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Deadspin | Maniacal Masters? Players bracing for Augusta National at its crustiest  Apr 9, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Jon Rahm reacts after a putt on the 10th green during the first round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Katie Goodale-Imagn Images   AUGUSTA, Ga. — With no rain in the forecast and sunny, warm conditions forecast through the weekend, the players in the 2026 Masters said they are at the mercy of the tournament officials setting up Augusta National for the final 54 holes.  “I think this could be the toughest Masters we’ve played in a while,” Ireland’s Shane Lowry said after posting a 2-under-par 70 in Thursday’s first round. “You look at the forecast. They can do whatever they want with the golf course this weekend.  “I think over the last few years we’ve had a day every year where it’s been raining or it’s been heavy rains. It’s kind of helped us a little bit, but I think before the week is out, it’s going to get very, very crusty around here.”  Patrick Reed was at 4 under when he struck what he thought was an excellent 7-wood into the par-5 15th hole. The ball landed on the green but bounded over it and down into the water 40 yards away.  Regardless of the bad break, Reed said bring it on when asked about the likelihood of an increasingly difficult Augusta National.  “They could make this place really, really hard if they wanted to,” he said. “I wouldn’t be surprised. We have the best players in the world here. Why not? Challenge us and make it difficult, because it’s one of these golf courses, though, if you hit quality golf shots, you’re going to get rewarded for it.  “If it’s going to firm up and it’s going to get faster and faster,” Reed continued, “you’re just going to have to hit quality golf shots and know where you are going to hit the ball.”   The par-5s — outside of the aforementioned 15th — were the only holes to play under par on Thursday. The par-4 seventh hole played the hardest at an average of 4.42 shots. The back nine had four of the six hardest holes in the first round, including the closing two holes tying for the fourth-hardest at 4.33.  The first-round scoring average steadily increased throughout the day and finished at 74.65.  Lowry, Reed and defending champion Rory McIlroy, who each took advantage of earlier tee times on Thursday, will go out in the afternoon on Friday, when conditions are expected to be at their firmest and fastest. Northern Ireland’s McIlroy, the co-leader at 5-under 67 with Sam Burns, tees off in the second-to-last group at 1:44 p.m.  He said conditions like these are why he switched to a softer golf ball that allows him to generate more spin and stop it quicker on the green.  “I’ve said for the last few years that I’ve started to really relish that type of golf. I really want to excel at that type of golf,” McIlroy said. “When these greens get fast — last year they got really fast and firm on Sunday — but I think you’re going to see that for the next three days.   “There’s still opportunities to shoot really, really good scores,” McIlroy added. “Look at Justin Rose last year on the final day. But it takes a very, very good, solid round of golf to do that.”  –Derek Harper, Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Maniacal #Masters #Players #bracing #Augusta #National #crustiest

Deadspin | Maniacal Masters? Players bracing for Augusta National at its crustiest
Deadspin | Maniacal Masters? Players bracing for Augusta National at its crustiest  Apr 9, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Jon Rahm reacts after a putt on the 10th green during the first round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Katie Goodale-Imagn Images   AUGUSTA, Ga. — With no rain in the forecast and sunny, warm conditions forecast through the weekend, the players in the 2026 Masters said they are at the mercy of the tournament officials setting up Augusta National for the final 54 holes.  “I think this could be the toughest Masters we’ve played in a while,” Ireland’s Shane Lowry said after posting a 2-under-par 70 in Thursday’s first round. “You look at the forecast. They can do whatever they want with the golf course this weekend.  “I think over the last few years we’ve had a day every year where it’s been raining or it’s been heavy rains. It’s kind of helped us a little bit, but I think before the week is out, it’s going to get very, very crusty around here.”  Patrick Reed was at 4 under when he struck what he thought was an excellent 7-wood into the par-5 15th hole. The ball landed on the green but bounded over it and down into the water 40 yards away.  Regardless of the bad break, Reed said bring it on when asked about the likelihood of an increasingly difficult Augusta National.  “They could make this place really, really hard if they wanted to,” he said. “I wouldn’t be surprised. We have the best players in the world here. Why not? Challenge us and make it difficult, because it’s one of these golf courses, though, if you hit quality golf shots, you’re going to get rewarded for it.  “If it’s going to firm up and it’s going to get faster and faster,” Reed continued, “you’re just going to have to hit quality golf shots and know where you are going to hit the ball.”   The par-5s — outside of the aforementioned 15th — were the only holes to play under par on Thursday. The par-4 seventh hole played the hardest at an average of 4.42 shots. The back nine had four of the six hardest holes in the first round, including the closing two holes tying for the fourth-hardest at 4.33.  The first-round scoring average steadily increased throughout the day and finished at 74.65.  Lowry, Reed and defending champion Rory McIlroy, who each took advantage of earlier tee times on Thursday, will go out in the afternoon on Friday, when conditions are expected to be at their firmest and fastest. Northern Ireland’s McIlroy, the co-leader at 5-under 67 with Sam Burns, tees off in the second-to-last group at 1:44 p.m.  He said conditions like these are why he switched to a softer golf ball that allows him to generate more spin and stop it quicker on the green.  “I’ve said for the last few years that I’ve started to really relish that type of golf. I really want to excel at that type of golf,” McIlroy said. “When these greens get fast — last year they got really fast and firm on Sunday — but I think you’re going to see that for the next three days.   “There’s still opportunities to shoot really, really good scores,” McIlroy added. “Look at Justin Rose last year on the final day. But it takes a very, very good, solid round of golf to do that.”  –Derek Harper, Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Maniacal #Masters #Players #bracing #Augusta #National #crustiestApr 9, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Jon Rahm reacts after a putt on the 10th green during the first round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Katie Goodale-Imagn Images

