Nov 16, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) and wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) celebrate a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
Last month, Bleacher Report ranked all NFL teams’ wide receiving corps, and the Minnesota Vikings checked in at No. 1. Fast forward to July, and SI.com has come along to do the same thing, but this time ranking duos, and in this case, just Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison from Minnesota.
And according to Gilbert Manzano, the pair ranks fifth-best in the NFL, which is a bit low for Vikings fans’ liking.
Vikings’ QB Fix Could Settle the Whole Argument
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) celebrates with teammate Jordan Addison (3) after a touchdown at Nissan Stadium, with Nov. 17, 2024 marking the first-half moment in Nashville against the Tennessee Titans. Jefferson’s score helped spark Minnesota’s offense as the Vikings built road momentum during an interconference matchup that afternoon. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images.
Manzano: Jefferson, Addison Rank No. 5
Manzano explained the fifth-best ranking: “There were a few duos considered for the fifth spot, including the Seahawks’ Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Rashid Shaheed, Broncos’ Jaylen Waddle and Courtland Sutton, and Patriots’ A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs. But two of those candidates haven’t played a game together and Shaheed made more of an impact on special teams than as a receiver after joining Seattle in a midseason trade from the Saints.”
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“There is some uncertainty with the partnership of Jefferson and Addison after a down 2025 season and the ongoing quarterback battle between Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy.”
If there’s uncertainty about the WR duo, it’s news to those who closely follow the Vikings.
Manzano continued, “But this is a dominant duo when receiving competent quarterback play, evident from what they have done since the Vikings drafted Addison in 2023 to pair him with Jefferson, who still might be the league’s best receiver after delivering his sixth consecutive 1,000-yard receiving season, despite the disastrous QB play in 2025.”
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“If Murray can regain his top form or McCarthy shows vast improvement, there likely won’t be any debate about who’s the best wideout in the game. Addison hasn’t had a 1,000-yard receiving season in his three-year career, but his knack for stretching the field has given Jefferson plenty of beneficial matchups on the field.”
A Quiet Year in 2025 by Their Standards
In 2025, Jefferson logged 1,024 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns, totally pedestrian numbers compared to his typical interstellar standard. His copilot, Addison, produced 610 yards and 3 touchdowns. Together, they created a stat line that Jefferson generally posts by his lonesome.
So, what happened? The Vikings’ quarterback struggled, with McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer all getting snaps under center. Wentz, at times, was able to distribute effectively, but McCarthy struggled with consistency, and Brosmer was a total train wreck.
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If you’re wondering why Jefferson and Addison didn’t rank higher than No. 5 on Manzano’s list, this is probably it — the “what have you done for me lately?” argument.
A Chance to Rebound with Revamped Quarterbacking
Of course, the minuscule output from Jefferson and Addison need not persist. That’s why Murray is in town — to unlock the pass-catchers and the offense, as a whole, to its fullest potential.
In February, the rumor mill suggested that the Arizona Cardinals would cut ties with Murray after seven seasons, and that proved accurate. The Cardinals dumped Murray, willing to pay him to play for another team, and the Vikings pounced, securing the 28-year-old on a contract worth $1.3 million.
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Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison secures a pass during pregame warm-ups at Lambeau Field, with Sept. 29, 2024, placing the division matchup preparations in Green Bay before facing the Packers. Addison moves through routes as Minnesota’s offense works on timing, hands, and rhythm under the early stadium lights that afternoon. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images.
Murray didn’t find much team success in Arizona — just one postseason appearance and zero playoff wins since 2019 — but his individual numbers hint that he can succeed in his next chapter, which might involve getting players like Jefferson and Addison the ball.
For example, Cardinals tight end Trey McBride turned into one of the best players at his position with Murray running the show. If McBride could pull that off, why Jefferson and Murray?
Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins as Top Dogs
Manzano nominated the Bengals’ WRs as the league’s best, noting, “With most duos, it’s about complementing each other with different skills. That’s not the case with Chase, a top-three wideout, and Higgins, a clutch playmaker who can take over games when needed.”
