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"Sports Quote of the Day"
"You need to be able to work with people. Especially in football, it is not a QB's game... even though the media likes to make it into that - it takes the whole team." ~ Joe Montana, Former NFL Hall of Fame Quarterback
"You need to be able to work with people. Especially in football, it is not a QB's game... even though the media likes to make it into that - it takes the whole team." ~ Joe Montana, Former NFL Hall of Fame Quarterback
Trending: Broncos, Panthers to meet in Super Bowl 50. (See the football section for Super Bowl updates).
Trending: Crawford earns seventh shutout of season as Blackhawks top Blues. (See the hockey section for Blackhawks updates).
Trending: Ryne Sandberg believes the 2016 Cubs are hungry and ready to go. (See the baseball section for Cubs updates).
NFL Playoff Scores
AFC Title Game
New England Patriots 18
Denver Broncos 20
NFC Title Game
Arizona Cardinals 15
Carolina Panthers 49
Red denotes winning team
How 'bout them Chicago Blackhawks? Sunday's recap: Blackhawks 2, Blues 0.
By Chris Hine
Corey Crawford makes a save during the second period. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)
After a nightmare two games in Florida, the Blackhawks returned to their winning ways on Sunday at the United Center in defeating the Blues 2-0. The Hawks got goals from Artemi Panarin and Andrew Shaw while Corey Crawford made saves for his league-leading seventh shutout of the season.
The Hawks and Blues are tied 0-0 but the Hawks generated few dangerous chances against Blues goaltender Brian Elliott.
The Blues led in shots on goal 12-6. The Hawks had their best chances later in the period on a pair of shots from Artemi Panarin and Patrick Kane. But outside of that, the Hawks had to rely on Corey Crawford to keep it scoreless.
Swift movement
The sluggish Blackhawks woke up a little bit in the second period and struck for the first goal of the game to lead the Blues 1-0. The Hawks scored thanks to some pretty puck movement from Patrick Kane to Artemi Panarin.
Kane, skating along the right wing, fired a cross ice pass to Panarin, who one-timed his shot past Blues goaltender Brian Elliott. Panarin's shot appeared to be deflected by Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk on its way to the net. It was Panarin's 17th goal of the season and Kane's 43rd assist of the season.
Nice work
Andrew Shaw tipped in the second goal of the night when he re-directed a Marian Hossa slap shot on a Hawks power play in the third period. Shaw’s goal came at 4 minutes, 56 seconds of the third period to give the Hawks a 2-0 lead. It was Shaw’s ninth goal of the season, Hossa’s 17th assist.
In need of rest
Both the Blackhawks and Blues are in the midst of busy Januarys. On Sunday night, both played their 52nd game, a number that was tops in the league. The Blues played their 12th game in 23 days on Sunday while the Hawks played their 13th in 22 days.
Blackhawks come up empty on offense in loss to Panthers. (Friday night's game, 01/22/2016).
By Tracey Myers
The Blackhawks have been playing a lot of hockey. They’ve also been winning a lot of games.
But eventually things catch up with you: a busy schedule, travel and the inevitable fatigue. The Blackhawks might not want to admit they’re feeling the effects of their schedule, but on Friday, they sure looked like it was catching up with them.
Aaron Ekblad scored his 10th goal of the season in his first game back from injury, and the Blackhawks were quiet on the other side as the Panthers beat them, 4-0, on Friday night. The Blackhawks, whose franchise-best 12-game winning streak ended on Thursday, lost their second in a row. They remain, however, in first place in the Central Division. Second-place Dallas, three points behind the Blackhawks, was idle on Friday.
The Blackhawks and coach Joel Quenneville uttered one word a few times following Friday’s game: energy. In this case, they talked of their lack of it. Playing in their 51st game of the season — only Sunday’s opponent, the St. Louis Blues, has played as many games — the Blackhawks looked sluggish from the start and never gained any footing against a Panthers team that was clearly better.
“I think regardless of what our situation is, we ran into two pretty hungry teams this week, teams that play with a lot of speed. That (Florida) team out there, they possess the puck, they won their battles. They played hard all over the rink, and for the second night in a row, we didn’t match that speed and that pace,” Jonathan Toews said. “I think we’re pretty deserving of that result."
The Blackhawks didn’t get their first shot on goal until Dennis Rasmussen’s offering 7:57 into the first period. The Panthers, meanwhile, brought pressure and shots. And midway through the first period they took the lead thanks to Reilly Smith’s 14th goal of the season. Brian Campbell and Quinton Howden also scored in the first, with Howden recording his fifth goal of the season with just 2.1 seconds remaining in the period. Ekblad added his early in the second period.
“It’s disappointing,” Marian Hossa said. “We had the great stretch, but now it’s over and we just have to forget about it and get a new one. The last two games, especially tonight, throw in the garbage and we have to be way better. That’s what we have to do.”
Scott Darling allowed four goals on 32 shots. Quenneville said he thought about replacing Darling with Corey Crawford but did not.
“He had three in a row where he won and did well,” Quenneville said of Darling. “Today was tough.”
It was tough for anyone in a Blackhawks jersey on Friday, really. The Blackhawks are closing in on the All-Star break, but they have two games, including the division contest against St. Louis, before they do. This busy stretch might finally be getting to the Blackhawks. They need to dredge up just a little more energy, however, before they can get a few days’ rest.
“There are no excuses. We can try and find ways, even if in some ways the games are adding up and maybe our legs are heavy here and there. That’s going to happen to you,” Toews said. “You’ve got to find ways to crack down and not give up as much as we did defensively, especially early in the game. That hurt us, and we couldn’t quite find our way to come back in any way.”
Just Another Chicago Bulls Session... Miami Heat-Chicago Bulls Preview.
By KEVIN MASSOTH
With a daunting road stretch having tripped up the Miami Heat, the Chicago Bulls have a good opportunity to build momentum prior to their longest trip of the season.
The Bulls will try to win consecutive games for the first time in nearly three weeks when the Heat limp into United Center on Monday night hoping to find some offense.
Chicago (25-18) has gone 3-6 without back-to-back wins since Jan. 9 and will be playing its only home game in a stretch of 10. Looming is a seven-game trip that opens against the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday.
Chicago (25-18) has gone 3-6 without back-to-back wins since Jan. 9 and will be playing its only home game in a stretch of 10. Looming is a seven-game trip that opens against the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday.
The Bulls entered Saturday's road contest versus Eastern Conference-leading Cleveland with two straight losses, but they dominated the Cavaliers from start to finish in a 96-83 victory that extended a strange trend.
They're 8-2 against the NBA's top six teams - the only two losses coming against Golden State - but have dropped three at home against teams in the bottom five of the league. After winning five in a row at home, Chicago has lost three straight there.
"The talent of our team and the will of our team allows us to beat some of the best, the top teams in the league, and sometimes our lack of a sense of urgency and mental preparation for some games makes us lose to teams we shouldn't," Pau Gasol told the team's official website. "Especially at home. It's something we need to change right away starting the next game against Miami."
The Heat (23-21) have been playing like one of the league's bottom feeders, losing four in a row and seven of eight. Miami, which 2-7 so far on a stretch in which 14 of 16 come away from home, hasn't dropped five in a row since Feb. 27-March 8, 2011.
The Heat are one of three NBA teams averaging fewer than 96 points at 95.5, and their offensive struggles have been even more pronounced during the skid with an average of 80.3 on 41.7 percent shooting.
Offense is typically at a premium in this series, which has resulted in three wins for Chicago in the previous four matchups. The Bulls have averaged 88 points to Miami's 86 in the last five and neither team has reached 100 in any of those contests.
Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh combined to shoot 19 of 39 for 48 points during Friday's 101-81 loss at Toronto, but Miami's other seven available players shot just 33.3 percent for 33 points.
Wade has missed two of the last five with shoulder soreness and had to test it in warmups before declaring himself ready against the Raptors, while Hassan Whiteside (strained left hip), Goran Dragic (calf) and Luol Deng (eye) sat out. Whiteside and Deng are questionable against the Bulls, and Dragic is targeting a return on Friday at Milwaukee - meaning he would also miss Tuesday's game at Brooklyn.
"At this point I don't think I've got time to wait around to feel great," Wade said. "We've got so many bodies down, you want to get out there and help our team when you can."
"The talent of our team and the will of our team allows us to beat some of the best, the top teams in the league, and sometimes our lack of a sense of urgency and mental preparation for some games makes us lose to teams we shouldn't," Pau Gasol told the team's official website. "Especially at home. It's something we need to change right away starting the next game against Miami."
The Heat (23-21) have been playing like one of the league's bottom feeders, losing four in a row and seven of eight. Miami, which 2-7 so far on a stretch in which 14 of 16 come away from home, hasn't dropped five in a row since Feb. 27-March 8, 2011.
The Heat are one of three NBA teams averaging fewer than 96 points at 95.5, and their offensive struggles have been even more pronounced during the skid with an average of 80.3 on 41.7 percent shooting.
Offense is typically at a premium in this series, which has resulted in three wins for Chicago in the previous four matchups. The Bulls have averaged 88 points to Miami's 86 in the last five and neither team has reached 100 in any of those contests.
Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh combined to shoot 19 of 39 for 48 points during Friday's 101-81 loss at Toronto, but Miami's other seven available players shot just 33.3 percent for 33 points.
Wade has missed two of the last five with shoulder soreness and had to test it in warmups before declaring himself ready against the Raptors, while Hassan Whiteside (strained left hip), Goran Dragic (calf) and Luol Deng (eye) sat out. Whiteside and Deng are questionable against the Bulls, and Dragic is targeting a return on Friday at Milwaukee - meaning he would also miss Tuesday's game at Brooklyn.
"At this point I don't think I've got time to wait around to feel great," Wade said. "We've got so many bodies down, you want to get out there and help our team when you can."
Exactly one year ago Monday, Whiteside notched a triple-double in a 96-84 win in Chicago with 14 points, 13 rebounds and a career-best 12 blocks. He had 19 points and 16 boards in an 89-78 loss on April 9 that marks his only other game against Chicago.
After averaging 25.3 points in his previous three games, Derrick Rose made just 5 of 21 shots and scored 12 against Cleveland. He has averaged 11.8 while shooting 31.1 percent in his last five against Miami.
Bulls stun Cavaliers, spoil Tyronn Lue's NBA coaching debut. (Saturday night's game, 01/23/2016).
By Vincent Goodwill
Cavaliers' LeBron James drives past Derrick Rose in the first half. (Photo/Tony Dejak/AP)
The circumstances were all in place for the Bulls to succumb in an environment that was set for a blowout loss—and with the way they’d been playing, they didn’t need perfect circumstances for such an outcome.
But the other side of the bi-polar Bulls emerged to play spoiler for Tyronn Lue’s first game, flipping the switch to reverse the trend for a 96-83 victory at Quicken Loans Arena Saturday night.
The Cavs certainly looked out of sorts and just as fragile as the Bulls have been for the past several weeks, but the Bulls displayed a bit more fervor than they had recently, not allowing the Cavaliers to jump out early and keeping the crowd subdued.
“With a team like that and a leader like that in LeBron, you’re on alert, I’ll say that,” Derrick Rose said. “Coming into the game, you know the stadium is gonna be rocking and they’re gonna be real hype for the game.”
Pau Gasol re-emerged to score 25 and 10 rebounds, as the Bulls reversed a couple damning trends over the last couple weeks, such as turning the ball over too much and not controlling their defensive glass.
They outrebounded the Cavaliers 53-48, holding their playoff tormentors to 37 percent shooting and committing just eight turnovers, a contrast to their embarrassing showing in Boston.
“They responded. We talked a lot about that,” Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg said. “We talked about coming out and playing with a lot of energy early and we had to match it. I thought we did that.”
It doesn’t show up in the box score, but Taj Gibson was single-handedly battling the Cavs bigs inside, keeping Kevin Love and Timofey Mozgov off the glass. His 3-point play opportunity with 1:49 left gave the Bulls an 11-point lead, effectively ending whatever threat the Cavs intended to pull off.
He scored 15 and eight rebounds, outperforming Love’s 14 and five rebound performance. After getting poked in the eye late in Boston, he had to play with goggles and Rose joked he might have to continue playing with the goggles if he keeps producing like this.
“I couldn’t see out of my eye, it was completely black,” Gibson said. “I didn’t know if I was gonna play today. It was scary. It was still a little blurry.”
The Bulls were thought to need heroic performances from Jimmy Butler and Rose, but they had relatively off-nights despite being effective, with 20 and 12, respectively.
