×
UEFA Champions League — Raphinha apologizes for gesture toward Atletico fans after Barcelona’s exit Barcelona forward Raphinha has apologized for his gesture toward Atletico Madrid fans after his team’s elimination in the quarterfinals of the Champions League.Raphinha, who didn’t play on Tuesday because of a hamstring injury, also criticized the refereeing, making the “robbed” sign with his hands, and later told reporters that Barcelona was “robbed” over the two legs.The Brazil star is likely to face punishment from UEFA for his actions at the Metropolitano stadium.While still on the field, he gestured toward Atletico supporters and made a gesture apparently indicating that the rival will be eliminated in the next round. He appeared to tell fans “you are out.”“I apologize for my gesture, which does not reflect my values ​​or character,” Raphinha said on Wednesday in a comment to a DAZN post that showed him gesturing to the crowd. “It was an act in a moment of tension, in response to a fan who was disrespecting me.”Barcelona, seeking to return to the semifinals of the Champions League for the second season in a row, won 2-1 on Tuesday but it wasn’t enough to overcome a 2-0 loss at home in the first leg last week.Atletico goalkeeper Juan Musso said it was nonsense for Raphinha to say Barcelona was robbed.“I respect everyone’s opinion, but let’s not say that it was a robbery, because it wasn’t like that,” Musso said. “We won it on the field. We won 2-0 on the road. It’s a team that we respect a lot and are very motivated to play against. It’s a great team, but I think that to talk about robbery is just crazy.”Raphinha did not immediately apologize for his comments about the refereeing.“To me, it was ‘robbed’,” he told reporters on Tuesday. “Not only this match, but the other one as well. The refereeing was very bad. Incredible the decisions that they made. Atletico made a lot of fouls and the referee didn’t show a single yellow card.”Other players also criticized the refereeing over the two legs.President-elect Joan Laporta said Wednesday that the refereeing was “shameful” and “inadmissible,” and said the club planned to present a formal complaint with UEFA.Published on Apr 15, 2026 #UEFA #Champions #League #Raphinha #apologizes #gesture #Atletico #fans #Barcelonas #exit

UEFA Champions League — Raphinha apologizes for gesture toward Atletico fans after Barcelona’s exit

Barcelona forward Raphinha has apologized for his gesture toward Atletico Madrid fans after his team’s elimination in the quarterfinals of the Champions League.

Raphinha, who didn’t play on Tuesday because of a hamstring injury, also criticized the refereeing, making the “robbed” sign with his hands, and later told reporters that Barcelona was “robbed” over the two legs.

The Brazil star is likely to face punishment from UEFA for his actions at the Metropolitano stadium.

While still on the field, he gestured toward Atletico supporters and made a gesture apparently indicating that the rival will be eliminated in the next round. He appeared to tell fans “you are out.”

“I apologize for my gesture, which does not reflect my values ​​or character,” Raphinha said on Wednesday in a comment to a DAZN post that showed him gesturing to the crowd. “It was an act in a moment of tension, in response to a fan who was disrespecting me.”

Barcelona, seeking to return to the semifinals of the Champions League for the second season in a row, won 2-1 on Tuesday but it wasn’t enough to overcome a 2-0 loss at home in the first leg last week.

Atletico goalkeeper Juan Musso said it was nonsense for Raphinha to say Barcelona was robbed.

“I respect everyone’s opinion, but let’s not say that it was a robbery, because it wasn’t like that,” Musso said. “We won it on the field. We won 2-0 on the road. It’s a team that we respect a lot and are very motivated to play against. It’s a great team, but I think that to talk about robbery is just crazy.”

Raphinha did not immediately apologize for his comments about the refereeing.

“To me, it was ‘robbed’,” he told reporters on Tuesday. “Not only this match, but the other one as well. The refereeing was very bad. Incredible the decisions that they made. Atletico made a lot of fouls and the referee didn’t show a single yellow card.”

