Connect with us
DAPA Banner

Sports

NFL redraft 2018, 2024: Revisiting classes as Darnold, Maye clash in Super Bowl

Published

on

The two quarterbacks in Super Bowl LX were both taken third overall in their respective drafts. Both were expected to be franchise saviors from Day 1, yet they could not have taken more different paths to Santa Clara, California, for the final game of the 2025 NFL season.

The Jets selected Sam Darnold No. 3 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft, behind Baker Mayfield and Saquon Barkley. Six years later, the Patriots pinned their future on Drake Maye after Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels went off the board.

“Fit matters” is a recurring theme in the NFL and a phrase I repeat often during the pre-draft process, because we can talk all we want about this or that prospect being “can’t-miss” or “best in the class,” but the reality is Patrick Mahomes isn’t the version we see today if he hadn’t landed in Kansas City. Baker Mayfield didn’t find his footing until his fourth NFL team. It all came together for Daniel Jones in Year 7 with his third team (at least before the Achilles injury).

Sam Darnold proved this season that 2024 wasn’t a fluke when he led the Vikings to 14 wins in his seventh season. He won 14 more regular-season games in 2025, this time with the Seahawks, who will face Maye and the Patriots in the Super Bowl.

Advertisement

Maye’s path has been less circuitous. He played well as a rookie on a bad Patriots team and, in Year 2, is a legit MVP candidate, in part because the organization nailed the coach (Mike Vrabel), the offensive coordinator (Josh McDaniels) and, of course, the franchise QB.

With the Super Bowl just days away, it’s as good a time as any to redraft the top 10 picks of the 2018 and 2024 classes — the two years Darnold and Maye were selected in the top three.

And just like our 2021 redraft from last October, there are some ground rules. 

  1. Assume the entire 2018 and 2024 NFL Draft classes are made up of free agents, and we’re holding a redraft based on their real-life NFL careers to date.
  2. Assume all eligible players from the 2018 and 2024 draft classes are healthy as of the redraft, but prior injury history should be a consideration.
  3. The original team cannot redraft the player they selected in 2018 or 2024.
  4. Assume the same draft order from the first round of the 2018 and 2024 NFL Draft.

OK, let’s get to it — first up, the 2018 redraft:


1. Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming

Original pick: Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma

I mentioned above that Patrick Mahomes wouldn’t have had the same career to date had he not gone to the Chiefs. Maybe we could say the same thing about Josh Allen going to the Browns here, but … you can’t not take him No. 1 overall.

The 2024 MVP singlehandedly dragged the Bills to the playoffs in 2025, and he remains one of the best players in the league.

2. Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville

Original pick: Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State

The Giants took Daniel Jones No. 6 overall in 2019, and despite signing a second contract, the two sides parted ways during the 2024 season. 

Advertisement

Lamar Jackson, like Allen, is a former league MVP. The Giants have had a losing record in seven of the past eight seasons and haven’t had more than nine wins since 2016; that wouldn’t have been the case if Jackson had been the pick in 2018.

3. Fred Warner, LB, BYU

Original pick: Sam Darnold, QB, USC

I mean … Darnold sorta feels like the right pick here but 1) our made-up rules prohibit it and 2) WE KNOW HOW THIS PLAYS OUT. Instead, the Jets take Warner, one of the best defensive players in the league. 

Originally the 82nd overall pick of the 49ers, Warner’s biggest concern coming out of college was whether he could hold up at linebacker because he played all over the field at BYU. 

Advertisement

The four-time All-Pro quickly proved he was a first-round talent — and in this redraft, he becomes the No. 3 overall pick on a 2018 Jets team that started Darron Lee and Avery Williamson at linebacker.

4. Minkah Fitzpatrick, S, Alabama

Original pick: Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State

The Browns got this second first-round pick from the Texans after Houston traded up in the 2017 draft for … yep, Deshaun Watson

Part of me is tempted to draft Sam Darnold here and flip him for even more picks to a QB-needy team, but that’s beyond the scope of what we’re trying to accomplish. Saquon Barkley would be in consideration, too, but the Browns grabbed Nick Chubb in the second round, and he’s one of the best players in recent Cleveland history.

Advertisement

Instead, I’m taking Minkah Fitzpatrick, who can play anywhere in the secondary and would upgrade a unit that, in 2018, included T.J. Carrie, Damarious Randall and Jabrill Peppers.

5. Sam Darnold, QB, USC

Original pick: Bradley Chubb, EDGE, NC State

The Broncos were heading into the 2018 season two years removed from Peyton Manning, and their QBs were Trevor Siemian and, in 2018, Case Keenum. The future included starters like Joe Flacco, Drew Lock, Teddy Bridgewater and Russell Wilson before George Paton and Sean Payton drafted Bo Nix in 2024.

