Packers DL Kenny Clark sets career-high for pressures in win vs. Panthers

Clark had 10 pressures on Sunday against the Panthers, setting a new career-high.

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He didn’t have a sack, but Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Kenny Clark put on a pass-rushing show on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers.

According to Pro Football Focus, Clark tallied 10 total pressures, setting a new career-high for a single game.

At least three different times, Clark had a chance to sack Panthers quarterback Kyle Allen but couldn’t finish the play. In the second half, his instant interior pressure helped Preston Smith sack Allen on third down, forcing a punt. He also nearly delivered a sack on a three-man rush on the Panthers’ final drive.

Clark was productive as a pass-rusher, stout on the inside against the run and aware in the screen game. He ended up as the Packers’ highest-graded player, per PFF.

It was the kind of breakout game the Packers needed from Clark, who was uncharacteristically quiet during the month of October.

The Packers now head into the bye week with the momentum of a dominant performance from the defensive front. Not only did Clark produce big pass-rushing numbers, but Za’Darius Smith consistently found his way into the backfield and Preston Smith delivered two third-down sacks.

Don’t be surprised if Clark comes on strong over the final six games. He’ll get a chance to get his body healthy and rested during the bye week, and appealing matchups loom, especially down the stretch within the division. The Packers need Clark, their best interior player by a mile, to be a difference-maker as Matt LaFleur’s team attempts to win the NFC North and secure a first-round bye.

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UFC releases former lightweight title challenger Gilbert Melendez

Gilbert Melendez is no longer a member of the UFC roster.

[autotag]Gilbert Melendez[/autotag] is no longer a member of the UFC roster.

Melendez (22-8 MMA, 1-6 UFC) was released from the promotion following five straight losses. The 37-year-old Melendez confirmed his release with ESPN on Monday night after an initial report by MMA Fighting.

A former Strikeforce lightweight champion, Melendez ran through most of his opposition in the well-regarded promotion. Melendez’s key wins in Strikeforce include Jorge Masvidal, Josh Thomson (twice), Shinya Aoki, and Tatsuya Kawajiri.

Upon the UFC’s purchase and subsequent absorbance of Strikeforce, Melendez was added to the roster. Holding the Strikeforce title at the time, Melendez was granted an immediate title shot at then-lightweight champion Benson Henderson.

In the five-round main event of UFC on FOX 7 in April 2013, Melendez lost a split decision to Henderson. The defeat was highly controversial among MMA fans and media alike.

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In his return to the cage at UFC 166 in October 2013, Melendez and Diego Sanchez engaged in an instant classic. A spirited 15 minutes turned in by the two men resulted in a fight many MMA observers believe to be one of the most exciting in the promotion’s history.

After he picked up his first UFC victory, Melendez earned a second crack at the 155-pound title – this time against then-champ Anthony Pettis in December 2014 at UFC 181. Melendez lost the bout by second-round submission due to guillotine choke.

From 2015-19, Melendez competed four times. In that span, Melendez dropped decisions to Eddie Alvarez, Edson Barboza, Jeremy Stephens, and most recently Arnold Allen at UFC 239 in July.

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Michigan State Football opens week as 14.5-point underdogs to Michigan

MSU will be a notable underdog to Michigan in their match-up on the road this weekend.

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This is not where we wanted to be at this point in the season. Michigan State continues its worst-case nightmare scenario football with a big matchup on the road against a Michigan team that is currently a huge favorite over the Spartans at 14.5-points. Not much of a surprise, Michigan State will be on the road against a seemingly much better team and will thus be big-time underdogs in this one.

Odds via BetMGM. Access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated 11/11/2019 at 10:30 p.m. ET. 

I’m going into this one with an open mind and if Michigan State can pull it off it’ll make the season much more bearable for me but I’m not exactly getting my hopes up here.

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“Want to get in on the action? Place your bet now at BetMGM.”

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Kemba Walker, Jaylen Brown lead C’s to victory over pesky Mavs

In a nationally televised matchup against the Dallas Mavericks, Boston Celtics wing Jaylen Brown continues to shine. As does Kemba Walker, the new face of the franchise.

