Month: October 2022

Ravens HC John Harbaugh gives status update on OLBs Tyus Bowser, David Ojabo

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh gave a status update on outside linebackers Tyus Bowser and David Ojabo

The Baltimore Ravens have more defensive reinforcements on the way, as head coach John Harbaugh announced during a press conference on Monday that outside linebackers Tyus Bowser and David Ojabo will be activated to the 53-man roster. Bowser looks to have more of a shot to play on Monday night in Week 9 against the New Orleans Saints, while Ojabo might have to wait a bit longer.

Getting both players back will be a great thing for a Ravens’ defense that has seen improvement over the past few weeks. They will look to work Bowser back into things once he’s ready while also acclimating Ojabo to the NFL game.

“Yes, that’s a fair question, and I might as well just tell you. Yes, they’ll be activated, so they’ll both be activated and available, and we’ll see what happens. I would expect … I think Tyus [Bowser] will be ready to play, for sure. And really, it kind of comes back to Tyus saying, ‘I’m going.’ He wants to be mentally ready to go, so you can ask him. But I’m kind of counting on him, to be honest with you. He has targeted this game, so we’ll see. And then [David] Ojabo is a little different. We’ll see where he’s at with it, in terms of being ready. He’s a rookie. But he will also be possible, as far as playing in the game Monday night”.

Both players give Baltimore quality depth at the outside linebacker position. Bowser proved himself as one of the team’s most consistent defenders in 2021, while Ojabo is more of a wild card, as he hasn’t played an NFL snap to date yet.

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Darvin Ham talks about Russell Westbrook helping Lakers in bench role

Darvin Ham seems very happy about how Russell Westbrook is thriving in his new role coming off the bench for the Lakers.

In the Los Angeles Lakers’ last two games, Russell Westbrook has come off the bench, and he has not complained one bit.

In fact, he helped the team by giving it an injection of energy and pace when he came in during both contests.

On Sunday against the Denver Nuggets, the Lakers finally earned their first win of the season. Westbrook went 6-of-12 from the field for 18 points plus eight rebounds and eight assists.

Head coach Darvin Ham, who had spoken glowingly about the former league MVP since taking the job, talked about how he has helped the team in his new role.

“I told him he’s gonna thrive man, just trust me. Trust me. I always told him, your sacrifice, a player of your magnitude for you to do this, it’s gonna send waves,” Ham said. “It’s gonna help our team and I said you can’t look at it like you’re getting so caught up in starting. If I remember correctly, he finished the game, right? And so it’s like, dude I’m putting you in a position where you’re gonna come off, he’s helping us in so many areas coming off the bench, scoring, rebounding, assists, he’s giving those other guys, Austin and those other guys confidence, Matt, Wenyen. So it’s tailor-made in my opinion for our group as it’s built for him to be in that role and then gain his rhythm, and then now when Bron and AD are back on the floor, he’s in a good mood, he’s in a good mix because he’s playing and competing at a very high level.

“And our guys see that once they sit down like ‘OK, he’s taking it up a notch so I can’t come back in and be the one to ruin it.’ So I’m so happy for him man, he’s the last couple of games, Minnesota and tonight, he’s been phenomenal. Nothing short of amazing and I think I’m so happy. I can’t even imagine what that kid is going through. One of the biggest things about me getting this job was for him to get that respect that he deserves because a lot of went on last year was not his fault and everything, all of the blame, was placed on him. I told him just listen to me, believe in me, bro. I’m gonna put you in position to succeed with the group but you gave to put the group first. It can’t be about me or I or mine, it’s got to be us, ours, we. And he’s done that.”

It appears Westbrook will continue to come off the bench, at least for the time being, and if he continues to be efficient and under control, it could pay some dividends that few could’ve seen just a week or two ago.

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Ravens ILB Patrick Queen reacts on Twitter to team’s acquisition of ILB Roquan Smith with emoji

Ravens inside linebacker Patrick Queen reacted to the team’s acquisition of inside linebacker Roquan Smith from the Bears

The Baltimore Ravens bolstered their defense in a big way on Monday, reportedly acquiring star inside linebacker Roquan Smith from the Chicago Bears in exchange for a second-round pick, a fifth-round pick and inside linebacker A.J. Klein. It’s a needle-moving trade that should help Baltimore compete even further in 2022.