“They’re both versatile as wideouts who can make plays downfield and near the line of scrimmage. It also helps that Joe Burrow is an established elite quarterback. This dynamic offense has been held back a bit playing with a poor defense the past few seasons.”
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When best WR duo articles circulate on the internet, it’s almost always these two who take home the bacon.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase (1) shares a postgame hug with Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) at U.S. Bank Stadium, with Sept. 21, 2025 capturing the moment in Minneapolis after the matchup. The LSU stars reconnect on the field as players begin clearing out following the final whistle. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
Manzano concluded, “It’s been three years since Burrow, Chase and Higgins played in a playoff game, but this group got to a Super Bowl in the 2021 season, Chase’s rookie year. Perhaps this high-scoring offense can return to the big stage after the offseason moves the Bengals made defensively, including the trade for star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II.”
“The AFC likely doesn’t want to see this scary offense return to the postseason.”
Jefferson turned 27 this offseason, and Addison is 24.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
Defending champions Argentina narrowly avoided one of the biggest upsets in FIFA World Cup history after defeating heroic debutants Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in a thrilling Round of 32 encounter in Miami.
The South American giants, ranked second in the world, were pushed to the limit by Cape Verde, who are ranked 64th by FIFA and were making their first appearance in a World Cup knockout match.
After the match ended 1-1 in regulation time, Argentina appeared to have secured victory when defender Lisandro Martínez scored just two minutes into extra time.
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However, Cape Verde refused to give up. In the 103rd minute, Sidny Lopes Cabral produced one of the goals of the tournament, cutting inside from the left before curling a stunning effort into the top corner beyond Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez to level the score at 2-2.
With penalties looming, Argentina were handed a dramatic lifeline in the 111th minute when Cape Verde defender Diney Borges accidentally turned the ball into his own net, sending the reigning world champions through to the last 16.
Argentina had taken the lead in the 29th minute thanks to another moment of brilliance from captain Lionel Messi. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner expertly controlled a long pass from Lisandro Martínez before firing home his 20th World Cup goal.
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Despite falling behind, Cape Verde continued to fight and deservedly equalised in the second half through Deroy Duarte, who finished brilliantly from a tight angle after making a late run into the penalty area.
Just two minutes into extra time, Lisandro Martínez restored Argentina’s lead after reacting quickest to a flick-on from Alexis Mac Allister following a corner kick.
But Cape Verde stunned the thousands of Argentina supporters inside the stadium when Cabral produced his sensational equaliser. The Cape Verde forward nearly completed an unforgettable comeback moments later, forcing a superb save from Emiliano Martínez with only minutes remaining.
Although Cape Verde could not force a third equaliser and a penalty shootout, they exited the tournament with their heads held high after one of the greatest debut campaigns in World Cup history.
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The African nation went unbeaten in regulation time throughout the tournament and earned draws against Spain, Uruguay and Argentina before eventually bowing out after extra time.
Argentina will now face Egypt in the Round of 16 on Tuesday, July 7, as they continue their defence of the World Cup title.
June 30, 2026; Mexico City, Mexico; Mexico’s Julian Quinones is thrown in the air in celebration by teammates after the match as Mexico qualify for the round of 16 stage of the World Cup. Mandatory Credit: Eloisa Sanchez-Reuters via Imagn Images
After holding discussions regarding a change for the start time of the World Cup round of 16 match between England and host Mexico on Sunday, the match will remain at its scheduled time, multiple media outlets reported on Friday.
FIFA reportedly spoke with the Mexican and English football federations about altering the kickoff time in an attempt to avoid inclement weather.
According to the BBC, worries about the players’ readiness and travel logistics involving spectators prompted the decision to leave the game time unchanged.
The kickoff is slated for 6 p.m. local time in Mexico City, 1 a.m. in the United Kingdom. FIFA discussed moving up the kickoff six hours to noon at Azteca Stadium, which would be 7 p.m. in the UK and 2 p.m. Eastern time, per the reports.
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Mexico’s 2-0 victory over Ecuador in the round of 32 on Tuesday in Mexico City was delayed due to rain.
France’s group-stage match with Iraq on June 22 was paused under tournament safety rules when lightning strikes are detected within eight miles of the stadium, resulting in an automatic 30-minute delay to play.
