49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is having a nightmare of a first half, but his team still leads the Panthers. Purdy has thrown interceptions on three straight drives, including a pair of passes that cornerback Jaycee Horn has picked off. Horn’s second one set the Panthers up at the 49ers’ 33-yard line and Carolina picked up two first downs before a pass to running back Chuba Hubbard lost three yards on a third down from the 4-yard line. Ryan Fitzgerald came in for a field goal and the Panthers cut the 49ers’ lead to 7-3 with 2: 28 left in the first half. Horn’s first interception set the Panthers up in the red zone and they drove the ball to the 1-yard line before quarterback Bryce Young’s ill-advised throw to tight end Mitchell Evans was picked off by 49ers safety Ji’Ayir Brown.
https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/panthers-cut-49ers-lead-to-7-3-after-brock-purdys-third-interception-of-the-first-half
Tag Archives: quarterback
Chip Kelly Sends Classy Message After Abrupt Firing by Raiders
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll announced the firing of offensive coordinator Chip Kelly following the team’s 24-10 loss to the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. “I spoke with Chip Kelly earlier this evening and informed him of his release as offensive coordinator of the Raiders. I would like to thank Chip for his service and wish him all the best in the future,” Carroll said in a statement. The move comes after the Raiders delivered one of the worst offenses in the league. Las Vegas is tied for last in the NFL in points per game (15. 0), 30th in total yards per game (268. 9), 31st in rushing per game (79. 5 yards). The Raiders have also scored fewer than 10 points in four games — the most in the NFL and quarterback Geno Smith suffered a massive regression from the 2024 season as he sits 32nd in QBR. More Football: National Champion Coach Could Join Lane Kiffin at LSU More NFL: Al Michaels Under Fire for ‘Rough’ Bills-Texans Game Not long after he was ousted by the team, Kelly delivered a classy message for the Raiders. “I am grateful for the opportunity with the Raiders, bottom line in this league you have to win. I really loved those players, I’m a huge, HUGE Geno Smith fan, that was one of the best parts of this experience for me, working with Geno and those guys every day. But hey, we gotta win. Kelly was reportedly being paid $6 million per season. Carroll did not name Kelly’s interim replacement for the rest of the season.
https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nfl/chip-kelly-sends-classy-message-after-abrupt-firing-by-raiders-11098613
At the whistle: Kentucky football blown out by Vanderbilt 45-17
Kentucky football (5-6, 2-6 SEC) was decimated 45-17 by No. 14 Vanderbilt (9-2, 5-2 SEC) to finish out its 2025 SEC slate. The Wildcats were very short-handed on the defensive side of the ball as injuries piled up in a big way, especially in the secondary as Kentucky was forced to start three freshmen. That mark was also the most yards an SEC quarterback has thrown in a game this season. This game meant a ton to both teams as the Wildcats were fighting for bowl eligibility and the Commodores are trying to secure a playoff bid. Kentucky came into this game on a three-game winning streak and a completely new outlook on the 2025 season. When play began, the Wildcats got the ball first, but could not get a drive sustained. The Commodores did not have any trouble getting going as they moved the ball quickly into Kentucky territory and into the rezone. A few penalties allowed the Wildcats to hold the home team to a field goal to open the scoring. continued to roll as he connected with Tre Richardson for a 71-yard touchdown that gave Vanderbilt a 10-0 lead. Kentucky was forced to punt again and the Commodores continued to gash the banged up secondary and the drive culminated in a 15-yard rushing touchdown score by Richardson. On the ensuing Kentucky offensive drive, Cutter Boley and the offense started to string together some first downs, but Boley suffered a neck injury and was replaced by Zach Calzada. After the defense forced a turnover on downs, Boley returned to the game and led the Wildcats to a field goal to get on the board. The Wildcats did have a touchdown as Boley hit J. J. Hester, who broke a tackle and galloped 41 yards for a touchdown. Boley hit Fred Farrier II for a 9-yard score to result in the 45-17 final score. The win does not change a whole lot for Kentucky as it just needed to win one of its final two games of the season to be bowl eligible. With Louisville now losers of three-straight games, going on the road and winning is still very possible for the Wildcats. Kentucky will hit the road to take on Louisville to close out the 2025 season on Saturday, Nov. 29, with kickoff set for noon ET.