AUGUSTA, Ga. — With no rain in the forecast and sunny, warm conditions forecast through the weekend, the players in the 2026 Masters said they are at the mercy of the tournament officials setting up Augusta National for the final 54 holes.

“I think this could be the toughest Masters we’ve played in a while,” Ireland’s Shane Lowry said after posting a 2-under-par 70 in Thursday’s first round. “You look at the forecast. They can do whatever they want with the golf course this weekend.

“I think over the last few years we’ve had a day every year where it’s been raining or it’s been heavy rains. It’s kind of helped us a little bit, but I think before the week is out, it’s going to get very, very crusty around here.”

Patrick Reed was at 4 under when he struck what he thought was an excellent 7-wood into the par-5 15th hole. The ball landed on the green but bounded over it and down into the water 40 yards away.

Regardless of the bad break, Reed said bring it on when asked about the likelihood of an increasingly difficult Augusta National.

“They could make this place really, really hard if they wanted to,” he said. “I wouldn’t be surprised. We have the best players in the world here. Why not? Challenge us and make it difficult, because it’s one of these golf courses, though, if you hit quality golf shots, you’re going to get rewarded for it.


“If it’s going to firm up and it’s going to get faster and faster,” Reed continued, “you’re just going to have to hit quality golf shots and know where you are going to hit the ball.”

The par-5s — outside of the aforementioned 15th — were the only holes to play under par on Thursday. The par-4 seventh hole played the hardest at an average of 4.42 shots. The back nine had four of the six hardest holes in the first round, including the closing two holes tying for the fourth-hardest at 4.33.

The first-round scoring average steadily increased throughout the day and finished at 74.65.

Lowry, Reed and defending champion Rory McIlroy, who each took advantage of earlier tee times on Thursday, will go out in the afternoon on Friday, when conditions are expected to be at their firmest and fastest. Northern Ireland’s McIlroy, the co-leader at 5-under 67 with Sam Burns, tees off in the second-to-last group at 1:44 p.m.

He said conditions like these are why he switched to a softer golf ball that allows him to generate more spin and stop it quicker on the green.

“I’ve said for the last few years that I’ve started to really relish that type of golf. I really want to excel at that type of golf,” McIlroy said. “When these greens get fast — last year they got really fast and firm on Sunday — but I think you’re going to see that for the next three days.

“There’s still opportunities to shoot really, really good scores,” McIlroy added. “Look at Justin Rose last year on the final day. But it takes a very, very good, solid round of golf to do that.”


–Derek Harper, Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Maniacal #Masters #Players #bracing #Augusta #National #crustiest

Apr 9, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Jon Rahm reacts after a putt on the 10th green during the first round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Katie Goodale-Imagn Images

AUGUSTA, Ga. — With no rain in the forecast and sunny, warm conditions forecast through the weekend, the players in the 2026 Masters said they are at the mercy of the tournament officials setting up Augusta National for the final 54 holes.

“I think this could be the toughest Masters we’ve played in a while,” Ireland’s Shane Lowry said after posting a 2-under-par 70 in Thursday’s first round. “You look at the forecast. They can do whatever they want with the golf course this weekend.

“I think over the last few years we’ve had a day every year where it’s been raining or it’s been heavy rains. It’s kind of helped us a little bit, but I think before the week is out, it’s going to get very, very crusty around here.”

Patrick Reed was at 4 under when he struck what he thought was an excellent 7-wood into the par-5 15th hole. The ball landed on the green but bounded over it and down into the water 40 yards away.

Regardless of the bad break, Reed said bring it on when asked about the likelihood of an increasingly difficult Augusta National.

“They could make this place really, really hard if they wanted to,” he said. “I wouldn’t be surprised. We have the best players in the world here. Why not? Challenge us and make it difficult, because it’s one of these golf courses, though, if you hit quality golf shots, you’re going to get rewarded for it.

“If it’s going to firm up and it’s going to get faster and faster,” Reed continued, “you’re just going to have to hit quality golf shots and know where you are going to hit the ball.”

The par-5s — outside of the aforementioned 15th — were the only holes to play under par on Thursday. The par-4 seventh hole played the hardest at an average of 4.42 shots. The back nine had four of the six hardest holes in the first round, including the closing two holes tying for the fourth-hardest at 4.33.

The first-round scoring average steadily increased throughout the day and finished at 74.65.