England defeated the Democratic Republic of the Congo 2-1 on Wednesday in Atlanta to advance to the round of 16.
Fans of the Three Lions in Great Britain probably would have preferred the earlier start time. Licensing laws were relaxed to allow pubs in the United Kingdom to stay open until 5 a.m. local time.
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Had FIFA moved up the England-Mexico match, it reportedly might also have moved the kickoff time for Brazil’s round of 16 match with Norway from 4 p.m. Eastern on Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J., to avoid a potential overlap with the contest in Mexico City.
Progressive Lindsay Park stayer The Western Front is set to continue his demanding campaign in Saturday’s $150,000 Banjo Paterson Series Final at Flemington.
This 2600-metre event marks the tenth start of a preparation that began with a fourth placing in a benchmark 70 over 1600m at Flemington on January 10.
The five-year-old gelding has since achieved four victories, notably the Listed Sandown Cup (3200m), and while co-trainer Ben Hayes expressed surprise at the campaign’s longevity, he remains pleased with the horse’s condition and believes there are more goals to pursue.
“When you get them fit you keep them happy and in a rhythm and these days, with technology, trainers are able to keep horses up for longer,” he said.
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“It’s good for them, they enjoy being in work. Some don’t, so you put them in the paddock.
“He’s a horse we’d like to get his rating up a bit more to target maybe the back-end of spring with him.
“He could bob up over Cup Week running in one of those staying races.”
Hayes confirmed that the Group 3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2600m) on Champions Day is a more probable target this year than the $10m Melbourne Cup (3200m).
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The Western Front enters the race following a second-place finish to Vegas Jack at Flemington on June 20, a run where he experienced a difficult passage from the outside barrier. Hayes is confident the gelding can improve his placing with more favourable racing luck.
“He probably had the hardest run in the race,” Hayes, who trains in partnership with brother Will and JD, said of the 1-1/4-length defeat.
“He had no luck at all. He was wide the whole trip, had to work in the middle stages, hit the front early and just got run over late.
“But he’s come through the run well.”
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The Western Front, to be ridden by Daniel Stackhouse, will meet Vegas Jack 1.5kg better at the weights from their last start and will break from barrier six, while Vegas Jack is drawn in barrier nine.
The gelding is currently the $4.20 favourite, with Vegas Jack at $7. Wuddzz is rated at $5.
Consider placing a bet on The Western Front with leading online bookmakers for the Banjo Paterson Series Final.
Lionel Messi has once again rewritten FIFA World Cup history, surpassing Kylian Mbappe and Pele to set a new record. The Argentina captain netted the first goal against tournament debutants Cabo Verde to set the record in the ongoing round of 32 clash in Miami (July 3, ET).
The strike gave him 12 goal contributions in World Cup knockout rounds, the most in the history of the competition. That number puts the 39-year-old ahead of both Kylian Mbappe and Pele, who had previously been tied for the top spot on 11 each.
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He scored in the 29th minute to break a tense stalemate that had frustrated the reigning champions early on. The goal itself was a signature of his genius: Lisandro Martinez’s inviting pass over the top sent Messi gliding past the Cabo Verde defense with a perfect run. He controlled the ball beautifully in his stride before lifting a composed effort over Vozinha to put Argentina 1-0 up.
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The strike also took his run to eight consecutive FIFA World Cup matches on the scoresheet, a streak which has not been equaled by anyone. And on top of that, Lionel Messi has now scored against 14 different teams. It is the most by any player, surpassing the likes of Miroslav Klose, Ronaldo Nazario, and Jurgen Klinsmann, all of whom have 10.
Lionel Messi at the FIFA World Cup so Far
Lionel Messi arrived at a record sixth FIFA World Cup with question marks over his fitness after nursing a minor hamstring issue in the build-up. But any lingering doubts were quickly dispelled in Argentina’s Group J opener against Algeria in Kansas City.
His terrific hat-trick in the 3-0 triumph pulled him level with Miroslav Klose as the tournament’s all-time leading goalscorer. He didn’t wait long before making that record his own in the next match, against Austria. He scored twice to surpass Klose’s tally and increase his overall total. His influence went beyond the goals and ensured his team dominated the group stage with maximum points.