This is all a long-winded way of saying that then-coach Vance Joseph and then-GM John Elway are taking Sam Darnold.

Advertisement

6. Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma

Original pick: Quenton Nelson, OT, Notre Dame

With the benefit of hindsight, Mayfield is a no-brainer here since 2018 was Andrew Luck’s final NFL season (and he missed all of 2017 with a shoulder injury). 

In the six seasons since Luck retired, the Colts have had six different QBs start the majority of their games: Jacoby Brissett, Philip Rivers, Carson Wentz, Matt Ryan, Gardner Minshew, Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones.

Mayfield would’ve stabilized the position from the moment he stepped on the field.

Advertisement

7. Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State

Original pick: Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming

This is worst-case scenario for the Bills, who, in real life, ended up with the best QB in the class and here, in the redraft, are left empty-handed with four QBs off the board.

Buffalo also has the No. 16 pick in this draft (it originally took linebacker Tremaine Edmunds), but we’re going to give whoever ends up under center some help in the form of Saquon Barkley, who will pair with 30-year-old LeSean McCoy.

8. Quenton Nelson, OL, Notre Dame

Original pick:  Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia

Smith was a great pick, but since we can’t redraft him here, I did think about Nick Chubb. But the Bears had the solid tandem of Tarik Cohen and Jordan Howard, both in their early 20s in 2018.

Quenton Nelson isn’t a bad consolation prize. I know the Bears took James Daniels in Round 2, and he started at left guard as a rookie in Chicago, but he’s also played on the right side in Chicago and Pittsburgh.

9. Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia

Original pick: Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame

This is a sprint-to-turn-the-card-in situation, especially since the 49ers took Fred Warner in real life and he’s long gone in this redraft.

Advertisement

10. Nick Chubb, RB, Georgia

Original pick: Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA

I gave serious consideration to tackles Orlando Brown Jr. and Mike McGlinchey here, but Chubb fills a big need, too. 

David Johnson rushed for 940 yards in 2018 but averaged just 3.6 yards per carry. He played just one more year in Arizona, and in 2019, Kenyon Drake led the team in rushing in just eight games while Johnson was third behind rookie Kyler Murray.

Chubb was a workhorse in Cleveland before a serious knee injury in 2023, and in Arizona, he would’ve been a huge asset in the backfield alongside Murray.

Advertisement

1. Drake Maye, QB, UNC 

Original pick: Caleb Williams, QB, USC

I’d have no issue running it back with Caleb here, but the made-up, arbitrary rules of the redraft forbid it. 

So MVP candidate Drake Maye it is — and it’s an easy decision given how well he played under trying circumstances in 2024 and how he made such a huge leap in Year 2 under Josh McDaniels. You have to imagine he’d have similar success playing for Ben Johnson.

2. Caleb Williams, QB, USC 

Original pick: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

Duh. Williams made big strides in 2025, and his familiarity with former Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury makes this an easy choice. 

And I know we’re discounting injuries for our purposes here, but in the real world, Jayden Daniels missed a lot of the 2025 season because he couldn’t stay healthy. That hasn’t been a problem for Williams through his first two seasons.

3. Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU 

Original pick: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

Again, this selection doesn’t require a lot of thought. And it’s not hard to envision a healthy Daniels replicating a lot of what we saw from Maye this season.

Advertisement

Coming out of LSU, Daniels was an elite deep-ball passer, something Maye has excelled at in 2025. Both are top-flight athletes, with the biggest difference being weekly availability due to staying healthy.

4. Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State

Original pick: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

The Cardinals used their second first-round pick on defensive end Darius Robinson, who has struggled to stay healthy, but that didn’t stop us from taking Jared Verse because a) he’s been healthy, b) he’s been incredibly disruptive and c) you can never have enough top-end pass rushers.

5. Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

Original pick: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

Alt was a home run. He battled injuries in 2025, and I gave some consideration to taking JC Latham here because he’s been solid for the Titans, and he played right tackle in college. I also thought about Quinyon Mitchell but eventually landed on Malik Nabers.

I know the Chargers used a first-round pick on Quentin Johnston in 2023 … but they also used a high second-rounder on Ladd McConkey in 2024. Nabers is a legit No. 1, especially in a world where Justin Herbert is his QB.

6. Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

Original pick: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

A lot of great options here — Alt, Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean (if you want more of a CB/S hybrid), even Brock Bowers. But Alt at right tackle, along with a healthy Andrew Thomas at left tackle, and maybe Brian Daboll doesn’t lose his job midway through last season.

Advertisement

7. Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia 

Original pick: JC Latham, OT, Alabama

The Titans had needs along the offensive line, for sure, but their receiving room in 2024 included Calvin Ridley, Tyler Boyd and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, with Chig Okonkwo, Josh Whyle and Nick Vannett in the tight end room. Put another way: Will Levis could have benefited from Bowers being on the field.

8. Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

Original pick: Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington

Do you roll the dice on Bo Nix here? Maybe … but he’s a great example of the importance of fit, and he and Sean Payton have been a near-perfect marriage in Denver. I’m not sure that would’ve been replicable elsewhere.

Advertisement

Instead, we’re going with Quinyon Mitchell here, pairing him with A.J. Terrell for what could immediately give the Falcons two of the best cover cornerbacks in the league.

9. JC Latham, OT, Alabama

Original pick:  Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

Man, I’m tempted to take Marvin Harrison Jr. here, but Odunze has outplayed him. If I’m going with a receiver based on production, Brian Thomas Jr. or Ladd McConkey would have to be in the conversation.

Instead, though, let’s continue to beef up the offensive line. Darnell Wright is one of the best right tackles in football, and JC Latham — who played on the right side in college — has proven he can play left tackle in the NFL, which solves an issue still facing the Bears.

Advertisement

Plus, assuming their 2025 draft still includes Colston Loveland and Luther Burden III, swapping Odunze for Latham feels even more palatable.

10. Bo Nix, QB, Oregon

Original pick: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

I love the idea of Brian Thomas Jr., Ladd McConkey or Marvin Harrison Jr. paired with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, but they can’t throw the ball to themselves. (Unless we’re living in the same universe where the Vikes re-sign Sam Darnold or roll with Aaron Rodgers in 2025.)

Through two seasons, J.J. McCarthy hasn’t played like the No. 10 pick, and you can assign blame wherever you see fit. But I think Kevin O’Connell, QB whisperer, would be able to get more out of Bo Nix, similar to the production we’ve seen from the former Oregon QB in Denver.

Advertisement

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Sports

Football gossip: Kane, Silva, Lacroix, Suarez, Lewandowski, Kolo Muani, Casemiro

Published

on

Bayern Munich are wary of Saudi Pro League clubs targeting Harry Kane, Bernardo Silva is set to leave Manchester City and Inter Miami start talks with Manchester United‘s Casemiro.

Bayern Munich honorary president Uli Hoeness is wary of the Saudi Pro League trying to tempt England striker Harry Kane as the German club continue talks with the 32-year-old over a new deal beyond summer 2027. (Kicker – in German), external

Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva, 31, has told Manchester City that he will be leaving the club when his contract runs out in the summer. (Caught Offside), external

Aston Villa, Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Liverpool are monitoring Crystal Palace‘s 25-year-old French defender Maxence Lacroix. (Teamtalk), external

Advertisement

Liverpool and Newcastle United are interested in Portuguese club Sporting’s 28-year-old Colombia striker Luis Suarez. (Correio da Manha – in Portuguese), external

Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay is not talking to Saudi Pro League clubs as the 29-year-old’s focus remains in Italy with Napoli. (Fabrizio Romano), external

Barcelona will offer 37-year-old Poland striker Robert Lewandowski, whose contract at the club runs out in the summer, a new one-year deal which includes a significant pay cut and more performance-related bonuses. (Sport – in Spanish), external

Juventus are looking at the prospect of adding Lewandowski and 27-year-old France forward Randal Kolo Muani, who is on loan at Tottenham from Paris St-Germain, to their ranks. (Gazzetta dello Sport – in Italian), external

Advertisement

Chelsea and France defender Malo Gusto, 22, says Liam Rosenior is a “top manager” despite criticism following their recent poor form. (ESPN), external

Inter Miami have started talks with Brazil midfielder Casemiro’s camp about signing the 34-year-old, who will leave Manchester United in the summer, but the Major League soccer side face competition from other teams in Europe and Saudi Arabia. (Fabrizio Romano), external

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

IPL Preview: Reset Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings eye revival | Cricket News

Published

on

IPL Preview: Reset Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings eye revival
Riyan Parag and Ruturaj Gaikwad

GUWAHATI: With Rajasthan Royals hosting a few Indian Premier League matches in their adopted home of Guwahati over the past seasons, top-flight cricket is no novelty to the Assam capital. But with an additional fixture scheduled at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium this year — amid the buzz of the April 9 state assembly elections — the excitement has risen quite a few notches.As fans gear up for the Royals’ clash with Super Kings on Monday, weather remains the only concern. Intermittent drizzle over the past week and forecasts of rain and thunderstorms on match day threaten to disrupt proceedings.On the field, both teams are desperate for a reset after disappointing IPL 2025 campaigns. Chennai Super Kings finished at the bottom of the table for the first time in their history, while Rajasthan Royals ended just above them.