https://kykernel.com/120526/sports/at-the-whistle-kentucky-football-blown-out-by-vanderbilt-45-17/
George Pickens Makes Strong Admission on Steelers’ Mike Tomlin
Wide receiver George Pickens is thriving with the Dallas Cowboys this season. Pickens has more receiving yards through 10 games this season than he had in 14 contests last year. He has also set a career high with seven touchdowns. That’s led some pundits to criticize the Pittsburgh Steelers for trading Pickens before the 2025 NFL season. The Steelers sent Pickens to the Cowboys for a 2026 third-round pick. In his most recent admission to the media, Pickens explained he understood the trade and explained he views the Steelers organization very positively. The receiver also suggested he is still on good terms with head coach Mike Tomlin. “I can call up Coach T [Mike Tomlin] right now, and we’d have a real conversation,” Pickens wrote in The Players’ Tribune on Friday. “What I respect about him most is he always told me, ‘Just keep being you, George.’ “It just wasn’t the long-term fit for where my journey was headed, and that’s ok.” George Pickens Speaks out on Steelers Departure Previously, Pickens has indirectly put the Steelers on notice about his exit from the team. In August, the receiver told NFL Network’s Jane Slater that the trade to Dallas “was good for” him. That comment angered Steelers Nation a bit. But Pickens may have not really meant that comment as a diss at the Steelers. The wideout appeared to put those comments in better context while addressing his Pittsburgh tenure in his article this week. “Everything started off so good, too. I had the one-handed catch in my third game, and y’all know the numbers,” Pickens wrote. “Second year, 1, 100 yards. I don’t gotta bore you. “But I was still a kid. I made some mistakes. I’ll own that. I let my emotions get the best of me a few times because I’m always riding that line. That’s just who I am. I’ve tried to learn from it and grow while still being ME.” The Steelers acquired DK Metcalf and signed him to a 4-year, $132 million extension. Pickens wrote that at that time, he knew his time in Pittsburgh was coming to an end. Even then, though, the receiver suggested the two sides remained respectful through the trade to Dallas. “They did right by me,” Pickens added. “They sent me to the perfect spot in Dallas. What more do you want me to say? “There’s no drama, bro. No headlines to write. THey’re doing their things way up there, and I’m down here in Dallas with CeeDee and Dak doing what I do best. Everybody wins.” Pundits stirring hot takes that the Steelers lost the Pickens trade will disagree. Yet, it’s still hard to argue with that sentiment. While the Steelers could use a better WR2 this season, Pickens wouldn’t have been the right fit. In 2025, he would have taken a back seat to Metcalf and the multi-tight end set offense, which likely would have frustrated him to no end. Instead of that potential drama, the Steelers traded Pickens for draft capital that could help the team land a future franchise quarterback. Will Pickens Stay in Dallas? The Steelers clearly didn’t have Pickens in their long-term plans. The question, though, is do the Cowboys plan to keep the receiver beyond 2025? Pickens’ rookie contract will expire at the end of the season. He will be an unrestricted free agent in March. The Cowboys already have about $65 million to the salary cap dedicated to quarterback Dak Prescott and fellow receiver CeeDee Lamb. Spotrac projected Pickens’s market value at $29. 4 million for his average annual salary. Dallas could place the franchise tag on Pickens. According to Over The Cap, though, that would only save the team about $1. 3 million. Pickens seems to have matured over the last year, but he hasn’t been completely drama free in Dallas. Cowboys insider Clarence Hill Jr. reported the receiver didn’t make the team bus last week in Las Vegas. Hill implied that could become a factor in his contract negotiations. Overall, though, there’s been a lot of positivity about Pickens staying in Dallas after this season.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/pittsburgh-steelers/george-pickens-nfl-news-mike-tomlin/
Central Flag Football dominates Irwin County, Lowndes
THOMASVILLE Thomas County Central’s flag football team closed its regular season on Tuesday with a pair of impressive area victories. It throttled Irwin County 39-0 and Lowndes 19-7. Central won Division 4 Area 1 with a 12-0 record and will host the first and second rounds of the state playoffs on Thursday, Dec. 4 at Thomas County Middle School (TCMS). Central will host Rockdale, while Blessed Trinity and Woodward Academy will play in the other playoff game at TCMS. Central enters the playoffs with a 12-game winning streak. Quarterback Kate Thedford threw for 164 yards and two touchdowns against Lowndes. Lexi Frysz caught seven passes for 98 yards and one touchdown. Jaida Pinkins and Jaden Crews each snagged a touchdown reception. Qua’Mya Yearby recorded seven tackles and one interception to pace the Lady Yellow Jackets’ defense. Teammate Kaaliyah Brooks also tallied an interception. Thedford also threw for 151 yards and three touchdowns against Irwin County, while Frysz added a touchdown toss. Pinkins, Crews and Gracie Floyd each caught three passes for the Lady Yellow Jackets. Pinkins scored two touchdowns, while Crews and Floyd each snagged one score. Yearby paced the Lady Yellow Jackets’ defense again, recording five tackles and one interception.
