Sports
Vikings’ Run Game Faces Major Scheme Shift as Frank Smith Brings Wide-Zone Influence
The Minnesota Vikings expect to win their fourth season-opener in five years under Kevin O’Connell on Sunday. They’ll face the Green Bay Packers, who dominated the Vikings 23-6 the last time the two teams met in a competitive outing.
Moreover, expectations are high internally for the Vikings. Yet, many of the franchise’s biggest offseason bets remain unproven. They’ll probably have fewer better options to test the new arrivals than a tie against their fiercest division rival in Week 1. If those bets pay off, the Vikings’ fans have more reasons to anticipate a good season. Otherwise, the emergence of warning signs on Sunday might indicate a fresh reason for concern. In the meantime, all eyes are on new assistant coach Frank Smith, whose experience could help reshape the team’s running scheme in the new season.
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Frank Smith’s Introduction to the Vikings’ Coaching Crew Builds Anticipations for New Offensive Scheme
Mar 26, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell speaks to the media during the NFL annual league meetings at the JW Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
The Vikings made significant overhauls this offseason in what appears as a renewed emphasis on the run game. The franchise ran more than they passed in four of their last five games of the 2025 season, demonstrating a new priority. Meanwhile, reports from the squad show they want to build on their last five games (of which the Vikings lost none). They’ve now hired former Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith as assistant head coach, whose experience with the “wide-zone” running scheme could help balance the squad’s offense. ESPN’s Dan Graziano recently addressed this expectation.
“Expect the Vikings to implement more wide-zone concepts this season as they work to make their running game a more reliable and integral part of their offense.”
Still on the franchise’s offseason signing, the Vikings drafted fullback Max Bredeson and signed Jauan Jennings, popularly called one of the league’s top blocking receivers. These offseason moves undoubtedly signal change, especially considering that the squad’s starting offense ran six times for 44 yards in one preseason drive.
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Then you have veterans like Kyler Murray, who signed a one-year, $1.3 million deal in March. While the former No. 1 overall pick hadn’t been able to replicate his early-career success recently in Arizona, he still possesses more physical talent than most active quarterbacks today. Pairing him alongside Kevin O’Connell and Justin Jefferson should help resurrect Murray’s career.
Yet there remains a concern that his style of play won’t mesh with O’Connell’s offense. The unit experienced a philosophical shift during the offseason to accommodate Murray. But it’s clear the Vikings’ offense operates best with quarterbacks who can leverage defenses with play action from under center. Add all that to the reality of Murray’s 5-foot-10 placement, which nearly impairs his chances of succeeding at some unique quarterback situations.
On the coaching front, Keith Carter was promoted to head offensive line coach as the franchise looks to adopt a more aggressive approach up front. With the multiple offensive pieces and administrative professionals in place, all eyes are on the Vikings’ Sunday clash to see what Smith and the rest of the technical team bring out of the Vikings’ offense as the season begins.
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Forward Braden Bowman has signed a six-year, $20.4 million contract extension, the Golden Knights announced Thursday.
With still one year remaining on his two-year, entry-level deal, Bowman’s new contract will take effect next season.
Bowman, 23, made his NHL debut with the Golden Knights last season, recording 26 points (eight goals and 18 assists) in 54 games. He was a healthy scratch during the playoffs but did appear in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final as the Golden Knights lost to the Carolina Hurricanes.
The Kitchener, Ont., native has also appeared in 88 career AHL games, all with the Golden Knights’ affiliate, and has posted 62 points (26 goals and 36 assists).
Sports
Shafali stars with 64, Deepti strikes thrice as India storm into 10th Asia Cup final after 40-run win over Bangladesh | Cricket News
India produced another dominant performance with bat and ball to beat Bangladesh by 40 runs and storm into the final of the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday. After posting 149/6 in their 20 overs, India’s bowlers delivered under pressure to restrict Bangladesh to 109/7, successfully defending what initially appeared to be a modest total on a slow pitch.The victory extended India’s unbeaten run in the tournament and secured their place in a 10th successive Women’s Asia Cup final. They will face the winner of the second semi-final between defending champions Sri Lanka and Pakistan in the title clash on September 13.
