Connect with us

Sports

Serena’s Bid for 20, Other Things to Know About French Open

Published

on

In this May 28, 2014, file photo, Serena Williams of the U.S. covers her face after missing a return against Spain's Garbine Muguruza during a second round match at the French Open tennis tournament in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic, File)

In this May 28, 2014, file photo, Serena Williams of the U.S. covers her face after missing a return against Spain’s Garbine Muguruza during a second round match at the French Open tennis tournament in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic, File)

HOWARD FENDRICH, AP Tennis Writer

The very day that Serena Williams won this year’s Australian Open for her 19th Grand Slam championship, she was thinking ahead.

“I would love,” Williams said then, “to get to 22.”

Her next chance to move closer to that goal — equaling Steffi Graf’s Open era record for major singles titles — comes at the French Open, which begins Sunday.

Another trophy at Roland Garros would allow the 33-year-old Williams to become the third player in the history of tennis to reach a total of 20 majors. Margaret Smith Court holds the all-time record of 24.

First things first, though.

It takes seven consecutive match victories to take home a Grand Slam title. In two of Williams’ past three appearances at the French Open, she didn’t even manage to win two in a row.

Last year, in wind and rain, Williams absorbed the most lopsided loss of her Grand Slam career — 6-2, 6-2 in the second round against 35th-ranked Garbine Muguruza. And in 2012, Williams’ unbeaten streak of 46-match first-round wins at majors ended with a three-set loss to 111th-ranked Virginie Razzano.

Then again, in between those early exits, Williams won the 2013 championship.

“You just don’t know with her,” 18-time major title winner Chris Evert said in a telephone interview. “She lost to players that I don’t want to say she had no right losing to, but she had bad losses for her. … She can’t win because of her power on clay. She has to be patient. She has to be a little bit of a grinder out there. And she can.”

Here are other things to know about the French Open:

SHARAPOVA AND CO.: Who other than the No. 1-ranked Williams has a shot at the title? A good place to start would be No. 2 Maria Sharapova, who has appeared in the past three finals, winning twice and losing to Williams once. “I have respect for Maria, if she’s on top of her game,” Evert said. Other possible contenders: No. 3 Simona Halep, who pushed Sharapova to three sets in last year’s title match, and No. 8 Carla Suarez Navarro, never past the quarterfinals at a major but terrific on clay and 17-4 in three-set matches this year.

NADAL’S SLUMP: A year ago, Rafael Nadal lost clay-court quarterfinals at Monte Carlo (to David Ferrer) and at Barcelona (to Nicolas Almagro), and plenty of folks figured he had lost his way on his favorite surface. Then he showed up in Paris and complained about a bad back. And then, just like in nine of the past 10 years, he won the French Open. So maybe he’ll turn things around in time at Roland Garros again, even though he comes in this year with his most losses on clay since 2003. He’s ranked No. 7, out of the top five for the first time in a decade.

DJOKOVIC’S STREAK: No. 1 Novak Djokovic has won 22 consecutive matches heading into the only major tournament he hasn’t won. If he finally breaks through in Paris — where six of his 10 losses have come against Nadal, including in the 2012 and 2014 finals — Djokovic would become the eighth man with a career Grand Slam.

YOUNG BLOOD: There’s a new generation on the way in the men’s game, and the four teenagers ranked in the ATP top 100 are the most in eight years. Keep an eye on Croatia’s 18-year-old Borna Coric and Australia’s 19-year-old Thanasi Kokkinakis. Also of note: Another Australian, 20-year-old Nick Kyrgios, who beat Nadal at Wimbledon last year and Federer at Madrid Open this month. And then there’s Frances Tiafoe, a 17-year-old from Maryland who earned a U.S. Tennis Association wild-card berth. The last time an American that age played in the men’s main draw in Paris was 1989, when Michael Chang won the title (after beating Pete Sampras in the second round).

