Banks. However, teams with weaker offensive lines—such as the Cincinnati Bengals or Seattle Seahawks—could benefit from his experience as training camp approaches. The author contends Brunskill deserves another opportunity before the regular season begins, suggesting teams may be monitoring him as contingency option for depth and competition.
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Manchester United has experienced significant changes in its academy coaching staff, including the departure of Under-18 coach Adam Lawrence who left the club seeking new opportunities this summer. Lawrence, who joined United from Charlton Athletic in 2021 and spent four-and-a-half years at Old Trafford, has not yet finalized his next move but is strongly linked to a Premier League rival. Adam Lawrence is now reportedly one of four final candidates for the vacant Under-21 manager position at Newcastle United. This vacancy arose after Diarmuid O'Carroll left Newcastle's U21s to join Sparta Prague. Robbie Stockdale, the current Newcastle U21 assistant, is also among the final contenders for the role. Securing this position at Newcastle would represent the career advancement Lawrence sought when leaving Manchester United. Manchester United has already moved to replace departing staff, bringing in David Horseman to fill the U21 assistant coach role vacated by David Hughes (who became Newport County boss). Other notable exits include Paul McShane joining Lee Grant at Huddersfield Town and academy director Nick Cox leaving for Everton.
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The Baltimore Ravens' offensive success during the Lamar Jackson era is attributed significantly to their consistently strong offensive line, enabling dominance on the ground and effectiveness through the air. While not perfect, the unit has been among the league's better groups. The Ravens possess excellent stability at tackle. Left tackle Ronnie Stanley returns after playing all 17 games in an exceptional 2024 season. Right tackle Roger Rosengarten, a 2024 second-round pick who started 14 games as a rookie, expressed confidence in making a significant leap in his second year, emphasizing offseason work on physical development and understanding the system. Questions primarily focus on the interior offensive line. While center Tyler Linderbaum is established as one of the league's best, earning Pro Bowl honors the last two seasons, both guard positions present concerns. Right guard Daniel Faalele returns after an inconsistent first season as starter. Left guard features an open competition between Andrew Vorhees, Ben Cleveland, rookie Emery Jones Jr., and others. Offensive line coach George Warhop stated a clear preference for naming a single starter at each position rather than using a rotation, emphasizing the ongoing competition. The Ravens' offense is projected to be among the NFL's best again, but its success remains fundamentally reliant on the performance of the offensive line unit.
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The Jacksonville Jaguars have never had an NFL MVP winner or even a serious candidate. NFL.com explored potential MVP candidates from franchises without an MVP, identifying Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence as their best hope. Lawrence, entering his fifth season, is the only Jaguars player to ever receive MVP votes, finishing seventh in 2022. That year also marked his sole Pro Bowl selection. However, Lawrence has struggled to replicate that success consistently and is now working under his third head coach (Liam Coen) and third offensive coordinator since being drafted first overall in 2021. For Lawrence to become a viable MVP candidate in 2025, the Jaguars need significant team success, specifically winning the AFC South at minimum. While considered unlikely given the team's current standing and Lawrence's inconsistency, the article notes it shouldn't be completely dismissed. It draws a parallel to 2022, Lawrence's best season and the Jaguars' only playoff appearance under then-new head coach Doug Pederson, which came just a year after the team had the league's worst record. The suggestion is that Lawrence, the Jaguars, and new coach Coen could potentially replicate that turnaround.
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Former Barcelona director Emili Rousaud identified the "embarrassing" behavior and high salaries of Gerard Piqué, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba as a major contributor to the club's ongoing financial problems. Rousaud explained that while Lionel Messi's enormous salary was justified by his unique status as the world's best player and revenue generator, the trio, part of Messi's entourage, pressured the club president for raises they didn't merit based on their ability. This created "absurd inflation" in the wage structure, with players like Piqué becoming the highest-paid defenders globally despite not being the best. Rousaud claimed that during the COVID-19 pandemic, which drastically reduced matchday revenue critical for Barcelona, "Messi's entourage," including Piqué, Busquets, and Alba, refused to take pay cuts to help the club financially, stating they "didn't spare a single euro," which embarrassed him as a fan. This financial strain ultimately forced Messi to leave in 2021 because the club couldn't afford any contract for him. Later that same year, Barcelona confirmed that Piqué, Busquets, and Alba accepted wage reductions to facilitate Sergio Agüero's signing, with Piqué calling it necessary and expressing pride in the decision. Despite these measures, Barcelona continues to face severe financial difficulties. Recent examples include needing Spanish government intervention to register Dani Olmo last season and Nico Williams reportedly rejecting the club this summer due to concerns about suffering a similar registration fate.