Lowry, Reed and defending champion Rory McIlroy, who each took advantage of earlier tee times on Thursday, will go out in the afternoon on Friday, when conditions are expected to be at their firmest and fastest. Northern Ireland’s McIlroy, the co-leader at 5-under 67 with Sam Burns, tees off in the second-to-last group at 1:44 p.m.

He said conditions like these are why he switched to a softer golf ball that allows him to generate more spin and stop it quicker on the green.

“I’ve said for the last few years that I’ve started to really relish that type of golf. I really want to excel at that type of golf,” McIlroy said. “When these greens get fast — last year they got really fast and firm on Sunday — but I think you’re going to see that for the next three days.

“There’s still opportunities to shoot really, really good scores,” McIlroy added. “Look at Justin Rose last year on the final day. But it takes a very, very good, solid round of golf to do that.”

–Derek Harper, Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Maniacal #Masters #Players #bracing #Augusta #National #crustiest

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One dead in clashes between Colombia football fans <div id="content-body-70845884" itemprop="articleBody"><p>At least one person was killed in clashes between Colombian football fans outside a stadium in the Caribbean city of Cartagena after a Copa Libertadores match, police said.</p><p>The first match in the group stage between Atletico Junior of nearby Barranquilla and Palmeiras de Brasil ended in a 1-1 draw.</p><p>It was played in Cartagena because the home team’s stadium is under construction.</p><p>The clashes pitted Atletico Junior fans against supporters of local club Real Cartagena.</p><p><b>READ: <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/champions-league/barcelona-vs-atletico-madrid-uefa-champions-league-complaint-quarterfinal-first-leg-var-referee-decision-penalty/article70845849.ece" target="_blank">Barcelona lodges UEFA complaint after Atletico defeat</a></b></p><p>A video circulating on social media showed a man stabbing another man who was on the ground.</p><p>A Cartagena police official told reporters that the victim, a Junior fan, died after suffering multiple stab wounds.</p><p>Colombian football has a history of recurring episodes of violence in and around stadiums.</p><p>In January of this year, a clash between fans left one person dead in the city of Cucuta, on the border with Venezuela.</p><p>At least 150 fans have been killed in rioting since 2008, according to independent investigations.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 10, 2026</p></div> #dead #clashes #Colombia #football #fans

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NBA fines Magic $25,000 for listing Anthony Black as out before he played in win over Pistons <div id="content-body-70845919" itemprop="articleBody"><p>The NBA fined the Orlando Magic $25,000 on Thursday for violating league injury reporting rules before Monday night’s home game against the Detroit Pistons.</p><p>The Magic reported point guard Anthony Black as out on its initial injury report. After missing 15 games with an abdominal strain, Black returned and scored 14 points with two assists and two steals in 15 minutes for Orlando in its 123-107 win over Detroit.</p><p>In announcing the fine, the NBA said the Magic failed to accurately disclose Black’s game availability status.</p><p>Black, a third-year player from Arkansas, is averaging 15.1 points and 3.8 assists in 62 games, including 40 starts.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 10, 2026</p></div> #NBA #fines #Magic #listing #Anthony #Black #played #win #Pistons

After ripping off two 10-game win streaks, things were looking bright on the north side to start the year in Chicago. Unfortunately for them, they aren’t in the NL Central of old; they’re competing in one of the toughest divisions in baseball. The Cubs have rattled off nine straight losses, quickly lost their hold on the division, and now find themselves battling for the final Wild Card spot.

It’s only been 54 games for the Cubs, and they’re still four games over .500, but it might be time to start panicking. Going into this season, you were hoping to have one of the best rotations in the sport, but injuries have ravaged the Cubs, now missing Edward Cabrera, Matthew Boyd, Justin Steele, and Cade Horton. Timetables for potential returns feel quite uncertain, and the offense hasn’t been able to bail them out recently.

Over their last 15 games, they are 2-13, and their offense has been among the worst in the sport. They’re averaging 2.8 runs per game and have been held to three runs or less in 12 of those 15 games.

Predictions markets had the Cubs with a 63.7% chance of winning the NL Central just 17 days ago, but now sit at just 28%. The Brewers still only sit at a 50% chance to win the division, but they’ve opened up a 3.5 game lead on the Cubs and 2.5 game lead over the Cardinals. The whole division is at least 2 games over .500, there’s no easy games during inter-division play.

A healthy rotation or bullpen would be incredible for morale but the lineup needs massive amounts of help. Pete Crow Armstrong, Nico Hoerner, Alex Bregman, Ian Happ, Dansby Swanson, Seiya Suzuki and Moises Ballestros have all been average to well below average months over the month of May, and I’m not sure we will see a ton of improvement.

Chicago has been an incredibly streaky lineup for a while, and I still feel they overperform their expected stats by the time the season ends. I’m not sure I trust this team to catch a Brewers team that has been one of the best teams in baseball over the last two seasons.

Just two weeks ago it felt like they might be a team that throws their hat in the ring for a Tarik Skubal type of arm, now they’ll be in a battle for a final wild card spot. I don’t think the reinforcements will come in quickly enough to salvage this season for the Cubs. Who would’ve guessed that the White Sox would be better suited to contend for a playoff spot for the city of Chicago.