RR vs CSK

Samson swaps pink for yellowSanju Samson will be the biggest attraction, arriving in Guwahati on the back of a stellar T20 World Cup-winning campaign with India. The Kerala wicketkeeper-batter will now turn out for Chennai Super Kings against Rajasthan Royals — a franchise he represented and led for over a decade.Young India U19 World Cup-winning captain Ayush Mhatre adds firepower to the top-order for CSK, while Shivam Dube will look to carry his T20 World Cup form into the IPL and add muscle to the middle. Matt Henry, Khaleel Ahmed and Noor Ahmad form the bowling core.Riyan Parag begins his first full season as Rajasthan Royals captain after handling leadership duties briefly last year during Samson’s injury-forced absence. The Assam all-rounder now shoulders the responsibility of leading a franchise seeking a fresh identity.Ravindra Jadeja, part of the Samson swap deal, will don pink this season and spearhead the spin attack alongside Ravi Bishnoi, while Jofra Archer leads the pace unit. With Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Shimron Hetmyer and Dhruv Jurel forming the batting core, Royals will hope for a more consistent showing.NUMBERS GAME6 – Rajasthan Royals have won six out of the last seven games against Chennai Super Kings between Oct 2021 and May 2025. Their only defeat was by five wickets at Chepauk on May 12, 2024.

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Storm Leopard targets 2026 ATC Australian Derby following Tulloch Stakes success

Published

on

Leading rider Tommy Berry stepped up to offer payment of the $44,000 late entry charge to lock in Storm Leopard’s place in the ATC Australian Derby after the gelding’s impressive staying performance in Saturday’s Group 2 $300,000 Tulloch Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill Gardens.

“I’ll offer to pay the late entry if they want,” Berry said.

“He’s so clean winded, he’s a real stayer. The team has done a great job with him, bringing him here in such great order.

“I only got on for the first time today so thanks to the Hayes boys for the opportunity and looking forward to hopefully riding him in the Derby.”

Advertisement

According to trainer Ben Hayes, Storm Leopard featured in the early nominations for next Saturday’s Group 1 $2 million ATC Australian Derby (2400m) at Royal Randwick, but they skipped the primary acceptance fee in the gelding’s prep.

“We took him out of the ‘noms’ and were looking at the South Australian Derby but we changed plans (again) because he started to go so well,” Hayes said.”It will be a discussion we need about next week but if he pulls up well, it’s definitely something that will be considered. It is a good problem to have.”

Storm Leopard ($4.20) took full advantage of the quick early speed, powering to the front mid-straight and winning by almost two lengths in decisive fashion.

Eureka Rebel at $81 shaped nicely as a Derby prospect, rallying late for second, with $5 elect Shangri La Boy third after dictating early.

Advertisement

The race was soured by favourite Arcora ($2.40) suffering a devastating near-foreleg injury mid-race.

Racing NSW officials quizzed jockey Nash Rawiller and trainers Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young on Arcora before the colt was humanely put down.

Rawiller praised the colt’s stride which “felt amazing” prior to the incident, showing excellent control in withdrawing him.

“He got into a lovely rhythm during the race – this came out of nowhere,” Rawiller said.

Advertisement

Busuttin assured stewards Arcora was the “soundest horse you could ever find” entering the Tulloch Stakes.

Ben Hayes led with empathy in his immediate post-win interview.

“I feel for the connections of Arcora,” was Hayes’s first comment. “You never want to see that happen.”

Berry revealed his initial thoughts turned to Rawiller and Arcora amid the breakdown.

Advertisement

“My mind was on Nash (Rawiller – on retired runner Arcora) to make sure he was alright,” Berry said.”But then you’ve got to make sure you focus up again.”

Berry highlighted how Storm Leopard triumphed with a “lot of authority” notwithstanding some straight drifting.

“Storm Leopard got to the leader very quickly and was left in front a long way from home,” Berry said.

“I would’ve loved to have something challenge him halfway down the straight because he felt like he was floating where he was.

Advertisement

“I had enough looks to make it as soft as I could late just in case he had to back up. He’s trained by a bunch of gentlemen that send their horses to Sydney in such great order so if they decided to go that way it wouldn’t be an issue.”

Storm Leopard could now become the 10th to land the Tulloch Stakes-ATC Australian Derby double, matching Quick Thinker (2020), Angel Of Truth (2019), Levendi (2018), Jon Snow (2017), Starcraft (2004), Ivory’s Irish (1995), Mahogany (1994), Durbridge (1991) and Prolific (1984).

Without prior nomination, Storm Leopard was absent from TAB Fixed Odds Derby betting pre-Tulloch, but they quoted him at $4.50 afterwards, behind $3.50 joint faves Observer and Green Spaces.

Owner-trainer Matthew Smith was thrilled by Eureka Rebel’s second and Dezignation’s fifth as Derby trials. “Both horses are strong, young stayers and as long as they pull up well, I would like them to back up in the Derby,” Smith said.