Lionel Messi rounded off the group stage against Jordan, coming off the bench to curl in a trademark free-kick. That gave him six goals in the group stage, level with Mbappe at the top of the scoring charts going into the knockout rounds. His goal against Cabo Verde was his 20th goal at the FIFA World Cup.
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If Argentina can survive this tie, they’ll meet Egypt in the round of 16 in Atlanta on July 7. For a country dreaming of back-to-back trophies, their talisman appears far from finished.
The United States Men’s National Team is coming off of a massive victory on Wednesday night over Bosnia and Herzegovina, but there is a big cloud hanging over them for the next match against Belgium.
That’s because the team will be without star striker Folarin Balogun after he was dealt a wildly controversial red card in the second half of the match.
That, of course, means a suspension is coming his way, but the U.S. got some good news on Friday when FIFA confirmed that the suspension would be for just one match.
While it was always pretty unlikely that FIFA could add extra games to Balogun’s suspension, they’ve formally decided not to, and that’s the best possible outcome for the U.S. in this scenario.
US striker Folarin Balogun’s controversial red card was one of the biggest moments of the team’s win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.(Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images))
There is no mechanism through which the U.S. could appeal this decision, so all it could do was hope the suspension would be limited to one match.
Balogun himself gave his first comments on the incident on Friday, shortly after FIFA’s decision to keep the suspension at one game was made public.
“It’s important for me to say, first and foremost, it was totally unintentional,” he said Friday. “The choice of the referee was his choice. I don’t think it was the correct choice. I think a yellow card would’ve been fair, due to it not being intentional.”
“It’s something that happened; we have to move forward, and I have to accept it.”
Folarin Balogun of the United States celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match against Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium on June 12, 2026.(John Dorton/USSF/Getty Images)
Balogun will certainly be missed for Monday’s match against Belgium in Seattle, seeing as he’s leading the team with three goals in this tournament.
But now, if the Americans are able to pull off a bit of an upset over the Belgians, they’ll be relieved to know that he’ll be back in action in the quarterfinals.
Despite being made a pre-fight underdog, Crawford was able to dethrone the more natural super-middleweight to become a three-division undisputed champion.
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His best performances arguably came at 147lbs, though, as the American scored seven straight stoppages before orchestrating a ninth-round finish over Errol Spence Jr in July 2023.
This victory alone has inspired many to compare Crawford with other welterweight greats, including the likes of Floyd Mayweather and Sugar Ray Leonard.
A particularly intriguing fantasy matchup, however, would be between the masterful switch-hitter and Thomas Hearns, who challenged Leonard for the WBC welterweight title in 1981.
Despite suffering a 14th-round stoppage defeat, ‘The Hitman’ was leading on all three judges’ scorecards and would eventually rematch Leonard in 1989, only for their super-middleweight contest to end in a controversial draw.
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Standing at 6ft 1in, there are few that could have gotten the better of Hearns between 147 and 168lbs, where his only other defeats came against Marvin Hagler and Iran Barkley.
It is perhaps this size advantage that has inspired Lopez to favour Hearns over Crawford while speaking with Daily Mail Sport.
Minnesota Vikings fans react in the stands during first-quarter action against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Sep. 25, 2022, bringing early energy to an NFC North matchup as the home crowd followed Minnesota’s offense and defense through another divisional test inside the regular-season schedule. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.
The hype train for Dallas Turner this summer isn’t necessarily out of control, but it exists nevertheless. A lane is finally clear for Turner to be featured as a full-time starter, and according to Bleacher Report, that works out great because he’s one of the most underrated players in the NFL.
Alex Kay published the list this week, exploring the league’s five most underrated commodities, and Turner got a tap on the shoulder.
Greenard’s Exit Turns Turner’s Hype into a Real Job
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Dallas Turner (15) settles into position during an NFC Wild Card matchup at State Farm Stadium, with Jan. 13, 2025 marking the postseason scene in Glendale, Arizona, against the Los Angeles Rams. Turner watches the play develop and prepares to react in a tense playoff setting. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
Turner = One of NFL’s Most Underrated, per BR
Most Vikings fans would call Turner under-utilized, but BR rolled with underrated.