___

Follow Howard Fendrich on Twitter at https://twitter.com/HowardFendrich

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Comments

Black Press

NCCU Snap Three – Game Losing Streak with Win over Delaware State University

NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY – CAMPUS ECHO — North Carolina Central University snapped a three-game losing streak on Friday with a decisive 31-12 victory over Delaware State University. Despite allowing an early touchdown, the Eagles regained their composure through a strong ground game led by freshman running back Gino Addison, who recorded 214 rushing yards and two scores.

Published

on

efensive lineman Gary Dorsey (94) pushes through Delaware offense. Photo by Kaden Mclean.
efensive lineman Gary Dorsey (94) pushes through Delaware offense. Photo by Kaden Mclean. — Photo by Kaden Mclean.

N.C. Central University snapped its three-game losing streak Friday, defeating Delaware State University 31-12.

After three consecutive losses, the Eagles entered Friday’s game determined to turn their season around. NCCU played with confidence, communicated effectively and showed greater consistency on both sides of the ball.

The Eagles’ offense struggled to maintain consistency early in the game but gradually found its rhythm, building momentum and moving the ball down the field. Despite allowing the Hornets to score an early touchdown, the Eagles remained focused and continued to fight.

Freshman running back Gino Addison recorded 214 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while sophomore running back Zion Dobson contributed 57 rushing yards and a touchdown.

Sophomore quarterback Cobey Thompkins also connected with fifth-year tight end Luke Bracey for a touchdown, adding to the Eagles’ offensive production.

Freshman specialist kicker Riley Daniels continued to deliver on extra-point attempts following touchdowns. Daniels also made an important tackle during a kickoff against the Hornets, contributing beyond his kicking duties.

The Eagles’ defense remained strong throughout the game, making it difficult for the Hornets to advance the ball and forcing them to punt multiple times.

Freshman defensive back Amari Sifford recorded two interceptions, while senior defensive lineman Zarion Walters contributed a sack to help limit Delaware State’s offensive opportunities.

The Eagles ability to maintain their composure and build momentum helped them secure the 31-12 victory over Delaware State University.

The Eagles enter next week with the record of 3-5.

NCCU will face Howard on October 31st against Howard at O’Kelly – Riddick Stadium streamed on ESPN+.

The post NCCU snap three – game losing streak with win over Delaware State University first appeared on Campus Echo Online.

Based on reporting by North Carolina Central University – Campus Echo.



Continue Reading

Black Press

Virginia State Dominates Shaw 76-13 Behind Explosive Second-Quarter Surge

THE CAROLINIAN — Virginia State University delivered a dominant performance against Shaw University in a Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association matchup on Saturday, Oct. 17, securing a 76-13 victory. The Trojans took full control of the contest during a devastating second-quarter surge where they scored 35 unanswered points.

Published

on

Photos by Steve Worthy
Photos by Steve Worthy

DURHAM, N.C. – Virginia State University delivered a commanding performance against Shaw University on Saturday, October 17, defeating the Bears 76-13 in a Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) football matchup. A devastating 35-0 scoring run in the second quarter helped Virginia State take control of the contest, leaving Shaw struggling to regain momentum.

Shaw showed flashes of offensive potential early in the game, highlighted by a long touchdown reception from wide receiver Reggie King Jr. (2). King celebrated the score alongside teammate Ashton Williams (54), giving the Bears an early offensive highlight despite the eventual lopsided outcome.

Wide receiver Floyd Lyles (3) also contributed to Shaw’s offensive efforts, securing a first-down reception while being defended by Virginia State cornerback Jamontae Dance-Anderson (24). However, the Bears struggled to sustain drives as Virginia State’s defense and special teams continued to create problems.

Virginia State’s offense proved difficult to contain, with quarterback Rashaan Matthews Jr. (2) extending plays with his legs and picking up a first down against the Shaw defense. Running back TJ Mordecai (21) added to the Trojans’ physical offensive attack, delivering a powerful stiff-arm against Shaw linebacker Quadir McEachin (5) during a first-half run.