Following the news fellow inside linebacker Patrick Queen reacted on Twitter to the trade. He put just a single emoji, seemingly signaling his excitement to be able to have a player such as Smith line up next to him on a game-by-game basis.

Smith and Queen have the potential to be the inside linebacker duo of the future in Baltimore. However the acquisition of the former Bears star does raise questions as to what the future of both holds in a Ravens uniform. Regardless, the duo will almost certainly make for a great pairing for at least the remainder of the 2022 season.

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Full reported details of Ravens’ trade for Bears ILB Roquan Smith released

The full reported details of the trade between the Ravens and Bears for inside linebacker Roquan Smith

The Baltimore Ravens reportedly acquired inside linebacker Roquan Smith from the Chicago Bears on Monday afternoon. The move marks a big splash for general manager Eric DeCosta and company, adding a two-time All-Pro player who is one of the best at his position.

After the initial move was reported, the full trade details of the compensation that Baltimore was sending back to Chicago in the deal were released. The Ravens ended up parting with a second-round pick, a fifth-round pick, and inside linebacker A.J. Klein.

Smith now slots in on a defense that boasts multiple star talents already, and he’ll be able to play next to inside linebacker Patrick Queen. The trade shows that Baltimore is serious about competing in 2022, and if they choose to extend Smith will have an anchor in the middle of their defense for years to come.

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Bengals DE Sam Hubbard needed x-rays after loss to Browns

Another injury for the Bengals defense.

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard was seen getting x-rays in Cleveland after his team’s loss to the Browns.

Hubbard was on the sidelines getting what appeared to be a hand looked at during the team’s 32-13 blowout loss, one that sent the Bengals to 4-4 and 0-3 in the AFC North.

Despite the issue, Hubbard nearly wound up leading the Bengals in tackles with nine alongside a sack.

Hubbard did eventually meet with the media after the loss too, but his loss or limitation would hinder an already-struggling defense.

Those Bengals, already down key names on defense like DJ Reader, lost No. 1 corner Chidobe Awuize to a serious-looking knee injury Monday night.

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Tyrese Maxey, Sixers praise De’Anthony Melton after win over Wizards

Tyrese Maxey and the Philadelphia 76ers praise De’Anthony Melton for his efforts in a road win over the Washington Wizards.

When the Philadelphia 76ers acquired De’Anthony Melton from the Memphis Grizzlies on draft night in June, they knew they were getting a guy who can legitimately contribute on both ends of the floor.

A big example of that came Monday in a 118-111 win over the host  Washington Wizards. Melton had 16 points on 7-for-10 shooting and three assists. At the other end, he bothered Wizards star Bradley Beal into a tough shooting night.

After the win, Maxey joined NBC Sports Philadelphia courtside and he was asked about Melton as well as the play of PJ Tucker. He gave a lot of love to Melton:

They’re balling, man. Melton has found his niche. PJ, he’s been around for 35 years so he’s been in the league a long time, so he knows what he’s gonna do. He played with James before so he knows exactly what the spacing is like and everything that he needs to do to play with him, but Melton’s huge man. They call him Mr. Do Something for a reason and that’s what he does. We asked him to guard Bradley Beal, we asked him to make open 3s, we asked him to roll, we asked him to pop, we asked him to do so many different things on the basketball court, and that’s what he does.

It was a slow start to the season for Melton, who was helpful defensively, but he couldn’t find a groove offensively. However, to end the road trip, he looks to be in a nice rhythm and more comfortable.

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“Honestly, the two things is just playing with him more, No. 1,” coach Doc Rivers told reporters “No. 2 is touching the ball. The first two games, he never really touched the ball a lot. Now we’re sharing the ball more as a team, and he feels more involved. He’s such a disrupter defensively, and again, I keep saying it, I knew he was good, I didn’t know he was this good, defensively. His hands are just incredible.”

The Sixers return home on Wednesday to face the Wizards again.