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Kay explained, “Turner struggled to grasp the defensive coordinator Brian Flores‘ system as a rookie and was relegated to a meager 28 percent snap share. After mustering 20 tackles and three sacks across 16 games, he narrowly avoided the dreaded draft bust label but certainly didn’t do enough to warrant the costs of acquiring him.”
“That changed in 2025 when the 23-year-old finally figured things out and dialed in. He received a big bump in playing time (logging a 66 percent snap share on the year) while appearing in all 17 games and starting 10. He finished the campaign with 66 tackles, eight sacks and four forced fumbles—a sizable jump in production for the youngster, one that went relatively unnoticed due to the bulk of his sack production occurring in the back half of Minnesota’s dismal campaign.”
The Vikings traded a king’s ransom to get Turner during the 2024 NFL Draft. They need him to be good.
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Kay added, “Turner racked up 6.5 of his sacks between Weeks 11-18, including two in the season finale. He’s now primed to build on that impressive finish by stepping into a more prominent role following the departure of Jonathan Greenard — the Pro Bowl edge-rusher who played 74 percent of Minnesota’s defensive snaps last year.”
“If Turner seizes that opportunity and continues his current trajectory, he’ll have few issues shedding the underrated tag and becoming a renowned Pro Bowler.”
He’s Free …
Alas, Turner is free to be deployed in the Vikings’ defense with no Pro Bowl defender in front of him on the depth chart. It took two years. Minnesota no longer has to wonder when Turner will play full-time; that question has effectively answered itself. Turner demonstrated enough late in the 2025 season to earn a larger role, and with Greenard’s departure, his path to increased playing time is now uncontested.
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Had Greenard signed an extension, Turner likely would have remained behind both Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel for another year. While that would have presented a beneficial problem for the Vikings, it would have been detrimental for a former 1st-Round pick striving to become a game-changer.
Now, Turner will receive the opportunity everyone has anticipated. Minnesota can build its outside linebacker room around him and Van Ginkel, then acquire a solid OLB3 to ensure a smooth rotation. That might involve bringing in a veteran like Jadeveon Clowney or Leonard Floyd, particularly if the Vikings aim to manage Turner’s workload initially.
Stats to Date Agree with Kay’s Assessment
In his second year, Turner finally began to embody the potential Minnesota saw when trading up for him.
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Minnesota Vikings linebacker Dallas Turner (15) works in space against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium, with Nov. 17, 2024, capturing the first-half action in Nashville, Tennessee. Turner shows the range and urgency that shaped his rookie year as Minnesota leans on his speed against Tennessee’s physical offense. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images.
When Greenard sustained an injury, Turner stepped into a more prominent role, and his snap count surged to 66%. From that point, his production increased, concluding the season with 8 sacks and 15 quarterback hits. He also added 11 tackles for loss and 4 forced fumbles — a stat line indicative of a burgeoning pass rusher.
It was the version Vikings fans eagerly awaited.
His rookie year in 2024 was more challenging to assess, as he played only 28% of defensive snaps. Nevertheless, Turner showed flashes despite limited work, recording 3 sacks and 5 quarterback hits, along with 3 tackles for loss and 1 interception, giving Minnesota enough encouragement to remain patient.
By November of his second season, most of the hesitation surrounding Turner had dissipated. He appeared more comfortable in Brian Flores’s defense, which made sense because not every rookie is game-ready. After all, Turner was 21 in 2024.
He concluded the year with a 65.5 Pro Football Focus grade, including a 70.2 pass-rushing score. He’s on the right track
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One More Year before Extension Chatter, Believe It or Not
Just like quarterback J.J. McCarthy, Turner has a lot riding on the 2026 campaign because he can reasonably begin talking with the Vikings’ front office about an extension next offseason. In fact, Minnesota has until May 2027 to decide whether to exercise Turner’s fifth-year rookie option, a decision that is up in the air right now but probably trending in his favor.
Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis (43) carries the ball against Minnesota Vikings linebacker Dallas Turner (15) at AT&T Stadium, with Dec. 14, 2025 placing the second-half action in Arlington, Texas. Turner closes from the defensive side as Minnesota tries to limit Dallas’ rushing attack on the road. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images.
It’s not quite a “make or break” season, but if Turner logs double-digit sacks and fully solidifies himself as a long-term starter, he can instruct his agent to engage new general manager Nolan Teasley for an extension that may pay him $25 million per season.
It feels like the Vikings drafted Turner yesterday, but in reality, fans are about seven months away from pondering his extension value. Time flies.
Turner will turn 24 next February.
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Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
Satin Summer’s accumulated experience from the latter stages of her two-year-old season is expected to provide a solid foundation for her return in an off-season race at Rosehill.
Trained by Michael Freedman, a conditioner well-regarded for his juvenile success, Satin Summer defeated Zambales, the eventual runner-up in the VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes, on her debut in January. She subsequently finished fifth in the Lonhro Plate (1000m) behind Agrarian Girl.
Tim Clark will have his inaugural race-day ride aboard the filly in the Thank You ATC Members Handicap (1100m) this Saturday. Following a recent barrier trial win on Satin Summer, he believes her early race experience will be invaluable against a field that includes the promising debut winner Omolong from Chris Waller’s stable.
“Yes, there are some nice horses coming through and Chris’ horse won well at the midweeks, but she’s in her second preparation and she’ll be ready to go,” Clark stated.
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“She is a pretty sharp type of filly. I had a sit on her Tuesday morning as well, and was very happy with her work.
“She is a really straightforward, easy sort of filly to do anything with. She knows her job, and she is well educated.
“I think she is going to look the winner at some stage in the straight.”
The juvenile event has attracted a respectable lineup, featuring the $850,000 yearling purchase Omolong and Bjorn Baker-trained debutant Kotor, who also fetched the same price at auction and remains unbeaten in two trials.
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Clark’s mounts also include Mo Chroi, a four-year-old import from Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott. The horse was exported to Australia after two starts in Ireland, highlighted by a win over middle distances.
Mo Chroi made an immediate impact in his local career with a 1550m victory at Canterbury last month. While Saturday’s TAB Handicap (2000m) represents a step up in class, Clark is relying on the horse’s potential to handle the challenge.
“Gai and Adrian seem to have a really good record at getting the imports ready to go first time out, generally over a bit further than what he ran in,” Clark explained.
“It was good to see him be sharp enough and have that good tactical speed and be able to race on pace over a shorter journey.
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“He’s jumping in grade, and it wasn’t a strong race at the midweeks, but he’s getting out to the right distance, and soft ground won’t be any concern.”
With the Thank You ATC Members Handicap approaching, savvy punters might want to check out the latest racing odds at various Australian betting sites.
Tonight, the Athletics kick off a three-game Independence Day weekend series against the Miami Marlins, who have been arguably the hottest team in baseball, as evidenced by their MLB-best 20-6 record in June. After dropping two of three games against the Los Angeles Dodgers earlier this week, the A’s will look to bounce back against the Marlins in the second and final series of the team’s latest homestand.
Earlier today, the “Green and Gold” shook up their bullpen, activating Mark Leiter Jr. off the injured list and welcoming back Jose Suarez from the paternity list. The team made room in its bullpen by designating right-handed reliever Geoff Hartlieb and left-hander Matt Krook for assignment. The two journeymen relievers will likely either clear waivers and remain in the organization, most likely at Triple-A Las Vegas, or be claimed by another club.
While Leiter Jr. and Suarez could see action out of the bullpen, they will follow right-hander Jack Perkins, who gets the start for the A’s in the series opener. Perkins enters his 23rd game and sixth start of the season with a 2-3 record, a 6.00 ERA, a 1.33 WHIP and 62 strikeouts across 51 innings.
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The 26-year-old delivered his best start of the season in his most recent outing, holding the Los Angeles Angels to two runs on four hits over five innings. Despite pitching well, he received a fourth straight no-decision. Perkins will aim to change that this evening as he chases his first win since April. He will need to keep the ball on the ground, avoid giving up the long ball and work efficiently on the mound.