Shafali’s blazing 64 lifts India
Bangladesh won the toss and opted to field, but Shafali Varma made the most of the opportunity to put India on the front foot.The explosive opener smashed 64 off 40 balls, hitting seven fours and three sixes, as she held India’s innings together after vice-captain Smriti Mandhana fell for just two. Shafali rode her luck after being dropped three times but made Bangladesh pay with an attacking knock that gave India a competitive total.Captain Harmanpreet Kaur struggled for fluency but contributed 24 off 28 balls, including two sixes, while Richa Ghosh added an important 21 off 16 deliveries. Deepti Sharma then provided the late impetus with a quick 13 off six balls, helping India finish just short of 150.
Deepti spins Bangladesh into trouble
Bangladesh needed 150 to reach the final but struggled to maintain momentum throughout their chase. Deepti Sharma once again proved the difference with the ball, claiming 3/26 in four overs and repeatedly breaking Bangladesh’s resistance.Nandani Sharma also impressed, taking 2/10 from two overs, including the final wicket of the innings. Bangladesh’s top order showed glimpses of resistance, with Dilara Akter scoring 21 off 26 balls and Shorna Akter hitting a brisk 22 off 18. But the batting line-up failed to absorb India’s sustained pressure.The Tigresses lost wickets at regular intervals as India tightened their grip on the chase. With the required rate climbing, Bangladesh could only reach 109/7 in 20 overs, falling 40 runs short.The innings ended in fitting fashion for India, with Nandani Sharma dismissing Rabeya Khan hit-wicket. Khan attempted to slog a slower delivery but ended up dislodging the stumps with her bat while completing the shot.
India eye another Asia Cup title
India’s latest victory keeps their unbeaten campaign intact and sends them into yet another Asia Cup final. The seven-time champions will now await the winner of Sri Lanka vs Pakistan, with the final scheduled for September 13.
Welcome to Play Smart, a regular GOLF.com game-improvement column that will help you play smarter, better golf.
Bunkers are a place of anxiety for most recreational golfers. Whether it be from a lack of practice or an incorrect technique, bunkers give most weekend warriors fits.
David Armitage, a GOLF Top 100 Teacher, knows this fact well — and he’s set on changing it. Although he teaches all facets of the game, his favorite topic is bunker play. Specifically, helping his students conquer their fear of the sand.
That’s why he wrote a book on the subject (yes, really!) and recently teamed up with us here at GOLF to create the most comprehensive guide to bunker play out there.
Check out the full video below, or read on for an excerpt detailing the two drills Armitage recommends for improving your bunker play.
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Rake drill
One of Armitage’s favorite drills features a tool you can find in just about any bunker: a rake. He places it behind the ball a about a foot or so, meaning that if he sways or falls back during the swing, he will hit it. The drill helps golfers understand how vertical the swing needs to be for a proper bunker shot.
“If I drift off the ball on the backswing, I’m gonna hit the rake,” Armitage says.
The rake also helps golfers make sure the downswing is steep and getting the low point in the correct location. Armitage recommends starting slowly (so you don’t accidentally hit the rake) and using the drill to build the feeling of the correct motion.
“Do it slowly,” he says. “Maybe just do it in very slow motion just to get the image and the feeling.”
Once you get the hang of it, you can build up to a faster swing.
Line drill
Another drill comes from Ernie Els. Armitage says Els would draw two lines in the sand, set up wide, and make swings that focused on contacting the sand between those lines. He would then make two or three of those swings before hitting a ball.
“That’s what the pros do, and one of the best players in the world,” Armitage says.
The lesson for amateurs is to do the same. Rather than immediately hitting balls, start by practicing the setup and the strike.
“Do the line drills first, get that impact where you want it, and then take that to the ball,” he says.
This drill helps instill the feel for controlling the low point in your swing and getting a feel for where the clubhead should enter the sand. If you can contact the clubhead between the lines with consistency, you’ll have no problem splashing the ball out of the sand when you’re on the course.
Filipinas’ Angie Beard during a match against Uzbekistan in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup. –PFF PHOTO
MANNILA, Philippines–The Philippine women’s football team will be missing one of its key players for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
Angie Beard has pulled out of competing in the quadrennial meet after sustaining an injury, though coach Mark Torcaso assured that it’s more of a knock than a serious concern.
READ: Filipinas test young players at Asian Games with World Cup in mind
“She will unfortunately have to withdraw over the next couple of days. So we’re just working through that replacement process at the moment,” Torcaso said during Thursday’s open training at Mall of Asia Football Park.
