Month: October 2024

Titans’ Colt Anderson, a walking contradiction

Tennessee Titans special teams coach appears to have no concrete idea of what is wrong with the special teams.

Titans’ special teams coach, Colt Anderson, has had a rough week, to say the least. And things have not improved in the days following the latest meltdown against the Detroit Lions. 

During his media availability on Thursday, things appeared to have gone from bad to worse as media members across the Titanverse bombarded the embattled coach with a wide array of topics, including the effort level of his units. 


“It hasn’t been effort,” Anderson said, “Efforts have never been an issue here.” 

This quote contradicts the postgame fallout, when Anderson went out of his way to discuss the effort in detail. Saying the effort was ‘questionable’ against the Lions and that ‘he couldn’t explain it.’


It is easy to see and explain that the Anderson-coached special teams units are among the worst in the NFL. A contradiction like this points to uncertainty surrounding the core issue and likely confusion on how to address it. Seven games into the season, and after the bye, it is a little late to find out. 

Effort aside, between sloppy coverage and the inability to block, the coach must take responsibility and fix the issue. As many Titans’ fans have said on social media, Anderson has not done enough in 2024, and now those fans have no real idea of what the game-day problem is.

Head coach Brian Callahan has supported Anderson to this point, but if another debacle ensues, changes must be made. If they aren’t, look for the dismal performances and social media outrage to continue. 

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Aaron Rodgers’ TD pass to Davante Adams ices Jets’ win over Texans

Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams with a TD connection as New York Jets

The New York Jets were in desperation mode.

They were 2-6 and down 7-0 in the second half against the Houston Texans on Thursday at MetLife Sradium.

The offense came alive after the break, Aaron Rodgers threw three touchdown passes and the Jets were 3-6 after a 21-13 win over the AFC South leaders.

The one that iced the game was Rodgers’ 37-yard pass to Davante Adams to make it 21-10 after the PAT.

Rodgers was 22-of-32 for 211 and the TDs. Adams caught seven passes for 91 yards despite missing part of the second half while being evaluated for a concussion.

One note about Adams’ touchdown. After the flub in the first half when rookie Malachi Corley dropped the football before entering the end zone, it was a bit reckless for the veteran wideout to begin his celebration prematurely.

C.J. Stroud was without top wideouts Nico Collins and Stefon Diggs. The second-year QB had his second off game in the last three, completing 11-of-30-passes for 191 yards..

Tank Dell had six catches for 126 yards, including a 50-yarder.

Jets WR Garrett Wilson’s 1-handed grab vs. Texans might be catch of the year

New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson might have just made the catch of the year and the Houston Texans are on the wrong side of history.

Remember when Odell Beckham Jr. made one of the greatest catches in NFL history back in 2014 at MetLife Stadium against a Texas-based team?

Garrett Wilson did the exact same thing nearly a decade later against the Houston Texans.

Early in the fourth quarter and down by three, New York Jets quarterback Arron Rodgers heaved a pass on third-and-19 to the back of the end zone. Wilson, who already caught a touchdown pass earlier in the second half, just wasn’t content with securing one score on the evening.

With rookie Kamari Lassiter in coverage, Wilson went airborne, using the young cornerback’s body as leverage to haul in a one-handed grab for the touchdown reception. At first, it looked like Wilson was out of bounds, but after further review, it was clear his shin was down just inside the end zone.

Here’s the play below:

Sitting at 2-6, New York needs a win if it plans on making a run toward the AFC postseason. Houston could secure its best start if they respond on the ensuing drive.

As for Wilson, he’ll make history for one of the greatest catches in NFL history. Beckham walked for Wilson to run and the third-year defender is sprinting.

Houston returns to NRG Stadium next Sunday evening against the Detroit Lions.

Kentucky will be without several starters again versus Tennessee

Kentucky football will be missing several key players when they take on Tennessee.

The 2024 Kentucky football season has had to deal with a number of issues that have led to three straight losses. The offense, in particular, has struggled, and they’ve failed to score enough points. Injuries have certainly been a part of that.

As the Wildcats prepare to face the Tennessee Volunteers on Saturday, they will, once again, be dealing with some key injuries. Each SEC team is required to report injured players, and designate them as either Out, Doubtful, Questionable, or Probably.

Related: SEC football power rankings for week nine

This week’s availability report has multiple Kentucky players, and key contributors listed as out.

On offense, running back Chip Trayanum continues to deal with a hand issue that has caused him to miss nearly every game. Tackle Gerald Mincey and tight end Jordan Dingle are also both listed as out.

The defensive side of the ball is particularly hard hit. Cornerback Maxwell Hairston will be out again, dealing with a shoulder injury. J.J. Weaver and D’Eryk Jackson are also out, and are huge losses for the Wildcats.