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It was a tale of two halves in many ways for the Boston Celtics, who eked out a win against the Dallas Mavericks (116-106) as they returned home from a three-game road trip to notch their eighth straight victory of the 2019-20 season.

That is, unless you were Jayson Tatum, who struggled from the field throughout the game. Entering Monday’s contest averaging 21.3 points per game on 43.2 percent shooting from the field, Tatum knocked down just one of his 18 field attempts (for five total points).

The Celtics defense suffocated Dallas in the first half as fourth-year wing Jaylen Brown continued to thrive as a slasher, showcasing an impressive combination of explosiveness, patience and ball-handling that made him difficult to stop. The Georgia native scored 25 points and notched his second straight double-double, continuing to make the Celtics look wise for extending his contract before the deadline.

However, while Tatum failed to find the mark from the floor, so too did All-Star point guard Kemba Walker.

Getting off to yet another slow start, Walker scored just five points in the first half before a barrage of three-pointers in the second half led to him finishing the game with 29 points (on 8-14 shooting from deep).

On the other side, Mavs star Luka Doncic played well throughout the game (he scored a game-high 34 points and dished out a game-high nine assists) and began to both score and facilitate at an even higher level in the second half. What was a tied game a halftime — but one that Dallas had never led in to that point — turned into one that the Mavs briefly led in the fourth quarter.

Walker, along with Brown, Marcus Smart and rookie Javonte Green — guards used to replace the downhill attack of the injured Gordon Hayward — made plays late in the game to give Boston the lead back. Walker would suffer whiplash late in the game that prevented him from playing the final minutes but by then, the Celtics already had the game in hand.

Boston was helped by the Mavericks going 3-9 from the free-throw line in the fourth quarter but they battled for a tough win against a dominant player, and without one of their best players.

Next up for the Celtics is a matchup with the Washington Wizards on Nov. 13.

Cassius Winston posts emotional send-off for brother Zachary on Instagram

Cassius Winston lost his brother over the weekend and late last night he penned an emotional send-off to Zachary on Instagram.

This weekend, Michigan State Basketball’s star point guard Cassius Winston lost his brother Zachary. Cassius still played Sunday against Binghamton in what I think may have been the most emotional basketball game in MSU history, despite the low stakes during the game itself. Last night, Winston took to Instagram to give his brother a very emotional send-off.

Cassius Winston never ceases to amaze me, and this post, which was beautiful, enlightening, and extremely powerful brought tears to my eyes a few times. In particular, this section really got to me:

“I love you so much, if I could carry yo pain I would wear it on my shoulders just to see you happy and wouldn’t think twice. I understand it was to much, I understand I really do and yo story won’t end here. I can promise you that, the next time I run into someone in your situation ima save them, cause that’s wha you would want me to do.”

Anyway, you can read the post below:

 

View this post on Instagram

Ima put this on here cause I need you to read it, and I feel like this the best way for it to get to you. I love you bro, w everything I have in my entire body. I love you so much, if I could carry yo pain I would wear it on my shoulders just to see you happy and wouldn’t think twice. I understand it was to much, I understand I really do and yo story won’t end here. I can promise you that, the next time I run into someone in your situation ima save them, cause that’s wha you would want me to do. I wish it was a term that goes deeper then brother, cause that’s what’s you are to me, 1/3 of my heart. And I’m struggling because there is nothing that can replace that Smoothie. I need you, I miss you. But I’m so proud of you, bro you fought every demon w everything you had in you. You went to war w yourself every single day not knowing if you could win that battle. And you won time after time. You stood tall and you let your family love you, you gave me everything I asked for, just one day you didn’t have enough strength. And that’s ok man, that’s really ok, ppl can’t go through wha you went through, you are the strongest, wisest, kindest, most caring person. The best brother/ gang member I could ever ask for. And I wouldn’t replace you or change any single thing about you. Not one. I don’t like doing these cause I feel like they for show, but I need to you to read this Smoothie and I need you to know, that I love you and I care for you. And the only reason I can sit here and still stand is because I know you not in no more pain. The only reason I’m still standing. After that bro we really got beef, and when I see you again I’m beating yo ass. Cause it’s no way you got me out here trying to adjust to life w out you bro. This shit so deep bro we suppose to see all this out together. But we’ll have that convo the next time I see you Smoothie Bean. Rest up my baby and keep watching over us, save me a seat. And when it’s all said and done ima have so much to tell you. You gone already know but ima tell you anyway. Love you Gang member🖤 wish your story coulda had a diff ending, it’s ok tho enjoy it up there. Ima see you soon enough #LuvSmoothie🖤