Beard has been one of the team’s top defenders, though the initial squad announced for Asian Games listed her as a forward.
Torcaso is hoping Beard can be healthy enough to take part in the Filipinas’ Peru camp in October.
“She’s got a small injury and hopefully she’ll be available for the Peru Camp in a couple of weeks’ time,” he said. “It’s nothing severe; it’s just a short, cautious plan for Angie to make sure she’s okay.”
Beard is the latest Filipinas mainstay who won’t be at the Asian Games, joining Jessika Cowart, Chandler McDaniel and Sara Eggesvik.
The three players, however, are not available because of overseas club commitments. The Asian Games is not included in the Fifa calendar.
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Edgar Grospiron has left his position as president of the organising committee for the 2030 French Alps Winter Olympics just 18 months after his appointment.
The departure of Grospiron, the 1992 Olympic moguls champion, was confirmed at a meeting of the committee’s executive board on Thursday, marking the latest setback in the event’s troubled governance.
In a statement, the organising committee said: “His decision to leave the presidency is part of a deliberate, organised and fully assumed transition, taken in the interests of the project and its governance.
“It reflects a shared desire with stakeholders to enable the organisation to quickly enter this new operational phase.”
Confirming his departure via a post on LinkedIn, Grospiron said his decision followed “months of tension”.
“I draw the conclusion that the conditions are not met for me to continue this,” he wrote.
Grospiron’s tenure, which began in February 2025, has been plagued by internal turmoil and logistical challenges.
In February 2026, chief executive officer Cyril Linette left the committee, citing “insurmountable disagreements” with Grospiron.
Linette’s departure followed a number of other high-profile resignations, including chief operating officer Anne Murac and communications director Arthur Richer.
Budget cuts have plagued the planning process, with Grospiron admitting in February they had “little time, little money”.
However, he remained confident he could “deliver a Games that will honour our vision and ambition” provided there was “serenity” and “continuity” from the organising committee.
In May, the committee was forced to shelve the Games’ ‘ice sports hub’ in Nice after the city’s mayor, Eric Ciotti, refused to allow OGC Nice’s Allianz Riviera Stadium to be converted into a temporary ice rink.
The ice events will now be hosted in Lyon, with the exception of speed skating, which will take place in Heerenveen in the Netherlands.
Two months later, following a tense board meeting in July, French Olympic Committee president Amelie Oudea-Castera told La Tribune Dimanche, external that they were “once again facing governance problems”.
Despite another departure from the organising committee, French sports minister Marina Ferrari says there is “no concern about what comes next”.
“The bid is continuing to move forward,” she told reporters. “Our teams are mobilised and working. We are confident about the future of the Alpes project.”
The International Olympic Committee praised Grospiron’s “crucial work in laying the foundations for the success” of the Games.
“The IOC will continue working in close collaboration with the organising committee to build on the solid foundations that Mr Grospiron has laid,” the statement added.
Entering the 2026 NFL Kickoff Game, Drake Maye argued the Patriots’ rematch with the Seahawks was nowhere near as significant as the Super Bowl in February.
A win wouldn’t level the playing field or erase the sting of losing on the big stage in San Francisco.
Maye didn’t say before the game what a full-blown collapse in the sequel could do for his confidence and the belief of the others in his huddle.
Well, we can make that read for you. It’s Maye Day in New England.
An unabashed disaster unfolded in the second half at Seattle where the Patriots allowed a win on a platter to plummet into doubts Maye isn’t the next Sam Darnold.
On the biggest stage and in the biggest games, Maye has a two-game streak of falling face first.
There was no offensive line or suspect play-calling to blame Wednesday night. Other than a Romeo Doubs drop the blame falls squarely on Maye. He was the culprit on each of the interceptions that ended New England’s final three drives and led to a 10-0 lead becoming a 13-10 letdown.
With Darnold on the sideline after five snaps due to a hip injury, Drew Lock rallied Seattle and had a chance to put New England away after a 9-yard scramble inside the 5 set up 2nd-and-1 with the game tied 10-all. Then Lock got caught looking at his playcall wristband for too long, pushing Seattle back five yards before missing on consecutive throws. Instead of a TD and a seven-point lead, the Seahawks had to settle for a 26-yard field goal and gave the ball back to Maye.