Other players also criticized the refereeing over the two legs.

President-elect Joan Laporta said Wednesday that the refereeing was “shameful” and “inadmissible,” and said the club planned to present a formal complaint with UEFA.

Published on Apr 15, 2026

#UEFA #Champions #League #Raphinha #apologizes #gesture #Atletico #fans #Barcelonas #exit

Sports news , , , , , , ,

Barcelona forward Raphinha has apologized for his gesture toward Atletico Madrid fans after his team’s elimination in the quarterfinals of the Champions League.

Raphinha, who didn’t play on Tuesday because of a hamstring injury, also criticized the refereeing, making the “robbed” sign with his hands, and later told reporters that Barcelona was “robbed” over the two legs.

The Brazil star is likely to face punishment from UEFA for his actions at the Metropolitano stadium.

While still on the field, he gestured toward Atletico supporters and made a gesture apparently indicating that the rival will be eliminated in the next round. He appeared to tell fans “you are out.”

“I apologize for my gesture, which does not reflect my values ​​or character,” Raphinha said on Wednesday in a comment to a DAZN post that showed him gesturing to the crowd. “It was an act in a moment of tension, in response to a fan who was disrespecting me.”

Barcelona, seeking to return to the semifinals of the Champions League for the second season in a row, won 2-1 on Tuesday but it wasn’t enough to overcome a 2-0 loss at home in the first leg last week.

Atletico goalkeeper Juan Musso said it was nonsense for Raphinha to say Barcelona was robbed.

“I respect everyone’s opinion, but let’s not say that it was a robbery, because it wasn’t like that,” Musso said. “We won it on the field. We won 2-0 on the road. It’s a team that we respect a lot and are very motivated to play against. It’s a great team, but I think that to talk about robbery is just crazy.”

Raphinha did not immediately apologize for his comments about the refereeing.

“To me, it was ‘robbed’,” he told reporters on Tuesday. “Not only this match, but the other one as well. The refereeing was very bad. Incredible the decisions that they made. Atletico made a lot of fouls and the referee didn’t show a single yellow card.”

Other players also criticized the refereeing over the two legs.

President-elect Joan Laporta said Wednesday that the refereeing was “shameful” and “inadmissible,” and said the club planned to present a formal complaint with UEFA.

Published on Apr 15, 2026

Source link
#UEFA #Champions #League #Raphinha #apologizes #gesture #Atletico #fans #Barcelonas #exit