#Chicago #Cubs #Panicking #NineGame #Losing #Streak #Deadspin.com">Chicago Cubs Should Be Panicking During Nine-Game Losing Streak | Deadspin.com   After ripping off two 10-game win streaks, things were looking bright on the north side to start the year in Chicago. Unfortunately for them, they aren’t in the NL Central of old; they’re competing in one of the toughest divisions in baseball. The Cubs have rattled off nine straight losses, quickly lost their hold on the division, and now find themselves battling for the final Wild Card spot.It’s only been 54 games for the Cubs, and they’re still four games over .500, but it might be time to start panicking. Going into this season, you were hoping to have one of the best rotations in the sport, but injuries have ravaged the Cubs, now missing Edward Cabrera, Matthew Boyd, Justin Steele, and Cade Horton. Timetables for potential returns feel quite uncertain, and the offense hasn’t been able to bail them out recently.Over their last 15 games, they are 2-13, and their offense has been among the worst in the sport. They’re averaging 2.8 runs per game and have been held to three runs or less in 12 of those 15 games.Predictions markets had the Cubs with a 63.7% chance of winning the NL Central just 17 days ago, but now sit at just 28%. The Brewers still only sit at a 50% chance to win the division, but they’ve opened up a 3.5 game lead on the Cubs and 2.5 game lead over the Cardinals. The whole division is at least 2 games over .500, there’s no easy games during inter-division play.A healthy rotation or bullpen would be incredible for morale but the lineup needs massive amounts of help. Pete Crow Armstrong, Nico Hoerner, Alex Bregman, Ian Happ, Dansby Swanson, Seiya Suzuki and Moises Ballestros have all been average to well below average months over the month of May, and I’m not sure we will see a ton of improvement.Chicago has been an incredibly streaky lineup for a while, and I still feel they overperform their expected stats by the time the season ends. I’m not sure I trust this team to catch a Brewers team that has been one of the best teams in baseball over the last two seasons.Just two weeks ago it felt like they might be a team that throws their hat in the ring for a Tarik Skubal type of arm, now they’ll be in a battle for a final wild card spot. I don’t think the reinforcements will come in quickly enough to salvage this season for the Cubs. Who would’ve guessed that the White Sox would be better suited to contend for a playoff spot for the city of Chicago.   #Chicago #Cubs #Panicking #NineGame #Losing #Streak #Deadspin.com

nine straight losses, quickly lost their hold on the division, and now find themselves battling for the final Wild Card spot.

It’s only been 54 games for the Cubs, and they’re still four games over .500, but it might be time to start panicking. Going into this season, you were hoping to have one of the best rotations in the sport, but injuries have ravaged the Cubs, now missing Edward Cabrera, Matthew Boyd, Justin Steele, and Cade Horton. Timetables for potential returns feel quite uncertain, and the offense hasn’t been able to bail them out recently.

Over their last 15 games, they are 2-13, and their offense has been among the worst in the sport. They’re averaging 2.8 runs per game and have been held to three runs or less in 12 of those 15 games.

Predictions markets had the Cubs with a 63.7% chance of winning the NL Central just 17 days ago, but now sit at just 28%. The Brewers still only sit at a 50% chance to win the division, but they’ve opened up a 3.5 game lead on the Cubs and 2.5 game lead over the Cardinals. The whole division is at least 2 games over .500, there’s no easy games during inter-division play.

A healthy rotation or bullpen would be incredible for morale but the lineup needs massive amounts of help. Pete Crow Armstrong, Nico Hoerner, Alex Bregman, Ian Happ, Dansby Swanson, Seiya Suzuki and Moises Ballestros have all been average to well below average months over the month of May, and I’m not sure we will see a ton of improvement.

Chicago has been an incredibly streaky lineup for a while, and I still feel they overperform their expected stats by the time the season ends. I’m not sure I trust this team to catch a Brewers team that has been one of the best teams in baseball over the last two seasons.

Just two weeks ago it felt like they might be a team that throws their hat in the ring for a Tarik Skubal type of arm, now they’ll be in a battle for a final wild card spot. I don’t think the reinforcements will come in quickly enough to salvage this season for the Cubs. Who would’ve guessed that the White Sox would be better suited to contend for a playoff spot for the city of Chicago.

#Chicago #Cubs #Panicking #NineGame #Losing #Streak #Deadspin.com">Chicago Cubs Should Be Panicking During Nine-Game Losing Streak | Deadspin.com

After ripping off two 10-game win streaks, things were looking bright on the north side to start the year in Chicago. Unfortunately for them, they aren’t in the NL Central of old; they’re competing in one of the toughest divisions in baseball. The Cubs have rattled off nine straight losses, quickly lost their hold on the division, and now find themselves battling for the final Wild Card spot.

