Category: 2024 NFL season

Ladd McConkey continues rookie season tear in win over Falcons

Ladd McConkey’s rookie tear only continued on Sunday with a standout performance in the 17-13 win over the Atlanta Falcons.

Ladd McConkey’s rookie tear only continued on Sunday with a standout performance in the 17-13 win over the Atlanta Falcons.

The former Georgia wide receiver had already crossed the century mark by halftime, tallying 105 yards on eight receptions. He had been targeted by quarterback Justin Herbert nine times.

Before McConkey went down with a knee injury in the final minute of the game and was considered questionable to return. But before he was sidelined, he had amassed 9 receptions for 117 yards. He averaged 13 yards per reception.

He reached a season-high in receptions and recorded his third 100-yard game, with this one joining the 31-27 win over the Cincinnati Bengals (123 yards) and the 26-8 win over the New Orleans Saints (111 yards).

Practically the entire Chargers passing game on Sunday rode on McConkey’s performance as Herbert finished out the game 16-for-23 passing with 147 yards through the air.

In the last three weeks alone, McConkey has targeted 27 times, catching 21 passes for 323 yards. He now totals 815 receiving yards and is well on pace to reach 1,000 yards as the Chargers head down the home stretch of the season.

To have accomplished what he did Sunday was particularly special as he returned to Georgia in an on-field capacity for the first time since his college career in Athens.

“We lost last week, and we wanted to get that taste out of our mouths. So it was good to come in here and get done and get rolling on the back half of the season,” he said.

McConkey has been playing through injury for weeks now, but it hasn’t hindered his game. And the fact he’s performing at the level he is with that just makes him that much more impressive.

He was asked about those hindrances but seemed optimistic about the future on that front.

“We’ll regroup tomorrow. Get back out there and get right next week. It’s cool coming back home, cool experience. Just so proud of my guys.”

McConkey headed into Sunday’s game with 698 receiving yards, the second among all rookie pass-catchers and behind only former teammate Brock Bowers. He has put together a long list of accomplishments already, adding to that Sunday as his 105 receiving yards were the most ever by a Chargers rookie in the first half, going back to 1991.

Keenan Allen held the record before with 104 receiving yards against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2013.

Ironically, McConkey and the Chargers will hit the road once more to face the Chiefs up next on the schedule. Kickoff is set for 8:20 p.m. in Arrowhead Stadium.

Quick facts from the Commanders’ Week 13 win over the Titans

We look at some quick and numbers from the Commanders’ Week 13 win.

The Commanders scored 21 first-quarter points and were on their way to their 42-19 victory over the Tennessee Titans at Northwest Stadium.

Here are some of the quick facts from the 8th win of the Commanders’ season:

  • The Commanders possessed the ball today 40:13, more than double that of the Titans, who had it only 19:47.
  • The 42 points scored by the Commanders was the fifth time this season they scored 30+ points. The last time that occurred was the 9-7, 2015 season, quarterbacked by Kirk Cousins.
  • Washington ran the ball 45 times, while the Titans ran it 11 times. No typo; the Commanders outrushed the Titans 267-35.
  • Speaking of rushing, Brian Robinson finished with 103 yards on 16 carries. Not far behind, Chris Rodriguez ran 13 times for 94 yards.
  • This is the third time the Commanders scored 40+ points this season; the last time that occurred was the 1991 season (four times) on their way to a 14-2 season and Super Bowl XXVI win.
  • Jayden Daniels completed 25 of 30 passing attempts (83 percent) for 206 yards (6.9 yards per attempt).
  • The Commanders accomplished 29 first downs today, holding the Titans to a mere 12, had the advantage in total plays 77-50, and out-gained the Titans 463-245.
  • With his eighth sack of the season today, Frankie Luvu now has his new career high.
  • The Commanders’ eighth win of this 2024 season doubles the four wins of the 2023 team. The eighth win of the season also ties the best season Ron Rivera had (2022, 8-8-1) in all four of his seasons.
  • In the final quarter, Jayden Daniels passed to Zach Ertz for a 4-yard TD. It was the 50th career touchdown reception.
  • When the Commanders expanded the lead to 28-0, the Titans had run a total of 13 offensive plays at that point. At this point, the Titans had four offensive possessions ending with two punts and two fumbles in their own territory. On the other side, the Commanders’ first four possessions ended in four touchdowns.
  • Today, Bobby Wagner reached 100+ tackles for the 13th straight season. The only other player to accomplish this feat was London Fletcher, who reached 100+ tackles in 14 consecutive seasons.

