Saints, Vikings, buccaneers pull surprises; Fall of Bengals, Rams, Ravens; Arch Manning thrived

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🏈 Football Five

1. Aziz Al-Shair Got away with a punchthe the bear Gone with a hip-drop tackleAnd Texans The penalty is fulfilled 19-13 win on the bear four back Kimi Fairbairn field goal
2. Aaron Rodgers is Back to the win column after Jet24-17 win the titans. Rodgers threw a touchdown on a running back Brice Hall And Braylon AllenAnd the defense got a late red zone stand.
3. Malik Willis his throw First career touchdown in Green Bay’s 16–10 win on Colts. And despite that Packers the center Josh Myers Puking on the ball.
4. D monster The kicker is missing part of the reason Graham Gano — who entered the game with a groin problem — Injured on opening kickoff. Commanders the kicker Austin SeibertMeanwhile, made a franchise-record seven field goals in a 21-18 victory. This is one Unprecedented way to lose For New York.
5. Over in college football, Colorado push State of Colorado, 28-9and is Showing signs of progressWritten by Dennis Dodd. it was all smiles At the press conference.

🏈 Good morning everyone, but especially…

The Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Who are these guys, and what did they do? Sam Darnold, Derek Carr And Baker Mayfield?! D Vikings, Saints And Buccaneers All 2-0.

Let’s start with Darnold and Minnesota, which surprised 49ers, 23-17. Darnold threw for 268 yards and two touchdowns — Highlighted by a 97-yd from Justin Jefferson — against his former team, and the Vikings were sacked Brock Purdy Six times and returned him twice. The 49ers usually play games on their own terms, but The Vikings flipped that scriptCody Benjamin writes from Minneapolis.

All is well, said Jefferson, who left early with a bruised quadricep. “I’m not seriously injured.”

Heading into the NFC South, the Saints are the league’s biggest surprise Beating 44-19 of the cowboy, Scorigami-style. Carr threw for two touchdowns and ran for another, but that was it Alvin KamaraIt was his total of 180 yards and four touchdowns that stole the show. Paulson Adebo And Tyrant Matthew to pick Dak Prescott.

The Saints have 21 possessions this season and have scored touchdowns on 12 of them, including Each of the first five against Dallas. The offensive line has been a bright spot, Carr has taken advantage, Kamara continues to chug and the secondary looks great. Confirm credit New offensive coordinator Clint KubiakAlso written by Will Brinson.

Not to be outdone, the Buccaneers also beat an NFC power, at the top the lion20-16. Mayfield threw for one touchdown and ran for another and Christian Egyen And Zion McCollum to pick Jared Goff.

Both New Orleans and Tampa Bay are among them Cody Benjamin’s Week 2 winnerAnd both scored strong marks John Breach’s weekly grades

A year ago, Darnold was a backup, Carr was struggling in his first year in New Orleans, and Mayfield was seen as the bridge quarterback. It’s clear these three are having a moment right now.

😃 Honorable mention

🏈 And not such a good morning …

Cincinnati Bengals, Baltimore Ravens and Los Angeles Rams

Who are these guys, and what have they been up to? Bengals, Ravens And Aries?! All three — projected playoff contenders, if not Super Bowl contenders — are 0-2.

Bengalis snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. Leading and pinned at 25-23 chiefs From fourth and 16, Daijahan Anthony Committed to a pass interference. Four plays later, Harrison Butker Kicked off back-to-back Super Bowl champions 26-25 win. For all miracles Patrick Mahomes Pulled off, this is the first time he has earned a fourth and the first in 16 or more times.

Cincinnati’s offense was better than it was in Week 1, but Ja’mar Chase It was another quiet day — without her Asking for a flag is too loud and flagged itself — and Unsatisfied with his contract. yes

Ravens drop a 26-23 stunning from the invader After leading by 10 early in the fourth quarter. Baltimore has blown four double-digit fourth-quarter leads since 2022, tied for most in the NFL, so this isn’t new. but Derrick Henry Not going, and the new look offensive line has not been great. The defense is struggling. even Justin Tucker is the struggle.

But “Who are these guys?” The line applies best to Ram, who They were blown out the door, 41-10by Cardinal. Already except Puka Nakuya And several offensive linemen, the Rams also lost Cooper’s coup (ankle) But it wasn’t just crime. The defense allowed 489 yards, its most since 2018. even Sean McVay/Matthew Stafford The pair can’t get over it, and Jeff Kerr says It could be a long season.

😕 Not so honorable mention

🏈 College Football Week 3: Georgia survives, Arch Manning improves, Florida State falls to 0-3

There is a reason to play on the field, not on paper. A week after blooming by South Carolina, kentucky push Georgia Up to the limit, finally with the Bulldogs Staving off an upset bid, 13-12. A huge showdown with Alabama (Which beat Wisconsin, 42-10), has Georgia legitimate concernWritten by David Cobb.

TexasMeanwhile, I had a different kind of fear Queen Years Suffer from a tight stomach against UTSA. It didn’t take Arch Manning Long assuaged those fears. He had five touchdowns, including a 67-yard runand Heisman oddsmakers Notice taken. So, too, did the AP Top 25 voters: The Longhorns are on top New AP Top 25 (And in the second Coaches Poll)

At the other end of the spectrum, State of Florida … Righteousness. The Seminoles went 0-3 down 20-12 MemphisStarting a season with three straight losses to unranked opponents made them their first preseason top-10 team. Mike Norvell He said Evaluate everything In a post-game press conference that was fittingly, Interrupted by fire alarm. But Will Backus said the team Already punted this season.

• Backs: “Florida State lacks an apparent leader to pick the team up when its back is against the wall. If there was such a player, or even a coach, the Seminoles would not be in this position.. … This is Norvell’s fifth year with the program. These problems are not early growing pains; They are native to a culture that has spiraled out of control –or one that doesn’t exist at all.”

Ironically, already the state of Florida “Under” clinched his expected win.

If it makes Florida State fans feel any better, Things are not very good A Florida.

Here’s more from the weekend:

⚾ MLB Power Rankings, Standings, and more

We’re two weeks into the MLB season, and we’re in for some high drama with these wild card races. Here’s a look at who’s competing for the three AL wild-card spots:

1. Orioles (+4.5 games)
2. Royals (+2.5)
3. twins (–)
4. Tigers (-2.5)
5. Mariners (-2.5)
6. Red Sox (-4.5)

And in NL:

1. Parents (+3.5)
2. Diamondbacks (+2)
3. Mets (–)
4. brave (–)

As for the best of the best, here are the top five Matt Snyder’s Power Rankings:

1. Phyllis (previous: 2)
2. Yankees (3)
3. Brewer (4)
4. Dodgers (1)
5. guardian (5)

And here’s more from the weekend:

🏀 A’ja Wilson reaches 1,000 points; Caitlin Clarke’s career high of 35

The WNBA season is winding down, but its stars — and the drama — are ramping up With the regular season ending Thursday, here’s what’s happening around the league:

Here’s Jack Maloney’s Takeaways from a busy Sunday.

📺 What we’re seeing on Monday

🏈 Eagles at Falcons8:15 pm on ESPN