It’s only been 54 games for the Cubs, and they’re still four games over .500, but it might be time to start panicking. Going into this season, you were hoping to have one of the best rotations in the sport, but injuries have ravaged the Cubs, now missing Edward Cabrera, Matthew Boyd, Justin Steele, and Cade Horton. Timetables for potential returns feel quite uncertain, and the offense hasn’t been able to bail them out recently.

Over their last 15 games, they are 2-13, and their offense has been among the worst in the sport. They’re averaging 2.8 runs per game and have been held to three runs or less in 12 of those 15 games.

Predictions markets had the Cubs with a 63.7% chance of winning the NL Central just 17 days ago, but now sit at just 28%. The Brewers still only sit at a 50% chance to win the division, but they’ve opened up a 3.5 game lead on the Cubs and 2.5 game lead over the Cardinals. The whole division is at least 2 games over .500, there’s no easy games during inter-division play.

A healthy rotation or bullpen would be incredible for morale but the lineup needs massive amounts of help. Pete Crow Armstrong, Nico Hoerner, Alex Bregman, Ian Happ, Dansby Swanson, Seiya Suzuki and Moises Ballestros have all been average to well below average months over the month of May, and I’m not sure we will see a ton of improvement.

Chicago has been an incredibly streaky lineup for a while, and I still feel they overperform their expected stats by the time the season ends. I’m not sure I trust this team to catch a Brewers team that has been one of the best teams in baseball over the last two seasons.

Just two weeks ago it felt like they might be a team that throws their hat in the ring for a Tarik Skubal type of arm, now they’ll be in a battle for a final wild card spot. I don’t think the reinforcements will come in quickly enough to salvage this season for the Cubs. Who would’ve guessed that the White Sox would be better suited to contend for a playoff spot for the city of Chicago.

#Chicago #Cubs #Panicking #NineGame #Losing #Streak #Deadspin.com

Alright everybody, your resident beacon of hope is here who has brought you such hits as the worst deals of free agency and worst potential fits for remaining free agents. Today, I build the worst possible team ahead of the 2026 season.

Now, we won’t be going player-by-player to build a 53-man roster. Instead, we’ll go by position groups on offense and defense to construct a unit that could potentially go 0-17. And don’t worry, I’ll be building the best team in the coming days. Enjoy.

Quarterbacks: Cleveland Browns

What an interesting bunch of apples the Browns’ quarterback room is. One apple has a very successful father apple, who is in the apple Hall of Fame. However, that apple has since grown sour in the eyes of many fans for how he portrays himself since becoming the head coach of an apple school. But there are many cult-like fans of that apple, and those people should be avoided at all costs.

Then there’s the other apple who I’m not going to joke about because he allegedly did some really gross things and I don’t want to make light of that, but he is bad at football and the Browns gave him the largest fully guaranteed contract in NFL history after he allegedly did all of those things. What did $230 million buy them? Since 2022, amongst 77 quarterbacks to play 200 snaps, Watson ranks 69th in success rate. Dillon Gabriel, the third apple of this bunch, ranks dead last in 77th. What an impressively inept collection of bad football and worse PR.

Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals

Running backs: Jacksonville Jaguars

Travis Etienne left in free agency, signing with the New Orleans Saints. That leaves Bhayshul Tuten and Chris Rodriguez as the team’s top two running backs, respectively. Tuten could end up being a solid starter, but he had less than 100 carries in 2025. The pair of running backs combined for just 807 yards in 2025.

Honorable mention: Denver Broncos

Wide receivers: Miami Dolphins

Their top receiver is 5-foot-8 Malik Washington, who caught 46 passes in 2025. They added TuTu Atwell, who is 5-foot-9 and had six catches last season. Jalen Tolbert towers over them at 6-foot-1 and had 18 catches with the Cowboys a season ago. This could very well enter the conversation of worst receiving groups of all time.

Honorable mention: Carolina Panthers

Tight ends: Miami Dolphins

Genuinely, this offense is going to be so fun to watch because of how bad it will be. Greg Dulcich is their No. 1 tight end – he’d be a No. 3 on a good team. They drafted two tight ends, Rookie Will Kacmarek is a blocker first and not much of a receiving threat while Seydou Traore was a fifth-round pick and it’s unknown what his role or ceiling will be. There is nothing on that offense not named De’Von Achane that will be worth watching, unless you’re the type of person who likes watching a nitroglycerin plant spontaneously combust 17 times.

Honorable mention: Tennessee Titans

Offensive line: Tennessee Titans

Cam Ward was sacked 55 times in 2025, which was tied for the most in the league. Tennessee did next to nothing to improve their struggling unit, with their only moves being to sign long-time backup center Austin Schlottmann and draft Arkansas guard Fernando Carmona in the fifth round.

Honorable mention: Miami Dolphins

Defensive line: Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons ranked 26th in EPA per rush and 24th in success rate against the run. Had they not played six games against NFC South opponents, those numbers would likely be lower. Maason Smith, Zach Harrison, and Brandon Dorlus are projected to be their three starters up front, all of whom ranked outside the top 40 in PFF grades for defensive linemen in 2025.