The Trojans also found success through the air. Wide receiver Kevin Gayles (0) made a first-down reception against Shaw defensive backs Sean McFadden (12) and Antonio Hardge (34). Later in the first half, Gayles hauled in a touchdown reception against Shaw cornerback Antonio Cotman (2), adding to Virginia State’s growing lead.

Special teams difficulties further complicated matters for the Bears. Virginia State’s Ian Wynn (18) blocked a punt attempt by Shaw punter Jethro Ommam (84) during the first half, providing another example of the Trojans’ ability to disrupt Shaw’s game plan.

The defining stretch came in the second quarter, when Virginia State erupted for 35 unanswered points. The scoring surge created a deficit Shaw could not overcome and demonstrated the Trojans’ ability to capitalize on opportunities on both sides of the ball.

Despite individual efforts from King, Lyles and several defensive players, Shaw was unable to slow Virginia State’s offensive production. The Trojans continued to build their advantage, ultimately securing a decisive 76-13 victory.

The loss highlighted the challenges facing Shaw as the Bears continue their CIAA schedule, particularly in limiting explosive plays, protecting the football on special teams and maintaining offensive consistency.

For Virginia State, the victory showcased an explosive offensive attack and a defense capable of disrupting opposing teams, reinforcing the Trojans’ competitive presence in CIAA football.

DSC01760DSC01759DSC01758DSC01571DSC01434DSC01126DSC00952DS2_6466DS2_6462DS2_6046

Based on reporting by The Carolinian.



Continue Reading

Black Press

Message from the Associate Editor: Blindness, Hurts, Cops

HOUSTON DEFENDER — Reports regarding Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts have raised serious concerns about the treatment of Black athletes after it was revealed he played through a medical emergency. According to team reports, Hurts was hospitalized until 4 a.m. with a blood clot prior to a Week 5 game in London, yet he was allowed to play the entire game and endure international flights.

Published

on

Black athlete vulnerability in professional sports, partisan political blindness, and pervasive racial harassment within modern policing systems are all worthy of our examination. Credit: Emilee Chinn/Getty Images
Black athlete vulnerability in professional sports, partisan political blindness, and pervasive racial harassment within modern policing systems are all worthy of our examination. Credit: Emilee Chinn/Getty Images — Emilee Chinn/Getty Images.

The Jalen Hurts saga hurts

The disturbing reports surrounding Philadelphia Eagles quarterback, Houston-born Jalen Hurts, raise a troubling question: How much is a Black athlete’s life worth when winning is on the line? According to reports, the Eagles knew Hurts had a blood clot after he was hospitalized until 4 a.m. before the team’s Week 5 game against Jacksonville in London. Nevertheless, he played the entire game and endured international flights before doctors discovered the clot had progressed to deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli. He was placed on blood thinners and injured reserve (out for the season). Sports medicine physician Jesse Morse warned that migrating clots could cause a fatal pulmonary blockage, heart attack, or stroke. Pulmonologist Matthew Gordon acknowledged that blood clots can be catastrophic or fatal. Beyond the medical questions, this episode reflects a disturbing American tradition: Treating Black bodies as expendable commodities. From slavery to exploitative labor practices and generations of dangerous sports, Black people have repeatedly been expected to sacrifice their well-being for others’ profits. The NFL’s predominantly Black workforce is literally “fieldhands” making their wealthy “owners” wealthier, giving serious plantation vibes. What’s crazy is, Hurts could have died. And if he had, the Eagles would have simply put another Black body to work and kept it moving.