Instant analysis: Texans score two late touchdown to secure victory over Jaguars

The Houston Texans move to 8-5 on the regular season after securing a win on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

C.J. Stroud’s 22-yard touchdown pass to Dalton Schultz in the fourth quarter was the difference between another loss against an inferior opponent in the AFC South and a victory before the bye.

Joe Mixon’s last run was the icing on the cake.

The Houston Texans avoided a scare at EverBank Stadium as they advanced to 8-5 in a 23-20 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

With the loss, the Jaguars have officially been eliminated from playoff contention.

The victory for Houston marked its second win in five weeks, entering Week 14’s bye. It also helped the AFC South leaders improve to 4-1 in the division, which could help them clinch the title when they return in Week 15.

Tempers flared just before halftime when linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair knocked out Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence as he tried to slide for a first down.

Tight end Evan Engram and several teammates attacked Al-Shaair, whose potential cheap shot could result in a suspension. Both benches cleared as a brawl ensued on the field for several minutes.

Lawrence, who missed the past two games due to a shoulder injury, was carted off and evaluated for a head injury. Al-Shaair, along with Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones, were both ejected for their roles in the fight after the hit.

Mac Jones replaced Lawrence and made things interesting in the fourth quarter down three scores. He threw for 235 yards and two touchdown passes and rallied the team back to come within three.

Stroud, who struggled in last week’s loss to the Titans with a pair of interceptions, completed 22 of 34 passes for 242 yards. Eleven pass attempts went to Nico Collins, who finished with a team-high 115 yards on eight catches.

Mixon’s 101-yard rushing performance marks the third time a running back has rushed for at least 100 yards  and a touchdown in six road games during the same season. He joins Tiki Barber of the New York Giants (2004) and Derrick Henry of Tennessee (2020) to accomplish the feat.

The breakout running back averaged 5.1 yards on 20 carries and scored on a 7-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.

Injuries

Texans safety Jimmie Ward was evaluated for a concussion but cleared to return. Schultz also injured his right shoulder in the third but returned for the fourth to secure what would be the game-winning touchdown.

What’s next?

The Texans get a much-needed bye week when they return home. After that, they’ll play three games against potential AFC playoff contenders in a 15-day span beginning on Dec. 15 at NRG Stadium against the Miami Dolphins.

Dalton Schultz injury update: Texans TE returns, scores TD vs. Jaguars

Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz left during the third quarter of Week 13’s game with a shoulder injury.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

The Houston Texans are looking to secure their seventh consecutive road win over the Jacksonville Jaguars entering the fourth quarter, but the offense could be missing a signature player.

Tight end Dalton Schultz left during the third quarter with a shoulder injury and could be out for the rest of the game, depending on further evaluation. The Texans need a win to secure a 4-1 record in conference play before next week’s bye.

Here’s the latest on the Texans’ veteran tight end.

Dalton Schultz injury update

During the third quarter, Schultz suffered a shoulder injury when he hurdled a defender trying to pick up a first down. He remained down on the ground for a moment and was slow to get up before heading to the sidelines.

The Texans listed the tight end as questionable to return, though he managed to be healthy enough to come back in for the fourth quarter. He hauled in a 22-yard touchdown pass from C.J. Stroud for his first scoring opportunity of the regular season.

Losing him for an extensive period of time would have been a concern because the Texans are short of tight ends.

Following the scoring drive, Schultz has caught five passes for 61 yards.

Texans TE depth chart

If Schultz were to miss the rest of the game, Houston would be limited to rookie Cade Stover and former Alabama star Irv Smith Jr. Stover has mostly seen action as the team’s H-back or in 12-personnel this season after being drafted out of Ohio State last April.