Honorable mention: Washington Commanders

Edge rushers: Carolina Panthers

The Panthers gave Jaelan Phillips a contract equal to the GDP of the state of North Carolina, signing him to a four-year, $120 million deal – the richest contract of the offseason despite him never recording more than 8.5 sacks in a season, and that 8.5 mark came back in 2021. Nic Scourton is their No. 2, and he had five sacks last year. Now, sacks aren’t everything, of course, but you’d like to have more production from your pass rushers, especially for the hefty price tag on Phillips.

Honorable mention: Tennessee Titans

Linebackers: Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals relied heavily on rookies Demetrius Knight and Barrett Carter in 2025, both of whom were major disappointments. Knight had 18 missed tackles while Carter had 17. Knight ranked 83rd out of 88 qualified linebackers in PFF grades and Carter ranked 85th. While both are entering just their second years in the league, they need to make massive leaps forward.

Honorable mention: Indianapolis Colts

Secondary: Miami Dolphins

I promise this isn’t a bit, the Dolphins are just that bad. You could put the Cardinals here, seeing that they finished with a defensive drop back success rate that was 0.7 percent worse than the Dolphins, but Arizona at least has a promising piece in Will Johnson and a reliable veteran in Budda Baker. I like Chris Johnson, but the rest of Miami’s secondary is full of low-tier non-starters.

Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals

#Building #worst #NFL #team #season">Building the worst NFL team possible for 2026 season  Alright everybody, your resident beacon of hope is here who has brought you such hits as the worst deals of free agency and worst potential fits for remaining free agents. Today, I build the worst possible team ahead of the 2026 season.Now, we won’t be going player-by-player to build a 53-man roster. Instead, we’ll go by position groups on offense and defense to construct a unit that could potentially go 0-17. And don’t worry, I’ll be building the best team in the coming days. Enjoy.Quarterbacks: Cleveland BrownsWhat an interesting bunch of apples the Browns’ quarterback room is. One apple has a very successful father apple, who is in the apple Hall of Fame. However, that apple has since grown sour in the eyes of many fans for how he portrays himself since becoming the head coach of an apple school. But there are many cult-like fans of that apple, and those people should be avoided at all costs.Then there’s the other apple who I’m not going to joke about because he allegedly did some really gross things and I don’t want to make light of that, but he is bad at football and the Browns gave him the largest fully guaranteed contract in NFL history after he allegedly did all of those things. What did 0 million buy them? Since 2022, amongst 77 quarterbacks to play 200 snaps, Watson ranks 69th in success rate. Dillon Gabriel, the third apple of this bunch, ranks dead last in 77th. What an impressively inept collection of bad football and worse PR.Honorable mention: Arizona CardinalsRunning backs: Jacksonville JaguarsTravis Etienne left in free agency, signing with the New Orleans Saints. That leaves Bhayshul Tuten and Chris Rodriguez as the team’s top two running backs, respectively. Tuten could end up being a solid starter, but he had less than 100 carries in 2025. The pair of running backs combined for just 807 yards in 2025.Honorable mention: Denver BroncosWide receivers: Miami DolphinsTheir top receiver is 5-foot-8 Malik Washington, who caught 46 passes in 2025. They added TuTu Atwell, who is 5-foot-9 and had six catches last season. Jalen Tolbert towers over them at 6-foot-1 and had 18 catches with the Cowboys a season ago. This could very well enter the conversation of worst receiving groups of all time.Honorable mention: Carolina PanthersTight ends: Miami DolphinsGenuinely, this offense is going to be so fun to watch because of how bad it will be. Greg Dulcich is their No. 1 tight end – he’d be a No. 3 on a good team. They drafted two tight ends, Rookie Will Kacmarek is a blocker first and not much of a receiving threat while Seydou Traore was a fifth-round pick and it’s unknown what his role or ceiling will be. There is nothing on that offense not named De’Von Achane that will be worth watching, unless you’re the type of person who likes watching a nitroglycerin plant spontaneously combust 17 times.Honorable mention: Tennessee TitansOffensive line: Tennessee TitansCam Ward was sacked 55 times in 2025, which was tied for the most in the league. Tennessee did next to nothing to improve their struggling unit, with their only moves being to sign long-time backup center Austin Schlottmann and draft Arkansas guard Fernando Carmona in the fifth round.Honorable mention: Miami DolphinsDefensive line: Atlanta FalconsThe Falcons ranked 26th in EPA per rush and 24th in success rate against the run. Had they not played six games against NFC South opponents, those numbers would likely be lower. Maason Smith, Zach Harrison, and Brandon Dorlus are projected to be their three starters up front, all of whom ranked outside the top 40 in PFF grades for defensive linemen in 2025.Honorable mention: Washington CommandersEdge rushers: Carolina PanthersThe Panthers gave Jaelan Phillips a contract equal to the GDP of the state of North Carolina, signing him to a four-year, 0 million deal – the richest contract of the offseason despite him never recording more than 8.5 sacks in a season, and that 8.5 mark came back in 2021. Nic Scourton is their No. 2, and he had five sacks last year. Now, sacks aren’t everything, of course, but you’d like to have more production from your pass rushers, especially for the hefty price tag on Phillips.Honorable mention: Tennessee TitansLinebackers: Cincinnati BengalsThe Bengals relied heavily on rookies Demetrius Knight and Barrett Carter in 2025, both of whom were major disappointments. Knight had 18 missed tackles while Carter had 17. Knight ranked 83rd out of 88 qualified linebackers in PFF grades and Carter ranked 85th. While both are entering just their second years in the league, they need to make massive leaps forward.Honorable mention: Indianapolis ColtsSecondary: Miami DolphinsI promise this isn’t a bit, the Dolphins are just that bad. You could put the Cardinals here, seeing that they finished with a defensive drop back success rate that was 0.7 percent worse than the Dolphins, but Arizona at least has a promising piece in Will Johnson and a reliable veteran in Budda Baker. I like Chris Johnson, but the rest of Miami’s secondary is full of low-tier non-starters.Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals  #Building #worst #NFL #team #season

