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Deadspin | Pistons escape 24-point hole vs. Magic, head home for Game 7  May 1, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) shoots the ball over Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) in the second quarter during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images   Cade Cunningham scored 32 points as the Detroit Pistons came back from a 24-point deficit to stun the host Orlando Magic 93-79 on Friday, forcing a decisive Game 7 in the Eastern Conference first-round playoff series.  Tobias Harris racked up 22 points and Duncan Robinson had 14 points as Detroit won its second elimination game in a row. Cunningham, Harris and teammate Ausar Thompson each grabbed 10 rebounds.  The top-seeded Pistons began the fourth quarter on an 18-1 run to build an eight-point lead and ended up outscoring Orlando 55-19 in the second half. The eighth-seeded Magic missed 23 consecutive shots from the field during one stretch covering about 15 minutes in the second half.  Game 7 is Sunday in Detroit.  Desmond Bane and Paolo Banchero each scored 17 points for Orlando, and Tristan da Silva added 10 points. Banchero, who posted 45 points in Game 5, shot 4-for-20 from the field. The Magic ended up 9-for-36 (25%) on 3-point attempts.  Detroit also was the No. 1 seed in 2003, when the Pistons rallied from a 3-1 series deficit to defeat the Magic in the first round.  The Magic were held to 12 points over the first 19 minutes of the second half Friday as Detroit pulled ahead at 74-72 on a pair of Harris free throws with more than seven minutes to play.  Cunningham’s 3-pointer and two free throws on the next possession put the Pistons up 85-75 with less than four minutes to play. Robinson’s trey was the next basket as the lead grew.   The Pistons, down 22 at halftime, stormed back into the game by scoring 16 of the first 20 points of the second half. Detroit then went more than 4 1/2 minutes without scoring as Orlando built the margin to 71-54, but the Pistons closed the third quarter with an 8-0 spurt capped by a Robinson layup.  The Magic shot 3-for-17 (17.6%) in the third quarter, when they scored only 11 points.  Orlando appeared to take control in the second quarter and built a 60-38 halftime lead, with Bane hitting his first three 3-point attempts.  The Pistons made only 6 of 25 attempts from the floor (28.6%) in the second quarter.  Detroit shot 10-for-19 (52.6%) from the field in the first quarter to lead 26-25. The Magic began the second quarter on a 13-2 run, which ended with Anthony Black’s three-point play and Bane’s inside hoop.  After a Detroit timeout, the Magic kept pouring it on to build a 17-point lead.  Orlando forward Franz Wagner missed his second game in a row because of a calf injury.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Pistons #escape #24point #hole #Magic #home #Game

Deadspin | Pistons escape 24-point hole vs. Magic, head home for Game 7
Deadspin | Pistons escape 24-point hole vs. Magic, head home for Game 7  May 1, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) shoots the ball over Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) in the second quarter during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images   Cade Cunningham scored 32 points as the Detroit Pistons came back from a 24-point deficit to stun the host Orlando Magic 93-79 on Friday, forcing a decisive Game 7 in the Eastern Conference first-round playoff series.  Tobias Harris racked up 22 points and Duncan Robinson had 14 points as Detroit won its second elimination game in a row. Cunningham, Harris and teammate Ausar Thompson each grabbed 10 rebounds.  The top-seeded Pistons began the fourth quarter on an 18-1 run to build an eight-point lead and ended up outscoring Orlando 55-19 in the second half. The eighth-seeded Magic missed 23 consecutive shots from the field during one stretch covering about 15 minutes in the second half.  Game 7 is Sunday in Detroit.  Desmond Bane and Paolo Banchero each scored 17 points for Orlando, and Tristan da Silva added 10 points. Banchero, who posted 45 points in Game 5, shot 4-for-20 from the field. The Magic ended up 9-for-36 (25%) on 3-point attempts.  Detroit also was the No. 1 seed in 2003, when the Pistons rallied from a 3-1 series deficit to defeat the Magic in the first round.  The Magic were held to 12 points over the first 19 minutes of the second half Friday as Detroit pulled ahead at 74-72 on a pair of Harris free throws with more than seven minutes to play.  Cunningham’s 3-pointer and two free throws on the next possession put the Pistons up 85-75 with less than four minutes to play. Robinson’s trey was the next basket as the lead grew.   The Pistons, down 22 at halftime, stormed back into the game by scoring 16 of the first 20 points of the second half. Detroit then went more than 4 1/2 minutes without scoring as Orlando built the margin to 71-54, but the Pistons closed the third quarter with an 8-0 spurt capped by a Robinson layup.  The Magic shot 3-for-17 (17.6%) in the third quarter, when they scored only 11 points.  Orlando appeared to take control in the second quarter and built a 60-38 halftime lead, with Bane hitting his first three 3-point attempts.  The Pistons made only 6 of 25 attempts from the floor (28.6%) in the second quarter.  Detroit shot 10-for-19 (52.6%) from the field in the first quarter to lead 26-25. The Magic began the second quarter on a 13-2 run, which ended with Anthony Black’s three-point play and Bane’s inside hoop.  After a Detroit timeout, the Magic kept pouring it on to build a 17-point lead.  Orlando forward Franz Wagner missed his second game in a row because of a calf injury.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Pistons #escape #24point #hole #Magic #home #GameMay 1, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) shoots the ball over Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) in the second quarter during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images