Watch: Texans RB Joe Mixon continues Pro Bowl season with TD vs. Jaguars

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon is unstoppable against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday at EverBank Stadium.

Don’t look now, but the Houston Texans have scored a second-half offensive touchdown.

While not a notable achievement for many, Joe Mixon’s 7-yard touchdown run against the Jacksonville Jaguars was just the second touchdown in the second half since Week 6 for Houston’s offense.

Houston’s drive spanned five plays and 70 yards. Mixon ran on back-to-back plays to finish the possession in the end zone. He gained 37 yards on the two carries. Before the drive, Mixon had nine carries for 22 yards.

Mixon’s score is his 11th touchdown of the season, marking a career-best since his Pro Bowl season in 2021 with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Houston opened the drive with three consecutive passes, picking up a pair of double-digit gains from Nico Collins and Dalton Schultz.

Both of the pass catchers were shaken up after their receptions.

With a win, the Texans will improve to 4-1 in the AFC South enter next week’s bye.

Watch: Texans CB Derek Stingley Jr. records third interception of season vs. Jagaurs

Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. recorded his third interception in as many games against the Jacksonville Jaguars

While the offense has struggled, the Houston Texans defense is playing lights in the first half against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. intercepted Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, to give the ball back to the offense. Stingley also had a 31-yard return.

The interception was Stingley’s third turnover of the season and second in the past three weeks.

Stingley has recorded at least one interception in all three of his meetings with the Jaguars, including his first career interception.

Last year, Stingley caught fire down the stretch as one of the NFL’s rising stars, notching five interceptions in the last eight games. Houston’s defense has forced 21 turnovers since Week 6.

Houston has moved around pieces in the secondary to account for the loss of Jalen Pitre. Jimmie Ward has primarily handled slot responsibilities, but Kamari Lassiter also took snaps on the inside with Jeff Okudah spending time on the outside.

The Texans will receive the ball to begin the third quarter.

Texans vs. Jaguars: Reads, odds, where to watch, stream and more

Here’s some pregame reading material fans should look over heading into Sunday’s outing between the Texans and Jaguars at EverBank Stadium.

The Houston Texans will get a break from their long 2024 season next week when they go on bye, but not before they face arguably a must-win game on the road against the struggling Jacksonville Jaguars.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of Jacksonville vs. Texans below prior to Sunday’s showdown.

Jaguars (2-9) vs. Texans (7-5): Week 13

Where: EverBank Stadium, Jacksonville, Fla.

When: Sunday, Dec. 1, 1:00 p.m. ET

Watch: FOX

Stream: Fubo (start your free trial here)

Radio: 1010 XL/92.5 FM Jacksonville or SportsRadio 610 AM

Series history: Houston leads, 35-10.

Last meeting: The Texans beat the Jaguars, 24-20, at NRG Stadium in Houston on Sept. 29, 2024.

Odds (as of 10:00 a.m. ET Sunday): Texans -5.5 | Jaguars +5.5, per BetMGM. The over/under is 43 points.

Important stories

Texans schedule: Is Houston playing today?

Here’s what you need to know heading into Sunday’s matchup between the Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars.

Will the Houston Texans be on the field today for Week 13’s slate in the AFC?

Following a rough 32-27 loss on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans, Houston is back in action as it travels east to face off against the Jacksonville Jagaurs in a battle for AFC South bragging rights. The Texans secured Round 1 of the series in Week 4 thanks to a 1-yard touchdown reception from C.J. Stroud to Dare Ogunbowale en route to a 24-20 victory at NRG Stadium.

The Texans must handle business against at EverBank Stadium if they plan on finishing 4-1 entering next week’s bye.

Jacksonville is getting healthy at the most essential position. Trevor Lawrence is expected to play after missing the past two games with a shoulder injury. Even if he’s at a limited capacity, having the passer that led the Jaguars to the playoffs two seasons ago is better than nothing.

Watch Texans vs. Jaguars live on Fubo (free trial)

Here’s how to watch the Texans vs. Jaguars game today, including time, TV schedule and streaming information:

What channel is Texans vs. Jaguars on today?