Blind by choice

Recently, a Black woman conservative social media influencer was physically removed from a Ken Paxton voter event. And as she fought back tears, after being “dog-walked” out of the building, she kept asking, “Why?” She told her followers that she has been a faithful supporter of Donald Trump and the entire Republican ticket. She said she not only voted for Trump and crew, but also organized and volunteered for them on various campaigns. Before she got to the event, she went live on social media, bubbling with excitement about supporting Paxton, which is crazy, because no one is excited about supporting Paxton. But her MAGA-fest was abruptly ended as her live-stream followers saw her suddenly teary-eyed, being led out of the event space. “And there’s no one I can talk to about this,” she asked her exit escort, dumbfounded. She then shared with her MAGA followers, “Someone just came up to me and said Ken Paxton’s campaign manager wanted me to leave… I drove two hours to get here, and I have done nothing but support everyone on the Republican side. And this is how I get treated? I cannot believe the disrespect that I was just given.” Blackfolk in the comments section couldn’t believe that soul sister couldn’t understand what was happening. But you, if she’s been willing to play blind and support one of the most anti-Black regimes in history, and organize for a party that has gone out of its way to disrespect every ounce of Black existence, then I can understand why she couldn’t see their disrespect of her Blackness. But since she’s already given her soul to anti-Blackness, you best believe she’s still voting for Paxton. In fact, she literally said so.

Mecklenburg racist police competitions

It’s old news by now that several Charlotte-Mecklenburg cops sent text messages to each other, degrading Black people with the N-word and racist jokes, celebrating their open competition to see which racist-ass officer could pull over, harass, and even inflict the most bodily harm on Black motorists. Their Klan-ish fun and games had zero to do with Black people breaking the law. It was just white cops making a sport out of terrorizing Black people, using the authority of the state and their literal license to kill to torture Black people emotionally and physically. And they used Flock cameras to help them with their fun and games. But what’s older news is the fact that these are the very actions Blackfolk have been pointing out from cops for centuries. These six cops got caught via text messages. But police in every city and state routinely take this same approach to law enforcement.

Based on reporting by Houston Defender.



Continue Reading

Sports

HBCU Football Round-Up: Bethune-Cookman UPSETS Jackson State

Upsets galore during week nine of the HBCU Football season! Here’s more!

Published

on

Bethune-Cookman stuns No. 24 Jackson State on late touchdown pass

Tyler Jefferson’s 19-yard touchdown pass to Rickie Shaw II with 40 seconds left gave Bethune-Cookman a 24-21 upset of Jackson State on Saturday in Daytona Beach, Fla. The win moved the Wildcats into a tie for first place in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

Facing third-and-11, Jefferson rolled left, doubled back to the right and found Shaw along the right sideline in the end zone for the go-ahead score.

Bethune-Cookman (5-3, 3-1) shares the lead with Alabama A&M, which beat the Wildcats 51-17 on Oct. 10. Jackson State (6-2, 3-2) entered ranked No. 24 in the Stats Perform Top 25. The Tigers have lost two of their past three games after winning their first five.

Jackson State had taken its first lead at 21-17 on Li’Darious Pryor’s 1-yard run with 2:56 remaining. Jared Lockhart had put the Tigers back in the game with a 30-yard touchdown pass to Jabari Jones about seven minutes into the second half.

Jefferson completed 8 of 13 passes for 113 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 68 yards on 19 carries. Deanwar Johnson added 81 yards on nine carries.

Howard stuns Morgan State with overtime pick-six

Howard overcame a 20-6 deficit early in the fourth quarter to beat Morgan State 26-20 in overtime in its Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference opener at Hughes Stadium. The Bison scored 20 straight points, and Ben Chandler IV sealed the victory with an 87-yard interception return for a touchdown in overtime.

The finish mirrored last year’s game at Howard, when the Bison also beat their nearby rivals in overtime.

White, who earned the first MEAC victory of his career, said the team never wavered, even after falling behind by two scores in the fourth quarter.

South Carolina State tops Norfolk State in conference opener

South Carolina State built an early lead and beat Norfolk State 22-7 on Saturday at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium. Mason Pickett-Hicks ran for two touchdowns, and Jett Jackson kicked three field goals for the Bulldogs.

