The New Orleans Saints may be one of the worst teams in the NFL this season, but at least they can count on continued prayers from Pope Francis.
The pope – or at least someone in the Vatican communications office – has been inadvertently rooting for the Saints since Nov. 1 – All Saints Day – even as the team lost yet another game and fired their coach.
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Thanks to an automatic function on X, formerly Twitter, the team’s fleur-de-lis emoji is automatically added to the hashtag #Saints. That has given the impression that the @Pontifex account on X, which has 18.4 million followers and happens to be tweeting a lot about saints lately, was talking about the team when in fact the pope was extolling how actual saints “are precious pearls and are always living and relevant.”
The comments sections on the handful of papal #Saint tweets in recent days have blown up, with more than twice as many comments as normal @Pontifex tweets.
“They need more than what you can do Pope Francis. They need to consult the big guy,” wrote @DaBears_26 on Nov. 2.
In the past week, Saints fans have lamented yet another loss at last-place Carolina, which extended the Saints’ losing streak to seven games — their longest since 1999 — and brought their record to 2-7. And they have welcomed the firing of Coach Dennis Allen on Monday.
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“Even the Pope is excited we fired Dennis Allen,” wrote @JonoBarnes.
Some referred to the unwanted distinction earned last week by Derek Carr: He became the first NFL quarterback to lose to 31 teams. While others, non-Saints fans, asked the pope for some equal time.
“Any chance the @HoustonTexans can catch a blessing too?” asked @DustyLeeCook.
The Rev. Matthew Schneider, a prominent voice on Catholic Twitter, has been trying for five years to get the Vatican communications office to fix the #Saints fleur-de-lis emoji issue, apparently in vain.
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Back in 2019, he posted a comment on another @Pontifex saintly tweet that automatically referenced the team, urging the Vatican communications office to check the hashtags before posting. He did so again this past week, this time directing his request to X.
“It was cute the first time but it’s becoming tiresome,” he wrote.
The @Pontifex account, which opened in 2012, is the official English-language Twitter handle of the pope. The pope tweets in other languages in variations of the handle.
The Vatican spokesman didn’t respond to a request for comment late Thursday. For the record, Francis is a lifelong fan of the San Lorenzo soccer club of his native Buenos Aires.
FOX Sports’ NFL pregame show will originate from Naval Base San Diego on Sunday, continuing the network’s tradition of going on the road to honor the military on Veterans Day.
This is the second time in five seasons “FOX NFL Sunday” is headed to a military base in San Diego. It was at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in 2020.
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The show originated from the U.S. Air Force Academy last year, completing in a run where it visited the nation’s three military academies in a five-year period.
“Fox NFL Sunday” was also aboard the USS Harry S. Truman in the Mediterranean Sea in 2000 and visited Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan in 2009.
The two-hour program, which will start at 11 a.m. ET, will feature Rob Gronkowski jumping from an MH-60s helicopter into the Pacific Ocean and the entire cast training with Navy SEALs.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said that his side doesn’t “need a reset” despite only picking up one point from their past three Premier League matches.
As the NFL regular season reaches the midpoint, it is time to review the All-22 coaches’ tape to see which players are playing at an elite level. With All-Pro recognition viewed as the ultimate compliment in the locker room, it is the perfect time to release my midseason All-22 team. Here is my squad:
The two-time MVP could win the award in back-to-back years if he maintains a torrid pace that could lead him to shatter his career bests in completion percentage, passing yards, passing touchdowns and passer rating. Though nine games, Jackson completes 68.2% of his passes with a 20:2 touchdown-to-interception ratio. He leads the league with a 120.7 passer rating, adding 505 rushing yards and scores to his resume. Considering how opponents have been unable to slow down the Ravens’ offensive attack with Jackson teaming with Derrick Henry, Zay Flowers, Isaiah Likely, Mark Andrews and new addition Diontae Johnson, the league is ready to etch Jackson’s name onto the MVP Award for the third time in his seven-year career.