Tag
Previous post

Deadspin | Astros, after snapping 8-game skid, eager to top Rockies again <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28730766.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28730766.jpg" alt="MLB: Colorado Rockies at Houston Astros" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 14, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) and right fielder Cam Smith (11) and shortstop Carlos Correa (1) and left fielder Taylor Trammell (26) celebrate after the game against the Colorado Rockies at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Buried beneath the rubble of an eight-game losing streak was the fact that the Houston Astros entered a six-game homestand on Tuesday leading the American League in several offensive categories.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>With their rotation weakened by injuries and their bullpen stretched thin, the Astros will have to slug their way to victory more often than not. </p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Houston followed that script in the opener Tuesday of a three-game series against the Colorado Rockies with a 7-6 white-knuckle win, and the teams will meet again Wednesday night.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>“Our offense is relentless when they get good pitches to hit, score a lot of runs and allow us to deploy some of our relievers and put them in better spots,” Astros manager Joe Espada said. “Our offense has been phenomenal. They understand the situation that we are in. They continue to grind at-bats.”</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>The Astros needed five relievers to cover the final 5 1/3 innings Tuesday after starter Colton Gordon departed in the fourth. With closer Josh Hader on the injured list and his replacement in the role, Bryan Abreu, scuffling, Espada is having to piecemeal his way through the latter frames.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>“My focus is trying to get these guys matched up with the right pockets,” Espada said. “Try to put these guys into the position to deploy their pitches, go through the areas where they can get people out, and try to get them rolling that way. Once the dust settles, some of these guys will start falling into those roles.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>“But right now, we’re trying to get going that way. We’re trying to get these on a positive note.”</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>Right-hander Spencer Arrighetti (1-5, 5.35 ERA in 2025) was announced as the Astros’ starter for Wednesday. He was added to the taxi squad on Tuesday after posting a 1.26 ERA and 20 strikeouts across 14 1/3 innings and three starts with Triple-A Sugar Land. </p> </section><br/><section id="section-9"> <p>He made just seven starts during an injury-plagued 2025 after finishing 7-13 with a 4.53 ERA across 29 appearances (28 starts) during his rookie season in 2024.</p> </section> <section id="section-10"> <p>Arrighetti threw seven shutout innings in his lone appearance against the Rockies on June 26, 2024, allowing three hits while recording 10 strikeouts in a 7-1 home victory.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Left-hander Jose Quintana (0-0, 4.15 ERA) will be reinstated from the 15-day injured list to start Wednesday for the Rockies, who have lost five straight games. Quintana landed on the IL with a right hamstring strain on March 30, one day after allowing two runs on four hits and four walks with two strikeouts over 4 1/3 innings in the Rockies’ 4-3 road loss to the Miami Marlins. </p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>That marked the first career start with Colorado for Quintana, who went 11-7 with a 3.96 ERA for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2025. The Rockies are his ninth MLB team.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>Quintana is 3-1 with a 3.08 ERA in 11 career appearances (nine starts) against the Astros. </p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>Colorado optioned pitcher Valente Bellozo to Triple-A Albuquerque following Sunday’s game and recalled pitcher Tanner Gordon. </p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>Another move will be required to make room on the roster for Quintana, with left-hander Kyle Freeland a likely candidate to land on the IL after he was scratched before his start on Sunday.</p> </section><section id="section-16"> <p>The Rockies swept a three-game series against the Astros last week in Denver.</p> </section><section id="section-17"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Astros #snapping #8game #skid #eager #top #Rockies