Beating Tennessee was going to be very difficult under optimal conditions. With so many starters missing. It will be even tougher.

Jets’ Garrett Wilson makes Catch of the Year touchdown grab vs. Texans (video)

Jets’ Garrett Wilson makes Catch of the Year touchdown grab vs. Texans (video)

After a review, Garrett Wilson might have made the best catch of the entire 2024 NFL season.

On third and very long, Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers chucked one up and oh boy, was it ever a play. Words can’t even really do it justice.

Wilson hauled in a pass with one hand in the back of the end zone and he got both feet down.

The score put the Jets up 14-10 in the fourth quarter.

What a highlight, which can be found below:

Why 49ers won’t make big splash at 2024 trade deadline

The 49ers will likely be active at the trade deadline, but don’t expect them to make a big splash.

The San Francisco 49ers are in a weird place as the 2024 NFL trade deadline approaches.

They entered this year hoping to make another Super Bowl run, and their 4-4 record has them in the thick of the playoff race as the get to their Week 9 Bye. On the other hand, San Francisco through eight weeks hasn’t looked like a Super Bowl contender, which makes the trade deadline an important point for them in the 2024 campaign.

While a big-time trade may be what the 49ers ultimately need to get over the hump, don’t expect them to push all their chips in for a run this season.

The 49ers’ front office has been aggressive in making acquisitions since general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan took over. That’s especially true when they feel like such moves will help them win a Super Bowl. However, they’ve typically juxtaposed that ‘all-in’ mentality with an eye toward the future. There’s an immediate plan, but there’s also a longer term vision that includes the three-plus years down the road.

A longer-term vision may be what keeps them from unloading premium assets in a trade during a season where they’ve started 4-4.

The 49ers are in something of a transition period with their roster where the next three or four years will see an exodus of the core veterans that have kept their championship window open since the 2019 season. Players like left tackle Trent Williams, fullback Kyle Juszczyk and tight end George Kittle are reaching a point where they won’t be substantial parts of the team in three or four years. That job belongs to the likes of quarterback Brock Purdy, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, defensive end Nick Bosa and linebacker Fred Warner. They represent a new core that would ideally throw open a new Super Bowl window.

That group will need the support of draft picks that will theoretically replace some of the exiting veterans.

In some ways the 49ers are already feeling the sting of losing three first-round picks in the Trey Lance trade before the 2021 draft. The lack of top-end depth has hurt them as veterans have gotten too expensive to keep and injuries have forced the club to dig deeper into their depth chart. That shrinks their margin for error with the selections that will help comprise their new core of players on a Super Bowl contender.

It’s hard to believe a team that’s generally so focused on the future will push all its chips in to try and make a run with this 2024 club.

Instead of using premium future draft capital, they’ll likely aim to shell out some later-round picks for depth along the defensive line, or wherever the team believes it most needs the assistance. That’ll allow them to thread the needle between trying to contend this year without mortgaging their future.

Some better depth at a couple of key spots combined with the impending return of reigning Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey should be enough to at least put the 49ers in the conversation when it comes to this year’s Super Bowl.

A big splash in the trade market would definitely put them there, but there’s too much at stake in the future for the 49ers to go make such a splash now.

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Ohio State football releases game trailer for Penn State game

Good is not good enough #GoBucks

Ohio State finds itself in a must-win situation. Each week is now effectively a playoff game if the Buckeyes want to control their own destiny. The next test … undefeated Penn State.

The Ohio State football creative team has released its newest edition of game trailers featuring defensive line coach Larry Johnson. It’s very reminiscent of Urban Meyer’s speech about how being average isn’t good enough. Good isn’t good enough if you want to be great. I mean, James Franklin knows that after his pulpit moment preaching about being elite a few years ago after a loss to the Buckeyes.

But I digress.

Take a listen as Ohio State prepares for the Nittany Lions. And don’t forget to take a look at our preview and prediction for game insights.

Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes, and opinion. 

Upon review, Garrett Wilson makes astonishing, one-handed touchdown catch for Jets

Garrett Wilson with an astonishing catch for his second touchdown of the game

Garrett Wilson already had a great one-handed catch for a touchdown on Thursday against the Houston Texans for the New York Jets.

In the fourth quarter, Aaron Rodgers looked deep for his wideout and Wilson delivered a mind-boggling grab.

The catch Wilson made for the touchdown that gave the Jets a 14-10 lead after the PAT was one for the ages.

He caught the ball with one hand and somehow managed to get a shin down in the back of the end zone before his knee hit out of bounds.

The play was originally called incomplete but Jeff Ulrbich challenged it and after a review it was called a touchdown.

Will Anderson Jr. injury update: Texans DE leaves during Jets game

Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. suffered an ankle injury in the first half against the New York Jets.