Cade Cunningham scored 32 points as the Detroit Pistons came back from a 24-point deficit to stun the host Orlando Magic 93-79 on Friday, forcing a decisive Game 7 in the Eastern Conference first-round playoff series.

Tobias Harris racked up 22 points and Duncan Robinson had 14 points as Detroit won its second elimination game in a row. Cunningham, Harris and teammate Ausar Thompson each grabbed 10 rebounds.

The top-seeded Pistons began the fourth quarter on an 18-1 run to build an eight-point lead and ended up outscoring Orlando 55-19 in the second half. The eighth-seeded Magic missed 23 consecutive shots from the field during one stretch covering about 15 minutes in the second half.

Game 7 is Sunday in Detroit.

Desmond Bane and Paolo Banchero each scored 17 points for Orlando, and Tristan da Silva added 10 points. Banchero, who posted 45 points in Game 5, shot 4-for-20 from the field. The Magic ended up 9-for-36 (25%) on 3-point attempts.

Detroit also was the No. 1 seed in 2003, when the Pistons rallied from a 3-1 series deficit to defeat the Magic in the first round.

The Magic were held to 12 points over the first 19 minutes of the second half Friday as Detroit pulled ahead at 74-72 on a pair of Harris free throws with more than seven minutes to play.


Cunningham’s 3-pointer and two free throws on the next possession put the Pistons up 85-75 with less than four minutes to play. Robinson’s trey was the next basket as the lead grew.

The Pistons, down 22 at halftime, stormed back into the game by scoring 16 of the first 20 points of the second half. Detroit then went more than 4 1/2 minutes without scoring as Orlando built the margin to 71-54, but the Pistons closed the third quarter with an 8-0 spurt capped by a Robinson layup.

The Magic shot 3-for-17 (17.6%) in the third quarter, when they scored only 11 points.

Orlando appeared to take control in the second quarter and built a 60-38 halftime lead, with Bane hitting his first three 3-point attempts.

The Pistons made only 6 of 25 attempts from the floor (28.6%) in the second quarter.

Detroit shot 10-for-19 (52.6%) from the field in the first quarter to lead 26-25. The Magic began the second quarter on a 13-2 run, which ended with Anthony Black’s three-point play and Bane’s inside hoop.

After a Detroit timeout, the Magic kept pouring it on to build a 17-point lead.

Orlando forward Franz Wagner missed his second game in a row because of a calf injury.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Pistons #escape #24point #hole #Magic #home #Game

May 1, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) shoots the ball over Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) in the second quarter during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images

Cade Cunningham scored 32 points as the Detroit Pistons came back from a 24-point deficit to stun the host Orlando Magic 93-79 on Friday, forcing a decisive Game 7 in the Eastern Conference first-round playoff series.

Tobias Harris racked up 22 points and Duncan Robinson had 14 points as Detroit won its second elimination game in a row. Cunningham, Harris and teammate Ausar Thompson each grabbed 10 rebounds.

The top-seeded Pistons began the fourth quarter on an 18-1 run to build an eight-point lead and ended up outscoring Orlando 55-19 in the second half. The eighth-seeded Magic missed 23 consecutive shots from the field during one stretch covering about 15 minutes in the second half.

Game 7 is Sunday in Detroit.

Desmond Bane and Paolo Banchero each scored 17 points for Orlando, and Tristan da Silva added 10 points. Banchero, who posted 45 points in Game 5, shot 4-for-20 from the field. The Magic ended up 9-for-36 (25%) on 3-point attempts.