Next post

Why Caleb Downs is a premium prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft <div id="zephr-anchor"><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Football is increasingly a game dictated by numbers.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The draft profile for Caleb Downs should begin there.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Let’s start with these numbers, from charting data collected while I studied his 2025 college football season. Downs played 208 snaps aligned as a half-field safety, with another 97 snaps aligned as a middle-of-the-field safety. The Ohio State defender aligned as a boundary cornerback for 50 more snaps, a slot corner for another 168 snaps, and even played 41 snaps down in the box.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">But the pre-snap numbers are just a part of the story. A brief snapshot of a bigger picture.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">After the snap, Downs rotated to the middle of the field for 232 of those plays, played as a deep boundary defender for 114 of those plays — including several where he began aligned in the slot or as a boundary corner — and spent many other either as the pole runner between the safeties, dropped down in the flat, or even rushing off the edge or through the interior.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Suffice it to say, Downs is one of the most versatile players in the 2026 NFL Draft.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Which might make him the best.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Downs began his college career at Alabama, playing under Nick Saban in his complex defensive system. But he stepped into the starting lineup as a freshman, recorded eight tackles in his debut, and ended the year as the SEC Freshman of the Year.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">When Saban announced he was stepping away from the game, Downs entered the transfer portal, and made the move to Ohio State. All he did while with the Buckeyes was become a two-time unanimous All-American, the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, and the winner of both the Lott Trophy (given to a college defensive player “for their personal character and athletic abilities”) and the Jim Thorpe Award (given to the best defensive back in college football).</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">He also helped Ohio State win a title in 2024.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Studying Downs between the lines, while that versatility stands out where he is at his best is down in the box, particularly working in zone coverage with his eyes on the offense. Watching Downs put his experience under both Saban and Matt Patricia to use as he works through route concepts is a thing of beauty, and will translate extremely well to the next level.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Take this play against Texas where he is aligned to the right side of the offense, on the single receiver side:</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">This is a third-down play, with the Buckeyes dropping into zone coverage. Downs matches the vertical release of the single receiver, turning him loose when that receiver breaks to the inside. As that happens, the safety drops down on the crossing route, taking that away from Arch Manning.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">When the quarterback breaks the pocket, Downs moves downhill slightly, but maintains a relationship to the back curling out of the backfield. That puts him in position to rally and tackle the back after the checkdown, forcing a fourth down for Texas.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Here is another example of this in action, also from his game against Texas. He begins the play aligned as a linebacker, but bumps out in response to motion. He matches the release from the #3 receiver, but then slides outside to take the out route from the #2 receiver:</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Watch him on this play near the bottom of the screen, where he starts out in an inside alignment. He bumps out at the snap and matches the slant route from the outside receiver, but then peels off that and breaks on the checkdown from the running back:</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">One last example of this in action comes from Ohio State’s game against Penn State. He is again in the box, on the right side of the offense. He matches a vertical release initially, then works to a potential wheel route, but when the quarterback breaks the pocket he crashes downhill on the crossing route:</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The pass is off the target, but if this was a good throw the receiver would have paid a price.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Putting Downs in situations where he has his eyes towards the offense not only plays to his prowess in zone coverage, but it emphasizes one of his strengths: Being a wrecking ball working downhill against both the run and the pass. Watch this play against UCLA, where he works out of the slot and blows up a designed throw to the flat:</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Not only does Downs beat the blocker to the spot but he completely shuts this play down before it begins, chopping down the receiver for a loss on the play.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Here is a similar moment against Purdue, only this comes on a middle screen:</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Downs begins this snap aligned across from the #3 receiver. Purdue motions the back out to the right, creating a “fast” 4×1, and Downs mirrors that movement pre-snap. But watch how he tracks the back and then explodes downhill, turning what could have been a huge gain into a short play for the offense.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">“Screenshot scouting” is best used sparingly, but it fits here:</p></div><div class="duet--article--block-placement jgpyd51 jgpyd50 duet--article--article-body-component"><div style="position:relative"><div class="_1nfb3k4j"><div class=""><div style="background-image:none" class="duet--media--content-warning _1i91r6b0"><div class="duet--article--image-gallery-image _1eezmj00" style="aspect-ratio:1.774566" id="c2IyOmltYWdlOjExMTAxMjA="><a class="_1eezmj01" href="https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-09-at-7.50.43AM.png?