But then again, some things were out of their control. The Cavs uncharacteristically started out 1 for 10 from the free-throw line. When they hit their second free throw late in the third quarter, the Quicken Loans Arena crowd cheered wildly—out of sarcasm, and finished nine of 22 from the stripe.
By that point, they were nearing panic mode as the Bulls led by 10 despite not shooting the ball well, but received necessary contributions from Nikola Mirotic, who at that point in the evening outscored LeBron James 14-10.
It’s funny how we always get up to play the big teams,” Gibson said. “It’s just funny how we muster up and play great. We have to learn from it. Niko played great. These are games that help guys overcome hurdles from the past.”
Mirotic hit a triple to start the fourth quarter, giving the Bulls their biggest lead of night at 77-60.
Gasol, just as he did in Game 1 of their playoff series last May, kept the bigs at bay with his mid-range shooting, hitting 11 of 15 shots and even finished on a fast break feed from Gibson, the Bulls’ only basket in that category.
Neither will take this game film and frame it, but entering the arena there was a different feel, and the Bulls will caution against any long-term views by going up 2-0 in the season series.
“We’ve been 2-0 many times against the past,” Gibson said. “It’s about when it’s time to knuckle up and it’s playoff time. I’d rather be up 2-0 against the Cavs in the playoffs.”
Butler and James were the only two on the floor two and a half hours before the charged up contest, as Butler was in full lather going through his array of shots with assistant coach Jim Boylen.
Butler scored 13 in the first half, while James couldn’t get much of anything going outside the perimeter. It was to the point Butler was giving James the outside shot and James couldn’t hit it, going 0 for 5 beyond the three-point line. James neared a triple-double with 23, 13 rebounds and nine assists but took 27 shots and hit only 11.
As drama-filled as the Cavaliers’ present is, as well as their future, it’s only matched by the Bulls’ unpredictability—and the playoffs are still four months away.
Bulls cut down big Celtics lead but give one away in Boston. (Friday night's game, 01/22/2016).
By Vincent Goodwill
Avery Bradley of the Boston Celtics takes a shot against Jimmy Butler of the Bulls during the first quarter. (Photo/Maddie Meyer/Getty Images).
In the playoffs, stealing games on the road is crucial to winning a series and advancing, but sometimes you have to steal some in the first 82.
After the Bulls submitted to the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night at the first hint of adversity, they finally began to dig themselves out of their man-made hole against the aggressive and dictating Boston Celtics.
They methodically charged back and the game was well within reach, but they couldn’t take advantage of a reeling squad running out of gas, losing 110-101 at TD Garden.
More pointedly, the Bulls ran out of good players and good opportunities, as they couldn’t cut into a three-point lead late in the fourth after trailing by as many as 16.
Jimmy Butler and Derrick Rose were the only guys wearing black who could say they were productive from the jump, and for spurts, so was Pau Gasol. Gasol scored 18 with 11 rebounds but had crucial turnovers in the first half when it appeared the Celtics would run away with matters.
The Celtics lead by 15 at the half, shooting 50 percent and forcing 13 turnovers as the Bulls looked nonchalant, to say the least.
“They were too comfortable, that was the thing tonight,” Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg said. “They were too comfortable, hitting shots, got second-chance opportunities and we turned the ball over.”
In the playoffs, stealing games on the road is crucial to winning a series and advancing, but sometimes you have to steal some in the first 82.
After the Bulls submitted to the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night at the first hint of adversity, they finally began to dig themselves out of their man-made hole against the aggressive and dictating Boston Celtics.
They methodically charged back and the game was well within reach, but they couldn’t take advantage of a reeling squad running out of gas, losing 110-101 at TD Garden.
More pointedly, the Bulls ran out of good players and good opportunities, as they couldn’t cut into a three-point lead late in the fourth after trailing by as many as 16.
Jimmy Butler and Derrick Rose were the only guys wearing black who could say they were productive from the jump, and for spurts, so was Pau Gasol. Gasol scored 18 with 11 rebounds but had crucial turnovers in the first half when it appeared the Celtics would run away with matters.
The Celtics lead by 15 at the half, shooting 50 percent and forcing 13 turnovers as the Bulls looked nonchalant, to say the least.
“They were too comfortable, that was the thing tonight,” Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg said. “They were too comfortable, hitting shots, got second-chance opportunities and we turned the ball over.”
Rose continued his aggressiveness, with 27 points, seven rebounds and three assists while Butler, a gametime decision with flu-like symptoms, showed few signs of illness with 28 and a season-high 14 rebounds.
“I wouldn’t say (we have) no help,” Rose said. “It’s about being on the same page. All the hustle plays, it’s effort. Loose balls, rebounding, all that takes effort. We’re not taking that effort to be a championship team.”
The production and effort stopped there as the Celtics had Avery Bradley score 20, Isaiah Thomas score 22 with five rebounds, Jared Sullinger put up 18 with 12 rebounds and five assists and a host of other players wearing green do something, anything that contributed to a win.
Fred Hoiberg, though, had no options. He showed increased faith in Nikola Mirotic, but when the Bulls had a chance to take a lead with 4:39 left, a Rose bounce pass was mishandled by Mirotic and went out of bounds. A layup could’ve put more fear into a collapsing Celtics squad.
Mirotic was 1-for-7, Doug McDermott took one shot in 22 minutes and Tony Snell took one in 16 minutes.
“It’s tough. I feel for em, when you’re struggling it’s the worst feeling in the world,” Hoiberg said. “I thought the one who turned things around for us was Bobby (Portis). Sprinting into the ball screen, making contact and we were getting downhill and into the rim. That’s when we got it going. We missed great opportunities. Cut that thing to one and led to two key turnovers.“
Their 20 turnovers were a problem, and so was their porous 3-point shooting as they again came up virtually empty from deep after being one of the most proficient teams from distance earlier this season.
They hit just three of 13 from deep, while shooting 43 percent for the game.
Their defense, one that has yielded 105 points per game this month, was on track for another Golden State-esque performance on that end, giving up 90 points through three quarters before showing a little resistance to start the fourth.
“The fire that we had in that comeback is what we need to have,” Hoiberg said. "We've had moments where we have it. But man we have a lot of moments where we haven’t. When they get a 10-point lead, put your head down then it grows to 15 instead of bucking up, finding a way to get back in the game. Then again, dig yourself a hole, takes too much energy to climb out of it. Then you’re in a dogfight.”
But getting stops was foreign to the Bulls, as well as finishing possessions on the occasion they forced a miss. Giving up long offensive rebounds felt like death by a thousand cuts when they cut the sizeable lead to a workable margin. The Celtics finished with 16 offensive rebounds, many of them while the Bulls tried in vain to make them sweat.
Rose, perhaps annoyed by something this morning, showed out in the third. He scored 16 as his jumper was on and his first step was cat-quick, even against Bradley, one of the best on-ball defenders the league has from the perimeter.
Butler took to the glass to help out when it was clear the Bulls didn’t have the legs to box out and go for the ball.
But in the end they didn’t have enough and walk eyes wide open into a hornet’s nest in Cleveland against a riled-up rival after letting one get away.
Super Bowl 2016: Broncos, Panthers ride dominating defenses to title game.
By Pete Prisco
The shots from the Denver Broncos' defense kept coming, 23 by unofficial count. Tom Brady stood in and took all of them, a tough guy for sure, a player who will fight to the end, but ultimately those shots would make anybody pay the price.
Brady was brutalized as Denver beat New England 20-18 in the AFC Championship Game on Sunday to earn a spot in Super Bowl 50 against the Carolina Panthers.
“He saw ghosts,” Broncos corner Chris Harris Jr., said in reference to imaginary pass rushers when there weren't any.
“He's a warrior, but, yes, he was flinching,” Broncos defensive lineman Antonio Smith said. “Nobody wants to get hit that hard. If I was in there and took all those shots, I'd be flinching too.”
The Broncos sacked Brady four times, hit him 19 other times and completely shut down an offense that came in as one that was viewed as unstoppable when healthy. "They forgot how good we were,” Harris Jr. said.
Brady was picked off twice with a passer rating of 56.4, and it took 56 attempts for him to get to 310 yards. They took away his short passing game, and it made Brady look mortal. Von Miller had 2.5 sacks and a pick of Brady.
“It was just tough for us to get into a rhythm,” Brady said. “They've got a great pass rush.”
Even so, Brady made it interesting with a late touchdown, but his two-point try was knocked into the air and picked off by Bradley Roby with 12 seconds left to seal it.
Now comes a different challenge, trying to contain Cam Newton, a big, strong physical quarterback who can kill you with his arms and his legs. Carolina will run the ball, which New England does not, and they will be more physical on the offensive line.
Newton has improved greatly as a pocket passer, but this Denver secondary and front will provide a tough challenge for him in the pocket.
“I think the media was overlooking us,” Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall said. “All the media was talking about who the Patriots were going to play in the Super Bowl, but they forgot they had the Broncos in the way.”
Carolina rolled over Arizona on Sunday in the NFC Championship Game with an impressive defensive showing as well. They forced the Cardinals to turn it over four times in the first half -- Carson Palmer lost two fumbles and threw two picks -- as they rolled to the big halftime lead.
This might come down to which offensive line can play the best. On paper, that edge goes to Carolina. Then again, they have to face that Denver front.
“No matter who it is, if you hit them they will show it,” Smith said.
Hitting Cam Newton won't be the same as hitting Tom Brady, that's for sure.
Here's a first look at Super Bowl 50:
The Skinny: The Panthers and Broncos were the top seeds heading into the playoffs, so many expected them to meet in this game. Carolina really impressed in its two playoff victories, while Denver had to win two close ones to advance.
The teams have met four times in their history, with Denver winning three of them. The last time they played was in 2012 at Carolina and the Broncos rolled to a 36-14 victory. The Broncos had an interception return for a touchdown and a punt return for a touchdown that day.
Peyton Manning threw for 301 yards and a touchdown that day, but this is a far different Manning. He threw for a 176 yards against the Patriots as he has taken on more of a game-manager role.
Newton was the leading rusher in that game with 64 yards, but he was picked off twice. Denver has six starters still starting from that game, while Carolina has eight.
Key Matchup to Watch: It's the Carolina offensive line against the Denver defensive front. The Carolina line, which was a major question mark heading into the season, has been a pleasant surprise. The interior, led by center Ryan Kalil, is the strength of the line.
The tackles have done a solid job, but they might be overmatched by Denver's outside rushers in Miller and DeMarcus Ware. Mike Remmers and Michael Oher have held up well, but this will be a tough task.
Players on the Spot: For Denver, it has to be Manning. The next two weeks will be all about him trying to win a second Super Bowl and help his legacy. Manning will be playing in his third Super Bowl, but is 1-1 after losing badly in 2013 to the Seattle Seahawks.
For Carolina, I will go with Newton. OK, I made it easy. He's carried this team all year, will be the MVP, and will be a tough player to defend for the aggressive Denver defense. He can hurt them with his legs when they play man and turn their backs. That might change the way they play some.
Interesting stat from last meeting: The Broncos sacked Newton seven times, once for a safety, when they beat them in 2012.
Line: Panthers by 4.5.
Newton has improved greatly as a pocket passer, but this Denver secondary and front will provide a tough challenge for him in the pocket.
“I think the media was overlooking us,” Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall said. “All the media was talking about who the Patriots were going to play in the Super Bowl, but they forgot they had the Broncos in the way.”
Carolina rolled over Arizona on Sunday in the NFC Championship Game with an impressive defensive showing as well. They forced the Cardinals to turn it over four times in the first half -- Carson Palmer lost two fumbles and threw two picks -- as they rolled to the big halftime lead.
This might come down to which offensive line can play the best. On paper, that edge goes to Carolina. Then again, they have to face that Denver front.
“No matter who it is, if you hit them they will show it,” Smith said.
Hitting Cam Newton won't be the same as hitting Tom Brady, that's for sure.
Here's a first look at Super Bowl 50:
The Skinny: The Panthers and Broncos were the top seeds heading into the playoffs, so many expected them to meet in this game. Carolina really impressed in its two playoff victories, while Denver had to win two close ones to advance.
The teams have met four times in their history, with Denver winning three of them. The last time they played was in 2012 at Carolina and the Broncos rolled to a 36-14 victory. The Broncos had an interception return for a touchdown and a punt return for a touchdown that day.
Peyton Manning threw for 301 yards and a touchdown that day, but this is a far different Manning. He threw for a 176 yards against the Patriots as he has taken on more of a game-manager role.