Pickett-Hicks scored on runs of 7 and 21 yards in the first half to help build a 16-0 lead. Jackson connected from 28 and 46 yards before halftime and from 34 yards in the fourth quarter. South Carolina State gained 321 yards and kept Norfolk State out of the end zone on offense. Pickett-Hicks finished with 52 rushing yards and 86 all-purpose yards, and Keely Watson completed 21 of 38 passes for 215 yards.

Norfolk State’s only touchdown came on a 47-yard punt return by Jason Wonodi in the third quarter, which made it 19-7. DaJean Golmond completed 17 of 35 passes for 162 yards, and the Spartans totaled 279 yards. Brevin Caldwell caught six passes for 80 yards, and Jalyn Daniels rushed for 51 yards.

Freshman Addison runs for 214 yards as NC Central beats Delaware State

Freshman running back Gino Addison carried 31 times for 214 yards and two touchdowns Friday night, leading North Carolina Central to a 31-12 victory over Delaware State in its Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference opener at Alumni Stadium.

The Eagles (3-5, 1-0) ended a four-game losing streak. They rushed for 272 yards as a team, their third 200-yard rushing game this season.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff spoils Florida A&M’s homecoming

Arkansas-Pine Bluff beat Florida A&M 31-28 at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, Fla. It was the Rattlers’ first homecoming loss in nine years and ended a seven-game homecoming winning streak. Their previous one came in 2017, a 31-20 defeat against North Carolina A&T.

The Golden Lions (4-3, 2-2 SWAC) outrushed Florida A&M by 136 yards, finishing with 211 yards and three touchdowns on 4.6 yards per carry. The Rattlers (2-6, 1-3) managed only 75 rushing yards.

Jalen Williams led the ground game with 66 yards and a touchdown, averaging 7.3 yards per carry. Za’Marion Webber added 60 yards and a score. Quarterback Jack Schierholz completed 8 of 12 passes (66.7 percent), and Demetric Whitlock Jr. caught four passes for 74 yards and a touchdown.

Next up

South Carolina State plays at Morgan State in Baltimore on Thursday at 7 p.m. Eastern.

On Saturday, Oct. 31, Howard, unbeaten in MEAC play, visits North Carolina Central in Durham, N.C., at 2 p.m. The MEAC’s marquee matchup pits Delaware State, coached by DeSean Jackson, against Norfolk State, coached by Michael Vick, at 3 p.m. at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, home of the NFL’s Eagles.

In the SWAC, Alcorn State visits Mississippi Valley State, Bethune-Cookman plays at Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Southern visits Florida A&M in Tallahassee. All three kick off at 3 p.m. Eastern on Saturday. Plus, Alabama State and Alabama A&M meet in the Magic City Classic at Legion Field in Birmingham, Ala., this Saturday at 3:30 p.m. Eastern (2:30 p.m. Central). Saturday night, Grambling State and Texas Southern close the slate in Houston at 7:30 p.m. Central.

Continue Reading

Sports

WNBA Finals Game 6 in Atlanta: Dream–Valkyries Date and Venue Still TBA

The Dream and Valkyries are tied 2-2 in the 2026 WNBA Finals, but the Game 6 date, time and venue in Atlanta remain unresolved. Here’s the latest.

Published

on

A view inside State Farm Arena during game three of the WNBA Finals between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream on October 21, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA)

ATLANTA – The 2026 WNBA Finals pairing the Atlanta Dream against the Golden State Valkyries has delivered thrilling basketball, gripping storylines, and plenty of memorable moments. Right now, though, the loudest conversation around the series has less to do with the court and more to do with the calendar: where and when will the remaining Atlanta games be played?

As of this report, no one can say for certain whether Game 6, currently listed for Thursday at 8:00 p.m. Eastern, will tip off at that time or whether it will land at a different venue somewhere in the Atlanta area.