worst deals of free agency and worst potential fits for remaining free agents. Today, I build the worst possible team ahead of the 2026 season.

Now, we won’t be going player-by-player to build a 53-man roster. Instead, we’ll go by position groups on offense and defense to construct a unit that could potentially go 0-17. And don’t worry, I’ll be building the best team in the coming days. Enjoy.

Quarterbacks: Cleveland Browns

What an interesting bunch of apples the Browns’ quarterback room is. One apple has a very successful father apple, who is in the apple Hall of Fame. However, that apple has since grown sour in the eyes of many fans for how he portrays himself since becoming the head coach of an apple school. But there are many cult-like fans of that apple, and those people should be avoided at all costs.

Then there’s the other apple who I’m not going to joke about because he allegedly did some really gross things and I don’t want to make light of that, but he is bad at football and the Browns gave him the largest fully guaranteed contract in NFL history after he allegedly did all of those things. What did $230 million buy them? Since 2022, amongst 77 quarterbacks to play 200 snaps, Watson ranks 69th in success rate. Dillon Gabriel, the third apple of this bunch, ranks dead last in 77th. What an impressively inept collection of bad football and worse PR.

Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals

Running backs: Jacksonville Jaguars

Travis Etienne left in free agency, signing with the New Orleans Saints. That leaves Bhayshul Tuten and Chris Rodriguez as the team’s top two running backs, respectively. Tuten could end up being a solid starter, but he had less than 100 carries in 2025. The pair of running backs combined for just 807 yards in 2025.

Honorable mention: Denver Broncos

Wide receivers: Miami Dolphins

Their top receiver is 5-foot-8 Malik Washington, who caught 46 passes in 2025. They added TuTu Atwell, who is 5-foot-9 and had six catches last season. Jalen Tolbert towers over them at 6-foot-1 and had 18 catches with the Cowboys a season ago. This could very well enter the conversation of worst receiving groups of all time.

Honorable mention: Carolina Panthers

Tight ends: Miami Dolphins

Genuinely, this offense is going to be so fun to watch because of how bad it will be. Greg Dulcich is their No. 1 tight end – he’d be a No. 3 on a good team. They drafted two tight ends, Rookie Will Kacmarek is a blocker first and not much of a receiving threat while Seydou Traore was a fifth-round pick and it’s unknown what his role or ceiling will be. There is nothing on that offense not named De’Von Achane that will be worth watching, unless you’re the type of person who likes watching a nitroglycerin plant spontaneously combust 17 times.

Honorable mention: Tennessee Titans

Offensive line: Tennessee Titans

Cam Ward was sacked 55 times in 2025, which was tied for the most in the league. Tennessee did next to nothing to improve their struggling unit, with their only moves being to sign long-time backup center Austin Schlottmann and draft Arkansas guard Fernando Carmona in the fifth round.

Honorable mention: Miami Dolphins

Defensive line: Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons ranked 26th in EPA per rush and 24th in success rate against the run. Had they not played six games against NFC South opponents, those numbers would likely be lower. Maason Smith, Zach Harrison, and Brandon Dorlus are projected to be their three starters up front, all of whom ranked outside the top 40 in PFF grades for defensive linemen in 2025.

Honorable mention: Washington Commanders

Edge rushers: Carolina Panthers

The Panthers gave Jaelan Phillips a contract equal to the GDP of the state of North Carolina, signing him to a four-year, $120 million deal – the richest contract of the offseason despite him never recording more than 8.5 sacks in a season, and that 8.5 mark came back in 2021. Nic Scourton is their No. 2, and he had five sacks last year. Now, sacks aren’t everything, of course, but you’d like to have more production from your pass rushers, especially for the hefty price tag on Phillips.

Honorable mention: Tennessee Titans

Linebackers: Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals relied heavily on rookies Demetrius Knight and Barrett Carter in 2025, both of whom were major disappointments. Knight had 18 missed tackles while Carter had 17. Knight ranked 83rd out of 88 qualified linebackers in PFF grades and Carter ranked 85th. While both are entering just their second years in the league, they need to make massive leaps forward.