https://timesenterprise.com/2025/11/20/central-flag-football-dominates-irwin-county-lowndes/
Steelers HC Mike Tomlin on the loss: ‘We stunk it up tonight. We’ll be back.’
There haven’t been many moments during Mike Tomlin’s tenure as the Pittsburgh Steelers head coach where he appeared as irritated as he was following Sunday’s blowout loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.
Tomlin declined to address specifics about the loss regarding individual players, but his confidence in the team remains intact. He firmly declared that the Steelers will be back.
Speaking candidly about the offensive struggles, Tomlin highlighted key issues, including the offense not converting a single third down until the middle of the fourth quarter. Overall, Pittsburgh’s offense managed just 221 passing yards, with running back Jaylen Warren accounting for 91 of those yards — 70 rushing and 21 receiving.
When reporters pressed Tomlin for details about quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ poor performance, he refused to engage. Instead, he snapped at the media, calling out their line of questioning.
Rodgers had his worst game of the season, throwing for only 161 yards. He also threw two interceptions and was sacked in the end zone for a safety, contributing to the team’s disappointing outing.
https://steelerswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/steelers/2025/11/10/steelers-chargers-aaron-rodgers-nfl-mike-tomlin/87190655007/
Emeka Egbuka’s sixth TD of the season gives Bucs 7-0 lead
The Buccaneers are off to a strong start at home against the Patriots. Quarterback Baker Mayfield threw a 21-yard touchdown pass to Emeka Egbuka, giving Tampa Bay an early 7-0 lead. This score capped a quick six-play, 65-yard drive that energized the team and the home crowd.
Earlier in the drive, Mayfield and Egbuka connected on a crucial 24-yard gain that moved the Bucs into New England territory. Egbuka continues to impress this season and now leads all rookie receivers with six receiving touchdowns.
Despite dealing with a hamstring injury recently, the No. 19 overall pick appears healthy and ready to contribute on the field this Sunday.
https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/emeka-egbukas-sixth-td-of-the-season-gives-bucs-7-0-lead
Florida turnovers spark Kentucky victory
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kentucky capitalized on four Florida turnovers as quarterback Cutter Boley threw for 168 yards and two touchdowns, leading the Wildcats to a commanding 38-7 victory over the Gators.
Seth McGowan contributed with two rushing touchdowns, while Dante Dowdell electrified the crowd with a 65-yard touchdown run. This win marked Kentucky’s first home SEC victory since a 33-14 triumph over Florida on September 30, 2023, improving their record to 4-5 overall and 2-5 in conference play.
Florida’s quarterback DJ Lagway struggled in the first half, throwing three interceptions before being replaced by freshman Tramell Jones Jr. at halftime. Kentucky took full advantage, scoring 10 points directly off Florida’s miscues.
Boley demonstrated impressive distribution, connecting with 10 different receivers. His scoring passes included a 29-yard touchdown to J.J. Hester and a 15-yard strike to Jason Patterson.
**The Takeaway**
– **Florida:** Coming into the game, the Gator defense ranked 32nd nationally in points allowed per game, surrendering just 20.5 on average. However, turnovers proved costly, allowing Kentucky to amass a total of 401 yards.