Valkyries Even the Series at 2-2

Golden State outlasted Atlanta 67-62 in Game 4 on Saturday at State Farm Arena, leveling the best-of-seven series at two wins apiece. That result settled one question, because a Game 6 will now be played in Atlanta. It also opened a much bigger one: the league has no confirmed date or location for that game, even after a heavy round of talks that carried into Sunday among the WNBA, the NBA, the Valkyries, the Dream, and the Atlanta Hawks.

The League’s Proposed Schedule Change

To work around the conflict, the WNBA is weighing a plan to move both Game 6 and a potential Game 7 to new dates. The shift would keep Game 6 at State Farm Arena and give both clubs enough rest before a possible deciding game. Should the series go the distance, Game 7 would take place at the Chase Center in San Francisco.

Under the proposal, Game 6 would be played Friday, Oct. 30. A Game 7, if necessary, would move from Saturday, Oct. 31 to Tuesday, Nov. 3. Both the Dream and the Valkyries must sign off before the changes can take effect.

What the Teams and Arena Are Saying

A Valkyries spokesperson said the organization is grateful to be part of a Finals this competitive, pleased to see the sport growing, and ready to support whatever the league decides in the best interest of the WNBA.

“We’re proud to be part of such a compelling Finals and love seeing the growth of the game,” a Valkyries spokesperson said in a statement. “We fully support what’s best for the league and will stand behind whatever it decides.”

Steve Koonin, CEO of the Hawks and State Farm Arena, said the building has put several possible Game 6 dates on the table, but any rescheduling rests entirely with the league. Speaking with Mike Conti of 92.9 The Game, he suggested that fans hoping for a change should “write your congressman.”

Alternatives Face Obstacles

Talk during Saturday night’s Hawks–Rockets game turned to the possibility of a matinee at State Farm Arena. According to sources, though, the television partners are unlikely to go along with that idea. Other venues in the metro area, including Georgia Tech’s McCamish Pavilion and Gas South Arena in Duluth, are not considered strong options because both teams would treat them as neutral, road-style environments.

Ticket Buyers Left Waiting

Demand has been strong. Tickets for Games 3 and 4 sold out soon after those games were relocated to State Farm Arena. Sources say fans looking to buy Game 6 seats have been advised to hold off until the scheduling dispute is settled.

Why the Dream Are Playing at State Farm Arena

The Dream’s regular home, Gateway Center Arena, holds roughly 3,500 people. State Farm Arena, home to the Hawks and run by the franchise, seats about 17,000, and Atlanta has played all five of its home playoff games there. Moving Games 3 and 4 required coordination among the leagues, both teams, and several media partners. Game 3 was moved up one day, from Thursday to Wednesday, and the Hawks agreed to a doubleheader with the Dream while pushing back Saturday evening’s home opener by 30 minutes.

Beginning next season, the Atlanta Dream will play their home games at State Farm Arena.

Continue Reading

Sports

NFL Round-Up: Caleb Williams strikes back, Panthers, Browns and Titans secure victories

Caleb Williams leads the Bears past the Falcons 31-23, while the Panthers, Browns and Titans also win.

Published

on

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams speaks to reporters after being selected by the Chicago Bears with the number one overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 25, 2024. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen)

Caleb Williams Returns and has an efficient performance en route to victory against Atlanta

Caleb Williams completed 30 out of 36 passes for 306 yards and a touchdown as the Chicago Bears beat the Atlanta Falcons 31-23 in front of a largely partisan crowd at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Williams completed his first twelve passes to start the game.

Chicago built a 31-7 lead before holding off a fourth-quarter rally by Atlanta.

Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. finished 19 of 33 for 225 yards and three touchdowns. He returned after leaving the previous week’s 30-23 overtime loss to the Baltimore Ravens with a rib injury. Atlanta dropped to 2-4.