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0,100,100" data-pswp-height="692" data-pswp-width="1228" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer"><img alt="" data-chromatic="ignore" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-nimg="fill" class="w91vxg0" style="position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-image:url("data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' %3E%3Cfilter id='b' color-interpolation-filters='sRGB'%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'/%3E%3CfeColorMatrix values='1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 100 -1' result='s'/%3E%3CfeFlood x='0' y='0' width='100%25' height='100%25'/%3E%3CfeComposite operator='out' in='s'/%3E%3CfeComposite in2='SourceGraphic'/%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'/%3E%3C/filter%3E%3Cimage width='100%25' height='100%25' x='0' y='0' preserveAspectRatio='none' style='filter: url(%23b);' href='data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mN8+R8AAtcB6oaHtZcAAAAASUVORK5CYII='/%3E%3C/svg%3E")" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 100vw, (max-width: 1023px) 50vw, 700px" srcset="https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-09-at-7.50.43AM.png?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&w=256 256w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-09-at-7.50.43AM.png?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&w=376 376w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-09-at-7.50.43AM.png?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&w=384 384w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-09-at-7.50.43AM.png?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&w=415 415w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-09-at-7.50.43AM.png?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&w=480 480w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-09-at-7.50.43AM.png?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&w=540 540w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-09-at-7.50.43AM.png?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&w=640 640w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-09-at-7.50.43AM.png?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&w=750 750w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-09-at-7.50.43AM.png?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&w=828 828w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-09-at-7.50.43AM.png?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&w=1080 1080w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-09-at-7.50.43AM.png?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&w=1200 1200w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-09-at-7.50.43AM.png?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&w=1440 1440w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-09-at-7.50.43AM.png?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&w=1920 1920w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-09-at-7.50.43AM.png?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&w=2048 2048w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-09-at-7.50.43AM.png?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&w=2400 2400w" src="https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-09-at-7.50.43AM.png?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&w=2400"/></a></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">This is the state of play when the underneath throw is made. With three linemen releasing upfield, Purdue has a chance at a big play.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Then there is what he can do against the run. Watch him work downhill on this run against Washington, holding the running back to a minimal gain in the red zone:</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">This is textbook from Downs, as he works down to the edge, maintains outside leverage, and executes a pitch-perfect tackle in space.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Watch him read this play off the left side of the offense against Miami:</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The safety reads this play better than the offense, slicing inside at the snap and hitting the back behind the line of scrimmage.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">His ability against the run often starts with a perfect understanding of leverage. As with that example against Washington, watch him work outside-in on this snap against Illinois, where he begins the play aligned across from the single receiver on the left side of the offense:</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Downs maintains outside leverage in relation to the running back, who initially thinks about bouncing this play to the outside. Only when the back commits inside does Downs make his move, breaking on the ballcarrier to hold this to a minimal gain.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Watch him “run the alley” on this snap against Ohio:</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">In man coverage situations, Downs was often tasked with matching tight ends, often players who were bigger than him. But he showed an ability to get to the hip of the receiver, often forcing throwaways or making the quarterback look in a different direction.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Like on this play against Minnesota, where he works through traffic to get to a crossing route on a mesh concept, forcing a late throwaway from the quarterback:</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Downs is viewed by many as one of the best football players in the class, but the question is one of positional value. As a safety, he plays a “non-premium” position and his draft stock in many ways parallels what we saw from Kyle Hamilton when he came out of Notre Dame. While the two are different types of safeties — Hamilton’s versatility included more of deep safety role while Downs thrives in the box — the discussion is similar.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Hamilton fell to No. 14 in the draft, will Downs have a similar fall?</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">What could work in Downs’ favor is what we just saw from the Seattle Seahawks. Under Mike Macdonald the Seahawks changed the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/1100411/seahawks-have-changed-the-numbers-on-defense-to-key-nfl-playoff-run">numbers in their favor on defense</a>, playing with both safeties deep before the snap but relying on one of them to crash downhill when needed to stop the run.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">You can imagine Downs thriving in such a role, and with Seattle coming off a Super Bowl win, do not be surprised to see other teams try and replicate what Macdonald built in the Pacific Northwest.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Downs might be one of the best players in the class.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">And he might be coming out at the exact right moment.</p></div></div> #Caleb #Downs #premium #prospect #NFL #Draft