TV Channel: FOX

Livestream: Fubo (free trial), Paramount+

The Texans vs. Jaguars will be broadcast on FOX in Week 13 of the 2024 NFL season. Kevin Kugler and Daryl Johnston will call the game from the booth at EverBank Stadium, with Laura Okmin reporting from the sidelines. Streaming options for the game include FUBO, which offers a free trial to new subscribers, and Paramount+.

Larry Brown named Commanders’ Legend of the Game for Week 13

A true Washington legend.

This week, the Commanders have a real legend of the game.

Sunday’s home game at Northwest Stadium will see former Washington Redskins running back Larry Brown honored as the legend of the game.

Brown was drafted 191 overall in the 1969 NFL draft by the Redskins. He had been primarily a fullback at Kansas State, so his running ability was not widely known. Brown had been a blocker and running only in short-yard situations, so not even Brown himself knew what would transpire when he became Washington’s starting halfback in his rookie season.

Head coach Vince Lombardi noticed Brown was always a step slow at the snap of the ball and ordered a hearing test. Sure enough, he was impaired in one ear, so Lombardi, with the NFL’s approval, had a hearing aid inserted into Brown’s helmet.

Brown flourished immediately, starting 13 of his 14 games in the 1969 season and gaining 888 yards on his 202 carries (4.4 YPC). It was in his second season that everyone in the NFL realized that Larry Brown was not only a starting halfback but also one of the most aggressive running backs in the league.

Brown led the NFL in 1970, averaging 86.5 rushing yards a game and also gaining 1,125 rushing yards. As a result, he was voted NFL All-Pro First Team.

A daring, slashing runner, Brown rushed for over 5,000 yards in his first five seasons in the NFL (the NFL played 14-game seasons from 1961 to 1978). At the peak of his career, Brown led the NFL in 1972, averaging 101.3 rushing yards per game and gaining 1,216 yards in 12 games. He also led the NFL in total yards from scrimmage that season with 1,689 yards.

He was rested the last two games as the Redskins had already clinched their division with an 11-1 record. As a result, Brown was voted the Associated Press MVP for the 1972 season.

However, Brown began suffering debilitating knee injuries that slowed him down in 1974-76. He barely played his final season, not starting any games, and was battered and beaten down. He only carried the ball 20 times in his last season, retiring after the 1976 season.

He officially was a Redskin for eight seasons, gaining 5,875 rushing yards and 35 rushing touchdowns. Brown was also a very adept receiver out of the backfield, on the receiving end of 238 receptions for 2,485 receiving yards and 20 receiving touchdowns.

How good was Larry Brown? No Washington player has yet to wear No. 43 since Brown retired from the NFL.

The Commanders have been naming former players as “legends” of the home games this 2024 season. Last week, they came under understandable scrutiny when they named Robert Griffin III the legend of the game, though Griffin only had one successful NFL season.

There will be no scrutiny this week. Larry Brown was a stud, a workhorse. Larry Brown is a true Washington Redskins “legend.”

Brock Bowers continues his unprecedented dominance on Black Friday

Raiders rookie TE Brock Bowers continues his unprecedented dominance on Black Friday

Widely considered one of if not the best player in the 2024 NFL Draft, Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers has put together an unbelievable rookie season as he has emerged as the top weapon on the team and as one of the best tight ends in the entire league. On Friday night against the Kansas City Chiefs, Bowers continued his stretch of dominance in a close loss in a divisional matchup in which he could not be stopped.

Bowers was unguardable against one of the league’s better defenses, hauling in 10 catches, for 140 yards, and a touchdown. This has become a fairly consistent stat line for the star rookie who now ranks among the elites in the league when it comes to his receiving totals. Leading the league with 84 catches, Bowers lands 3rd overall in receiving yardage with 884 yards through the air, which puts him in elite territory in his first season.

We don’t see performances like this from rookie tight ends hardly ever, so to say the Raiders hit the jackpot with Bowers might be an understatement. With Bowers already established as a top 3 tight end in the league, the future looks bright for the young star and this Las Vegas offense.