Newton was the leading rusher in that game with 64 yards, but he was picked off twice. Denver has six starters still starting from that game, while Carolina has eight.
Key Matchup to Watch: It's the Carolina offensive line against the Denver defensive front. The Carolina line, which was a major question mark heading into the season, has been a pleasant surprise. The interior, led by center Ryan Kalil, is the strength of the line.
The tackles have done a solid job, but they might be overmatched by Denver's outside rushers in Miller and DeMarcus Ware. Mike Remmers and Michael Oher have held up well, but this will be a tough task.
Players on the Spot: For Denver, it has to be Manning. The next two weeks will be all about him trying to win a second Super Bowl and help his legacy. Manning will be playing in his third Super Bowl, but is 1-1 after losing badly in 2013 to the Seattle Seahawks.
For Carolina, I will go with Newton. OK, I made it easy. He's carried this team all year, will be the MVP, and will be a tough player to defend for the aggressive Denver defense. He can hurt them with his legs when they play man and turn their backs. That might change the way they play some.
Interesting stat from last meeting: The Broncos sacked Newton seven times, once for a safety, when they beat them in 2012.
Line: Panthers by 4.5.
Bear Down Chicago Bears!!!!! Bears brass has these dates circled on NFL offseason calendar.
By Chris Boden
Chicago Bears GM Ryan Pace. (Photo/csnchicago.com)
Earlier this week, the Bears and the NFL released the official offseason schedule of formal dates and deadlines for their things to do and periods in which some key decisions can and will be made. It will likely be another month before we hear from general manager Ryan Pace and/or head coach John Fox for the first time since Jan. 4, when they addressed the media after the season finale. The team announced they won't be available to reporters at next week's Senior Bowl, but both spoke at last year's Scouting Combine. After that, odds are we won't hear another word until after their first major move in free agency, unless an agreement is reached with one of their 18 current unrestricted free agents. But a combination of Pace, Fox and members of their scouting department are already in Florida looking at the first group of NFL wanna-be's ahead of Saturday's first of back-to-back college all-star games. They'll then move on to Alabama for workouts and practices leading up to the final piece of game action they'll witness from prospective talent. Roster moves can then begin to be made two weeks from Monday.
Jan. 23: East-West Shrine Game (St. Petersburg, Fla.)
Jan. 30: Senior Bowl (Mobile, Ala.)
Feb. 8: Waiver process can begin for teams with their current players
Feb. 16 through March 1: Two-week window in which teams can place franchise or transition tags on their own free agents (3 p.m. deadline)
Feb. 23 through 29: Scouting Combine (Indianapolis)
March 6 through 9: 64-hour window begins in which teams can enter into contract negotiations with representatives for free agents; in the Bears' case, they have from 11 p.m. on March 6 through 3 p.m. on March 9
March 9: Free agent signing and trading begins the new league year at 3 p.m.
April 18: Offseason, off-the-field supervised workouts can begin for teams with returning coaches
April 22: Deadline for designated restricted free agents to sign offer sheets from other teams
April 28 through 30: NFL Draft (Chicago)
July 15: Deadline for free agents with a franchise tag to sign a multi-year extension with their team
The Bears have not yet publicly announced their dates for organized team activities and mandatory veteran minicamp. They normally hold a rookie minicamp the weekend following the draft (which in this case would be May 6 through 8).
Bears hire Dave Ragone as quarterbacks coach.
#BEARSTALK
(Photo/csnchicago.com)
The Bears announced on Friday the hiring of Dave Ragone as their quarterbacks coach.
Ragone spent the 2015 season as offensive quality control coach for the Washington Redskins. Ragone was part of a Redskins offensive staff that helped quarterback Kirk Cousins record the fifth-highest passer rating in the NFL (101.6), including 29 touchdowns and an NFL-high 69.8 completion percentage.
Before joining the Redskins, Ragone spent three years on the Tennessee Titans coaching staff. He was the Titans wide receivers coach from 2011-12, working under current Bears offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains.
Prior to becoming an NFL coach, Ragone worked as the quarterbacks coach for the Hartford Colonials of the UFL in 2010, helping former Bears and current Browns quarterback Josh McCown lead the league in passer-rating and touchdown passes.
After finishing his college career as the University of Louisville's second all-time leading passer, Ragone was selected by the Houston Texans in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He spent three seasons with the Texans (2003-05), appearing in two games. Ragone also spent time with the Berlin Thunder of NFL Europe in 2005 where he was named the league's offensive MVP.
Bears' options widen with 96 underclassmen entering NFL Draft.
By John Mullen
Currently sitting at No. 11 in this year’s draft, the Bears will have the requisite pool of players rated worth the 11th pick (or better). The options for that all-important pool just got substantially deeper – by more than 100 players, in fact.
The National Football League announced today the names of 96 players who have been granted special eligibility for the 2016 NFL Draft, and 11 players who have fulfilled their degree requirements with college football eligibility remaining and are also eligible for selection in the April 28-30 draft in Chicago.
Among the elite defensive players now in the draft pool: Ohio State defensive end Joey Bosa, Alabama defensive end/tackle A’Shawn Robinson, Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith and Arizona linebacker Scooby Wright.
"Scooby Wright, Mr. Versatility,” said ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper via conference call. “How will he test out? That will determine where Scooby Wright goes. He’s intriguing.”
GM Ryan Pace has been clear that the Bears will target, not a position, but the best player available based on their evaluations. They are expected to lean toward defense if equal-value players are available, and preferably a front-seven impact player.
Last year they had seven players and had two of those still available when their turn came at No. 7. They immediately tabbed the higher of the two – West Virginia wide receiver Kevin White – and went on to select offensive players with three of their first four picks.
This year? Their choices just widened considerably.
Ragone spent the 2015 season as offensive quality control coach for the Washington Redskins. Ragone was part of a Redskins offensive staff that helped quarterback Kirk Cousins record the fifth-highest passer rating in the NFL (101.6), including 29 touchdowns and an NFL-high 69.8 completion percentage.
Before joining the Redskins, Ragone spent three years on the Tennessee Titans coaching staff. He was the Titans wide receivers coach from 2011-12, working under current Bears offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains.
Prior to becoming an NFL coach, Ragone worked as the quarterbacks coach for the Hartford Colonials of the UFL in 2010, helping former Bears and current Browns quarterback Josh McCown lead the league in passer-rating and touchdown passes.
After finishing his college career as the University of Louisville's second all-time leading passer, Ragone was selected by the Houston Texans in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He spent three seasons with the Texans (2003-05), appearing in two games. Ragone also spent time with the Berlin Thunder of NFL Europe in 2005 where he was named the league's offensive MVP.
Bears' options widen with 96 underclassmen entering NFL Draft.
By John Mullen
Currently sitting at No. 11 in this year’s draft, the Bears will have the requisite pool of players rated worth the 11th pick (or better). The options for that all-important pool just got substantially deeper – by more than 100 players, in fact.
The National Football League announced today the names of 96 players who have been granted special eligibility for the 2016 NFL Draft, and 11 players who have fulfilled their degree requirements with college football eligibility remaining and are also eligible for selection in the April 28-30 draft in Chicago.
Among the elite defensive players now in the draft pool: Ohio State defensive end Joey Bosa, Alabama defensive end/tackle A’Shawn Robinson, Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith and Arizona linebacker Scooby Wright.
"Scooby Wright, Mr. Versatility,” said ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper via conference call. “How will he test out? That will determine where Scooby Wright goes. He’s intriguing.”
GM Ryan Pace has been clear that the Bears will target, not a position, but the best player available based on their evaluations. They are expected to lean toward defense if equal-value players are available, and preferably a front-seven impact player.
Last year they had seven players and had two of those still available when their turn came at No. 7. They immediately tabbed the higher of the two – West Virginia wide receiver Kevin White – and went on to select offensive players with three of their first four picks.
This year? Their choices just widened considerably.
Adam Warren brings 'World Series or die' mentality from Yankees to Cubs.
By Tony Andracki
(Photo/csnchicago.com)
The Cubs felt they needed to get a young pitcher like Warren in return when they flipped Starlin Castro to the New York Yankees at the winter meetings, the trade that opened the door to Chicago for Ben Zobrist and his championship pedigree.
Warren is used to great expectations after coming up with the Yankees and spending the last seven years in an organization with a "World Series or die" mentality shaped by those 27 titles.
"Absolutely," it would be special to win one here, Warren said during last weekend’s Cubs Convention. "I was asked the question if I'd dreamed about it and I said: 'I wouldn't be human if I hadn't.'
"But I hate to get ahead of myself. The team that's picked to win it at the beginning of the year always has a bad year, so we try not to fall into that trap. So we focus on spring training and then the one game in front of you.
"But, yeah, I've definitely pictured it. It'd be really neat for the team, the city, the fans who have been loyal through all these years. It's a fun thing to imagine. But at the same time, I don't want to get ahead of myself."
Warren was vacationing in St. Lucia in the Caribbean islands when he found out he was traded to the Cubs, noticing the news on the bottom line of a TV screen at a restaurant. Before the deal, he and his wife already had a conversation about how they could see themselves living in Chicago.
Warren said he didn't know anybody on the Cubs when he was first acquired, but he's excited to play for manager Joe Maddon and be part of this young core.
Warren also said he was told that he would get an opportunity to start. That probably means getting stretched out in spring training and being a swingman, at least for another season. The right-hander is 28 years old and under club control through the 2018 season.
"In talks, they said, 'We got you to be a starter. Whether or not it's this year, we'll see,'" Warren said. "But I think they're going to give me an opportunity in spring training to at least prove myself as a starter and see what happens.
"I'm not unhappy being in the bullpen. I'd rather start. But I've been in the bullpen for two full years in New York and loved it."
Warren proved he could handle The Bronx and compete in the American League East, making 127 career appearances out of the bullpen (3.05 ERA) and holding his own in 20 starts (7-6 record, 3.98 ERA and 1.28 WHIP).
"He's a high-character guy, a great teammate and a really amazing contributor, " Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said after completing the Castro trade. "It was a tough loss to lose him, but you have to give to get."
The Cubs appear to have a full five-man rotation in place with Jake Arrieta, Jon Lester, John Lackey, Kyle Hendricks and Jason Hammel. Plus, the bullpen will be filled with other pitchers who have significant starting experience in Trevor Cahill, Travis Wood and Clayton Richard.
But the Cubs essentially had no major injury issues with their rotation last year and they don't expect that to continue. So Warren represents one of the multiple backup options in place.
"Obviously, I want to start," Warren said. "But I've pitched successfully out of the bullpen as well. This is a win-now mentality with this team, so it's whatever we got to do."
Ryne Sandberg believes the 2016 Cubs are hungry and ready to go.
By Tony Andracki
(Photo/csnchicago.com)
If anybody understands the relationship Cubs fans have with their team, it's Ryne Sandberg.
The Hall of Famer who spent 15 years with the Cubs as a player and then another four seasons as a manager in the minor leagues knows what it's like to play for a fan base who hasn't experienced a championship in more than a century.
The 2016 Cubs will enter the year with a target on their backs after a surprising run to the National League Championship Series and a headline-making offseason.
What's it like to play in this Chicago market with lofty expectations?
"It's the best," Sandberg said as he stopped by Comcast SportsNet and the AT&T U-Verse Lounge Thursday. "[The Cubs] experienced it a lot last year the way that they came along and surprised a lot of people."
Sandberg said he got an up-close look at the upstart Cubs over the final couple months of the 2015 season as they got hot.
"Everything I saw and noticed, they just answered the bell," Sandberg said. "They were saying all the right things and they were talking about winning.
"I think the fact they were so young really helped them. They really didn't know what they were accomplishing. They were just having fun and playing good baseball and winning and that really snowballed. I think they fell short of their goals last year - as it turns out - and I think they're going to come back hungry and experienced.
"With everybody shooting for them, that will be the challenge. They're not going to surprise as many people this year. You have to make some adjustments and work hard and play good baseball."
Sandberg also spent some time discussing his friendship with comedic icon - and noted Cubs fan - Bill Murray, including Murray attending Sandberg's Hall of Fame induction in Cooperstown, N.Y.
"It was pretty wild," Sandberg said. "He was the star out there in the crowd, really. ... He was a lot of fun at the parties, that's for sure."
The Hall of Famer who spent 15 years with the Cubs as a player and then another four seasons as a manager in the minor leagues knows what it's like to play for a fan base who hasn't experienced a championship in more than a century.