A post shared by Cash🖤 #LuvSmoothie🖤 (@cassiuswinston5) on

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Bears sign TE Bradley Sowell, again, waive LB James Vaughters

In a shocking turn of events that will surprise no one, the Bears signed TE Bradley Sowell to the active roster and waived James Vaughters.

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It’s about that time when the Chicago Bears re-sign tight end Bradley Sowell to the active roster.

The Bears waived linebacker James Vaughters on Monday and promoted Sowell from the practice squad. A move that you hope would indicate that linebacker Isaiah Irving will be good to go for Sunday, although it’s far from a guarantee.

Vaughters should clear waivers and be re-signed to the practice squad.

The question is: Will Sowell be on the 53-man roster for a rematch of last year’s game against the Los Angeles Rams, where Sowell caught his first and only touchdown pass in the 15-6 victory.

Given the Bears’ struggles at the tight end position, with Trey Burton and Adam Shaheen, it might not be as far fetched as one might think.

We’ll have to wait and see when the Bears head to Los Angeles to face the Rams on Sunday Night Football.

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Fred Warner forces punt with 2nd sack vs. Seahawks

Fred Warner is flying around in the 49ers’ first game without Kwon Alexander.

The 49ers were going to have big shoes to fill at linebacker with Kwon Alexander out. Fred Warner appears to be taking the onus on himself.

He got to Russell Wilson once in the first half for his first career sack. Then he got him again in the second half to force a punt after Seattle started rolling on offense.

This is the kind of showing San Francisco needs from Warner with Alexander sidelined.

Sixers’ two-way rookie Marial Shayok erupted for 42 in the G League

Marial Shayok recorded 16 of his 42 points in the third quarter Monday night for the Delaware Blue Coats.

Philadelphia 76ers two-way player Marial Shayok recorded a team-high 42 points Monday night in his second game for the Delaware Blue Coats in a 141-135 win over the Greensboro Swarm.

Shayok recorded 16 of his 42 points in the third quarter as the 54th overall pick was very successful driving the ball to the basket and creating his own shot. He finished 14-of-27 from the field, including 3-of-9 from 3-point range.

The former Iowa State forward was known for his hustle and defensive potential but it has been his offense that has stolen the show so far. Shayok recorded 34 points in his debut with the Blue Coats Saturday night on 14-of-24 shooting from the field.

On a two-way contract, Shayok will spend most of the season in the G League as he continues his development but he has shown the ability to score early. That could be useful for the 76ers in select situations this season.

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Studs and duds from Packers’ 24-16 win over Panthers in Week 10

Studs and duds from the Packers’ 24-16 win over the Panthers at a snowy Lambeau Field in Week 10.

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The Green Bay Packers rebounded from a forgettable trip to Los Angeles with a memorable win over the Carolina Panthers at a snowy Lambeau Field in Week 10.

Matt LaFleur’s team is now 8-2 and in possession of a top-two seed in the NFC entering the bye week.

Here are the studs and duds from the Packers’ win:

Studs

DL Kenny Clark: Statement game from No. 97. He was a step away from at least three sacks, and he put himself in the backfield on at least eight different passing plays. The Panthers often tried blocking him one-on-one with center Matt Paradis but that was a big mistake. Clark was too strong and too quick. On the second play from scrimmage, Clark walked Paradis into the backfield and took down Christian McCaffrey after a short gain. Later, he diagnosed the third-down screen and was the first defender there to make the stop. He’ll be thinking about those missed sacks during the bye week, but don’t be surprised if he explodes for a multiple-sack game at some point over the final six weeks.