Honorable mention: Indianapolis Colts

Secondary: Miami Dolphins

I promise this isn’t a bit, the Dolphins are just that bad. You could put the Cardinals here, seeing that they finished with a defensive drop back success rate that was 0.7 percent worse than the Dolphins, but Arizona at least has a promising piece in Will Johnson and a reliable veteran in Budda Baker. I like Chris Johnson, but the rest of Miami’s secondary is full of low-tier non-starters.

Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals

#Building #worst #NFL #team #season">Building the worst NFL team possible for 2026 season

Alright everybody, your resident beacon of hope is here who has brought you such hits as the worst deals of free agency and worst potential fits for remaining free agents. Today, I build the worst possible team ahead of the 2026 season.

Now, we won’t be going player-by-player to build a 53-man roster. Instead, we’ll go by position groups on offense and defense to construct a unit that could potentially go 0-17. And don’t worry, I’ll be building the best team in the coming days. Enjoy.

Quarterbacks: Cleveland Browns

What an interesting bunch of apples the Browns’ quarterback room is. One apple has a very successful father apple, who is in the apple Hall of Fame. However, that apple has since grown sour in the eyes of many fans for how he portrays himself since becoming the head coach of an apple school. But there are many cult-like fans of that apple, and those people should be avoided at all costs.

Then there’s the other apple who I’m not going to joke about because he allegedly did some really gross things and I don’t want to make light of that, but he is bad at football and the Browns gave him the largest fully guaranteed contract in NFL history after he allegedly did all of those things. What did $230 million buy them? Since 2022, amongst 77 quarterbacks to play 200 snaps, Watson ranks 69th in success rate. Dillon Gabriel, the third apple of this bunch, ranks dead last in 77th. What an impressively inept collection of bad football and worse PR.

Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals

Running backs: Jacksonville Jaguars

Travis Etienne left in free agency, signing with the New Orleans Saints. That leaves Bhayshul Tuten and Chris Rodriguez as the team’s top two running backs, respectively. Tuten could end up being a solid starter, but he had less than 100 carries in 2025. The pair of running backs combined for just 807 yards in 2025.

Honorable mention: Denver Broncos

Wide receivers: Miami Dolphins

Their top receiver is 5-foot-8 Malik Washington, who caught 46 passes in 2025. They added TuTu Atwell, who is 5-foot-9 and had six catches last season. Jalen Tolbert towers over them at 6-foot-1 and had 18 catches with the Cowboys a season ago. This could very well enter the conversation of worst receiving groups of all time.

Honorable mention: Carolina Panthers

Tight ends: Miami Dolphins

Genuinely, this offense is going to be so fun to watch because of how bad it will be. Greg Dulcich is their No. 1 tight end – he’d be a No. 3 on a good team. They drafted two tight ends, Rookie Will Kacmarek is a blocker first and not much of a receiving threat while Seydou Traore was a fifth-round pick and it’s unknown what his role or ceiling will be. There is nothing on that offense not named De’Von Achane that will be worth watching, unless you’re the type of person who likes watching a nitroglycerin plant spontaneously combust 17 times.

Honorable mention: Tennessee Titans

Offensive line: Tennessee Titans

Cam Ward was sacked 55 times in 2025, which was tied for the most in the league. Tennessee did next to nothing to improve their struggling unit, with their only moves being to sign long-time backup center Austin Schlottmann and draft Arkansas guard Fernando Carmona in the fifth round.

Honorable mention: Miami Dolphins

Defensive line: Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons ranked 26th in EPA per rush and 24th in success rate against the run. Had they not played six games against NFC South opponents, those numbers would likely be lower. Maason Smith, Zach Harrison, and Brandon Dorlus are projected to be their three starters up front, all of whom ranked outside the top 40 in PFF grades for defensive linemen in 2025.

Honorable mention: Washington Commanders

Edge rushers: Carolina Panthers

The Panthers gave Jaelan Phillips a contract equal to the GDP of the state of North Carolina, signing him to a four-year, $120 million deal – the richest contract of the offseason despite him never recording more than 8.5 sacks in a season, and that 8.5 mark came back in 2021. Nic Scourton is their No. 2, and he had five sacks last year. Now, sacks aren’t everything, of course, but you’d like to have more production from your pass rushers, especially for the hefty price tag on Phillips.

Honorable mention: Tennessee Titans

Linebackers: Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals relied heavily on rookies Demetrius Knight and Barrett Carter in 2025, both of whom were major disappointments. Knight had 18 missed tackles while Carter had 17. Knight ranked 83rd out of 88 qualified linebackers in PFF grades and Carter ranked 85th. While both are entering just their second years in the league, they need to make massive leaps forward.

Honorable mention: Indianapolis Colts

Secondary: Miami Dolphins

I promise this isn’t a bit, the Dolphins are just that bad. You could put the Cardinals here, seeing that they finished with a defensive drop back success rate that was 0.7 percent worse than the Dolphins, but Arizona at least has a promising piece in Will Johnson and a reliable veteran in Budda Baker. I like Chris Johnson, but the rest of Miami’s secondary is full of low-tier non-starters.

Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals

#Building #worst #NFL #team #season

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