The 2016 Cubs will enter the year with a target on their backs after a surprising run to the National League Championship Series and a headline-making offseason.
What's it like to play in this Chicago market with lofty expectations?
"It's the best," Sandberg said as he stopped by Comcast SportsNet and the AT&T U-Verse Lounge Thursday. "[The Cubs] experienced it a lot last year the way that they came along and surprised a lot of people."
Sandberg said he got an up-close look at the upstart Cubs over the final couple months of the 2015 season as they got hot.
"Everything I saw and noticed, they just answered the bell," Sandberg said. "They were saying all the right things and they were talking about winning.
"I think the fact they were so young really helped them. They really didn't know what they were accomplishing. They were just having fun and playing good baseball and winning and that really snowballed. I think they fell short of their goals last year - as it turns out - and I think they're going to come back hungry and experienced.
"With everybody shooting for them, that will be the challenge. They're not going to surprise as many people this year. You have to make some adjustments and work hard and play good baseball."
Sandberg also spent some time discussing his friendship with comedic icon - and noted Cubs fan - Bill Murray, including Murray attending Sandberg's Hall of Fame induction in Cooperstown, N.Y.
"It was pretty wild," Sandberg said. "He was the star out there in the crowd, really. ... He was a lot of fun at the parties, that's for sure."
Bob Costas: White Sox made 'right choice' with Jason Benetti.
By Dan Hayes
Legendary broadcaster Bob Costas was intrigued to meet Jason Benetti 10 years ago for several reasons.
Costas and the new White Sox play-by-play man share an alma mater, Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications. And Costas appreciates and respects how Benetti has dealt with his disability.
But the admiration Costas — one of several fabled broadcasters whom the Homewood-Flossmoor product considers a mentor — has for Benetti extends beyond their initial connections. And Costas thinks the abilities that Benetti possesses make him a perfect hire for the White Sox.
“They’re getting one of the best young broadcasters around, getting someone who not only has talent, but who loves and understands the craft,” Costas told CSNChicago.com. “And because of his pretty close to unique circumstances, he is deeply appreciative of everything that this means. He appreciates and understands the history of the craft, he understands the history of the game and he understands and appreciates that he now has a chance to be a part of it.
“Yes, it’s a career move. But it’s more than that. He appreciates it on a personal level.”
Costas and the new White Sox play-by-play man share an alma mater, Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications. And Costas appreciates and respects how Benetti has dealt with his disability.
But the admiration Costas — one of several fabled broadcasters whom the Homewood-Flossmoor product considers a mentor — has for Benetti extends beyond their initial connections. And Costas thinks the abilities that Benetti possesses make him a perfect hire for the White Sox.
“They’re getting one of the best young broadcasters around, getting someone who not only has talent, but who loves and understands the craft,” Costas told CSNChicago.com. “And because of his pretty close to unique circumstances, he is deeply appreciative of everything that this means. He appreciates and understands the history of the craft, he understands the history of the game and he understands and appreciates that he now has a chance to be a part of it.
“Yes, it’s a career move. But it’s more than that. He appreciates it on a personal level.”
The career of Costas - who attended Newhouse - has spanned more than 40 years. Having worked more high-profile events than one could keep track of, the 26-time Emmy Award winner has met his share of ambitious young announcers.
Benetti stood out immediately.
Of course there’s the Newhouse connection, a network of alums that looks out for one another (Mike Tirico and Sean McDonough are also Syracuse products and Benetti mentors). And Benetti was up front that he was born with Cerebral Palsy, which distinguished him, Costas said.
But Benetti’s talent is the real draw, Costas said.
“What struck me about him as a broadcaster was he had very good command of language,” Costas said. “Some people have the same couple dozen ways to describe things and that’s that. With him there’s a great deal of variety.
“His powers of description are better than the average person, especially starting out.
“Early on he had that knack.”
Benetti remembers the first time Costas called.
“When he said ‘Hello,’ he didn’t even have to say his name,” Benetti said. “He’s so distinctive. It’s beautiful.”
Benetti describes his mentors, a group that includes Costas, Cubs broadcaster Len Kasper, McDonough, Ian Eagle and Tirico, as “aim-higher people” who offered both encouragement and feedback.
“Those people in that group … basically said, ‘Be you and do great work and here is how I would like to help,'" Benetti said.
Early in his career, Costas received assistance in several forms.
Syracuse professor Stan Alten offered critical feedback - “even after I was at NBC, through the mid-80s, I would hear from him,” Costas said. And previous bosses, namely KMOX’s Bob Hyland and NBC’s Dick Ebersol, instilled the confidence Costas needed when they took chances and hired him.
Familiar with Benetti’s work for the Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs, Costas knew Benetti didn’t need much critical assistance. He thought Benetti mostly needed more repetitions to hone his style.
“What he needed more than anything else was encouragement and occasional feedback,” Costas said. “He didn’t really need someone to tell him, ‘Do this. Don’t that.' He already kind of understood it.”
What has impressed Costas perhaps most are the work ethic and preparation, the respect for his role and how Benetti has handled his disability. That combination, along with his vocabulary and delivery, has Costas confident about Benetti’s future with the White Sox.
“He acknowledges it, but he minimizes it simultaneously,” Costas said. “It’s like, ‘Yeah, here it is. It’s not holding me back. If that reality inspires anyone else, than so much the better. But I don’t want it to be the very first and only thing people think about when they think about me.’ And his work has assured that’s going to be the case.”
“His background makes him an interesting story. But his talent and quality of craftsmanship are what make him the right choice.”
Benetti stood out immediately.
Of course there’s the Newhouse connection, a network of alums that looks out for one another (Mike Tirico and Sean McDonough are also Syracuse products and Benetti mentors). And Benetti was up front that he was born with Cerebral Palsy, which distinguished him, Costas said.
But Benetti’s talent is the real draw, Costas said.
“What struck me about him as a broadcaster was he had very good command of language,” Costas said. “Some people have the same couple dozen ways to describe things and that’s that. With him there’s a great deal of variety.
“His powers of description are better than the average person, especially starting out.
“Early on he had that knack.”
Benetti remembers the first time Costas called.
“When he said ‘Hello,’ he didn’t even have to say his name,” Benetti said. “He’s so distinctive. It’s beautiful.”
Benetti describes his mentors, a group that includes Costas, Cubs broadcaster Len Kasper, McDonough, Ian Eagle and Tirico, as “aim-higher people” who offered both encouragement and feedback.
“Those people in that group … basically said, ‘Be you and do great work and here is how I would like to help,'" Benetti said.
Early in his career, Costas received assistance in several forms.
Syracuse professor Stan Alten offered critical feedback - “even after I was at NBC, through the mid-80s, I would hear from him,” Costas said. And previous bosses, namely KMOX’s Bob Hyland and NBC’s Dick Ebersol, instilled the confidence Costas needed when they took chances and hired him.
Familiar with Benetti’s work for the Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs, Costas knew Benetti didn’t need much critical assistance. He thought Benetti mostly needed more repetitions to hone his style.
“What he needed more than anything else was encouragement and occasional feedback,” Costas said. “He didn’t really need someone to tell him, ‘Do this. Don’t that.' He already kind of understood it.”
What has impressed Costas perhaps most are the work ethic and preparation, the respect for his role and how Benetti has handled his disability. That combination, along with his vocabulary and delivery, has Costas confident about Benetti’s future with the White Sox.
“He acknowledges it, but he minimizes it simultaneously,” Costas said. “It’s like, ‘Yeah, here it is. It’s not holding me back. If that reality inspires anyone else, than so much the better. But I don’t want it to be the very first and only thing people think about when they think about me.’ And his work has assured that’s going to be the case.”
“His background makes him an interesting story. But his talent and quality of craftsmanship are what make him the right choice.”
Golf: I got a club for that..... Rickie Fowler pulls out one-shot win in Abu Dhabi.
By Ryan Ballengee
USA's Rickie Fowler celebrates with the trophy after winning the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, 01/24/2016. (Photo/Reuters/Paul Childs)
Fowler started Sunday by finishing off a 7-under 65 in the third round at Abu Dhabi Golf Club, earning a two-shot edge for the final 18. He then got off to a hot start in the final pairing, making birdie on the first two holes.
Fowler, however, stumbled on the par-3 seventh, nearly putting his tee shot in a water hazard, ultimately making double bogey.
“Probably one of my few bad swings of the day,” he said. “That was the wrong place, wrong time.”
A hole later, Fowler recouped his losses with a hole-out from a bunker for eagle 3 on the eighth hole. The lead was three heading to the back nine, which Fowler played expertly with a string of pars that never really had him in serious trouble of losing the lead – that is, until McIlroy made a furious run at the finish. After a dropped shot on the 11th hole, McIlroy played the final seven holes in 5 under, including a chip-in on the 16th and a thunderous eagle at the par-5 finisher. Ultimately, that rally wasn't enough.
“Not quite what I wanted,” McIlroy said. “It seems like this could be the tournament that I just can't quite master. But it's been good. I've played a lot of good golf here at this golf course in Abu Dhabi.”
Perhaps sensing he needed just a little cushion, Fowler came through in what is becoming his customary clutch fashion. Just on the fringe with his approach to the par-4 17th, Fowler executed a perfect chip shot, holing it for what turned out to be the winning birdie.
On the 18th hole, Fowler dodged a near eagle from Pieters. The Oklahoma State product two-putted for par to cap off a final-round 69 and a one-stroke win at 16-under 272.
Now, Fowler has four wins in impressive fields in nine months, starting with The Players last May, continuing with the Scottish Open, Deutsche Bank Championship and, now in Abu Dhabi. With the win, Fowler is now officially in the Big Four of the Official World Golf Ranking. The order goes: Jordan Spieth, who finished T-5 on Sunday, Jason Day, McIlroy and Fowler.
Then again, no one needed the ranking algorithm to tell them what they could see with their own eyes. It's not just the high tops and the joggers; Fowler is a standout player who cannot be ignored.
“We had a very strong field here,” Fowler said. “Not just Rory and Jordan, but Henrik and down the line. A lot of guys were playing well."
However, as Fowler has himself said – perhaps to dangle an orange carrot in front of his own face – he wants a major before he considers himself in the company of the only players ahead of him on golf's ladder. The more often Fowler beats Spieth, McIlroy and Day, the more likely that goal seems.
Or, as Fowler said, "This is a step in the right direction.”
Spieth considering future schedule changes after tiring stretch.
By Ryan Ballengee
Jordan Spieth is wiped.
Spieth finished T-5 in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, five shots behind eventual winner Rickie Fowler. Not bad for his debut in the tournament, but Spieth walked away from the week wondering if chasing high-dollar appearance fees, like he got to make his Abu Dhabi debut this week, is worth the mental and physical wear and tear.
“It won’t be something I’ll do in the future, to bounce back and forth from Asia as much as we did, or Australia,” Spieth said after the tournament. “I’m very tired. As a team we’re beat up mentally and physically. I’m not 100 percent right now. It shows in certain places.”
Spieth got out to a modest start, shooting 4-under 68 to trail reigning U.S. Amateur champion Bryson DeChambeau. Spieth, however, was unhappy with his driving. His play worsened in Round 2, spread between Friday and Saturday, leading to a 73 that sent him off course. A pair of closing 68s gave him a good finish.
The first day I was here, I was striping it,” Spieth said. “Since then I have been a little weak, and my decision-making has been off.”
The 22-year-old isn't done with his world travels yet, which began at the tail end of 2015 with a run through China, Australia, the Bahamas and Hawaii before landing in the United Arab Emirates. Up next? A money grab to play in next week's Singapore Open in the Asian Tour.
Jason Dufner wins CareerBuilder over Lingmerth on 2nd playoff hole.
By Ryan Ballengee
(Photo/Golf Channel)
There was plenty of drama – and a little overtime – in the California desert, where Jason Dufner held off a late rally from David Lingmerth for his first win in more than two years. Here's how things ended up in Palm Springs, where Dufner won in a playoff:
Leaderboard: Jason Dufner (-25, won on second extra hole), David Lingmerth (-25), Phil Mickelson (-21), Andrew Loupe (-21), Kevin Na (-21), Luke List (-20), Jamie Lovemark (-20)
What it means: Dufner started the day with a two-shot lead, but got off to a slow start and watched as others quickly caught up. Regulation ended with Dufner and Lingmerth tied atop the standings, but after a clutch par save to force a second extra hole Dufner watched as Lingmerth's approach on his 20th hole of the day found the water. The victory is Dufner's fourth of his career, but his first since the 2013 PGA Championship.
