NFL

Mike McCarthy is not returning as coach of the Dallas Cowboys, AP source says

Rob Maaddi And Schuyler Dixon, The Associated Press 3 minute read Monday, Jan. 13, 2025

DALLAS (AP) — Mike McCarthy is not returning as coach of the Dallas Cowboys, who are going on three decades since their last Super Bowl title, a person with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press on Monday.

The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because a decision hasn’t been announced. They said Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and McCarthy agreed to part ways.

The coach’s contract expired following a 7-10 season. Dallas was 12-5 each of the three years before that, but still hasn’t been past the divisional round of the NFC playoffs since its last Super Bowl at the end of the 1995 season.

McCarthy’s contract expired Jan. 8 and the Cowboys have an exclusive negotiation window through Tuesday, but the parties have decided to split ahead of the deadline.

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NFL Playoff Guide: Rams-Vikings wrap up opening weekend as enticing Bills-Ravens matchup awaits

David Brandt, The Associated Press 3 minute read Monday, Jan. 13, 2025

The NFL's wild card weekend wraps up Monday night when the Los Angeles Rams host the Minnesota Vikings in Glendale, Arizona, after the NFL decided to move the game because of wildfires in Southern California.

The postseason's opening weekend hasn't had many close games, with the exception of the Commanders' 23-20 victory over the Buccaneers on Sunday night. It was Washington's first postseason win since 2006 and sets up a trip to the heavily-favored Detroit Lions next weekend.

Otherwise, most of the wild card matchups lacked late-game drama. The Bills and Ravens both scored lopsided wins in the AFC, setting up a fascinating matchup between the two teams on Sunday in Buffalo.

Here are some more things to watch as the postseason continues:

A.J. Brown’s sideline read skyrockets to No. 1 hottest seller on Amazon

Dan Gelston, The Associated Press 3 minute read Monday, Jan. 13, 2025

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Step aside, Oprah.

Philadelphia Eagles star receiver A.J. Brown could launch a book club of his own after a little sideline reading skyrocketed self-help author Jim Murphy to the hottest seller on Amazon overnight.

The Eagles wide receiver passed on the playbook and checked out an inspirational title — Brown casually ignored the action in Philadelphia's playoff game and flipped through the pages of Murphy's book, “Inner Excellence.”

The little-known book by the mental skills coach was listed No. 1 on Amazon’s best-sellers list as of Monday morning. It took the top spot on the trending list after previously being ranked 523,497th. That jump earned it another top spot on the marketplace's movers & shakers list.

A.J. Brown’s sideline read skyrockets to No. 1 hottest seller on Amazon

Dan Gelston, The Associated Press 3 minute read Monday, Jan. 13, 2025

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Step aside, Oprah.

Philadelphia Eagles star receiver A.J. Brown could launch a book club of his own after a little sideline reading skyrocketed self-help author Jim Murphy to the hottest seller on Amazon overnight.

The Eagles wide receiver passed on the playbook and checked out an inspirational title — Brown casually ignored the action in Philadelphia's playoff game and flipped through the pages of Murphy's book, “Inner Excellence.”

The little-known book by the mental skills coach was listed No. 1 on Amazon’s best-sellers list as of Monday morning. It took the top spot on the trending list after previously being ranked 523,497th. That jump earned it another top spot on the marketplace's movers & shakers list.

Bloody face didn’t stop Jayden Daniels from leading the Commanders to a comeback win

By Rob Maaddi, The Associated Press 4 minute read Monday, Jan. 13, 2025

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Jayden Daniels doesn’t get fazed, even when a crunching hit leaves his face bloodied.

The rookie quarterback played with poise all season to lead the Washington Commanders to a dramatic eight-win improvement from 2023 and he wasn’t going to let a little blood bother him in his biggest game yet.

He kept running around, making plays and did whatever was needed to lead Washington to the franchise’s first playoff win since he was 5 years old.

With blood dripping down his face beneath his right eye, Daniels tossed a 10-yard TD pass to Dyami Brown for a 7-3 lead over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers early in the second quarter of a 23-20 victory Sunday night in an NFC wild-card game.