Advertisement

Eureka Rebel’s jockey Kerrin McEvoy expects no trouble at the Derby distance next week.

“He ran really well,” McEvoy said. “I didn’t jump like we thought but he got a nice trip around and he goes to Randwick to enjoy the 2400m,” McEvoy said.

Third-place finisher Shangri La Boy improved per rider Adam Hyeronimus, but requires refinement.

“That is not the best version of him,” Hyeronimus said. “The best version of him is jump and relax in front then show his sharp turn of foot.”

Advertisement

For the best prices on the ATC Australian Derby, visit trusted racing betting markets.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

Rivers United Return to Top as Goals Flow in NPFL Matchday 32

Published

on

There were plenty of goals in the Nigeria Premier Football League on Sunday as Rivers United returned to the top of the table with an impressive 4-2 win over Kun Khalifat.

Coached by Finidi George, Rivers United had been away from home in recent weeks, allowing Rangers International to go top. However, their strong comeback victory helped them reclaim first place.

Aniekeme Okon opened the scoring before Kun Khalifat responded through Abdulrafiu Omolabi and Sunday Adehi. Iyowuna Douglas scored twice, while Handsome Surveyor also found the net to seal the win.

Advertisement

Elsewhere, Shooting Stars defeated Rangers 3-1 in Ibadan. Sodiq Ibrahim gave the home side the lead before Chidiebere Nwobodo equalised. Late goals from Desmond Ojietefian and Mustapha Adams secured the victory.

In Lagos, Ikorodu City beat Warri Wolves 4-3 in an exciting match. Abayomi Ayodeji scored his first goal for Ikorodu City, while Tosin Oyedokun and Joseph Arumala also scored. Chisom Ogbuu scored an own goal but later got on the scoresheet for Warri Wolves, while Igbunu Evwierhurhoma netted twice.

Barau FC and Katsina United played out a goalless draw in Kano. Remo Stars, reduced to ten men, earned a 1-1 draw against El Kanemi Warriors in Maiduguri, their first away point under Usman Abd’Allah.

Advertisement

On Saturday, Bendel Insurance drew 2-2 with Plateau United.

In the Abia derby, Enyimba beat Abia Warriors 2-1 in Aba. Chidera Michael scored twice, while Emeka Obioma scored for Abia Warriors.

There were also home wins for Kwara United, Bayelsa United and Niger Tornadoes against Nasarawa United, Kano Pillars and Wikki Tourists respectively.

Rivers United now lead the table with 55 points, one point above Rangers after 32 matches.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Moses Itauma names who he wanted to face next after brutal Franklin KO: “He’s not available”

Published

on

Moses Itauma has already started plotting his future following his victory over Jermaine Franklin.

Itauma extended his unbeaten record to 14-0 with a fifth round knockout win over Franklin at Co-Op Live in Manchester, doing something that Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte were unable to do by stopping the American inside the distance.

It was a dominant performance from the Brit, first knocking down Franklin in round three before securing the win two rounds later with a massive uppercut that sent his rival face flat onto the canvas.

Advertisement

Attention has already turned to who Itauma could face next, but the 21-year-old has admitted that his ideal opponent isn’t achievable.

Speaking in his post-fight interview, Itauma revealed that he would have liked to face Filip Hrgovic next, but will now be unable to do so after the Croatian instead agreed to take on British rival Dave Allen.

“If I’m completely honest I wanted the Hrgovic fight but he’s boxing Dave Allen. We’ll go back to the drawing board and see who’s available and we’ll be back out soon.”

Hrgovic has claimed wins over Joe Joyce and David Adeleye in his last two contests, and will look to make it three straight wins over British opponents when he meets Allen at the Keepmoat Stadium in Doncaster on May 16.

While a fight with Hrgovic seemingly won’t be next, Itauma’s promoter Frank Warren insisted it will be a noteworthy bout.

Advertisement

“He’ll be out again probably in July. He’s number one in the WBO and number one in the WBA. There’s a lot of fights happening in the next few months and don’t worry we’ll sort something out. It will be a big fight. He’s a big name and he’s a big fighter.”

A solid option for Itauma’s next bout is instead WBA Regular champion Murat Gassiev, who earned the belt with a win over Kubrat Pulev back in December.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

NHL roundup: Flyers beat Stars in OT as East playoff race tightens up

Published

on

PHILADELPHIA — Trevor Zegras wristed a sharp-angle shot past Casey DeSmith with 1:33 remaining in overtime, leading hard-charging Philadelphia to a victory over slumping Dallas.

Travis Konecny scored in regulation for the Flyers, who are 8-1-1 in their last 10 games. With 86 points, they pulled within two of both Columbus — which is in the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference — and Pittsburgh — which is in third place in the Metropolitan Division. Samuel Ersson made 17 saves.