Round of the day: Lingmerth has a history with this event, having fired a final-round 62 to sneak into a playoff in 2013, and he again found the late magic with a closing 65 in Palm Springs. The Swede carded seven birdies without dropping a shot, including four birdies in a six-hole stretch from Nos. 11-16.
Best of the rest: Brian Harman had the early makings of a 59 watch after a hot front nine, but despite cooling off still posted a 65. Harman birdied seven holes in an eight-hole stretch from Nos. 2-9, including four in a row on Nos. 2-6, before closing his round with nine straight pars to finish tied for 11th.
Biggest disappointment: Ryan Palmer appeared poised to make a run at Dufner, but the veteran never got anything going Sunday. With a double bogey and three bogeys, he carded a 1-over 73 in the final round to drop back into a tie for 17th.
Shot of the day: Dufner appeared to be in a rough spot after his tee shot on the 17th hole found the rocks, but he was able to play the ball from the hazard. The resulting chip shot tracked the whole way before hitting the flagstick, leaving him a tap-in par that kept his chances alive.
Quote of the day: “This is the best tour in the world, so for me to win this week I feel like I was one of the best players in the world this week." - Dufner
By Reid Spencer
(Photo/yahoosports.com)
Four legendary drivers and one titan of a track owner are the latest additions to the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
On Saturday afternoon at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, N.C., O. Bruton Smith, executive chairman of Speedway Motorsports Inc., entered the Hall with "Iceman" Terry Labonte, six-time NASCAR Modified champion Jerry Cook, 1970 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Bobby Isaac and flamboyant Curtis Turner, who was instrumental in raising the profile of stock car racing during NASCAR’s early days.
Introduced by current NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Ryan Newman, Isaac was first to be inducted during a ceremony delayed for one day by winter storm Jonas. Son Randy Isaac performed the honors, with wife Patsy accepting on behalf of her late husband.
On Saturday afternoon at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, N.C., O. Bruton Smith, executive chairman of Speedway Motorsports Inc., entered the Hall with "Iceman" Terry Labonte, six-time NASCAR Modified champion Jerry Cook, 1970 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Bobby Isaac and flamboyant Curtis Turner, who was instrumental in raising the profile of stock car racing during NASCAR’s early days.
Introduced by current NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Ryan Newman, Isaac was first to be inducted during a ceremony delayed for one day by winter storm Jonas. Son Randy Isaac performed the honors, with wife Patsy accepting on behalf of her late husband.
"Bobby Isaac is a true American rages-to-riches story," Patsy Isaac said. "He was born into a poor family in Catawba County in 1932. He was the second youngest of nine children and was on his own by the age of 12.
"One fateful night, Bobby attended a race at Hickory Speedway. Not having enough money to purchase a ticket, he watched the race from a tree outside the track. He was inspired to believe that racing was his opportunity for a better life.
"He loved to win, but he hated to lose, and he used this passion to drive his success."
Isaac passed away in 1977, seven years after winning his championship in NASCAR's premier division, and those who weren’t fortunate enough to have seen him on the track missed one of the fiercest competitors in the history of NASCAR racing.
In 308 starts, Isaac won 37 races and 49 poles, 10th most all-time in the latter category. Remarkably, he converted 20 of those poles into race wins. Thirty-six of his victories came during a prolific period from 1968 through 1972, when Isaac was driving the No. 71 K&K Insurance Dodge owned by Nord Krauskopf.
During his championship season, Isaac visited Victory Lane 11 times in 47 starts, a year after winning an extraordinary 17 times in 50 races and finishing sixth in the series standings. Isaac still holds the record for poles in a single season (19 in 1969).
Cook, part of a remarkable era in NASCAR Modified racing, was the second member of the class of 2016 to enter the Hall. During a 15-year span, Cook and Richie Evans, a nine-time champion and a 2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee, kept the Modified trophy in Rome, New York, where they both lived.
"One fateful night, Bobby attended a race at Hickory Speedway. Not having enough money to purchase a ticket, he watched the race from a tree outside the track. He was inspired to believe that racing was his opportunity for a better life.
"He loved to win, but he hated to lose, and he used this passion to drive his success."
Isaac passed away in 1977, seven years after winning his championship in NASCAR's premier division, and those who weren’t fortunate enough to have seen him on the track missed one of the fiercest competitors in the history of NASCAR racing.
In 308 starts, Isaac won 37 races and 49 poles, 10th most all-time in the latter category. Remarkably, he converted 20 of those poles into race wins. Thirty-six of his victories came during a prolific period from 1968 through 1972, when Isaac was driving the No. 71 K&K Insurance Dodge owned by Nord Krauskopf.
During his championship season, Isaac visited Victory Lane 11 times in 47 starts, a year after winning an extraordinary 17 times in 50 races and finishing sixth in the series standings. Isaac still holds the record for poles in a single season (19 in 1969).
Cook, part of a remarkable era in NASCAR Modified racing, was the second member of the class of 2016 to enter the Hall. During a 15-year span, Cook and Richie Evans, a nine-time champion and a 2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee, kept the Modified trophy in Rome, New York, where they both lived.
It's a tribute to Cook’s talent and tenacity that he was able to win six titles, including four straight from 1974 through 1977, going head-to-head against the foremost Modified driver in the history of the sport.
Cook's contribution, however, isn’t limited to his on-track performance. As a long-time NASCAR executive, Cook has been instrumental in the streamlining, development and promotion of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour.
Three-time Cup champion Tony Stewart introduced Cook with the words "Today one of my favorite drivers takes his rightful place among the immortals in the NASCAR Hall of Fame."
An emotional Cook humbly accepted the honor, which was conferred on him by old friend and former NASCAR senior vice president of competition Robin Pemberton.
"I have been very fortunate to make a living doing something that I really love, and I would not trade it for anything," Cook said during his induction speech. "When I first started racing, I wondered how long I could do this before I had to get a real job, but somehow, I always had money in my pocket, so I just kept racing.
"In fact, my Mother never thought that I had a real job until I went to work for NASCAR ... NASCAR's a family, and this is our house. Thanks for bringing me to our house."
Always larger than life, and sometimes controversial, Turner earned the well-deserved nickname "Babe Ruth of stock car racing" for his hard-charging aggressiveness on the race track and his equally full-throttle lifestyle off the dirt and pavement.
A 17-time winner at NASCAR's highest level, Turner collected most of his victories on short asphalt and dirt ovals, but he also triumphed in the 1956 Southern 500 at Darlington and the 1965 American 500 at Rockingham, driving a No. 41 Ford fielded by the Wood Brothers in the inaugural Cup race at the one-mile track.
Turner is the only driver in the history of NASCAR’s top division to have won from the pole while leading every lap in two consecutive races, a feat he accomplished at Rochester, New York, and Charlotte in 1950.
"Curtis was recognized nationally as THE race driver," said fellow inductee Bruton Smith, who joined forces with Turner in spearheading the construction of Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Turner, who also won 38 races in 78 starts in NASCAR’s Convertible Series was introduced by 2014 Sprint Cup champion Kevin Harvick and inducted by Hall of Fame member Leonard Wood. Turner's daughter, Margaret Sue Turner Wright, accepted the honor.
"Curtis Turner was really many things to many people," Wright said. "He was a star to some people, a great race car driver to many people, a track president, track promoter and an owner—and entrepreneur. But we just called him 'Dad' or 'Daddy.'
"...If there was anything he ever wanted to do—a project or a new business—he never let doubt get in the way. He just went full speed ahead into his dreams, and that's inspiring."
Smith, the fourth inductee from the 2016 class, set a new standard of opulence in NASCAR facilities. Many consider Bristol Motor Speedway his most visionary contribution to the sport. There, he took a half-mile short track in rural Tennessee and transformed it into a 160,000-seat racing coliseum.
Charlotte Motor Speedway, however, was the foundation of Speedway Motorsports Inc., which has grown to include eight race tracks that host a combined total of 12 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series points races, as well as the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race.
Introduced by 2012 Cup champion Brad Keselowski, Smith, the top vote-getter in the 2016 class, was ushered into the Hall by three-time Cup champion and Hall of fame member Darrell Waltrip.
"I want to thank all the people that voted for me," the effervescent Smith said. "That was wonderful. You took a chance, but you know how it is. When you got married, you took a chance. I'm glad you voted for me—and I'm here!"
Smith said originally he wanted to be a race car driver and bought a car for $700.
"But my mom had a problem with it, and she said, 'I wish you wouldn't do that.'" Smith said. "I heard that a dozen times, I guess, and my mother was a very religious person. My mom started praying I would quit.
"I knew then, when she did that, it was time for me to quit, because I was not going to compete with that. So that's when I quit and went over to the other side, and I started promoting races."
Known as "Iceman" for his cool demeanor and "Iron Man" for his streak of 655 straight starts in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (fifth most all-time), Labonte was the fifth and final inductee of the day.
Labonte won championships in NASCAR’s top series 12 years apart, the first for owner Billy Hagan in 1984 and the second for Hendrick Motorsports in 1996. Labonte's primary competition for the second title was teammate Jeff Gordon, who finished second in the standings during a run of three championships in four years.
"He battled Jeff Gordon for the championship when Jeff Gordon was in his prime—and beat him," team owner Rick Hendrick said during a question-and-session with reporters on the recent Charlotte Motor Speedway Media Tour. "He's one of the toughest people I've ever met, but he's a team player, and such a good person."
Labonte was introduced by reigning Sprint Cup champion Kyle Busch and inducted by daughter Kristy Garrett. Labonte then gave a nod to the corps of drivers who had preceded him into the Hall.
"I might be in the Hall of Fame today with you guys, but you guys will still always be my heroes, and I appreciate everything that you guys did for our sport," he said.
In his acceptance speech, the typically reticent champion couldn't resist a joke at the expense of his wife Kim.
"We were riding down the road the other day, and Kim looked at me and said, 'Hey, have you even thought about a speech for the Hall of Fame?'
"And I looked at her and said, 'That's news to me. Nobody's told me anything about a speech for the Hall of Fame' ... I thought right there, you know I've got the perfect wife. We've been married 37 years, and she still believes everything I tell her."
Labonte got uncharacteristically emotional, however, in address brother Bobby Labonte, who won the Cup championship in 2000.
"It's not everybody who gets to do this and race in this series, much less do it with your brother," Labonte said. "And I'll tell you what, we had some great years that we raced together. We have some memories that will last a lifetime. And I love you, too, buddy."
Also honored on Saturday were Darlington Raceway developer Harold Brasington, who was named Landmark Award Winner for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR, and popular Fox Sports broadcaster Steve Byrnes, who earned the Squier-Hall Award for NASCAR Media Excellence.
Beloved by colleagues, competitors and fans alike, Byrnes passed away in April after a long, courageous and inspirational battle against cancer.
Cook's contribution, however, isn’t limited to his on-track performance. As a long-time NASCAR executive, Cook has been instrumental in the streamlining, development and promotion of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour.
Three-time Cup champion Tony Stewart introduced Cook with the words "Today one of my favorite drivers takes his rightful place among the immortals in the NASCAR Hall of Fame."
An emotional Cook humbly accepted the honor, which was conferred on him by old friend and former NASCAR senior vice president of competition Robin Pemberton.
"I have been very fortunate to make a living doing something that I really love, and I would not trade it for anything," Cook said during his induction speech. "When I first started racing, I wondered how long I could do this before I had to get a real job, but somehow, I always had money in my pocket, so I just kept racing.
"In fact, my Mother never thought that I had a real job until I went to work for NASCAR ... NASCAR's a family, and this is our house. Thanks for bringing me to our house."
Always larger than life, and sometimes controversial, Turner earned the well-deserved nickname "Babe Ruth of stock car racing" for his hard-charging aggressiveness on the race track and his equally full-throttle lifestyle off the dirt and pavement.
A 17-time winner at NASCAR's highest level, Turner collected most of his victories on short asphalt and dirt ovals, but he also triumphed in the 1956 Southern 500 at Darlington and the 1965 American 500 at Rockingham, driving a No. 41 Ford fielded by the Wood Brothers in the inaugural Cup race at the one-mile track.
Turner is the only driver in the history of NASCAR’s top division to have won from the pole while leading every lap in two consecutive races, a feat he accomplished at Rochester, New York, and Charlotte in 1950.