Detroit also was the No. 1 seed in 2003, when the Pistons rallied from a 3-1 series deficit to defeat the Magic in the first round.

The Magic were held to 12 points over the first 19 minutes of the second half Friday as Detroit pulled ahead at 74-72 on a pair of Harris free throws with more than seven minutes to play.

Cunningham’s 3-pointer and two free throws on the next possession put the Pistons up 85-75 with less than four minutes to play. Robinson’s trey was the next basket as the lead grew.

The Pistons, down 22 at halftime, stormed back into the game by scoring 16 of the first 20 points of the second half. Detroit then went more than 4 1/2 minutes without scoring as Orlando built the margin to 71-54, but the Pistons closed the third quarter with an 8-0 spurt capped by a Robinson layup.

The Magic shot 3-for-17 (17.6%) in the third quarter, when they scored only 11 points.

Orlando appeared to take control in the second quarter and built a 60-38 halftime lead, with Bane hitting his first three 3-point attempts.

The Pistons made only 6 of 25 attempts from the floor (28.6%) in the second quarter.

Detroit shot 10-for-19 (52.6%) from the field in the first quarter to lead 26-25. The Magic began the second quarter on a 13-2 run, which ended with Anthony Black’s three-point play and Bane’s inside hoop.

After a Detroit timeout, the Magic kept pouring it on to build a 17-point lead.

Orlando forward Franz Wagner missed his second game in a row because of a calf injury.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Pistons #escape #24point #hole #Magic #home #Game

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Which NFL draft pick stood out to you the most? <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">The draft is behind us, and we’re about to hit a long stretch of quiet in the NFL world. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of things to talk about.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h2 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Which draft pick was a statement about their new team’s future?</h2></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 of the biggest stories of the NFL offseason has been that the Philadelphia Eagles are going to trade AJ Brown. It has reached the point where several outlets refer to it as inevitable and discuss it in that manner.</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">As inevitable as it may be, to date there has been no hard or concrete proof of this becoming a potential reality. This certainly changed during the first round when Philly moved up to draft USC wideout Makai Lemon.</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">It seems like the dawn of a new future for the Eagles offense has officially begun. You can argue that nobody signaled more about their future than the Eagles did in this respect. Maybe the Rams with Ty Simpson, but that’s about it.</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 Rams using a first-round pick on Ty Simpson was certainly a surprise to me. He may have been the second-best quarterback in this class but it was also a very weak quarterback class altogether. I mean, they needed to go all-in for one more season if 2026 really is Matthew Stafford’s last ride before retiring. Instead, they drafted his replacement and used the rest of the picks on players I do not see making much of an impact this coming season.</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">It was a really weird year for the Rams when they’re normally pretty savvy about their selections year-in and year-out.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h2 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Who took your favorite player?</h2></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 Chargers needed to address their offensive guard spots in this draft and there was a lot of hope that they’d be able to land one of several impact guards either on Day 1 or 2. Instead, the Cardinals took my favorite guard prospect in Texas A&M’s Chase Bisontis very early on Day 2 before the Chargers ever got close to picking.</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 Bolts traded back and took Florida center Jake Slaughter, who never spent a snap at guard in college. I don’t know how that solves the big issue for LA but it was very tough to see Bisontis go so early when I had convinced myself he could have been in play at No. 55.</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 DALLAS COWBOYS DRAFTED CALEB DOWNS AND I AM STILL LEVITATING.</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">Everything about the Cowboys drafting Caleb Downs is going to have me soaring until further notice. He is a defensive superstar, a perfect prospect in every sense, and he has all the makings of being the ambassador for the team that Dak Prescott is. That is high-level company.</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’s more is that Downs is a defensive back and the Cowboys just hired someone who is wizard in that space to run their defense in Christian Parker. This is like in Harry Potter when the wizards would go into Olivander’s and get a wand that was perfectly suited to who they were, what made them unique, so on and so forth.</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 magical in every way.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h2 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Did a team seriously change their fortunes?</h2></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">It feels strange to not have a new crop of franchise quarterbacks hanging out around the league following the draft. Only the Las Vegas Raiders fit the bill with Fernando Mendoza.</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 feels like new life for the Raiders, one that they sorely needed. I can very much believe that they are no longer fully in the cellar, even if it is going to take some time to get up to the penthouse.</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 team that may finally surprise and perform better over their expectations thanks to their 2026 draft class is the New York Jets. They grabbed four starters with their first four draft picks (three in the first round) and they’re all at important positions on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball.</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">If Geno Smith truly becomes a blunder again, it all won’t matter, but the Jets did what they needed to make the team around him as talented as possible with what resources they had.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h2 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Which team would you want to take over on Madden?</h2></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">My cousin and I share a Madden franchise where we each run a different team. We have certain rules because of how we are with one another, but this is the general premise that matters for this discussion.</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">Often time my cousin and I will start over following the actual NFL Draft and we will use rosters that awesome people on the internet have outfitted with the new rookies. It is always fun for him and I to discuss which teams are best to take over following the draft for Madden purposes.</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 answer to this question depends on how someone likes to play Madden. If you are someone who wants an awesome team that got its final piece, then maybe you feel like the Eagles make sense. Perhaps you want to be the Rams and trade away Matthew Stafford. You can argue that the Texans roster picked up some dudes.</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">For me, I like the idea of taking over the Titans. I have all of these young pieces on offense and a chance to really make the team in my own image. Carnell Tate will be a ton of fun, I imagine a popular pick in dynasty leagues as well, and as I’m thinking this out loud the New Orleans Saints with Jordyn Tyson make sense, too.</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">I like the idea of taking over a team with young and exciting players at several important positions to use in Madden. If the quarterback is ho-hum, you need elite weapons – or at least elite in certain stats like Speed – to make up for it with your own schemes and play designs.</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">If I were to start a new Madden franchise, I’d probably go with the New York Jets because they just drafted uber-athletic tight end Kenyon Sadiq and pass rusher David Bailey. Those are two players you could utilize from the start to help make your team great. Sadiq provides a very fast option at a position that’s easy to scheme open on offense and Bailey gives your defense a notable pass rush monster who can go to work while you “user” linebacker Demario Davis behind him.</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">Seems like a very solid foundation to start with that should only get better with each year.</p></div></div> #NFL #draft #pick #stood