The Houston Texans might be without their star defensive player for the remainder of Thursday’s game against New York Jets on Halloween. Hopefully, the injury won’t carry over to next Week’s showdown against the Detroit Lions.

Will Anderson Jr.’s night could be over depending on the severity of the injury suffered in the first quarter at MetLife Stadium.

Here’s what happened and his status.

Will Anderson Jr. injury update

Anderson, who was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Month earlier Thursday afternoon, was rolled up on during the first quarter on a run by Jets star Breece Hall. He was down on the ground after suffering an injury and needed help from the medical staff.

Anderson began to work drills after leaving the blue medical tent and got his left ankle taped up before returning to the field for several plays. He was limited during the second quarter, only seeing action on pass-rushing downs against Aaron Rodgers.

After halftime, the Amazon Prime Video broadcast announced that Anderson was questionable to return with an ankle injury.

Will Will Anderson Jr. return for Thursday Night Football?

The Texans have listed Anderson as questionable for the remainder of Thursday’s game. The former All-American was replaced by a rotation of Denico Autry and Derek Barnett, who should hold their own in place of the former No. 3 overall pick.

Before his injury, Anderson had a tackle for loss against Hall on the opening drive.

Will Anderson Jr. stats

One of the rising stars off the edge entering his second season, Anderson had totaled 7.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss entering Thursday’s game. He currently leads the NFL in tackles for loss and ranks third in sacks, trailing only New York Jets second-year defensive end Will McDonald and New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence.

Texans DE depth chart

With Anderson out with an injury, here’s the rest of the defensive ends on the active roster:

Los Angeles Lakers at Toronto Raptors odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Los Angeles Lakers at Toronto Raptors odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Toronto Raptors (1-4) welcome the Los Angeles Lakers (3-2) to Scotiabank Arena Friday. Tip is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Lakers vs. Raptors odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: First meeting; Lakers won both meetings last season

The Raptors lost to the Charlotte Hornets 138-133 Wednesday, closing as a 6-point underdog. While Toronto has lost 3 in a row, it has covered in each and is riding a 4-game covering streak. The Raptors are 1-2 straight up at home and 2-1 against the spread (ATS). They are 2-0 ATS against Western Conference sides as well. Toronto is led by G RJ Barrett‘s 25.5 points per game.

The Lakers kicked off the season red hot, winning 3 straight games against Minnesota, Phoenix and Sacramento. They are coming off a 134-110 road loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers Wednesday which followed a 109-105 road loss to the Suns Monday. Los Angeles is 4-1 ATS and 1-1 ATS on the road, having lost both road games. The Lakers are led by F Anthony Davis, who is averaging 30.6 points and 12.2 rebounds per game.

Lakers at Raptors odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NBA odds. Lines last updated Thursday at 10:14 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Lakers -350 (bet $350 to win $100) | Raptors +260 (bet $100 to win $260)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Lakers -8.5 (-105) | Raptors +8.5 (-115)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 228.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Lakers at Raptors key injuries

Lakers

  • G D’Angelo Russell (back) probable
  • F Jarred Vanderbilt (foot) out
  • C Christian Wood (knee) out

Raptors

  • F Scottie Barnes (orbital) out
  • F Kelly Olynyk (back) out
  • G Immanuel Quickley (pelvic) doubtful

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

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Lakers at Raptors picks and predictions

Prediction

Lakers 120, Raptors 110

Moneyline

PASS.

The Lakers are the far better side here and should come out on top, but as a sizable road favorite, they aren’t worth a moneyline play here. Similarly, don’t expect the Raptors to outperform expectations and win outright.

Against the spread

BET LAKERS -8.5 (-105).

The Lakers have covered well this season and have been even better as a favorite. They are 3-0 ATS as a favorite. They have also shot extremely efficiently with 3 of their top 4 scoring options shooting 38% or better from deep. Their leading scorer, Davis, is shooting 54.6% from the field.

While the Raptors have been relatively efficient offensively as well, their defense has struggled, allowing at least 107 points in all 5 games and allowing 127 points or more in 3 of 5. Toronto ranks last in the NBA in defensive rating and will struggle against a quality offense like Los Angeles.

Couple those trends together and back LAKERS -8.5 (-105).

Over/Under

BET OVER 228.5 (-105).

The Lakers and Raptors both play at a pace that ranks in the top half of the NBA. In terms of tempo, the Raptors sit 7th and the Lakers rank 13th. That has helped the Raptors go 4-1 O/U in 5 games, scoring at least 115 points in 3 of those 5.

The Lakers are 3-2 O/U and have gone Over in 3 of their last 4. They have scored at least 123 points twice in the last 4 games. Los Angeles has struggled defensively as well, allowing at least 116 in 3 of 5 games. That said, take OVER 228.5 (-105).

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