"Curtis was recognized nationally as THE race driver," said fellow inductee Bruton Smith, who joined forces with Turner in spearheading the construction of Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Turner, who also won 38 races in 78 starts in NASCAR’s Convertible Series was introduced by 2014 Sprint Cup champion Kevin Harvick and inducted by Hall of Fame member Leonard Wood. Turner's daughter, Margaret Sue Turner Wright, accepted the honor.
"Curtis Turner was really many things to many people," Wright said. "He was a star to some people, a great race car driver to many people, a track president, track promoter and an owner—and entrepreneur. But we just called him 'Dad' or 'Daddy.'
"...If there was anything he ever wanted to do—a project or a new business—he never let doubt get in the way. He just went full speed ahead into his dreams, and that's inspiring."
Smith, the fourth inductee from the 2016 class, set a new standard of opulence in NASCAR facilities. Many consider Bristol Motor Speedway his most visionary contribution to the sport. There, he took a half-mile short track in rural Tennessee and transformed it into a 160,000-seat racing coliseum.
Charlotte Motor Speedway, however, was the foundation of Speedway Motorsports Inc., which has grown to include eight race tracks that host a combined total of 12 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series points races, as well as the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race.
Introduced by 2012 Cup champion Brad Keselowski, Smith, the top vote-getter in the 2016 class, was ushered into the Hall by three-time Cup champion and Hall of fame member Darrell Waltrip.
"I want to thank all the people that voted for me," the effervescent Smith said. "That was wonderful. You took a chance, but you know how it is. When you got married, you took a chance. I'm glad you voted for me—and I'm here!"
Smith said originally he wanted to be a race car driver and bought a car for $700.
"But my mom had a problem with it, and she said, 'I wish you wouldn't do that.'" Smith said. "I heard that a dozen times, I guess, and my mother was a very religious person. My mom started praying I would quit.
"I knew then, when she did that, it was time for me to quit, because I was not going to compete with that. So that's when I quit and went over to the other side, and I started promoting races."
Known as "Iceman" for his cool demeanor and "Iron Man" for his streak of 655 straight starts in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (fifth most all-time), Labonte was the fifth and final inductee of the day.
Labonte won championships in NASCAR’s top series 12 years apart, the first for owner Billy Hagan in 1984 and the second for Hendrick Motorsports in 1996. Labonte's primary competition for the second title was teammate Jeff Gordon, who finished second in the standings during a run of three championships in four years.
"He battled Jeff Gordon for the championship when Jeff Gordon was in his prime—and beat him," team owner Rick Hendrick said during a question-and-session with reporters on the recent Charlotte Motor Speedway Media Tour. "He's one of the toughest people I've ever met, but he's a team player, and such a good person."
Labonte was introduced by reigning Sprint Cup champion Kyle Busch and inducted by daughter Kristy Garrett. Labonte then gave a nod to the corps of drivers who had preceded him into the Hall.
"I might be in the Hall of Fame today with you guys, but you guys will still always be my heroes, and I appreciate everything that you guys did for our sport," he said.
In his acceptance speech, the typically reticent champion couldn't resist a joke at the expense of his wife Kim.
"We were riding down the road the other day, and Kim looked at me and said, 'Hey, have you even thought about a speech for the Hall of Fame?'
"And I looked at her and said, 'That's news to me. Nobody's told me anything about a speech for the Hall of Fame' ... I thought right there, you know I've got the perfect wife. We've been married 37 years, and she still believes everything I tell her."
Labonte got uncharacteristically emotional, however, in address brother Bobby Labonte, who won the Cup championship in 2000.
"It's not everybody who gets to do this and race in this series, much less do it with your brother," Labonte said. "And I'll tell you what, we had some great years that we raced together. We have some memories that will last a lifetime. And I love you, too, buddy."
Also honored on Saturday were Darlington Raceway developer Harold Brasington, who was named Landmark Award Winner for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR, and popular Fox Sports broadcaster Steve Byrnes, who earned the Squier-Hall Award for NASCAR Media Excellence.
Beloved by colleagues, competitors and fans alike, Byrnes passed away in April after a long, courageous and inspirational battle against cancer.
Report: Kurt Busch thinking about running in 100th Indianapolis 500.
By Jerry Bonkowski
(Photo/Getty Images)
Kurt Busch has the Indy itch again. The question now is whether he’ll scratch it.
Two years after finishing sixth in his rookie – and only – appearance in the Indianapolis 500, Busch told AutoWeek’s Matt Weaver that the lure of potentially competing in May’s 100th running of the Greatest Spectacle In Racing is alluring.
“Possibly,” Busch told Weaver. “That’s especially true since it’s the 100th running. There’s a lot of sponsorship opportunities, be it Haas Automation, Chevrolet or Monster Energy.”
But like a good soldier, Busch quickly added that his day job as a NASCAR Sprint Cup driver still remains No. 1 in his mind.
“But for now, my focus is on Stewart-Haas Racing, the No. 41 car and locking ourselves into the Chase as soon as possible this season,” Busch told Weaver.
With four months remaining until what will arguably be the most celebrated 500 in decades, Busch hasn’t done much in pursuing a ride as yet.
In 2014, he drove for Andretti Autosport at Indianapolis, started 12th and finished sixth. Team owner Michael Andretti said afterward that Busch could drive for him again any time he wanted.
Although there have been no formal discussions to date, Busch may just try to take Andretti up on that offer, although it’s questionable whether Chevrolet would let him race again for a Honda-powered team as he did in 2014.
But if there’s no room with Andretti/Honda, Busch wouldn’t rule out driving for another team, but with one stipulation:
It has to be a competitive ride. It may be hard to find one at this late date, but Busch isn’t letting the idea go.
“I’ve seen some deals get put together as late as May 1,” Busch told AutoWeek.
“Mine didn’t come together until March 31. There’s time to do this, but my biggest concern is the lack of competitive rides still left.”
Two years after finishing sixth in his rookie – and only – appearance in the Indianapolis 500, Busch told AutoWeek’s Matt Weaver that the lure of potentially competing in May’s 100th running of the Greatest Spectacle In Racing is alluring.
“Possibly,” Busch told Weaver. “That’s especially true since it’s the 100th running. There’s a lot of sponsorship opportunities, be it Haas Automation, Chevrolet or Monster Energy.”
But like a good soldier, Busch quickly added that his day job as a NASCAR Sprint Cup driver still remains No. 1 in his mind.
“But for now, my focus is on Stewart-Haas Racing, the No. 41 car and locking ourselves into the Chase as soon as possible this season,” Busch told Weaver.
With four months remaining until what will arguably be the most celebrated 500 in decades, Busch hasn’t done much in pursuing a ride as yet.
In 2014, he drove for Andretti Autosport at Indianapolis, started 12th and finished sixth. Team owner Michael Andretti said afterward that Busch could drive for him again any time he wanted.
Although there have been no formal discussions to date, Busch may just try to take Andretti up on that offer, although it’s questionable whether Chevrolet would let him race again for a Honda-powered team as he did in 2014.
But if there’s no room with Andretti/Honda, Busch wouldn’t rule out driving for another team, but with one stipulation:
It has to be a competitive ride. It may be hard to find one at this late date, but Busch isn’t letting the idea go.
“I’ve seen some deals get put together as late as May 1,” Busch told AutoWeek.
“Mine didn’t come together until March 31. There’s time to do this, but my biggest concern is the lack of competitive rides still left.”
SOCCER: Everton 1-2 Swansea: Swans earn first league win over Everton.
Kyle Bonn
Swansea beat Everton in league play for the first time in their history behind a clinical first half and a tidy second half under new manager Francesco Guidolin.
The Italian took charge for the first time today, and he navigated a second half dominated by Everton as the visitors never uncomfortable defending with the lead.
In the opening minutes, Everton looked happy to sit back and defend Swansea’s possession, and they had a chance on the break as Muhamed Besic hit the post on the break just three minutes in. Besic, unfortunately, had to go off after just 10 minutes due to a hamstring injury, replaced by Tom Cleverly.
The home side was pegged back in the 16th minute when a horrific back-pass by John Stones instead sprung Andre Ayew in the six-yard box anad Tim Howard come out to challenge. Instead of looking to collect the ball under pressure, the American goalkeeper instead hacked at the ball, missing and instead catching Ayew’s shins, and the referee pointed to the spot. Gylfi Sigurdsson buried the penalty, and Swansea went 1-0 up inside 20 minutes.
Everton had to make another injury change with Kevin Mirallas going off, but not before the Toffees were level on 27 minutes. A set-piece opportunity brought them back, as a corner swung into Gareth Barry at the near post who touched a back-heel into the far corner. The goal was initially credited to Barry, but on further review, the initial effort would have gone wide if not helped by a deflection off the leg of Jack Cork.
The parity wouldn’t last long, as the Swans broke down the left on 35 minutes. It cut in to Ayew, who struck a tight-angled shot that deflected off Stones and buried into the net past Tim Howard for a 2-1 lead.
After halftime, Everton pushed forward and had a glaring chance on 50 minutes, but Ross Barkley blasted over from point blank range and the flag went up as well. The home side continued to pummel the Swansea area after the break, as Gerard Deulofeu looked bright on the right wing, sending in a number of positive crosses in front of goal, but each time nobody was there to meet it.
That storyline continued through the final 45 minutes, but Swansea’s defense held firm each time. Lukaku had a chance with five minutes to go on a cross from Ross Barkley, but his header was well saved by a diving Lukas Fabianski. Seamus Coleman had a beautiful opportunity having shaken Ashley Williams in the box, but he pulled the shot wide after slipping. The final whistle came as Coleman put one more point-blank effort over the bar.
That was all Everton had to offer, as they slipped at home yet again and remain out of the top half of the table, sitting 12th with 29 points. Swansea’s victory propelled them away from the relegation zone, up to 15th four points outside the danger area.
The Italian took charge for the first time today, and he navigated a second half dominated by Everton as the visitors never uncomfortable defending with the lead.
In the opening minutes, Everton looked happy to sit back and defend Swansea’s possession, and they had a chance on the break as Muhamed Besic hit the post on the break just three minutes in. Besic, unfortunately, had to go off after just 10 minutes due to a hamstring injury, replaced by Tom Cleverly.
The home side was pegged back in the 16th minute when a horrific back-pass by John Stones instead sprung Andre Ayew in the six-yard box anad Tim Howard come out to challenge. Instead of looking to collect the ball under pressure, the American goalkeeper instead hacked at the ball, missing and instead catching Ayew’s shins, and the referee pointed to the spot. Gylfi Sigurdsson buried the penalty, and Swansea went 1-0 up inside 20 minutes.
Everton had to make another injury change with Kevin Mirallas going off, but not before the Toffees were level on 27 minutes. A set-piece opportunity brought them back, as a corner swung into Gareth Barry at the near post who touched a back-heel into the far corner. The goal was initially credited to Barry, but on further review, the initial effort would have gone wide if not helped by a deflection off the leg of Jack Cork.
The parity wouldn’t last long, as the Swans broke down the left on 35 minutes. It cut in to Ayew, who struck a tight-angled shot that deflected off Stones and buried into the net past Tim Howard for a 2-1 lead.
After halftime, Everton pushed forward and had a glaring chance on 50 minutes, but Ross Barkley blasted over from point blank range and the flag went up as well. The home side continued to pummel the Swansea area after the break, as Gerard Deulofeu looked bright on the right wing, sending in a number of positive crosses in front of goal, but each time nobody was there to meet it.
That storyline continued through the final 45 minutes, but Swansea’s defense held firm each time. Lukaku had a chance with five minutes to go on a cross from Ross Barkley, but his header was well saved by a diving Lukas Fabianski. Seamus Coleman had a beautiful opportunity having shaken Ashley Williams in the box, but he pulled the shot wide after slipping. The final whistle came as Coleman put one more point-blank effort over the bar.
That was all Everton had to offer, as they slipped at home yet again and remain out of the top half of the table, sitting 12th with 29 points. Swansea’s victory propelled them away from the relegation zone, up to 15th four points outside the danger area.
Arsenal 0-1 Chelsea: Early Mertesacker red allows Costa to pounce.
By Kyle Bonn
Per Mertesacker was sent off after 18 minutes for pulling down Diego Costa, and the Brazilian struck four minutes later to give Chelsea a 1-0 win at the Emirates.
Chelsea had the first few opportunities, forcing Petr Cech into a save two minutes in and seeing a cutback defended well after five minutes. Willian had a double chance after 10 minutes but his efforts were first blocked then saved. The Gunners began to see more of the ball, but they were content to hold down the Blues and take advantage of mistakes with counter-attacks.