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Taiwan’s William Lai lands in eSwatini on trip Beijing calls a political ‘stunt’

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

Triple jumper Praveen Chithravel is fed up with his narrow misses in big events and is determined to prove himself at elite international competitions.

Chithravel, whose National record stands at 17.37m, missed out on a medal in the 2022 Commonwealth Games and finished fourth (16.89m) whereas two other Indians, Eldhose Paul (17.03m) and Abdulla Aboobacker (17.02m), claimed gold and silver respectively.

At the 2025 Tokyo World Championships, he managed the eighth spot (16.74m) in Group ‘B’ whereas seventh-placed Chinese Yaming Zhu (16.83m) qualified for the final.

All this rankles Chithravel, who has crossed 17m five times in the last four years.

Also read | Vishal ‘Bolt’ — The boy with bow knees who became India’s fastest quartermiler

“I lost a CWG medal by three cm. I’m impatient (to amend that). Last year, in the World Championships, something unexpected happened. My first jump was more than 17.10m, but it was a foul. In the second jump, I pulled my calf (muscle). In the third jump, I did (16.74m) and didn’t qualify for the final,” said the stylish Chithravel after breaching the CWG qualification mark with 17.08m.

“Thankfully, there is zero pain. Everything is going well. I’m following the process and I’m ready to go for a medal (at the CWG).

“In my first competition of the season, the Indian Open Jumps event, I did 16.78m, then at the Indian Athletics Series in Chennai, I did 16.95m. Now, I did 17.08m. In India, everyone breaks National records. I don’t want to break the National record here. I’m waiting for a good moment.

“I know I’m one of the best athletes in the world. In big events, I want to fight with all the (top) athletes. I want to show who I am, (someone) from India,” said Chithravel, who will turn 25 soon.