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Bengals vs. Browns takeaways and everything to know from Week 8

Game recap and notes from Bengals vs. Browns in Week 8.

The Cincinnati Bengals need to take a long look in the mirror while fans worry about the season-long ramifications of the team’s 32-13 “Monday Night Football” loss to the Cleveland Browns.

To say the ramifications and takeaways are important would be an understatement.

The Bengals now have to figure out an offense that couldn’t get it going against a team missing its top corner and a defense that looked downright lost and suffered a major injury in the process.

Never mind those pesky season-long outlook ideas with the team 0-3 in the AFC North.

These are the big takeaways and in-game notes from the primetime flop.

Nom, Nom, Nom: Twitter reacts to Cowboys’ 40-burger win over Bears

The Cowboys offense put on their best performance of the season and Twitter didn’t disappoint. @ProfessorO_NFL takes a look at the best reactions of Week 8.

Did somebody order a “40 burger”? While it may be too early to proclaim that the offense is officially back, it was certainly a sight for sore eyes. Entering Week 8 with a lengthy list of injuries and a bye looming, the Cowboys elected to play it safe and opted to rest several key players including: RB Ezekiel Elliott, WR Noah Brown, DE Sam Williams and S Malik Hooker.

Tony Pollard had his opportunity to showcase what he is capable of and delivered three touchdown runs and over 150 combined yards. Quarterback Dak Prescott had his best performance of the season and looked sharp as he dissected the Bears secondary. With a final score of 49-29, the Cowboys improved their record to 6-2 as the enter the bye week. Here are the best Twitter reactions of the Cowboys win over the Chicago Bears.

Russell Westbrook buys home across the street from LeBron James

Russell Westbrook may be deepening his roots in the Los Angeles area despite incessant trade rumors.

It is no secret the Los Angeles Lakers have been trying to trade Russell Westbrook for the last several months, and that they will likely resume such efforts in a few weeks.

Fans have had enough of him for a while, and they want him off the team one way or another.

But it looks like Westbrook will remain a Laker for at least some time, and he has seemingly shown some commitment to his new role coming off the bench.

He played very well in Sunday’s win over the Denver Nuggets, scoring 18 points on 6-of-12 shooting overall and 2-of-4 from 3-point range, grabbing eight rebounds and dishing off eight assists.

He recently put his Los Angeles house up for sale, but he has purchased a new one — across the street from teammate LeBron James.

Via Robb Report:

“Roughly a month after Westbrook put his Los Angeles mansion on the market, he dropped $37 million on another bonkers Brentwood residence. The 13,500-square-foot home was formerly owned by Formula One heiress Petra Ecclestone and just so happens to be right across the street from James. Ecclestone and her husband, Sam Palmer, bought the estate back in 2019 for $22.7 million and made a slew of renovations over the years, reported Dirt. Palmer, an agent at Hilton & Hyland, represented the transaction.”

Even if or when Westbrook gets traded, he may continue to live in the Southland, as it has always been his home. He grew up in Hawthorne and played his college ball at the University of California, Los Angeles.

But without a doubt, the fact he bought a house so close to James’ estate seems like a good sign in terms of team chemistry and his relationship with his mates.

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Conner Weigman and Evan Stewart honored for Week 9 performances

Conner Weigman and Evan Stewart honored for Week 9 performances

It should come as no surprise, but the Aggies 2022 freshman recruiting class is showing out on the field, even if the teams results haven’t matched over the last several weeks.

The two most prominent performers from Jimbo Fisher’s renowned 2022 class, quarterback Conner Weigman and wide receiver Evan Stewart are getting notoriety at the national level for their play in Week 9 against Ole Miss.

Weigman posted the best performance by an Aggies’ Quarterback in years, completing 28-of-44 passes for 338 yards and 4 touchdowns, and Evans continued his ascent to elite play-maker status, catching 6 balls for 88 yards and an unbelievable one-handed touchdown catch.

On Monday, Weigman and Evans were honored by On3’s Charles Power as True Freshman Standouts, and Weigman was named 247Sports’ True Freshman of the week.

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