But it was a Chelsea counter which would truly peg the Gunners back. Willian played through a beautiful ball for Diego Costa, and it forced Per Mertesacker to cut down the Brazilian who was clean through on goal. Referee Mark Clattenburg went to the pocket and sent Mertesacker off just 18 minutes gone by.
Chelsea had the first few opportunities, forcing Petr Cech into a save two minutes in and seeing a cutback defended well after five minutes. Willian had a double chance after 10 minutes but his efforts were first blocked then saved. The Gunners began to see more of the ball, but they were content to hold down the Blues and take advantage of mistakes with counter-attacks.
But it was a Chelsea counter which would truly peg the Gunners back. Willian played through a beautiful ball for Diego Costa, and it forced Per Mertesacker to cut down the Brazilian who was clean through on goal. Referee Mark Clattenburg went to the pocket and sent Mertesacker off just 18 minutes gone by.
The Blues would take a deserved lead four minutes after the red card through Costa. The striker whiffed on the first cross, but another ball in from Branislav Ivanovic met Costa’s right foot and he buried the chance for a 1-0 lead.
A man down, Arsene Wenger had to make a change, sacrificing Olivier Giroud for Gabriel. Arsenal had a big chance to pull level on 34 minutes but Theo Walcott shot wide from a tight angle. They were forced back onto the defensive for much of the second half, as Ivanovic powered a corner on goal that was cleared off the line by Nacho Monreal. The Gunners had one more chance in the initial 45 when Aaron Ramsey looped in a beautiful ball for Mathieu Flamini, but the midfielder lept rashly at the pass and popped it over.
Arsenal put forth a great effort out of halftime, but a man down, things got more physical than anything. They had a big moment in the 63rd minute but Alexis Sanchez’s shot was blocked at the end of a huge scrum.
Costa limped off once again after 68 minutes, like he did last week against Everton, forcing a host of changes by both sides. Chelsea would bring on Loic Remy in his place, and later on came Eden Hazard in place of Oscar. Arsenal, in turn, brought on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for Theo Walcott.
The Gunners turned on the Jets with five minutes to go, but the Blues managed not to break. The win pushes Chelsea a full seven points above the relegation zone into 13th. Meanwhile, Arsenal failed to take back the top spot in the Premier League, three points back of Leicester City.
A man down, Arsene Wenger had to make a change, sacrificing Olivier Giroud for Gabriel. Arsenal had a big chance to pull level on 34 minutes but Theo Walcott shot wide from a tight angle. They were forced back onto the defensive for much of the second half, as Ivanovic powered a corner on goal that was cleared off the line by Nacho Monreal. The Gunners had one more chance in the initial 45 when Aaron Ramsey looped in a beautiful ball for Mathieu Flamini, but the midfielder lept rashly at the pass and popped it over.
Arsenal put forth a great effort out of halftime, but a man down, things got more physical than anything. They had a big moment in the 63rd minute but Alexis Sanchez’s shot was blocked at the end of a huge scrum.
Costa limped off once again after 68 minutes, like he did last week against Everton, forcing a host of changes by both sides. Chelsea would bring on Loic Remy in his place, and later on came Eden Hazard in place of Oscar. Arsenal, in turn, brought on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for Theo Walcott.
The Gunners turned on the Jets with five minutes to go, but the Blues managed not to break. The win pushes Chelsea a full seven points above the relegation zone into 13th. Meanwhile, Arsenal failed to take back the top spot in the Premier League, three points back of Leicester City.
Premier League Saturday roundup: Spurs, Reds find joy; Manchester United not so much.
By Nicholas Mendola
Saturday in the Premier League began with a memorable match that stood as hard to replicate, but that didn’t stop the league from providing several more strong efforts by the time Man City and West Ham wrapped things up at the Boleyn Ground.
The Bottom Three will remain the same, as will the Top Four, but this was still a day of emotional tumult for fans of clubs in the Premier League.
Norwich City 4-5 Liverpool — RECAP
There are few words worthy of describing this majestic feast of football at Carrow Road, though to be fair “dreary defending” could also fit the bill. Liverpool trailed 3-1, then led 4-3 heading into stoppage time where Seb Bassong equalized before Adam Lallana stole three points right back for the visitors. This is one to remember for as long as we watch this wonderful sport.
West Ham United 2-2 Manchester City — RECAP
Enner Valencia scored a pair of goals to put the hosts on the verge of sweeping City for the first time since 1963, but Sergio Aguero completed his brace to leave it level at the Boleyn Ground. The Irons are a point out of fifth, while City is level with Arsenal ahead of the Gunners’ Sunday derby versus Chelsea.
Manchester United 0-1 Southampton — RECAP
We barely had time to say, “How did Saints land Charlie Austin at such a bargain rate?” before the ex-QPR man pushed Southampton to three points minutes after subbing onto the pitch at Old Trafford. What a debut against Louis Van Gaal and United, whose miserable home form continued on Saturday.
Leicester City 3-0 Stoke City — RECAP
The table toppers took a three-point lead on Arsenal for at least a day, as Danny Drinkwater opened the scoring before Jamie Vardy and Leonardo Ulloa scored to give the Foxes a league-best 47 points on the season.
Crystal Palace 1-3 Tottenham Hotspur — RECAP
Alan Pardew dropped to 1-5 in London Derbies this year, although at least Palace saw its goalless skid in the Premier League end at 482 minutes (albeit via an own goal). Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Nacer Chadli scored for Spurs, who sit fourth.
Watford 2-1 Newcastle United — RECAP
Newcastle fans will be screaming for finish, as the Magpies had another morning of controlling the play and manufacturing chances only to lose. Odion Ighalo scored just after halftime on a nice feed from Troy Deeney, and Craig Cathcart made it 2-0 before Jamaal Lascelles pulled one back for the visitors, who remain in 18th place.
Sunderland 1-1 Bournemouth — RECAP
The Black Cats will take their point, as Patrick Van Aanholt scored his fourth goal of the year to offset hot newcomer Benik Afobe‘s tally for the Cherries.
West Bromwich Albion 0-0 Aston Villa — RECAP
The Baggies sat back and were controlled by lowly Villa, and Tony Pulis has done little to further endear himself to a fan base that prefers at least a bit of style. But West Brom is clear of the drop zone in a critical year for all teams to stay Top 17.
Norwich City 4-5 Liverpool — RECAP
There are few words worthy of describing this majestic feast of football at Carrow Road, though to be fair “dreary defending” could also fit the bill. Liverpool trailed 3-1, then led 4-3 heading into stoppage time where Seb Bassong equalized before Adam Lallana stole three points right back for the visitors. This is one to remember for as long as we watch this wonderful sport.
West Ham United 2-2 Manchester City — RECAP
Enner Valencia scored a pair of goals to put the hosts on the verge of sweeping City for the first time since 1963, but Sergio Aguero completed his brace to leave it level at the Boleyn Ground. The Irons are a point out of fifth, while City is level with Arsenal ahead of the Gunners’ Sunday derby versus Chelsea.
Manchester United 0-1 Southampton — RECAP
We barely had time to say, “How did Saints land Charlie Austin at such a bargain rate?” before the ex-QPR man pushed Southampton to three points minutes after subbing onto the pitch at Old Trafford. What a debut against Louis Van Gaal and United, whose miserable home form continued on Saturday.
Leicester City 3-0 Stoke City — RECAP
The table toppers took a three-point lead on Arsenal for at least a day, as Danny Drinkwater opened the scoring before Jamie Vardy and Leonardo Ulloa scored to give the Foxes a league-best 47 points on the season.
Crystal Palace 1-3 Tottenham Hotspur — RECAP
Alan Pardew dropped to 1-5 in London Derbies this year, although at least Palace saw its goalless skid in the Premier League end at 482 minutes (albeit via an own goal). Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Nacer Chadli scored for Spurs, who sit fourth.
Watford 2-1 Newcastle United — RECAP
Newcastle fans will be screaming for finish, as the Magpies had another morning of controlling the play and manufacturing chances only to lose. Odion Ighalo scored just after halftime on a nice feed from Troy Deeney, and Craig Cathcart made it 2-0 before Jamaal Lascelles pulled one back for the visitors, who remain in 18th place.
Sunderland 1-1 Bournemouth — RECAP
The Black Cats will take their point, as Patrick Van Aanholt scored his fourth goal of the year to offset hot newcomer Benik Afobe‘s tally for the Cherries.
West Bromwich Albion 0-0 Aston Villa — RECAP
The Baggies sat back and were controlled by lowly Villa, and Tony Pulis has done little to further endear himself to a fan base that prefers at least a bit of style. But West Brom is clear of the drop zone in a critical year for all teams to stay Top 17.
NCAABKB: Temple's 3-point barrage halts SMU's bid for an undefeated season.
By Jeff Eisenberg
Temple's Josh Brown celebrates with students who stormed the court after Temple upset SMU, 89-80, in an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
The few thousand Temple fans who braved icy, snow-covered roads to make it to the Liacouras Center on Sunday afternoon were rewarded for their dedication.
They watched the Owls secure their biggest win of the season and do the NCAA a huge favor in the process.
Temple toppled eighth-ranked SMU 89-80, handing Division I's last undefeated team its first loss after 18 straight victories to open the season. The Mustangs' pursuit of an unbeaten regular season was one of college basketball's most delightfully awkward storylines since they are ineligible to participate in the postseason this spring.
Fueling Temple's upset bid was an improbable barrage of perimeter jumpers from a team that entered play 288th in 3-point shooting percentage this season. The Owls shot a scalding hot 14-for-29 from behind the arc including 7-for-7 from senior guard Devin Coleman.
Coleman's biggest threes were the trio that came during a 21-6 Temple second-half surge that transformed a tight game into a one-sided one. SMU stayed competitive until that point by attacking off the dribble and dominating on the offensive glass, but the Mustangs couldn't string together enough defensive stops to take the lead at any point in the second half.
Temple's marquee victory restores hope that the Owls may yet make a push to secure an NCAA tournament bid. They're still only 11-7 overall but they own a pair of quality wins against Cincinnati and a third good win over UConn in addition to Sunday's upset.
That Temple managed to defeat SMU without injured forward Jaylen Bond is especially impressive. Bond, the Owls' second-leading scorer and leading rebounder, did not play Sunday as a result of a lower back injury.
If Temple's challenge will be winning enough conference games to play its way onto the NCAA tournament bubble, SMU's will be maintaining its focus now that the carrot of an unbeaten regular season is no longer out there to be chased. The Mustangs are still clear-cut favorites to win the American Athletic Conference, but their stated goal this season had been finishing without a loss.
Providence snaps Villanova's 22-game Big East win streak.They watched the Owls secure their biggest win of the season and do the NCAA a huge favor in the process.
Temple toppled eighth-ranked SMU 89-80, handing Division I's last undefeated team its first loss after 18 straight victories to open the season. The Mustangs' pursuit of an unbeaten regular season was one of college basketball's most delightfully awkward storylines since they are ineligible to participate in the postseason this spring.
Fueling Temple's upset bid was an improbable barrage of perimeter jumpers from a team that entered play 288th in 3-point shooting percentage this season. The Owls shot a scalding hot 14-for-29 from behind the arc including 7-for-7 from senior guard Devin Coleman.
Coleman's biggest threes were the trio that came during a 21-6 Temple second-half surge that transformed a tight game into a one-sided one. SMU stayed competitive until that point by attacking off the dribble and dominating on the offensive glass, but the Mustangs couldn't string together enough defensive stops to take the lead at any point in the second half.
Temple's marquee victory restores hope that the Owls may yet make a push to secure an NCAA tournament bid. They're still only 11-7 overall but they own a pair of quality wins against Cincinnati and a third good win over UConn in addition to Sunday's upset.
That Temple managed to defeat SMU without injured forward Jaylen Bond is especially impressive. Bond, the Owls' second-leading scorer and leading rebounder, did not play Sunday as a result of a lower back injury.
If Temple's challenge will be winning enough conference games to play its way onto the NCAA tournament bubble, SMU's will be maintaining its focus now that the carrot of an unbeaten regular season is no longer out there to be chased. The Mustangs are still clear-cut favorites to win the American Athletic Conference, but their stated goal this season had been finishing without a loss.
By Jeff Eisenberg
Providence's Ben Bentil, center, tries to pass the ball from the court to Kris Dunn, left, as Villanova's Ryan Arcidiacono, center left, goes after it during the first half of an NCAA basketball game, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Don't crown Villanova champions of the Big East just yet.