To be fair, Maye was exceptional on the final drive and converted a 4th-and-2 with his feet and a second fourth down with a sharp completion to Mack Hollins.
And he was very good for three quarters playing extremely safe, borderline conversative, with no gain of more than 15 yards until Rhamondre Stevenson turned a short completion into a 17-yard gain.
To be honest, Maye folded again under pressure. Seeing ghosts, perhaps.
His first pick was his first risky decision of the night, going long for Doubs down the left sideline into double coverage. Doubs was open two ticks earlier, but nickel cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett closed on the underthrow to corral the tipped ball. New England was instantly deflated from 10-0 and in position to force Lock into a two-minute offense type of situation to on their heels.
Mike Vrabel said many of the same things he shared after the Super Bowl defeat. He expects Maye to bounce back. The Patriots are looking ahead, not back, to the Sept. 20 home opener against the Steelers.
Maye can win beat Pittsburgh. Probably the next week at Jacksonville, too. We know he can win games. He has months before his next chance to prove capable of delivering in the clutch.
Irish Open, first round leaderboard
-5 J Niemann (Chile); -3 S Lowry (Ire), S Norris (SA), A Meronk (Pol, 15*), M Steinlechner (Austria, 13*), R Paratore (Ita, 12*); -2 K Kobori, (NZ), R Cabrera (Spa), T McKibbin (NI), P Reed (US), C Syme (Sco), N Noergaard (Den), F Lacroix (Fra), J Skov Olesen (Den, 17*), R Langasque (Fra, 16*), D Law (Sco, 12*)
Selected others: -1 E Ferguson (Sco), A Sullivan (Eng), N Hoejgaard (Den), R McIlroy (NI); Level J Rahm (Spa); +1 P Harrington (Ire); +2 R MacIntyre (Sco); +3 L Donald (Eng); +5 S Garcia (Spa), B Koepka (US); +8 T Hatton (Eng)
*denotes number of holes played in uncompleted rounds
Rory McIlroy sits four shots behind leader Joaquin Niemann after a blustery day one at the Irish Open at Doonbeg.
McIlroy carded a one-under-par 69 despite the high winds and sporadic showers which battered the Trump International Golf Links and Hotel in County Clare.
The world number two posted birdies at the second and fourth holes, double-bogeyed the 13th after taking two shots to get out of a bunker, but then picked up a shot at the 15th.
Back-to-back Masters champion McIlroy is aiming to defend the title he won at the K Club last year and secure a third Irish Open crown of his career, having triumphed at the same venue in 2016.
A victory this week would see him draw level with European greats Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer and Colin Montgomerie on three Irish Open successes.
A run of four consecutive birdies between the 14th and 17th helped Chilean Niemann assume his position at the top of the leaderboard.
The LIV golfer shot six birdies in total, with just a single dropped shot, to hold a two-shot lead over a group of five players, including Ireland’s Shane Lowry and South African Shaun Norris, who both completed their first rounds.
Italian Renato Panatore, Maximilian Steinlechner of Austria, and Pole Adrian Meronk are also on three under but are among a number of players who must return to finish their opening 18 holes on Friday morning after fading light brought a halt to proceedings on Thursday evening.
Play was slow throughout the day as the inclement weather posed significant challenges for the later starters in particular.
Northern Ireland’s Tom McKibbin, who was three under for his first four holes, Scot Conor Syme and Race to Dubai leader Patrick Reed are among those on two under.
Two-time Irish Open champion Jon Rahm was left to rue an unproductive day on the greens as he shot a level-par 70.
Robert MacIntyre lies two over, with five-time major winner Brooks Koepka and Sergio Garcia three further back on five under, and European Ryder Cup player Tyrrell Hatton eight over.
Koepka’s cause was not aided by a triple bogey at the first, quickly followed by a dropped shot at the second and he will require an improved round on Friday if he is to avoid a second successive missed cut at the event.
Content warning: The following article contains depictions of alleged domestic violence.
Josh Jacobs pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to property on Thursday, just ahead of Week 1, after moving his initial court date up from November. Jacobs told the court , “I fully understand the seriousness of the situation, and I take full responsibility.”