– **Kentucky:** With back-to-back wins, the Wildcats’ postseason hopes remain alive, though the path is challenging. Kentucky will host Tennessee Tech, currently ranked No. 5 in the FCS coaches poll, next Saturday. A win there, followed by a victory on the road against either No. 15 Vanderbilt or No. 14 Louisville, would secure bowl eligibility.
**Calzada Makes Wrong Headlines**
Former Kentucky starting quarterback Zach Calzada issued an apology after a social media video of him flashing $100 bills went viral amid criticism. Calzada, who transferred to Kentucky, had injured his shoulder and lost the starting job to Boley after just two games.
Following the video’s widespread attention, Calzada posted an apology. The Kentucky athletic department stated, “Zach has taken responsibility for his actions. He has done the right thing and apologized. Now, it’s time to move forward.”
**Up Next**
– **Florida:** Travels to No. 7 Mississippi.
– **Kentucky:** Hosts Tennessee Tech.
https://www.clickorlando.com/sports/2025/11/09/florida-turnovers-spark-kentucky-victory/
Commanders officially rule out Terry McLaurin
The Commanders will be without quarterback Jayden Daniels (left elbow) and wide receiver Terry McLaurin (quad) this week, as both players have been officially ruled out.
McLaurin initially injured his quad in Week 3 and subsequently missed four games. He made a strong return in Week 8, contributing three catches for 54 yards and a spectacular touchdown. However, he played only 25 of 53 snaps before aggravating the injury and leaving the game. As a result, he also missed Week 9. For the season, McLaurin has recorded 13 catches for 203 yards and one touchdown.
On the injury front, the Commanders list defensive tackle Eddie Goldman (concussion), safety Quan Martin (hamstring), and safety Tyler Owens (hamstring/neck) as questionable for this week’s game.
In response to injuries in the secondary, the team signed safety Daryl Worley to the practice squad earlier this week.
Meanwhile, everyone else is expected to be available, including offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil (hamstring) and linebacker Bobby Wagner (thumb), who are both good to go.
https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/commanders-officially-rule-out-terry-mclaurin
Bo Nix: “I’ve been booed before, and I’ll be booed again”
Broncos fans expected much more than they got last night. And they weren’t bashful about making their feelings known.
Not long after the Chiefs made the Raiders look like they should be relegated to the UFL, the Broncos struggled to outscore a team that has struggled on a weekly basis, in all phases. As a result, the boo birds were flying in the direction of the Denver offense—at times as loud as anything the woeful Dolphins heard from their home fans just one week earlier.
“I’ve been booed before, and I’ll be booed again,” quarterback Bo Nix told reporters after the 10-7 win. “Not going to be the last time. It’s obviously unfortunate. You don’t want your own fans booing you, but it’s part of it.”
It’s the right thing to say publicly. However, it’s hard not to wonder whether Nix and other Broncos players were thinking privately, “What the f—? We’re 8-2.”
In football, 11 players on the field are trying to do one thing, and the other 11 players are trying to do the exact opposite. When an offense sputters, the opposing defense deserves some credit for that. The players on offense are trying their best, but their efforts are countered by a defense that is also giving it their all.
Add to that the fact that fans are now wired to crave yards and points—thanks to the ongoing proliferation of fantasy football and prop bets—and the frustration deepens. Many fans may have a personal financial interest in seeing Nix and others hit their “overs” or score “anytime” touchdowns.
Regardless, Broncos fans expected a blowout. They wanted a game decided by halftime, one where the starters could leave the field early. They anticipated media members complaining non-stop on social media—not because the game was close and ugly from both teams, but because it would be not close and ugly from only one side.
What everyone got instead was a close game that remained undecided until Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson missed a 48-yard field goal that would have tied the score at 10 with 4:26 left to play. Even then, the Denver offense had to grind out three first downs to seal the victory—and they managed to do just that.
Those efforts, however, weren’t met with cheers. By that point, it was far too late to satisfy Broncos fans disappointed by what they had witnessed—even as their favorite team emerged as the first in the NFL to reach eight wins this season.
https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/bo-nix-ive-been-booed-before-and-ill-be-booed-again