In an action-packed, back-and-forth game pitting a pair of top 20 teams, Providence emerged with an 82-76 overtime victory and loosened the Wildcats' stranglehold on first place in the process.
Providence forward Ben Bentil scored 10 of his game-high 31 points in overtime including four foul shots in the final 15 seconds to seal the victory. Point guard Kris Dunn was equally brilliant, scoring 13 points and dishing out 14 assists to help the 16th-ranked Friars improve to 17-3 overall and 5-2 in Big East play.
Villanova only managed to force overtime thanks to a game-tying 3-pointer from Ryan Arcidiacono with seven seconds left in regulation. Arcidiacono scored 19 points and Josh Hart had 18, but the Wildcats shot just 9 of 31 from behind the arc, committed 16 turnovers and suffered far too many defensive breakdowns.
Providence forward Ben Bentil scored 10 of his game-high 31 points in overtime including four foul shots in the final 15 seconds to seal the victory. Point guard Kris Dunn was equally brilliant, scoring 13 points and dishing out 14 assists to help the 16th-ranked Friars improve to 17-3 overall and 5-2 in Big East play.
Villanova only managed to force overtime thanks to a game-tying 3-pointer from Ryan Arcidiacono with seven seconds left in regulation. Arcidiacono scored 19 points and Josh Hart had 18, but the Wildcats shot just 9 of 31 from behind the arc, committed 16 turnovers and suffered far too many defensive breakdowns.
In a season in which Providence has been one of the nation's most pleasant surprises, this is probably the Friars' most impressive victory. Villanova had won 22 straight Big East games prior to Sunday's loss and had not dropped a home game since Doug McDermott's Creighton team won in Philadelphia two years ago.
Villanova entered Sunday's game with at least a two-game lead over every other Big East foe, but now that margin has been cut in half. The Friars, Xavier, Creighton and Georgetown are all each within a game of the Wildcats in the loss column in the race for the Big East title.
Can Providence be a serious threat to Villanova in the league title race? It's possible if the Friars get enough contributions from players besides Bentil and Dunn, but their upcoming schedule is daunting. In the next four weeks, they'll face Xavier and Georgetown twice and also host the revenge-hungry Wildcats.
NCAAFB: Oregon QB sparkles, throwing 3 TD passes in East-West game.
By FRED GOODALL
West quarterback Vernon Adams Jr., (3), of Oregon, throws a pass against the East during the first half of the East West Shrine football game Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Vernon Adams Jr. conceded it felt a little strange standing on the sideline for the entire second half of the 91st East-West Shrine Game.
''It was weird, you know, just not playing as much,'' the Oregon quarterback said Saturday after throwing for 191 yards and three touchdowns while playing less than a half of the West's 29-9 victory in the annual college all-star game at Tropicana Field.
''All of us guys out here are used to playing so much, and it was weird that we weren't playing as much,'' Adams added. ''When I was in there, I thought we were very successful as an offense and the momentum (spurred) the defense, so that was good.''
The former Eastern Washington star who transferred to Oregon to finish his college career tossed scoring passes of 93 yards to Purdue's Danny Anthrop, 11 yards to Colorado State's Kivon Cartwright's and 10 yards to Illinois' Geronimo Allison as the West built a 23-9 halftime lead.
Allison, who grew up nearby Tampa, also caught a 6-yard scoring pass from Indiana's Nate Sudfeld and finished with six receptions for 68 yards.
''It was very exciting to come home and play in my backyard. I had a lot of family all over the stadium,'' Allison said. ''It's just a blessing to be here. I've been through a lot, and it was a long journey to get to this point. I think I made the most of this opportunity today and this week during practice.''
Florida cornerback Brian Poole returned an interception 98 yards for the East's only touchdown. He left late in the first half with a collarbone injury.
''It was similar to the play that happened in the Super Bowl last year,'' Poole said, referring to Malcolm Butler's game-saving interception for New England against Seattle.
Florida cornerback Brian Poole returned an interception 98 yards for the East's only touchdown. He left late in the first half with a collarbone injury.
''It was similar to the play that happened in the Super Bowl last year,'' Poole said, referring to Malcolm Butler's game-saving interception for New England against Seattle.
''I saw the one receiver line up on the ball and the other line up off the ball, so I knew he was going to try work in the slot and I just jumped the route,'' Poole added. ''The quarterback didn't see me.''
Navy's Keenan Reynolds, who is trying to transition from quarterback to running back after setting the NCAA record for career rushing touchdowns with 88, did not play for the East because of back spasms.
Adams completed nearly 65 percent of his passes for 2,643 yards, 26 touchdowns and six interceptions at Oregon, where he transferred after graduating from Eastern Washington.
The 5-foot-11, 200-pound quarterback entered after West starter Brandon Doughty threw a pair of interceptions, one of which Poole returned to give the East an early 9-0 lead. Poole's Florida teammate, linebacker Anthony Harrell, had the first interception off the Western Kentucky quarterback, setting up a field goal.
Adams completed 6 of 9 passes for 191 yards in the opening half alone. Anthrop had five receptions for 120 yards up to that point, and the West put an exclamation point on a dominating half when safety Mike Caputo intercepted Wisconsin teammate Joel Stave and returned the ball 66 yards to the East 11, where the Badgers quarterback made the tackle.
The 5-foot-11, 200-pound quarterback entered after West starter Brandon Doughty threw a pair of interceptions, one of which Poole returned to give the East an early 9-0 lead. Poole's Florida teammate, linebacker Anthony Harrell, had the first interception off the Western Kentucky quarterback, setting up a field goal.
Adams completed 6 of 9 passes for 191 yards in the opening half alone. Anthrop had five receptions for 120 yards up to that point, and the West put an exclamation point on a dominating half when safety Mike Caputo intercepted Wisconsin teammate Joel Stave and returned the ball 66 yards to the East 11, where the Badgers quarterback made the tackle.
''How weird was it? It wasn't weird. It was cool,'' Caputo said. ''Whether it would stop my former QB or not, I just read the play and I just jumped it.''
Michigan's Jake Rudock started at quarterback for the East and shared playing time with Stave and Massachusetts-Amherst's Blake Frohnapfel.
Each of the East quarterbacks was intercepted once, while throwing for a combined 117 yards. Rudock was 8 of 14 for 77 yards, but threw a fourth-quarter interception to stop one promising drive, and another possession inside the West 20 stalled on downs.
Doughty finished 11 of 17 for 87 yards and two interceptions. Sudfeld was 6 of 13 for 46 yards.
Baggett kicks 6 FGs in NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.
Missouri kicker Andrew Baggett hopes he's taken his first step into professional football at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.
Andrew Baggett of Missouri kicked six field goals, including a 22-yarder early in the fourth quarter to lift the National team to an 18-17 victory over the American in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl on Saturday.
''This isn't an audition. This isn't (an All-Star game with guys) saying, 'Hey look at me. Don't push me. I don't want to get hurt,''' Baggett said. ''You're out here getting ready for an NFL camp. If you're a minute late for a meeting, coach is there saying, 'That would have cost you $5,000.'''
Baggett's game-winner with 13:48 remaining came three plays after Kyle Kragen of California recovered Travis Wilson's fumble on the American 10-yard line. For Kragen, it was his third sack of the game.
Mike Martz, who coached the St. Louis Rams to the 1999 Super Bowl, said his National team coaching staff made it a point to showcase how things are done at the professional level.
''A lot of these players will have opportunities in camp whether they're drafted or as free agents,'' Martz said. ''What we tried to afford them is the opportunity to see how a week of NFL practice is run. We tried to teach them the skills they'll need if they go to a team. How to handle everything. How to go to a meeting. Where to sit in a meeting.''
Baggett, who kicked four years at Missouri and finished just eight points shy of the school scoring record, also connected from 36, 50, 42, 39 and 24 yards before kicking the winner. He missed a 54-yard attempt.
''Games like this don't usually happen,'' Baggett said. ''It's cool to get a shot at field goals like that. How I did is not for me to decide. Hopefully some people (in the NFL) thought I did enough.''
Stephen Rivers, the younger brother of San Diego Chargers quarterback Phillip Rivers, threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to Jayden Mickens of Washington with 2:31 left in the first half, giving the American team a 17-6 lead.
''This game teaches you a lot,'' Rivers said. ''It's a nice week. You don't have to worry about school. It's all football for a week. It gives you a glimpse of how it might be if you were to make it.''
Rivers, who threw for 1,394 yards and nine touchdowns at Northwestern State in 2015, completed 11 of 14 passes for 97 yards and the TD.
TCU's Trevor Boykin, suspended from the Horned Frogs' Alamo Bowl appearance after being arrested because of a bar fight, completed 1 of 3 passes with an interception, playing in the first quarter.
''This isn't an audition. This isn't (an All-Star game with guys) saying, 'Hey look at me. Don't push me. I don't want to get hurt,''' Baggett said. ''You're out here getting ready for an NFL camp. If you're a minute late for a meeting, coach is there saying, 'That would have cost you $5,000.'''
Baggett's game-winner with 13:48 remaining came three plays after Kyle Kragen of California recovered Travis Wilson's fumble on the American 10-yard line. For Kragen, it was his third sack of the game.
Mike Martz, who coached the St. Louis Rams to the 1999 Super Bowl, said his National team coaching staff made it a point to showcase how things are done at the professional level.
''A lot of these players will have opportunities in camp whether they're drafted or as free agents,'' Martz said. ''What we tried to afford them is the opportunity to see how a week of NFL practice is run. We tried to teach them the skills they'll need if they go to a team. How to handle everything. How to go to a meeting. Where to sit in a meeting.''
Baggett, who kicked four years at Missouri and finished just eight points shy of the school scoring record, also connected from 36, 50, 42, 39 and 24 yards before kicking the winner. He missed a 54-yard attempt.
''Games like this don't usually happen,'' Baggett said. ''It's cool to get a shot at field goals like that. How I did is not for me to decide. Hopefully some people (in the NFL) thought I did enough.''
Stephen Rivers, the younger brother of San Diego Chargers quarterback Phillip Rivers, threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to Jayden Mickens of Washington with 2:31 left in the first half, giving the American team a 17-6 lead.
''This game teaches you a lot,'' Rivers said. ''It's a nice week. You don't have to worry about school. It's all football for a week. It gives you a glimpse of how it might be if you were to make it.''
Rivers, who threw for 1,394 yards and nine touchdowns at Northwestern State in 2015, completed 11 of 14 passes for 97 yards and the TD.
TCU's Trevor Boykin, suspended from the Horned Frogs' Alamo Bowl appearance after being arrested because of a bar fight, completed 1 of 3 passes with an interception, playing in the first quarter.
San Jose State's Jacobi Green scored the game's first touchdown on a 3-yard run, giving American a 10-0 lead with 6:00 left in the first quarter.
Ammon Olsen of Southern Utah completed 7-of-13 passes for 71 yards as the National's leading passer.
Travis Calton Greene of Georgia Southern was the game's leading rusher with 53 yards on 13 carries.
Max McCaffery of Duke, brother of Christian McCaffery and son of former NFL wide receiver Ed McCaffrey, caught 2 passes for 29 yards.
Zach Matics of Appalachian State kicked a 36-yard field goal to open the scoring for American.
Martz coached the National team for he second year in a row, while the American team was led by former Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren.
On
emoriesofhistory.com
1981 - The Oakland Raiders beat the Philadelphia Eagles 27-10 in Super Bowl XV. The Raiders won the Super Bowl after entering the playoffs as a wildcard team.
1987 - Neil Diamond sang the U.S. national anthem at Super Bowl XXI.
1987 - The New York Giants defeated the Denver Broncos, 39-20, in Super Bowl XXI on NBC. The game featured TV commercials cost $550,000 for 30 seconds.
1988 - Rickey Green of the Utah Jazz scored the 5 millionth point in NBA history.
1995 - The defense gave its opening statement in the O.J. Simpson trial.
1998 - The Denver Broncos beat the Green Bay Packers 31-24 in Super Bowl XXXII. The Broncos had lost 3 previous Super Bowl appearances with quarterback John Elway. The win also broke the 13 game winning streak of the NFC.
2002 - Ken Hitchcock was fired as head coach of the Dallas Stars. He had a record of 277-160-60-6, five straight division titles and two Stanley Cup finals appearances. His post season record was 47-33.
2003 - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers won Super Bowl XXXVIII in San Diego. Coach Jon Gruden, at age 39, was the youngest coach to ever win the title.
2010 - Kelly Kulick became the first woman to win a PBA Tour title.
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