Published on May 26, 2026

#Federation #Cup #breaching #CWG #qualification #mark #Praveen #Chithravel #ready #medal">Federation Cup 2026: After breaching CWG qualification mark, Praveen Chithravel is ready to go for a medal  Triple jumper Praveen Chithravel is fed up with his narrow misses in big events and is determined to prove himself at elite international competitions.Chithravel, whose National record stands at 17.37m, missed out on a medal in the 2022 Commonwealth Games and finished fourth (16.89m) whereas two other Indians, Eldhose Paul (17.03m) and Abdulla Aboobacker (17.02m), claimed gold and silver respectively.At the 2025 Tokyo World Championships, he managed the eighth spot (16.74m) in Group ‘B’ whereas seventh-placed Chinese Yaming Zhu (16.83m) qualified for the final.All this rankles Chithravel, who has crossed 17m five times in the last four years.Also read | Vishal ‘Bolt’ — The boy with bow knees who became India’s fastest quartermiler“I lost a CWG medal by three cm. I’m impatient (to amend that). Last year, in the World Championships, something unexpected happened. My first jump was more than 17.10m, but it was a foul. In the second jump, I pulled my calf (muscle). In the third jump, I did (16.74m) and didn’t qualify for the final,” said the stylish Chithravel after breaching the CWG qualification mark with 17.08m.“Thankfully, there is zero pain. Everything is going well. I’m following the process and I’m ready to go for a medal (at the CWG).“In my first competition of the season, the Indian Open Jumps event, I did 16.78m, then at the Indian Athletics Series in Chennai, I did 16.95m. Now, I did 17.08m. In India, everyone breaks National records. I don’t want to break the National record here. I’m waiting for a good moment.“I know I’m one of the best athletes in the world. In big events, I want to fight with all the (top) athletes. I want to show who I am, (someone) from India,” said Chithravel, who will turn 25 soon.Published on May 26, 2026  #Federation #Cup #breaching #CWG #qualification #mark #Praveen #Chithravel #ready #medal

Vishal ‘Bolt’ — The boy with bow knees who became India’s fastest quartermiler

“I lost a CWG medal by three cm. I’m impatient (to amend that). Last year, in the World Championships, something unexpected happened. My first jump was more than 17.10m, but it was a foul. In the second jump, I pulled my calf (muscle). In the third jump, I did (16.74m) and didn’t qualify for the final,” said the stylish Chithravel after breaching the CWG qualification mark with 17.08m.

“Thankfully, there is zero pain. Everything is going well. I’m following the process and I’m ready to go for a medal (at the CWG).

“In my first competition of the season, the Indian Open Jumps event, I did 16.78m, then at the Indian Athletics Series in Chennai, I did 16.95m. Now, I did 17.08m. In India, everyone breaks National records. I don’t want to break the National record here. I’m waiting for a good moment.

“I know I’m one of the best athletes in the world. In big events, I want to fight with all the (top) athletes. I want to show who I am, (someone) from India,” said Chithravel, who will turn 25 soon.

Published on May 26, 2026

#Federation #Cup #breaching #CWG #qualification #mark #Praveen #Chithravel #ready #medal">Federation Cup 2026: After breaching CWG qualification mark, Praveen Chithravel is ready to go for a medal

Triple jumper Praveen Chithravel is fed up with his narrow misses in big events and is determined to prove himself at elite international competitions.

Chithravel, whose National record stands at 17.37m, missed out on a medal in the 2022 Commonwealth Games and finished fourth (16.89m) whereas two other Indians, Eldhose Paul (17.03m) and Abdulla Aboobacker (17.02m), claimed gold and silver respectively.

At the 2025 Tokyo World Championships, he managed the eighth spot (16.74m) in Group ‘B’ whereas seventh-placed Chinese Yaming Zhu (16.83m) qualified for the final.

All this rankles Chithravel, who has crossed 17m five times in the last four years.

Also read | Vishal ‘Bolt’ — The boy with bow knees who became India’s fastest quartermiler

“I lost a CWG medal by three cm. I’m impatient (to amend that). Last year, in the World Championships, something unexpected happened. My first jump was more than 17.10m, but it was a foul. In the second jump, I pulled my calf (muscle). In the third jump, I did (16.74m) and didn’t qualify for the final,” said the stylish Chithravel after breaching the CWG qualification mark with 17.08m.

“Thankfully, there is zero pain. Everything is going well. I’m following the process and I’m ready to go for a medal (at the CWG).

“In my first competition of the season, the Indian Open Jumps event, I did 16.78m, then at the Indian Athletics Series in Chennai, I did 16.95m. Now, I did 17.08m. In India, everyone breaks National records. I don’t want to break the National record here. I’m waiting for a good moment.

“I know I’m one of the best athletes in the world. In big events, I want to fight with all the (top) athletes. I want to show who I am, (someone) from India,” said Chithravel, who will turn 25 soon.

Published on May 26, 2026

#Federation #Cup #breaching #CWG #qualification #mark #Praveen #Chithravel #ready #medal

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