Penix hit Jahan Dotson with a 13-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter, a back-shoulder fade that cut Chicago’s lead to 14-7. The Falcons did not score again until the fourth quarter, when Penix found Kyle Pitts from 10 yards out and then connected with Zachariah Branch on the 2-point conversion.

The Bears won despite 12 penalties for 133 yards. Wide receiver Jahdae Walker was ejected in the fourth quarter after a personal foul for head-butting Atlanta’s Chris Blair.

With the loss, the Falcons are 0-3 in games played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium this season.

Panthers beat injury-riddled Eagles in Philly

Bryce Young threw for 281 yards and two touchdowns, and the Carolina Panthers beat the Philadelphia Eagles 25-14 at Lincoln Financial Field. Chuba Hubbard added 120 rushing yards and a touchdown.

Carolina capitalized on a banged-up Philadelphia team. Quarterback Jalen Hurts is out at least four games with a blood clot, and running backs Saquon Barkley, Will Shipley and Tank Bigsby were also unavailable.

The Panthers committed eight penalties for 105 yards in the first half, including two illegal-man-downfield flags on guard Robert Hunt. “That’s not our football,” Panthers coach Dave Canales said.

Carolina recovered by controlling the ball for more than 11 minutes in the third quarter. Young sealed the win with a touchdown pass to Tommy Tremble with 6:33 left.

Eagles edge rusher Nolan Smith left in the first half with a concussion after helmet-to-helmet contact with Hubbard. Defensive tackle Jordan Davis hurt an ankle.

Deshaun Watson leads final drive, and the Browns walk it off against the Ravens

This game didn’t feature a lot of offense until the very end. Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson led his team down the field, which included a pass to Jerry Jeudy for a 33-yard gain that set up Andre Szmyt’s 37-yard field goal on the final snap, and the Browns rallied past the Baltimore Ravens 13-10 on Sunday.

“I want to be the guy that makes something happen,” Watson said. “I know (fans) want better play and we want better play … but getting those victories, against a division rival like this in a home stadium is very huge.”

Neither offense topped 250 yards. Watson was 16 of 26 for 164 yards. Baltimore backup quarterback Tyler Huntley was 19 of 31 for 165 yards and a touchdown. Ravens running back Derrick Henry gained 51 yards and fumbled. Cleveland then marched 35 yards in seven plays, with Audric Estime scoring from 2 yards out to tie it 10-10 with 8:33 left. Cleveland signed Estime off Minnesota’s practice squad this week with starter Quinshon Judkins out with an ankle injury.

“I told the team, ‘Put this one on me,’” said Henry. “I’ve just got to do better. Can’t put the team in this position.”

Ravens WR Rashod Bateman (shoulder) left in the second quarter and did not return. Meanwhile, Browns safety Grant Delpit exited in the first quarter and was placed in the concussion protocol.

Titans win first game of the Season

The Tennessee Titans erased a 13-0 halftime deficit, scoring 26 second-half points to beat the Indianapolis Colts 26-20 for their first victory of the season. Joey Slye kicked two field goals in the final 2½ minutes, and quarterback Cam Ward threw a touchdown pass to Carnell Tate.

Oluwafemi Oladejo returned a blocked punt for a touchdown to give Tennessee its first lead with 10:17 remaining. Jonathan Taylor’s 4-yard touchdown run tied it 20-20 with 5:32 left before Slye’s field goals decided it.

Indianapolis outgained Tennessee 232-64 in the first half but managed only three scoring drives, two of which ended in field goals. Daniel Jones was 22 of 42 for 269 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions, both of which cost the Colts scoring chances. Taylor ran 21 times for 94 yards and a touchdown and caught two passes for 57 yards.

Continue Reading

SIGN UP TO RECEIVE NEWS UPDATES IN YOUR INBOX

Subscribe

* indicates required

Like BlackPressUSA on Facebook

Advertisement

Advertise on BlackPressUSA

advertise with blackpressusa.com

Latest News