Rookie Arttu Hyry, playing his sixth game since being recalled from Dallas’ AHL affiliate, scored the lone goal for the Stars, who are in second place in the Central Division but have lost five of their last six. DeSmith finished with 28 saves.

NEW YORK — Adam Sykora broke a scoreless tie early in the third period and Igor Shesterkin made 26 saves and the New York Rangers defeated the Florida Panthers 3-1 on Sunday.

Advertisement

Sykora, a rookie who was a second-round pick in 2022, scored his second goal of the season at 5:10, tipping Adam Fox’s shot past Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky.

Conor Sheary then scored his fifth of the season — on a short-handed breakaway — at 11:14 before Fox added an empty-netter at 16:06.

Sykora also scored in the Rangers’ 6-1 win against Chicago on Friday. The Rangers are just 11-18-7 at home this season.

Florida’s Mackie Samoskevich scored with 40.2 seconds left to end Shesterkin’s shutout bid.

Advertisement

NASHVILLE — Jake Guentzel had a goal and two assists while Corey Perry broke a third-period tie to give Tampa Bay a victory against Nashville to move into first place in the Atlantic Division.

Brandon Hagel also scored for the Lightning, who improved to 6-0-2 in the past eight games. Guentzel has scored in four consecutive games.

Jonas Johansson finished with 29 saves.

Joakim Kemell and Filip Forsberg scored for the Predators who hold the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference despite three consecutive losses. Justus Annunen finished with 25 saves.

Advertisement

CANADIENS 3, HURRICANES 1

RALEIGH, N.C. — Nick Suzuki scored two goals and had an assist to lead Montreal to a win over Carolina.

Suzuki fueled a three-goal second period for the Canadiens, who have won five straight and won all three regular-season games against the Eastern Conference-leading Hurricanes.

Cole Caufield added a goal and assist for Montreal and goalie Jakub Dobes made 34 saves in his third win of the season over the Hurricanes.

Advertisement

Andrei Svechnikov scored for the Hurricanes, and Frederik Andersen stopped 15 shots.

BRUINS 4, BLUE JACKETS 3, SO

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Viktor Arvidsson scored the decisive goal in the shootout and had three assists in the third period as Boston rallied from a three-goal, third-period deficit to defeat Columbus.

It is the ninth time in franchise history the Bruins have posted a three-goal, third-period comeback, and the first since March 13, 2018, when they defeated Carolina 6-4.

Advertisement

Fraser Minten also scored in the shootout for the Bruins, who have won three straight and five of six. The victory also kept Boston in the first wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference with 92 points.

Pavel Zacha had two power-play goals — including the tying score with 11 seconds remaining — and an assist while Charlie McAvoy had a goal and an assist. Jeremy Swayman stopped 21 shots.

NEWARK, N.J. — Dougie Hamilton and Jack Hughes scored 19 seconds apart late in the third period and Jake Allen made 28 saves as New Jersey rallied to defeat Chicago.

With New Jersey trailing 3-2, Hamilton scored at 14:32 before Hughes scored at 14:51 to put the home team ahead and electrify the Prudential Center crowd. Hughes — who also had two assists — added his 22nd goal of the season into an empty net with 31 seconds left.

Advertisement

Connor Brown and Simon Nemec also scored for New Jersey, which has won six of its last eight games.

With the Blackhawks on a 5-on-3 advantage, Frank Nazar rifled a pass from Connor Bedard past Allen at 10:51 of the third for his second goal of the night. Ilya Mikheyev also scored for Chicago, which ended its four-game trip with a third-straight loss after resounding defeats to the Flyers and Rangers.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

Aryna Sabalenka tops Coco Gauff to secure Miami crown and Sunshine Double | Other Sports News

Published

on


Aryna Sabalenka beat Coco Gauff in the Miami Open women’s singles final 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 on Saturday.


The world No. 1 overpowered fourth-ranked Gauff in the first and third sets with sizzling groundstroke winners and became the first player to accomplish the “Sunshine Double” – winning Indian Wells followed by Miami in the same season – since Iga Swiatek in 2022.


It was Sabalenka’s second straight title at the Miami Open, Gauff’s hometown tournament, and put her ahead of Gauff in their head-to-head record, 7-6.


“You’ve pushed me to be a better player,” Sabalenka said during the ceremony, before adding about the crowd, “You always bring a full stadium.” 
The match lasted 2 hours, 11 minutes and ended on Gauff getting broken for the fourth time with a wide backhand.

Advertisement

 


Gauff fought back to force the third set, but couldn’t maintain the momentum she appeared to get from the deafening crowd supporting her.