Related Posts

Bayern Munich showed ​mental strength and absolute belief to come from behind ⁠thrice before beating Real Madrid 4-3 to reach the Champions League semifinals on Wednesday, coach Vincent Kompany said.

Kompany, who was booked during the game ‌and will miss Bayern’s last-four first leg against holder Paris Saint-Germain, said the Bavarians, who are chasing ‌a treble of titles, had to dig deep to overcome ‌record ⁠15-time European champions Real 6-4 on aggregate in a ⁠classic tie.

“The boys were mentally strong today to recover from setbacks,” Kompany said. “The fans helped us as well. We stayed calm and always felt that our ​moment would come. The boys ‌deserved this win.

“What remains for me is the total togetherness that we showed. That’s what we take from the game. We showed absolute belief and will to fight our way ‌back into the game.”

“During the game our team has a ​lot of talent and experience to deal with these situations. After 35 seconds in this game to ⁠concede a goal, you then have to press the reset button. We stayed focused on our game,” Kompany said.

Host Bayern trailed 0-1 after 35 seconds when Arda Guler took advantage of a bad mistake by goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, and Real twice more took the lead to go into half-time 3-2 ahead.

Bayern, 2-1 winner of the first leg in Spain, kept its composure, however, and struck twice in the dying stages through Luis Diaz and Michael Olise ‌to snatch victory and advance to the last four.

The six-time European champion can ​potentially clinch the Bundesliga title this weekend, with a 12-point advantage and five matches remaining, before facing Bayer ⁠Leverkusen in the German Cup semifinals.

“It was a very emotional game,” ⁠said Kompany, in his second season at Bayern. “We had a lot of possession and always had the feeling we ‌could score. But Real Madrid remain Real Madrid. They have very quick players and are always a threat.”

Kompany became the ​11th coach to lead Bayern to the European Cup semifinals.

Published on Apr 16, 2026

#Bayern #Munich #Real #Madrid #Kompany #lauds #total #togetherness #boys #Champions #League #win">Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid — Kompany lauds ‘total togetherness’ of his boys after Champions League win Bayern Munich showed ​mental strength and absolute belief to come from behind ⁠thrice before beating Real Madrid 4-3 to reach the Champions League semifinals on Wednesday, coach Vincent Kompany said.Kompany, who was booked during the game ‌and will miss Bayern’s last-four first leg against holder Paris Saint-Germain, said the Bavarians, who are chasing ‌a treble of titles, had to dig deep to overcome ‌record ⁠15-time European champions Real 6-4 on aggregate in a ⁠classic tie.“The boys were mentally strong today to recover from setbacks,” Kompany said. “The fans helped us as well. We stayed calm and always felt that our ​moment would come. The boys ‌deserved this win.“What remains for me is the total togetherness that we showed. That’s what we take from the game. We showed absolute belief and will to fight our way ‌back into the game.”“During the game our team has a ​lot of talent and experience to deal with these situations. After 35 seconds in this game to ⁠concede a goal, you then have to press the reset button. We stayed focused on our game,” Kompany said.Host Bayern trailed 0-1 after 35 seconds when Arda Guler took advantage of a bad mistake by goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, and Real twice more took the lead to go into half-time 3-2 ahead.Bayern, 2-1 winner of the first leg in Spain, kept its composure, however, and struck twice in the dying stages through Luis Diaz and Michael Olise ‌to snatch victory and advance to the last four.The six-time European champion can ​potentially clinch the Bundesliga title this weekend, with a 12-point advantage and five matches remaining, before facing Bayer ⁠Leverkusen in the German Cup semifinals.“It was a very emotional game,” ⁠said Kompany, in his second season at Bayern. “We had a lot of possession and always had the feeling we ‌could score. But Real Madrid remain Real Madrid. They have very quick players and are always a threat.”Kompany became the ​11th coach to lead Bayern to the European Cup semifinals.Published on Apr 16, 2026 #Bayern #Munich #Real #Madrid #Kompany #lauds #total #togetherness #boys #Champions #League #win