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The Jacksonville Jaguars, under new head coach Liam Coen and general manager James Gladstone, are revamping their offensive line after ranking in the bottom half of the league for both run and pass blocking in 2024. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence expressed strong positive impressions of the new offensive line unit following the team's offseason program. He specifically praised their footwork, communication, and mental approach to the game, including defensive identification, working games, passing off blocks, getting to linebackers, and using their hands violently. Lawrence noted that evaluating the physical, one-on-one blocking aspect is difficult without pads, giving the defensive line an advantage in those drills. Lawrence emphasized the importance of the offensive line to the team's success and couldn't hide his excitement about the revamped unit. While acknowledging there is still "stuff to clean up" across the entire team, he believes the offensive linemen took significant steps forward during the offseason. He highlighted the complexity of the new system, which places significant demands on the line for communication, adjustments, and knowledge, stating the players have done a great job being prepared and knowing their assignments. Lawrence anticipates learning more once full pads come on in training camp, but remains very encouraged by the unit's progress in the mental aspects of the game during the offseason.
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The Kansas City Chiefs' offseason has primarily focused on addressing offensive line weaknesses that left quarterback Patrick Mahomes vulnerable during the 2024 season, while also grappling with wide receiver issues exacerbated by injuries to Rashee Rice and Marquise "Hollywood" Brown. Undrafted receiver Elijhah Badger, acquired from Arizona State and Florida, has emerged as a standout during rookie camps and OTAs. With three college seasons exceeding 700 receiving yards and 17 total touchdowns, Badger averaged 20.4 yards per catch in his final year and led the Pac-12 in 2023 kick return yards (578). His skill set suggests potential to fill the deep-threat role previously held by Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Notably, Badger was one of only five FBS receivers to average over 20 yards per reception in 2024, recorded zero drops on 61 targets, and converted 82.5% of catches into first downs or touchdowns, complemented by a 4.43-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. Badger now competes with Nikko Remigio, Skyy Moore, Tyquan Thornton, and Justyn Ross for final roster spots. His special teams prowess—particularly as a returner—threatens fan favorite Remigio, whose value lies heavily in that role. While currently considered a long shot, Badger's camp performance could rapidly elevate his status, potentially displacing Remigio if he demonstrates reliability as a return specialist while contributing occasional deep offensive plays.
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Chelsea are preparing to face Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final this Sunday. Winning this trophy would provide a significant boost heading into the 2025/26 season, capping off manager Enzo Maresca's debut campaign which included a fourth-place Premier League finish and winning the Conference League. While finishing fourth secured Champions League qualification on the final day, Chelsea's league form remains the key benchmark. Club legend John Terry, while positive about the young squad's talent and the owners' vision, believes adding some experience (potentially in goal or central defence) is needed. He doubts Chelsea can win the Premier League next season, citing Manchester City and Liverpool's current strength, though a strong start after the Club World Cup is possible. Opinions differ on Chelsea's title chances. Jamie Carragher previously claimed they were in the race near the halfway point last season, but a subsequent dip saw them battle just for the top four. John Obi Mikel argued competing for the title requires signing a top striker and quality goalkeeper. Chelsea have bolstered their attack this summer with Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, but haven't signed a new goalkeeper yet. It's argued that Chelsea will face a tough challenge finishing above Liverpool, Manchester City, and Arsenal next season. Uncertainty surrounds their early-season form due to a month of competitive summer games. However, the focus should be on securing a strong start in their first five Premier League games to position themselves well early on. Maresca has earned credit with supporters for a positive first season. An exciting atmosphere at Stamford Bridge is anticipated if the team can begin the next campaign with a healthy points return.
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Chelsea secured the signing of 20-year-old winger Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund in July, with club officials described as "desperate" to finalize the transfer. However, Gittens is ineligible to make his debut in the ongoing Club World Cup due to his prior participation in the group stages for Dortmund, meaning his first appearance for Chelsea will be delayed until the 2025/26 season. This contrasts with fellow summer signings Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, who have already debuted. Chelsea considers Gittens among Europe’s elite under-21 wingers, valuing both his character and significant first-team experience at a young age. Head coach Enzo Maresca is confident the left-winger will thrive in his tactical system, adding depth to Chelsea’s attack with his senior-level expertise. Despite reported interest from Bayern Munich, Gittens chose a return to England. Although Gittens previously spent time in youth academies at Manchester City, Reading, and Chelsea, this move marks his first opportunity for Premier League football. He may benefit from reuniting with former England youth teammates. Known for his dribbling prowess, Gittens ranks second only to Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal (6.5) in successful dribbles per 90 minutes (5.31) among U-21 players in Europe's top leagues, joining Chelsea’s existing dribblers like Pedro Neto and Cole Palmer.