Browns QB Deshaun Watson reinjures Achilles, has surgery and will miss ‘significant’ time in 2025

Tom Withers, The Associated Press 4 minute read Friday, Jan. 10, 2025

CLEVELAND (AP) — Deshaun Watson's already unstable future with the Browns is even shakier.

Watson may miss the entire 2025 season after Cleveland's polarizing quarterback ruptured his Achilles tendon for the second time in three months and underwent another operation that could put his career in jeopardy.

The setback could end Watson's unsteady stay with the Browns, who believed they had ended their decades-long search for a franchise quarterback when they signed the former Pro Bowler to a historic $230 million contract in 2022.

But things haven't worked out — for either side — and the newest development could lead to a permanent separation between Watson and the team.

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. (AP) — Cleveland Browns running back D'Onta Foreman suffered a head injury during practice and was air lifted by helicopter to a hospital in Virginia on Thursday.

The team said Foreman sustained a “direct blow to the head that resulted in neck pain” during a drill at The Greenbrier Resort. Foreman had movement in all of his extremities, according to a statement from the Browns.

The 28-year-old Foreman was treated on the field by medical staff before being immobilized on a stretcher. He was driven away from the facility in an ambulance and flown to a medical center in Roanoke, Virginia, for further evaluation and treatment.

Foreman signed with the Browns as a free agent in March. He gives Cleveland some depth at the position as Nick Chubb works his way back from a season-ending knee injury and two surgeries.

Saturday night’s Bills-Chargers game on Peacock will not have commercials during fourth quarter

Joe Reedy, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Saturday night’s Bills-Chargers game on Peacock will not have commercials during fourth quarter

Joe Reedy, The Associated Press 2 minute read Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023

Saturday night's game between the Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Chargers already carried significance as the first NFL game to be exclusively streamed on Peacock.

The matchup will also feature another milestone as NBC and the NFL announced Thursday morning that the fourth quarter will be commercial free for the first time.

NBCUniversal says there will be a 40% reduction in the standard ad time for an NFL game which should result in at least 12 additional minutes of game-related content.

Rob Hyland, the coordinating producer for NBC's “Sunday Night Football,” said there have been discussions about this game since June about how to make it unique and distinct from a regular NBC broadcast.

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Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) hands the ball to running back Austin Ekeler (30) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) hands the ball to running back Austin Ekeler (30) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Commanders and Jets square off in a matchup of lowly teams looking toward next season

The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Commanders and Jets square off in a matchup of lowly teams looking toward next season

The Associated Press 5 minute read Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023

WASHINGTON (4-10) at NEW YORK JETS (5-9)

Sunday, 1 p.m. EST, CBS

OPENING LINE: Jets by 3, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

AGAINST THE SPREAD: Commanders 5-8-1; Jets 5-8-1.

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Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023

Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14) is threatened by Los Angeles Rams linebacker Ernest Jones (53) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14) is threatened by Los Angeles Rams linebacker Ernest Jones (53) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

The Lions are one win from their first division title in 30 years. The Vikings haven’t ceded it yet

The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

The Lions are one win from their first division title in 30 years. The Vikings haven’t ceded it yet

The Associated Press 5 minute read Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023

DETROIT (10-4) at MINNESOTA (7-7)

Sunday, 1 p.m. EST, FOX.

OPENING LINE: Lions by 3, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

AGAINST THE SPREAD: Lions 9-5; Vikings 7-5-2.

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Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (87) makes a catch next to Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Mike Hilton (21) during overtime of an NFL football game Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (87) makes a catch next to Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Mike Hilton (21) during overtime of an NFL football game Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Joe Flacco giving the Browns a steady presence and leadership with a playoff spot in reach

Tom Withers, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Joe Flacco giving the Browns a steady presence and leadership with a playoff spot in reach

Tom Withers, The Associated Press 4 minute read Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023

BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Joe Flacco looks much different, younger and a little less like his new coach.

The beard is gone.

“It was a mess,” said the Browns' freshly-shaven quarterback.