Here’s the A’s lineup for tonight’s matchup:
This is one of the most interesting lineups the Athletics have used this season. Their two likely All-Stars sit atop the order, with first baseman Nick Kurtz leading off after catcher Shea Langeliers hit first in the A’s previous game.
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The middle of the lineup features several players in unfamiliar spots. Slumping right fielder Lawrence Butler will hit third, rather than his usual position closer to the bottom of the order. An injury to starting left fielder Tyler Soderstrom has opened up everyday playing time for Colby Thomas, who gets a rare chance to face a right-handed starter. Designated hitter Carlos Cortes has seen limited action lately amid a prolonged slump at the plate.
For the hosts to emerge victorious, they will need offensive production from these three players, as well as rookies Joshua Kuroda-Grauer and Henry Bolte. Kuroda-Grauer, making his fourth straight start, looks to build on his strong 5-for-11 start to his MLB career.
The A’s offense will face Marlins right-hander Tyler Phillips, who enters his 23rd game and seventh start with a 1-3 record, a 3.02 ERA, a 1.31 WHIP and 50 strikeouts over 65 2/3 innings. The 28-year-old recorded his first MLB win against the A’s when he was on the Phillies in 2024. Last year, Phillips threw three scoreless innings when the “Green and Gold” faced the Marlins in Miami.
The right-hander comes into this outing full of momentum after a 7 1/3-inning, two-run performance in a losing effort against the St. Louis Cardinals. In his start before that, Phillips held the Texas Rangers to two runs over six innings. If Miami’s starter continues pitching this well, the A’s may have trouble scoring runs tonight. However, he could be prone to a letdown outing, especially in the hitter-friendly confines of the A’s home ballpark.
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And the Marlins’ starting nine this evening:
The Marlins’ offense contrasts with how the Athletics and many other teams operate. Miami scores much of its runs through speed and small ball rather than home runs. Liam Hicks and Kyle Stowers provide the power, while the middle-infield duo of Otto Lopez and Xavier Edwards supply on-base ability and speed.
As a result, Perkins must pitch carefully and avoid leaving pitches over the middle of the plate. His battery mate, Langeliers, will need to help him control the running game and throw out potential base stealers.
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Time to start this series on the right foot with a Friday night win. Let’s go A’s!
Jeffery Simmons had a front-row seat as Cam Ward started his NFL career with the Tennessee Titans. The All-Pro defensive tackle played 15 games in Ward’s rookie campaign.
Simmons sat down with Terron Armstead on “The Set” and made his feelings known about the Miami Hurricanes product. The host asked,
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“What did you see from him (Cam Ward) in his rookie year? What would you like to see from him moving forward?”
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Simmons replied,
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“We know it comes with being the number one overall pick. I see and see the work continuously from Cam.
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“From every day being the first one at the building. To see them type of things, you can feel and you can tell the will that he really wanna be the best he could be.
“The presence that he bring and the energy that Cam bring is rubbing off, continuing to rub off on the offense. And I’m excited for it.”
Cam Ward had a rough rookie year that saw him muster a stat line of 3,169 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.. The 2025 No. 1 pick led the Titans to just three wins, marking their fourth straight losing season.
What’s next for Jeffery Simmons and Cam Ward?
Jeffery Simmons is gearing up for his eighth season with the Titans. The Titans selected him in the first round of the 2019 NFL draft.
Simmons is one of the team’s best defensive players, and he’s earned one first-team All-Pro selection, two second-team All-Pro nods and four Pro Bowl invitations. He’s fresh off his maiden first-team All-Pro selection after racking up 67 total tackles (39 solo), 11.0 sacks, three forced fumbles, and 21 quarterback hits in 15 games.
Cam Ward has loads of room for improvement ahead of Year 2. The promising signal-caller was regularly tracked down by opposing pass rushers, and he scored just two rushing touchdowns.
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Jeffery Simmons and Cam Ward will look to inspire the Titans to their first playoff appearance since 2021. The Titans last reached the postseason in the Mike Vrabel and Derrick Henry era. They’ll look to end that painful drought in the upcoming campaign.
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