The former NFL rushing champion is on the verge of claiming his third crown with 1,000-plus rushing yards and 11 touchdowns in half a season. Henry has five 100-yard games and a robust 6.3 yards per rush attempt average, reflecting his dominance as an RB1 for the Ravens. With the team poised to shift to a more run-centric approach with the playoffs on the horizon, the 30-year-old runner could top the 2,000-yard mark for the second time in his career.
The backward hurdling specialist has been as good as advertised as a multifaceted playmaker for the Eagles. Barkley has surpassed 1,000 scrimmage yards in eight games, displaying the big-play potential as a runner and receiver on the perimeter. Given his strong production and jaw-dropping highlights, the Eagles’ RB1 slides into the FLEX position on the midseason All-22 list.
The spectacular route runner operates like Picasso on the grass, creating masterpieces on the way toward snagging passes from Sam Darnold. With Kevin O’Connell willing to showcase Jefferson’s unique skills in a creative passing game that enables the All-Pro to paint outside the lines, it is not surprising to see the Vikings’ No. 1 receiver at the top of the list in big plays (15 catches of 20 yards or more) and receiving yards (783) in just eight games.
The Bengals’ WR1 bullies defenders on the perimeter with a rugged playing style that showcases his superior strength and power. Operating as a “one-man show” with Tee Higgins sidelined with an injury, Chase has posted impressive numbers despite facing cloud coverage and double-team tactics at every turn. Given his consistency amid the team’s struggles, the fourth-year pro deserves a spot on this list.
Rookies are not supposed to dominate the league from Day 1, but Bowers is the exception to the rule. The 6-foot-4, 230-pounder leads tight ends in receptions (57), receiving yards (580) and yards after catch (300), exhibiting soft hands and explosive running skills on the perimeter. Moreover, Bowers has emerged as the Raiders’ clutch offensive performer, as evidenced by his 28 first downs as the team’s No. 1 option in the passing game.
The perennial All-Pro continues to bully edge rushers at his advanced age (36) while showing no signs of slowing down as a blue-chip player. Williams’ toughness, tenacity and technique make him the gold standard for edge blockers around the league.
Despite the Chiefs’ offensive struggles, the offensive line has played well in front of Patrick Mahomes. The Pro Bowler has done his part with stellar protection (88.0 pass-blocking grade, per PFF) at the line of scrimmage, with zero penalties and sacks allowed through eight games.
As the key to the Lions’ punishing running game, Ragnow earns high marks for his dominance at the point of attack. The relentless mauler mashes defenders in the run game, displaying the violence and finishing skills that reflect the gritty playing style demanded by Dan Campbell and the Lions’ coaching staff.
The fourth-year pro is part of a unit that keeps Patrick Mahomes protected in a bubble within the pocket. Smith is a bodyguard at the point of attack, utilizing his size, strength, and power to stonewall pass rushers in their tracks. Though his technique is not always pretty or textbook, the rugged interior blocker does the job with minimal mistakes in crucial moments.
The superstar mauler of the Lions deserves a spot on the list after easily pummeling edge defenders for eight straight games. Sewell’s dominance on the edges enables the Lions’ running backs to scoot around the corner on off-tackle runs against light boxes. With the heavy-handed boxer delivering punishing body blows to pass rushers racing around the corner, Jared Goff has performed at an MVP level for the NFC’s top heavyweight.
The Bengals’ designated defensive playmaker is a fanatical pass rusher with a nonstop motor and polished technique. Hendrickson has finished with at least ten sacks in four of his last five seasons, with 11 in 2024 through nine games. As the eighth-year pro continues to come up with counters to the complex tactics opponents attempt to throw at him to neutralize his impact, the football world gains a greater appreciation for his disruptive dominance off the edge.