“It sucks not to come out with a better result but I had a lot of joy this week,” Gauff said to the crowd. “You guys brought energy every day this week.” 
Sabalenka at times was frustrated by the fan noise, including when someone yelled “out” during a long rally. She used a curse word at the fan and the chair umpire warned the crowd, but also gave a code violation to Sabalenka.


“I shouldn’t be that rude, but come on, you cannot do that,” Sabalenka said at the ceremony. “So let’s agree we were both wrong, so sorry.” 
Gauff’s off-and-on serve created seven double faults while Sabalenka registered none.

Advertisement


Sabalenka broke Gauff in the first game of the third set, helped by a Gauff double fault and an unforced error. On break point, Sabalenka crunched a backhand winner.


“I was disappointed about that first game of the third set up 30-0 with momentum,” Gauff said. “It was an important game to win in that moment.” 
The match was attended by Kai Trump, President Donald Trump’s granddaughter and a golfer at the University of Miami. She posted a photo with Sabalenka at the tournament on social media Friday.


Sabalenka, who earned her 24th pro title, said before the match she was happy Gauff had found her best tennis in her home tournament at which she had never gotten past the fourth round.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

Amnesty warns 2026 World Cup across North American risks becoming ‘stage for repression’

Published

on

Amnesty International warned this summer’s football World Cup, spread across three North American countries, risks becoming a “stage for repression” in a report published Monday.

The London-based human rights organisation’s report — “Humanity Must Win” — called on both FIFA and host countries the US, Canada and Mexico to take urgent action to protect fans, players and other communities.

FIFA has promised a tournament where everyone “feels safe, included and free to exercise their rights”. 

But Amnesty said that pledge sits in “stark contrast” to conditions on the ground in all three host nations, especially the US, which hosts three-quarters of the 104 matches.

Advertisement

Amnesty described the US as facing a “human rights emergency” under the Trump administration, marked by mass deportations, arbitrary arrests and what it called “paramilitary-style” Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.

The acting director of ICE said last month the agency will be “a key part of the overall security apparatus for the World Cup”. 

This comes despite anger at the killing of two American citizens who were protesting aggressive ICE raids in Minneapolis in January.

Read moreIran ‘negotiating’ with FIFA over moving World Cup games from US to Mexico

Advertisement

‘Pay the price’

Amnesty said none of the published host city plans address how fans or local communities will be protected from ICE operations.

Fans from four nations taking part this summer — Ivory Coast, Haiti, Iran and Senegal — face US travel bans and LGBTQ+ fan groups from England and across Europe have said they will not attend matches in the US, citing risks to transgender supporters in particular.

“This World Cup is very far from the ‘medium risk’ tournament that FIFA once judged it to be, and urgent efforts are needed to bridge the growing gap between the tournament’s original promise and today’s reality,” the report said.

FIFA said earlier this month the 48-team tournament — the biggest World Cup in history — will proceed “as scheduled” with all teams taking part, despite uncertainty over Iran‘s presence due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Advertisement

The global football governing body, which has been heavily criticised over its decision to award a newly created “Peace Prize” to President Trump in December 2025, stands to earn $11 billion from the tournament cycle.

“While FIFA generates record revenues from the 2026 World Cup, fans, communities, players, journalists and workers cannot be made to pay the price,” said Steve Cockburn, Amnesty’s head of economic and social justice.

“It is these people — not governments, sponsors or FIFA — to whom football belongs, and their rights must be at the centre of the tournament.” 

The World Cup kicks off on June 11 at the Mexico City Stadium with the final scheduled for July 19 at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Advertisement

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

UConn stuns Duke in Elite Eight matchup

Published

on

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

The UConn Huskies needed to dig themselves out of a hole in the second half against the Duke Blue Devils, and behind Braylon Mullins’ clutch 3-pointer and Tarris Reed Jr.’s high-percentage scoring, they were able to pull off an incredible comeback victory to advance to the Final Four.

The Huskies were able to effectively pressure the Blue Devils into a turnover with less than seven seconds left. Caden Boozer had his pass deflected and the ball got into Mullins’ hands.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Advertisement
Braylon Mullins celebrates

UConn guard Braylon Mullins (24) celebrates after a basket against Duke during the second half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington.  (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Braylon Mullins with his teammates

UConn guard Braylon Mullins, right, celebrates his game winning basket with guard Malachi Smith (0) during the second half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament against Duke, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington.  (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

The freshman was well beyond the 3-point line when he chucked up the ball. His prayer was answered as the ball went through the back of the net. UConn’s 19-point comeback was complete as the Huskies’ bench jumped in jubilation.

UConn was able to get the ball into Reed many times over the course of the game and for nearly half of the second half, the Huskies were in the bonus. Reed finished with 26 points on 10-of-16 from the field with nine rebounds. He was 6-of-9 from the free-throw line.