Deadspin | Rory McIlroy’s Masters repeat scores CBS’ best ratings in 11 years Apr 12, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Rory McIlroy holds the Masters championship trophy during the green jacket ceremony after the final round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images Rory McIlroy’s sixth career major title — his second consecutive win at the Masters — earned a major ratings boost for CBS in the final round on Sunday afternoon. The fourth round averaged nearly 14 million viewers — 13,995,000, more precisely — the most to watch CBS for the final day from Augusta National since the network averaged 14 million in 2015 when Jordan Spieth captured his first major, Front Office Sports reported. Sunday’s final round was an 8% increase from April 2025 (12.71 million), when McIlroy completed a career grand slam. The Northern Irishman’s dramatic, emotional finish last year came in a playoff against England’s Justin Rose. The 2026 edition also came with tension, as McIlroy shared the top of the leaderboard after the first round, surged to a record six-shot lead after 36 holes but saw that erased as he and Cameron Young were tied for the lead after three rounds. Viewership numbers reflected that, as the third round averaged 8.1 million on CBS, a 14% increase from 7.6 million in 2025 and the largest number since Tiger Woods played the third round en route to his 2019 victory. As McIlroy lost and regained his lead on Sunday, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler charged from four strokes behind and finished one shot back of McIlroy, who joined Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Woods as the only consecutive champions in Masters history. The ratings followed on Sunday, peaking at slightly more than 20 million viewers — the largest at the Masters since 2013, when Adam Scott earned the green jacket and Woods tied for fourth. The peak viewership in 2025 was 19.54 million. The 2026 Masters was the first since Nielsen began compiling ratings figures exclusively through its Big Data+ Panel methodology. The expanded system, designed for a more holistic and accurate view of audience behaviors, generally results in higher overall ratings for live sports broadcasts compared to the old method, according to Front Office Sports. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Rory #McIlroys #Masters #repeat #scores #CBS #ratings #yearsApr 12, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Rory McIlroy holds the Masters championship trophy during the green jacket ceremony after the final round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Rory McIlroy’s sixth career major title — his second consecutive win at the Masters — earned a major ratings boost for CBS in the final round on Sunday afternoon.

The fourth round averaged nearly 14 million viewers — 13,995,000, more precisely — the most to watch CBS for the final day from Augusta National since the network averaged 14 million in 2015 when Jordan Spieth captured his first major, Front Office Sports reported.

Sunday’s final round was an 8% increase from April 2025 (12.71 million), when McIlroy completed a career grand slam. The Northern Irishman’s dramatic, emotional finish last year came in a playoff against England’s Justin Rose.

The 2026 edition also came with tension, as McIlroy shared the top of the leaderboard after the first round, surged to a record six-shot lead after 36 holes but saw that erased as he and Cameron Young were tied for the lead after three rounds.


Viewership numbers reflected that, as the third round averaged 8.1 million on CBS, a 14% increase from 7.6 million in 2025 and the largest number since Tiger Woods played the third round en route to his 2019 victory.

As McIlroy lost and regained his lead on Sunday, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler charged from four strokes behind and finished one shot back of McIlroy, who joined Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Woods as the only consecutive champions in Masters history.

The ratings followed on Sunday, peaking at slightly more than 20 million viewers — the largest at the Masters since 2013, when Adam Scott earned the green jacket and Woods tied for fourth. The peak viewership in 2025 was 19.54 million.

The 2026 Masters was the first since Nielsen began compiling ratings figures exclusively through its Big Data+ Panel methodology. The expanded system, designed for a more holistic and accurate view of audience behaviors, generally results in higher overall ratings for live sports broadcasts compared to the old method, according to Front Office Sports.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Rory #McIlroys #Masters #repeat #scores #CBS #ratings #years">Deadspin | Rory McIlroy’s Masters repeat scores CBS’ best ratings in 11 years Apr 12, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Rory McIlroy holds the Masters championship trophy during the green jacket ceremony after the final round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images Rory McIlroy’s sixth career major title — his second consecutive win at the Masters — earned a major ratings boost for CBS in the final round on Sunday afternoon. The fourth round averaged nearly 14 million viewers — 13,995,000, more precisely — the most to watch CBS for the final day from Augusta National since the network averaged 14 million in 2015 when Jordan Spieth captured his first major, Front Office Sports reported. Sunday’s final round was an 8% increase from April 2025 (12.71 million), when McIlroy completed a career grand slam. The Northern Irishman’s dramatic, emotional finish last year came in a playoff against England’s Justin Rose. The 2026 edition also came with tension, as McIlroy shared the top of the leaderboard after the first round, surged to a record six-shot lead after 36 holes but saw that erased as he and Cameron Young were tied for the lead after three rounds. Viewership numbers reflected that, as the third round averaged 8.1 million on CBS, a 14% increase from 7.6 million in 2025 and the largest number since Tiger Woods played the third round en route to his 2019 victory. As McIlroy lost and regained his lead on Sunday, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler charged from four strokes behind and finished one shot back of McIlroy, who joined Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Woods as the only consecutive champions in Masters history. The ratings followed on Sunday, peaking at slightly more than 20 million viewers — the largest at the Masters since 2013, when Adam Scott earned the green jacket and Woods tied for fourth. The peak viewership in 2025 was 19.54 million. The 2026 Masters was the first since Nielsen began compiling ratings figures exclusively through its Big Data+ Panel methodology. The expanded system, designed for a more holistic and accurate view of audience behaviors, generally results in higher overall ratings for live sports broadcasts compared to the old method, according to Front Office Sports. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Rory #McIlroys #Masters #repeat #scores #CBS #ratings #years