The extra-extra-large defensive tackle has emerged as one of the league’s best pass rushers. Despite being cast as a run-stopping nose tackle, Lawrence is on the verge of surpassing double-digit sacks for the first time in his career, displaying an unstoppable pass-rush approach that blends finesse and physicality to overwhelm blockers at the line of scrimmage. As a 340-pound pass rusher with impressive skill, the Giants’ interior pass rusher is a game-changer.
Do not be fooled by the All-Pro’s meager production at the season’s midpoint. Jones remains a destructive force in the middle of a Chiefs’ defense that has keyed their three-peat run. Though the monstrous defense can align anywhere on the frontline to exploit a vulnerable blocker, the Chiefs are at their best when Jones wreaks havoc from his traditional defensive tackle spot.
No one impacts the game more than Watt from the edges. The All-Pro is at it again in 2024 with 6.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and a pair of fumble recoveries through eight games. Watt’s uncanny knack for delivering a game-changing play earned him the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year award, leading to a second trophy at season’s end if he maintains his current playmaking pace.
Warner’s midseason highlight reel features four forced fumbles, two interceptions, three tackles for loss and a sack to complement his 66 tackles as the 49ers’ designated defensive playmaker. The All-Pro is a big play specialist with the instincts, awareness, and range to dominate the game as a sideline-to-sideline defender. With defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen building the game plan around Warner’s disruptive talents, the 49ers’ star linebacker has entered the discussion as a Defensive Player of the Year candidate.
The six-time All-Pro is no longer the dominant playmaker he once was in Seattle, but he deserves a spot on this list due to his ability to change the Commanders’ culture as a leader and big-play specialist. Wagner leads the team with 76 tackles with two sacks, six tackles for loss, and an interception, displaying superb instincts and awareness as a “see ball, get ball” defender. As the Commanders continue to climb the ranks as an emerging title contender, Wagner should get more attention as the seasoned leader of the league’s hottest team.
The playmaking veteran has re-emerged as a ball-hawking specialist for the Ravens. Despite the unit’s failures, Humphrey has impressed on the island with four interceptions and nine defensed through eight games. The eighth-year pro’s instincts, awareness, and ball skills continue to stand out as he thrives as a versatile secondary defender. As the Ravens work to fix their defensive woes, the team can rely on Humphrey to make big plays when the situation arises.
Despite taking on more responsibilities as the Chiefs’ No. 1 corner, McDuffie has continued to flourish in coverage. The third-year pro has routinely blanketed receivers on the perimeter with sticky coverage in the Chiefs’ man-heavy scheme. Though McDuffie lacks an interception on his 2024 stat sheet, the versatile coverage specialist has excelled as the team’s CB1.
The playmaking cover corner remains one of the best in the business on the island. Surtain challenges receivers utilizing various techniques to maintain proper leverage down the field. With defensive coordinator Vance Joseph willing to dial up exotic pressures from anywhere on the field, the Broncos’ CB1 deserves extra credit for his work as a one-on-one specialist on the perimeter.
Every defensive coordinator in the league is looking for a deep safety with centerfielder-like range and ball skills. McKinney fits the bill as a ball-hawking defender with the skills to make Jeff Hafley Xs and Os come to life. With six interceptions in nine games, the sticky-fingered defender, the ultra-aggressive play caller, needed to spark the turnover obsession in Green Bay.
The NFL’s co-leader in interceptions (6) has helped the Lions’ defense ascend to an elite level. Joseph’s ball-hawking ways have enhanced the man-heavy tactics employed by defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. As the Lions’ perimeter corners force more tight window throws, the third-year pro has feasted on tipped passes and overthrows in his area.
Bucky Brooks is an NFL analyst for FOX Sports. He also breaks down the game for NFL Network and as a cohost of the “Moving the Sticks” podcast. Follow him on Twitter @BuckyBrooks.
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Aston Villa boss Robert de Pauw said he knows clubs “cut off the head of the manager” if results do not meet expectations.
