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Which NFL draft pick stood out to you the most?  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.Which draft pick was a statement about their new team’s future?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.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.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.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.It was a really weird year for the Rams when they’re normally pretty savvy about their selections year-in and year-out.Who took your favorite player?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.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.THE DALLAS COWBOYS DRAFTED CALEB DOWNS AND I AM STILL LEVITATING.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.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.This is magical in every way.Did a team seriously change their fortunes?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.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.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.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.Which team would you want to take over on Madden?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.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.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.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.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.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.Seems like a very solid foundation to start with that should only get better with each year.  #NFL #draft #pick #stood

Which NFL draft pick stood out to you the most?

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.

Which draft pick was a statement about their new team’s future?

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.

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.

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.

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.

It was a really weird year for the Rams when they’re normally pretty savvy about their selections year-in and year-out.

Who took your favorite player?

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.

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.

THE DALLAS COWBOYS DRAFTED CALEB DOWNS AND I AM STILL LEVITATING.

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.

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.

This is magical in every way.

Did a team seriously change their fortunes?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Which team would you want to take over on Madden?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Seems like a very solid foundation to start with that should only get better with each year.

#NFL #draft #pick #stood

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.

Which draft pick was a statement about their new team’s future?

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.

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.

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.

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.

It was a really weird year for the Rams when they’re normally pretty savvy about their selections year-in and year-out.

Who took your favorite player?

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.

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.

THE DALLAS COWBOYS DRAFTED CALEB DOWNS AND I AM STILL LEVITATING.

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.

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.

This is magical in every way.

Did a team seriously change their fortunes?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Which team would you want to take over on Madden?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Seems like a very solid foundation to start with that should only get better with each year.

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#NFL #draft #pick #stood

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Forty boxers left out of SAI sanction list, uncertainty clouds CWG and Asian Games selection process <div id="content-body-70931912" itemprop="articleBody"><p>As many as 40 boxers face uncertainty after being omitted from the sanction letter issued by the Sports Authority of India for the national camp, casting doubt on their participation in the selection assessment process for this year’s Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.</p><p>According to the Boxing Federation of India’s selection policy, the top two finishers across 20 weight categories — 10 each in the men’s and women’s sections — at the Chief of Army Staff Cup, held from March 30 to April 5, were to be included in the national camp, which was scheduled to begin on April 25.</p><p>The policy, released in December last year, stated that these 40 boxers would be eligible for the assessment trials to determine India’s squads for the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and the World Boxing Cup 2.</p><p>However, the sanction letter received by the BFI on April 29 did not include the names of these boxers.</p><p>“The sanction was received on April 29, 2026, and 40 names are currently missing from the list,” the federation said in a notification on Friday.</p><p>It is understood that the BFI has been in constant communication with SAI to resolve the issue but is yet to receive a response.</p><p><b>ALSO READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/athletics/kuldeep-kumar-new-national-record-pole-vault-2026-dev-meen-reegan-indoor-combined-athletics/article70931615.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Kuldeep Kumar sets new national pole vault record in Bhubaneswar</a></b></p><p>The assessment process, originally scheduled to begin on May 5, has been pushed back by a day and will now start on May 6 due to the uncertainty.</p><p>“We were told winning the COAS Cup would get us into the camp. It is the same policy as last year, so I don’t know what the issue is. This is the only way of getting into the camp and vying for the CWG and Asian Games, as I missed the Nationals due to injury.</p><p>“I am just hoping the sanction letter arrives over the weekend so that I can reach the camp on time and take part in the assessment,” one of the 40 boxers told PTI.</p><p>Under the revised schedule, the assessment will be conducted in two phases. Strength and conditioning tests will be held on May 6 and 7, followed by sparring bouts from May 11 to 15 in a knockout format to determine final standings across weight categories.</p><p>The evaluation will carry a total of 200 marks, combining technical and non-technical parameters. Non-technical components, including attendance, weight management, health management, international potential, and strength and conditioning, will contribute alongside technical assessments conducted by a panel of evaluators.</p><p>Rankings within each weight category will be determined through a structured knockout format.</p><p>The Commonwealth Games will be held in Glasgow from July 23 to August 2, while the Asian Games is scheduled from September 19 to October 4 in Aichi and Nagoya.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on May 02, 2026</p></div> #Forty #boxers #left #SAI #sanction #list #uncertainty #clouds #CWG #Asian #Games #selection #process

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Deadspin | Pistons escape 24-point hole vs. Magic, head home for Game 7 <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-900/28857305.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28857305.jpg" alt="NBA: Playoffs-Detroit Pistons at Orlando Magic" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">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<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>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.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>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.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>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.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Game 7 is Sunday in Detroit.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>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.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>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.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>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.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-8"> <p>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.</p> </section> <section id="section-9"> <p>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.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>The Magic shot 3-for-17 (17.6%) in the third quarter, when they scored only 11 points.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>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.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>The Pistons made only 6 of 25 attempts from the floor (28.6%) in the second quarter.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>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.</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>After a Detroit timeout, the Magic kept pouring it on to build a 17-point lead.</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>Orlando forward Franz Wagner missed his second game in a row because of a calf injury.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-16"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Pistons #escape #24point #hole #Magic #home #Game

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Quarterbacks: Cleveland Browns

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

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

Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals

Running backs: Jacksonville Jaguars

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

Honorable mention: Denver Broncos

Wide receivers: Miami Dolphins

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

Honorable mention: Carolina Panthers

Tight ends: Miami Dolphins

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

Honorable mention: Tennessee Titans

Offensive line: Tennessee Titans

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

Honorable mention: Miami Dolphins

Defensive line: Atlanta Falcons

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

Honorable mention: Washington Commanders

Edge rushers: Carolina Panthers

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

Honorable mention: Tennessee Titans

Linebackers: Cincinnati Bengals

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

Honorable mention: Indianapolis Colts

Secondary: Miami Dolphins

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

Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals

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

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

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

Quarterbacks: Cleveland Browns

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

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

Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals

Running backs: Jacksonville Jaguars

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

Honorable mention: Denver Broncos

Wide receivers: Miami Dolphins

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

Honorable mention: Carolina Panthers

Tight ends: Miami Dolphins

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

Honorable mention: Tennessee Titans

Offensive line: Tennessee Titans

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

Honorable mention: Miami Dolphins

Defensive line: Atlanta Falcons

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

Honorable mention: Washington Commanders

Edge rushers: Carolina Panthers

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

Honorable mention: Tennessee Titans

Linebackers: Cincinnati Bengals

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

Honorable mention: Indianapolis Colts

Secondary: Miami Dolphins

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

Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals

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

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

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

Quarterbacks: Cleveland Browns

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

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

Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals

Running backs: Jacksonville Jaguars

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

Honorable mention: Denver Broncos

Wide receivers: Miami Dolphins

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

Honorable mention: Carolina Panthers

Tight ends: Miami Dolphins

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

Honorable mention: Tennessee Titans

Offensive line: Tennessee Titans

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

Honorable mention: Miami Dolphins

Defensive line: Atlanta Falcons

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

Honorable mention: Washington Commanders

Edge rushers: Carolina Panthers

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

Honorable mention: Tennessee Titans

Linebackers: Cincinnati Bengals

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

Honorable mention: Indianapolis Colts

Secondary: Miami Dolphins

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

Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals

#Building #worst #NFL #team #season

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