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He was fined $1,000 and has five conditions for his plea:
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No further criminal acts;
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No contact with the victim;
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Pay restitution to the victim
Jacobs will reportedly not serve jail time, and the NFL is now likely to consider a suspension in the near future. He’s currently on the commissioner’s exempt list, and if he’s suspended later on, games missed on the exempt List will count toward his suspension. He’d likely be fined his salary for games missed while on the exempt List.
The NFL Personal Conduct Policy has a baseline suspension of six games for domestic violence. The State of Wisconsin did not count this as domestic violence because the victim was not living with Jacobs at the time, but the NFL will most likely consider this a domestic violence issue. There is some precedent of other battery charges being originally six games and then reduced to lower than that, but the most likely scenario is roughly six games, beginning in Week 1.
From the admittedly very awkward transition from the legal situation to fantasy football purposes, this is close to a best-case scenario for Jacobs. It’s easier to find replacements with most RBs healthy heading into Week 1 and without teams on bye. It also shortens the runway for MarShawn Lloyd, Kaleb Johnson and Chris Brooks to make noise and cut into his work. Jacobs was the RB12 last season as the Packers’ bellcow, and it’d be a surprise if he didn’t have close to that workload upon his return as an upside RB2. If drafts were held today, Jacobs would be a sixth-round pick to me.
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That said, the criminal complaint still indicates that some of this altercation was on video. The criminal complaint, according to ESPN, stated that a woman was trying to leave Jacobs’ garage when he “grabbed her and threw her to the ground, and she struck her head, suffering an injury.”
If the video is leaked and it shows something the NFL does not feel comfortable with, then Jacobs’ could still end up missing more than the projected six games. For what it’s worth, the District Attorney’s office did drop the charges from five to two and reduce them from a felony to misdemeanors after seeing the video. The video was also at Jacobs’ residence, not in public like the leaked videos of Ray Rice, Alvin Kamara and others.
Lloyd would be closer to the 120th pick if drafts were held today, as a short-term RB2/FLEX candidate. Packers OC Adam Stenavich said the team will use a committee approach in Week 1 against the Vikings’ unique defense. Lloyd likely gets the start, but newly-acquired Kaleb Johnson should get carries in an offense built for his style. Meanwhile, Chris Brooks is the only proven pass protector, and with the Vikings’ blitz-heavy scheme on schedule, he could play more than many expect.
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Lloyd is my RB27 in Week 1. He’s a very clear sell, as confidence around his value could tank with an opening clunker. It doesn’t appear he’ll be in the mix for starts for very long either.
The reigning champions are in fine form! After a poor start to their league campaign, PSG came alive on their return to European action, cruising to a 6-1 win over Slovakian side Slovan Bratislava. Ousmane Dembélé, who scored twice and provided two assists, and Ferran Torres, who hit a hat-trick, led PSG to victory.
Levanga Hokkaido’s Dwight Ramos during the Japan B.League Manila preseason games. –B.LEAGUE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Dwight Ramos once again felt the frenzy of the Filipino crowd during the Japan B.League Manila Games.
By now, though, the situation is hardly a surprise.
READ: Dwight Ramos ‘big piece’ in Levanga’s B.League bid, says Tominaga
After playing for Gilas Pilipinas around the world, Ramos said playing at home–even for a Japanese club–felt much the same.
“I play in Japan and there’s a lot of Filipinos there. I played in the Middle East, and there’s also a lot of Filipinos there. I play here and the gym’s packed,” he said. “I can’t even tell the difference. It’s the same everywhere I go.”
“No matter where I go, I get the same crowd where I play. I really appreciate it and I’m really grateful for it.”
Fans at Mall of Asia Arena during the Japan B.League Manila preseason games. –B.LEAGUE PHOTO
The rowdy home crowd fueled Ramos to drop 17 points, four assists and three rebounds.
His Levanga Hokkaido, however, fell to the Gunma Crane Thunders for the second straight night, this time a 101-91 loss in overtime Thursday at Mall of Asia Arena.
READ: Japan B.League coaches impressed by Manila crowd’s passion
On the other side, AJ Edu nearly tallied a double-double with nine points and nine rebounds.
Like Ramos, Edu was ecstatic to feel the home crowd again, but he was happier to see his Gunma teammates experience the Filipino fans’ passion.
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“It’s great that they also experienced how Filipino fans are,” said Edu. “This isn’t quite like Gilas but I always talk about their passion so I’m grateful that my team got to experience that firsthand.”
Dawn French banned from driving for fourth speeding offence
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