OL Elgton Jenkins: Another standout performance from the rookie offensive lineman. He didn’t allow a single pressure and was the primary hole-opener on several explosive runs. On 3rd-and-9 on the Packers’ first touchdown drive, Jenkins looked beat but recovered, passed off the stunt and then completely eliminated rookie Brian Burns from the rush. His block at the point of attack opened up Aaron Jones’ first touchdown run. In the third quarter, he dominated. Several chunk runs by Jamaal Williams all came behind Jenkins’ blocking.

WR Davante Adams: A week after producing only 41 receiving yards on 11 targets, Adams turned his 10 targets into 118 yards. He caught a pair of passes over 30 yards, including one that set up a touchdown and another that converted a 2nd-and-26. His 38-yard catch was a thing of beauty. He won off the line, stacked the cornerback vertically and then waited until the last second to put his hands up to make the catch, giving the cornerback no chance to find the ball or make a play. On the Packers’ first touchdown drive, Adams’ patient route from the slot produced an easy 15-yard completion. His receiving yards total would have been well over 150 had he completed a catch on a deep shot from Rodgers in the second half. Donte Jackson broke it up at the last second. With a slightly better throw, Adams might have made the catch uncontested and scored.

OLB Za’Darius Smith: It’s hard to believe he didn’t have a sack. Several times, he won immediately but couldn’t get Kyle Allen on the ground. On one rush, he jab-stepped hard inside and beat the left tackle clean, forcing a holding penalty and eventually creating a sack for Tyler Lancaster. Two plays later, he was in the backfield in under two seconds but Allen got rid of it. He’s always an effective rusher on the inside against guards.

OLB Preston Smith: Both of his sacks came on third down. The first was the result of pure speed and quickness around the corner. He got to the outside shoulder, accelerated through contact and chased down the quarterback in the pocket. Kyle Allen was lucky to hold onto the ball. The second sack looked similar. He used quick hands and feet to get the edge and turn the corner, and Kenny Clark’s interior pressure kept Allen right in Smith’s aim as he entered the pocket. Finally, Smith finished off the game’s last play with a stop after Kyler Fackrell hit Christian McCaffrey in the backfield.

RB Aaron Jones: He’s such a special player. He made Luke Kuechly miss in the hole on his 5-yard touchdown run to open the game. On his 28-yard scamper in the second half, he made a sharp cut inside, burst into the second level and beat the diving tackle attempt of the safety. At times, it looks like he’s gliding across the turf at a different speed than everyone around him. His third touchdown was a perfect example. Three defenders had him boxed in but he exploded into the second level and left all three in the dust. Safeties must have nightmares about trying to tackle him in the open field. In the fourth quarter, Jones turned a sure-fire loss into an explosive run when he sprinted outside and turned the corner after the Panthers plugged up the middle. He also had a 16-yard catch negated by a penalty, and Rodgers missed him wide open in the middle of the field for what likely would have been an easy catch-and-run touchdown in the third quarter.

S Adrian Amos: Two point-saving plays make Amos worthy of a spot here. He read Kyle Allen’s eyes and should have had an end-zone interception in the third quarter, but his play on the ball still created an easy pick for Tramon Williams behind him. That took at least three points off the board. Later, Amos ranged over from the middle of the field and knocked away a two-point try.

Duds

WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling: He played only 11 snaps. It’s clear Jake Kumerow and Allen Lazard have passed him on the depth chart. On his one target, Valdes-Scantling had a disappointing effort at the catch point of a deep shot from Aaron Rodgers. Over the last three games, he has one catch for four yards.

P JK Scott: Just like last year, Scott struggled in the cold, wintery conditions. He averaged 35.3 yards per punt and twice gave the Panthers excellent field position with poor kicks, including a 32-yarder out of bounds in the first half. A pair of punts inside the 20-yard line in the second half helped redeem the performance slightly. He must be better in adverse weather conditions.

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