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said Wednesday that Iran will participate in the World Cup “for sure” despite its war with the United States of America (USA).

Speaking at CNBC’s Invest in America Forum, Infantino said it is important that Iran participates in the World Cup even though its participation has been in doubt since the USA and Israel launched airstrikes on the country.

“The Iranian team is coming for sure, yes,” Infantino said. “We hope that by then, of course, the situation will be a peaceful situation. As I said, that would definitely help. But Iran has to come. Of course, they represent their people. They have qualified. The players want to play.”

Infantino met with the Iranian national team in Antalya, Turkey, two weeks ago and said Wednesday he was impressed.

“I went to see them. They are actually quite a good team as well,” Infantino said. “And they really want to play and they should play. Sports should be outside of politics now.”

Infantino acknowledged it’s not always possible to achieve the separation of sports and politics.

“OK we don’t live on the moon, we live on planet Earth,” Infantino said. “But you know if there is nobody else that believes in building bridges and in keeping them, you know, intact and together, well we are doing that job.”

The USA will co-host the World Cup with Canada and Mexico.

Iran is scheduled to play two group-stage games in Inglewood, California, and one in Seattle.

The war has raised doubts about Iran’s participation in the World Cup. There have been conflicting public comments from Iranian government and football officials.

U.S. President Donald Trump discouraged the Iranian team from attending the tournament, citing safety concerns.

Published on Apr 16, 2026

#FIFA #World #Cup #Infantino #reassures #Iran #play #tournament">FIFA World Cup 2026 — Infantino reassures Iran will play in the tournament FIFA President Gianni Infantino said Wednesday that Iran will participate in the World Cup “for sure” despite its war with the United States of America (USA).Speaking at CNBC’s Invest in America Forum, Infantino said it is important that Iran participates in the World Cup even though its participation has been in doubt since the USA and Israel launched airstrikes on the country.“The Iranian team is coming for sure, yes,” Infantino said. “We hope that by then, of course, the situation will be a peaceful situation. As I said, that would definitely help. But Iran has to come. Of course, they represent their people. They have qualified. The players want to play.”Infantino met with the Iranian national team in Antalya, Turkey, two weeks ago and said Wednesday he was impressed.“I went to see them. They are actually quite a good team as well,” Infantino said. “And they really want to play and they should play. Sports should be outside of politics now.”Infantino acknowledged it’s not always possible to achieve the separation of sports and politics.“OK we don’t live on the moon, we live on planet Earth,” Infantino said. “But you know if there is nobody else that believes in building bridges and in keeping them, you know, intact and together, well we are doing that job.”The USA will co-host the World Cup with Canada and Mexico.Iran is scheduled to play two group-stage games in Inglewood, California, and one in Seattle.The war has raised doubts about Iran’s participation in the World Cup. There have been conflicting public comments from Iranian government and football officials.U.S. President Donald Trump discouraged the Iranian team from attending the tournament, citing safety concerns.Published on Apr 16, 2026 #FIFA #World #Cup #Infantino #reassures #Iran #play #tournament

Post Comment