MICHIGAN ROUTS TENNESSEE TO WIN REGIONAL FINAL, ENTER NCAA MEN’S FINAL FOUR

Duke's Dame Sarr celebrates a basket

Duke guard Dame Sarr celebrates a basket against UConn during the first half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington.  (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Duke was up three points with 28 seconds to go. UConn guard Silas Demary Jr. was fouled and went to the free-throw line for two shots. He missed the first and made the second. The second free throw enabled UConn to set up its press defense and force the turnover in the end.

Advertisement

The Huskies outscored the Blue Devils 44-28 in the second half after being down 44-29 in the first half.

Cameron Boozer led Duke with 27 points and grabbed eight rebounds.

Tarris Reed Jr dunks the ball

UConn forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) dunks during the second half against Duke in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington.  (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

UConn is back in the Final Four for the third time in three years. The Huskies will be looking to get back to the national championship after winning two titles in the last three years. UConn will take on Illinois and Michigan will go up against Arizona in the Final Four.

Advertisement

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Fans slam Bubba Wallace for causing a 15-car wreck at Martinsville

Published

on

Bubba Wallace was at the center of the biggest wreck of the Cook Out 400 at Martinsville Speedway. Fans online reacted strongly after a late-race crash triggered by the 23XI Racing driver caused a multi-car pileup and ended the race for three cars.

Wallace spent much of the race hovering around the middle of the field, struggling to move forward on a track where passing often comes down to tight, physical racing. Martinsville’s nature means bumpers are constantly in play, especially in congested traffic. But this time, what initially looked like routine contact escalated.

Wallace made repeated contact with Carson Hocevar while entering Turn 4 and through the corner. With limited space on the outside lane, Hocevar was forced up into Zane Smith. The contact sent Smith hard into the outside wall and triggered a stack-up behind. Within seconds, the track had over a dozen cars piled in with nowhere to go.

Advertisement

The crash involved Austin Dillon, Daniel Suarez, Chris Buescher, Erik Jones, Connor Zilisch, Riley Herbst, and others. Wallace spun in the incident, ending his race along with Herbst and Ty Dillon. Smith retired initially but returned later. The incident drew strong reactions from fans online, many of whom placed the blame squarely on the No. 23 driver.

Some comments on X did not hold back, pointing to what they felt was excessive aggression from Bubba Wallace in a tight corner.

“Bubba Wallace, what an F-ing joke,” a fan wrote.

Bubba Wallace, what an F-ing joke.

“Retard wrecks half the field bc he got passed,” another one commented.

Retard wrecks half the field bc he got passed.

Advertisement

Others echoed the sentiments.

“Didn’t mean to?? He plowed him 4 times in 1 turn 🤣🤣,” someone wrote.

Didn’t mean to?? He plowed him 4 times in 1 turn 🤣🤣

“Bullsh*t, he hit him three times. What a disgrace,” another one chimed in.

Bullsh*t, he hit him three times. What a disgrace.

“Awww little man baby, trying to avoid a penalty. Nice try. Can’t wait to see what that penalty is,” a fan tweeted.

“Awww little man baby, trying to avoid a penalty. Nice try. Can’t wait to see what that penalty is.”

Advertisement

Others questioned whether the move was avoidable, especially given the lack of space Carson Hocevar had on the outside. While the language varied, the overall sentiment remained consistent, as many viewed it as a preventable incident.


Bubba Wallace reacts after crash ends his race early: “I misjudged”

Bubba Wallace (23), Ross Chastain (1), and Carson Hocevar - Cook Out 400. Source: GettyBubba Wallace (23), Ross Chastain (1), and Carson Hocevar - Cook Out 400. Source: Getty
Bubba Wallace (23), Ross Chastain (1), and Carson Hocevar – Cook Out 400. Source: Getty

After being released from the infield care center, Bubba Wallace addressed the incident and accepted responsibility for the contact with Carson Hocevar. His explanation pointed to a misjudgment rather than intent, though the result had already reshaped the race.

“I misjudged. I didn’t appreciate the three-wide in (Turn) 1 fine, and then I misjudged the center of the corner. Didn’t mean to turn him… What a frustrating day, man,” he said.

Wallace also reflected on the expectations heading into Martinsville, a track he has often considered one of his better opportunities.

“So much expectation coming here, favorite track, Hardee’s on the car. Just wasn’t the day we wanted. We really really have to figure out what it is at this place. We can win Saturday in practice, just don’t show up on Sundays. I hate it for our team,” he added.

It marked another setback for Bubba Wallace in what has otherwise been a strong start to the season. The 23XI Racing No. 23 finished inside the top 11 in the first five races. However, a DNF at Darlington followed by this crash at Martinsville has now dropped him nine places in the standings.