While his facial hair may have been a bit unkempt, and made him a taller lookalike to Browns coach Kevin Stefanski, everything else about Flacco has been neat and polished — if not somewhat shocking — since Cleveland scooped him off his couch in New Jersey four weeks ago to troubleshoot their QB crisis.

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Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023

Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco speaks during a news conference following an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco speaks during a news conference following an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Joe Flacco giving the Browns a steady presence and leadership with a playoff spot in reach

Tom Withers, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Joe Flacco giving the Browns a steady presence and leadership with a playoff spot in reach

Tom Withers, The Associated Press 4 minute read Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023

BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Joe Flacco looks much different, younger and a little less like his new coach.

The beard is gone.

“It was a mess,” said the Browns' freshly-shaven quarterback.

While his facial hair may have been a bit unkempt, and made him a taller lookalike to Browns coach Kevin Stefanski, everything else about Flacco has been neat and polished — if not somewhat shocking — since Cleveland scooped him off his couch in New Jersey four weeks ago to troubleshoot their QB crisis.

Read
Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023

Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco speaks during a news conference following an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco speaks during a news conference following an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Joe Flacco giving the Browns a steady presence and leadership with a playoff spot in reach

Tom Withers, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Joe Flacco giving the Browns a steady presence and leadership with a playoff spot in reach

Tom Withers, The Associated Press 4 minute read Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023

BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Joe Flacco looks much different, younger and a little less like his new coach.

The beard is gone.

“It was a mess,” said the Browns' freshly-shaven quarterback.

While his facial hair may have been a bit unkempt, and made him a taller lookalike to Browns coach Kevin Stefanski, everything else about Flacco has been neat and polished — if not somewhat shocking — since Cleveland scooped him off his couch in New Jersey four weeks ago to troubleshoot their QB crisis.

Read
Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023

Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco speaks during a news conference following an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco speaks during a news conference following an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Joe Flacco giving the Browns a steady presence and leadership with a playoff spot in reach

Tom Withers, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Joe Flacco giving the Browns a steady presence and leadership with a playoff spot in reach

Tom Withers, The Associated Press 4 minute read Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023

BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Joe Flacco looks much different, younger and a little less like his new coach.

The beard is gone.

“It was a mess,” said the Browns' freshly-shaven quarterback.

While his facial hair may have been a bit unkempt, and made him a taller lookalike to Browns coach Kevin Stefanski, everything else about Flacco has been neat and polished — if not somewhat shocking — since Cleveland scooped him off his couch in New Jersey four weeks ago to troubleshoot their QB crisis.

Read
Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023

Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco speaks during a news conference following an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco speaks during a news conference following an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Slumping Eagles and Jalen Hurts host Giants and Tommy DeVito in Christmas Day matchup

Aaron Bracy, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Slumping Eagles and Jalen Hurts host Giants and Tommy DeVito in Christmas Day matchup

Aaron Bracy, The Associated Press 4 minute read Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Three weeks ago, Philadelphia had a quarterback who was a leading MVP candidate and a team that looked poised for a return trip to the Super Bowl.

Now, the Eagles are plummeting in the standings.

Consecutive losses to the 49ers, Cowboys and Seahawks, plus inconsistent play by QB Jalen Hurts and the offense as a whole, have stymied the Eagles. Their struggles on defense resulted in the demotion of the coordinator and suddenly put coach Nick Sirianni on the defensive in Philadelphia.

“We’re in a little bit of a skid right now that I’m very confident that we’ll be able to get out of because of the people that we have in this building and the accountability not only that I hold the standard to for the team and myself, but also what they hold the standard to,” Sirianni said on Wednesday.

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Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023

New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito speaks during a news conference following an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in New Orleans. The Saints won 24-6. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)

New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito speaks during a news conference following an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in New Orleans. The Saints won 24-6. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)

Eagles try to snap three-game losing streak on Monday vs Giants

The Associated Press 4 minute read Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023

NEW YORK GIANTS (5-9) at PHILADELPHIA (10-4)

Monday, 4:30 p.m. EST, FOX

OPENING LINE: Eagles by 11 1/2, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

AGAINST THE SPREAD: New York 5-9; Philadelphia 6-5-3

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