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The Las Vegas Raiders are entering the season with their third head coach in three years, a situation linked to the departure of former coach Jon Gruden during the 2021 season. Analyst Mike Florio examined Gruden's potential for returning to the NFL as a head coach, identifying two major complications. The first complication stems from the inappropriate emails, sent years prior while Gruden worked at ESPN, which were leaked to the Wall Street Journal and subsequently the New York Times, ultimately leading to his resignation from the Raiders. The second complication is Gruden's ongoing lawsuit against the NFL. This lawsuit, currently pending before the Nevada Supreme Court, centers on whether Gruden must go to arbitration or can proceed in open court to determine who orchestrated the leak of emails from the Washington Commanders investigation – the action Gruden refers to as a "code red" that ended his coaching tenure. Florio expressed doubt that any NFL team would hire Gruden, primarily due to the content revealed in the emails. He believes the league itself would likely disapprove of such a hire. Florio also criticized the timing of the email leaks, arguing it undermined the integrity of the 2021 season by forcing Gruden out just five weeks in. He questioned what the Raiders could have achieved had Gruden coached the entire season, noting they still reached the Wild Card round and nearly beat the eventual AFC champion Cincinnati Bengals.
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The Houston Roughnecks have re-signed quarterback Jalan McClendon for the upcoming 2026 season, as confirmed by a league source to Pro Football Newsroom. This move comes after McClendon established himself as the team's starting quarterback during the 2025 UFL season. McClendon, who entered the 2025 season as the third-string quarterback, took over the starting role for the Roughnecks in Week 4 due to an injury to Nolan Henderson and the benching of Anthony Brown. He maintained the starting position for the remainder of the season, throwing for 1,469 yards and 6 touchdowns. McClendon has a journeyman career in spring football leagues. He previously played for the LA Wildcats in 2020 and the XFL's Vegas Vipers in 2023. With the Vipers, he began as the third-string quarterback but became the starter late in the season after Luis Perez departed, throwing for 873 yards and 5 touchdowns while adding 137 rushing yards. During the 2024 USFL-XFL Dispersal Draft, McClendon was selected by the DC Defenders. He spent the 2024 UFL season primarily as a backup (QB2/QB3), seeing limited late-season action, before being traded to the Houston Roughnecks in the offseason in exchange for cornerback Kiondre Thomas.
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The Bundesliga will receive €1.346 billion per season for its domestic TV rights covering the 2025/26 to 2028/29 seasons. This amount is significantly lower than the Premier League's equivalent €7.76 billion for the same period. This domestic revenue will be distributed among Bundesliga clubs based on specific criteria: 50% is split equally, giving each club €25.5 million; 43% is allocated based on sporting performance over the past five to ten years; 4% is awarded for using young players; and the final 3% depends on the level of interest in the clubs. Additionally, income from the league's international TV rights deal, though substantially smaller than the domestic amount, will also be added to each club's total. The top three earners from the domestic TV deal are Bayern Munich (€83.4 million), Borussia Dortmund (€78 million), and Bayer Leverkusen (€75 million). Newly promoted Hamburg will receive the least, totaling €31.4 million.
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England footballer Declan Rice has partnered with Müller UK & Ireland to launch his own limited-edition Müller Rice flavour: Raspberry & White Chocolate, which he personally selected. The integrated campaign, created by VCCP Blue, features a surprise takeover of Rice's favourite London spot, playfully renamed "Dec’s Café". The campaign, supported by social content, out-of-home (OOH) advertising, and point-of-sale materials, blends Müller's humour with cultural resonance. It highlights the contrast of the football star collaborating with the namesake dairy brand. A central social film stars Rice as head chef at Dec’s Café, preparing his signature flavour. This film, along with teasers and behind-the-scenes content, will run on both Rice's and Müller's social channels. The activation extends in-store with visuals and tactical OOH placements, notably outside ASDA stores and near Arsenal hotspots in London starting July 17th. This builds on Müller's recent momentum and creative approach of transforming everyday moments into cultural experiences. The limited-edition Raspberry & White Chocolate Müller Rice is available exclusively in ASDA stores immediately, rolling out to other retailers nationwide in September. The campaign draws inspiration from streetwear collaborations and pop-up culture, positioning Müller as a challenger brand breaking conventions with a playful, personality-driven concept. VCCP collaborated closely with Rice's friends and family to create the café experience. The campaign aims to blend star power, brand familiarity, and fun, aligning with Müller's mission of prioritizing taste and joy. Talar El Asswad, Müller's strategy and marketing director, stated the campaign celebrates the unexpected joy, praising Rice's down-to-earth energy. George Wait, VCCP creative director, emphasized Rice's genuine involvement beyond just endorsement, highlighting his hands-on role in flavour development and the concept of him serving his creation to the public.
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