De Pauw, who was appointed in June after Carla Ward stepped down at the end of last season, is still searching for his first win in the Women’s Super League (WSL).
Villa sit 10th in the table with two points after six games – their worst start to a WSL campaign.
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“It’s also football and a performance-driven company. So yeah, they cut off the head of the manager,” De Pauw said.
The Dutchman has overseen just one competitive win – a 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace the Women’s League Cup – during his seven games in charge at Villa.
However, his side have pushed reigning champions Chelsea and leaders Manchester City close in the league, losing both games by just one goal.
“If the performance drops and the results don’t come, then you know what happens,” De Pauw added.
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“I try to stay unattached to that because I know I can look myself in the mirror and the staff can look themselves in the mirror, that we do everything about it.
“We know we work hard and we leave no stone unturned before every game.”
De Pauw, who is new to the league after leaving Bayer Leverkusen at the end of last season, said he has spoken to experienced players like Jordan Nobbs about the difficulties of the WSL.
“I speak a lot with them because they know this league better than than most.
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“Jordan knows it better than everybody, and she says it will come. So I trust also that it will come, but it has to come soon.”
Villa will hope to end their winless run on Sunday when they travel to Manchester United, who are unbeaten in the league this season.
“That’s the next step we have got to take, to take something from the game and not only rattle the cage, but bring the cage home and bring the points home,” De Pauw said.
The extent of the women’s team’s financial situation was most apparent during the summer.
Sorensen said they turned down a pre-season trip to Australia, not because of finances but logistics. However, he admitted it was “a gamble we can’t afford”.
Everton had to sell highly-rated Sweden midfielder Hanna Bennison to Juventus in order to bring in much-needed funds.
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They missed out on players in the Japanese market – who Sorensen said he had scouted years previously – because top clubs offered higher salaries.
Stringent rules on non-EU players coming to the WSL can also be a barrier for clubs like Everton. Foreign players have to meet certain requirements to be eligible to play in England and that limits the talent pool – something West Ham have also endured.
Sevilla duo Inma Gabarro and Toni Payne were among Everton’s highest-profile signings, while existing WSL-based players Honoka Hayashi, Melissa Lawley and Veatriki Sarri were seen as ‘low-risk’ options who did not need time to adapt.
Sorensen said during the summer transfer window the club “can’t just go out and spend a lot of money so we have to be super-smart”.
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In reality, the budget for the women’s team has not decreased since 2021 – when former manager Willie Kirk targeted a top-three finish.
However, the market has become more expensive since then. Transfer fees are now common, while player salaries have increased.
Everton Women’s chief executive officer Alan McTavish, director of football Kevin Thelwell and Sorensen are already working on recruitment for January – but fans are growing impatient and want the lack of squad depth addressing.
“Immediate investment in recruitment is essential. We have such a ridiculously unbalanced squad,” said supporter MacFarlane.
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“The pressure on these players is huge, especially on some of the younger players, having to play out of position all over the pitch – this simply is not good enough.”
MacFarlane also calls for future development of the club’s Walton Hall Park stadium, which he says will help “grow the fanbase and attract new supporters”.
Three-time Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw is “planning to crush some rehab” in his recovery from two surgeries.
Kershaw posted on Instagram that he had foot and knee procedures on Wednesday. He thanked Drs. Kenneth Jung and Neal ElAttrache for performing the operations.
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“Planning to crush some rehab and be as good as can be come next year,” Kershaw posted on Thursday.
The 36-year-old Kershaw is 212-94 with a 2.50 ERA in 429 starts and three relief appearances over 17 seasons — all with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He declined a $10 million player option in favor of free agency, but he is expected to return to L.A. after vowing to do so at multiple points during and after the Dodgers’ run to a 2024 World Series championship.
Kershaw was hurt for much of last season, finishing with a 2-2 record and a 4.50 ERA over seven starts. He was sidelined throughout the postseason.
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