Category: Sport

FARMINGDALE, N.Y. Rory McIlroy slipped away from the again of the 18th inexperienced at Bethpage Black on Sunday, a person who wanted a second to himself. Hes an emotional lad, McIlroy. It was simply yesterday that he buried his face in Shane Lowrys shoulder steps away from right here, a cathartic launch of anger and damage and aid that comes from surviving the abuse 50,000 tried to inflict.

The Ryder Cup has a merciless method of exposing McIlroys nerves. Two years in the past in Rome, he almost traded blows with the American crew in a car parking zone melee. Two years earlier than that in Wisconsin, he shattered whereas talking of his teammates’ unshakeable religion in him, whilst he felt he had betrayed a complete continent. He has by no means hidden behind manufactured composure, and understood his teammates anticipated him to hitch their victory huddle, Europe holding on for its spectacular if considerably nerve-wracking 15-13 highway win. That might come quickly. However proper now, he wanted peace from a weekend beret of it. A second earned by means of cussed will that may solely be measured in opposition to the crushing actuality that it would by no means come.

It’s good to be proper, McIlroy mentioned afterward, in glow of the Europeans tighter-than-expected Sunday triumph. I’m not proper on a regular basis.

McIlroy was not Europe’s main factors scorerthat distinction belonged to Tommy Fleetwood, who went 4-0-1. He was not their most reliable performer; that may be Jon Rahm, the Spanish bulldozer who has tormented American desires for 3 consecutive Ryder Cups. However McIlroy is their non secular fulcrum, their true north. When he bleeds, all of them bleed. When he roars, they observe into battle. Solely McIlroy possessed the audacity to declare, as he did amid the euphoria at Marco Simone, that Europe would conquer Bethpagepounding his fist on the desk for emphasis whereas his teammates erupted in approval, as a result of this wasn’t bravado however gospel flowing from their preacher.

This week, nevertheless, he walked knowingly right into a storm that proved extra savage than even he might have imagined and emerged unbowed on the opposite aspect. In doing so, McIlroy has transcended any stardom of the current right into a realm impervious to time.

Such elevation is one thing solely earned by means of efficiency, and McIlroy delivered. He steamrolled to a crushing 5-and-4 victory alongside Tommy Fleetwood in Friday morning foursomes, unleashing a cruel barrage of birdies in opposition to the bewildered pairing of Harris English and Collin Morikawa. He salvaged an important half-point with Lowry that afternoon when momentum hung within the stability. The People, gluttons for punishment, trotted out English and Morikawa once more Saturday morning, and McIlroy and Fleetwood gleefully administered one other beatdownpunctuated by McIlroy drilling an strategy to gimme vary on the sixteenth after a spectator hurled profanity in his path. Saturday afternoon felt like the start of a coronation march.

As an alternative, McIlroy was about to stroll by means of hell.

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In equity, McIlroy had painted a goal on his personal behind. His conduct since capturing the profession Grand Slam had taken an odd turnuncharacteristic confrontations and a defiant refusal to elucidate himself or apologize to anybody. This wasn’t the beloved McIlroy that American galleries had championed for 15 years, the identical crowds who had willed him to Augusta Nationwide lore simply months earlier. His Rome prophecy echoed of their minds, as did the scene on the Gamers Championship the place he had snatched a heckler’s telephone. Add the pure Ryder Cup bloodlust that turns each opposing participant into prey, and McIlroy had willingly solid himself as chief antagonist. He embraced the position with theatrical flairblowing mocking kisses to the first-tee grandstands, flexing defiantly after holed putts, goading the lots with each gesture. It was a badge of honor; they solely hate who they worry.

To tv viewers, it appeared he was stoking the fireplace, virtually begging for his or her venom. However that narrative ignores the truth of what unfolded.

No participant in fashionable Ryder Cup historical past endured the relentless, systematic dehumanization McIlroy confronted on Saturday. It was one of the vital shameful spectacles this occasion has seena sustained marketing campaign of cruelty that ought to embarrass each golf fan and American. For 5 hours, they questioned his manhood, recited the bottom moments of his profession, screamed private rumors as fact. Each 5 minutes introduced contemporary torrents of F-bombs hurled like grenades. They bellowed and booed as he lined up pictures, generally even mid-swing, violating the gallery code. Each Ryder Cup spawns its share of knuckle-dragging conduct, however by no means has the abuse been this thunderous, this common, this unrelenting.

And the followers weren’t even appearing alone. A primary-tee emcee weaponized the group, imploring them to chant “**** YOU RORY!” like some deranged cult chief. Volunteers and guidelines officers stood by with indifference, deaf to McIlroy’s pleas for decency, permitting the circus to spiral. For a man who has all the time handled the Ryder Cup as sacred, he spent Saturday afternoon trying like a prisoner of warbewildered by how the occasion he cherished had morphed into public execution, devastated {that a} nation the place hes lived would savage him so utterly.

No affordable observer would have blamed McIlroy for crumbling below this assault. As an alternative, he and Lowry savagely dismantled Justin Thomas and Cameron Younger, clinching very important factors that left America staring into the abyss of a Sunday miracle mission. McIlroy remarked it was for others to determine if the group crossed a line. Solely after leaving the inexperienced did McIlroy enable the emotional dam to burst, collapsing below the burden of a marathon that spectators had satisfied him would by no means finish. He later confided to teammates that Saturday’s gauntlet had inflicted deeper wounds than what Masters Sunday introduced.

(It wasnt simply Rory that needed to take up the vitriol, however his spouse, strolling along with his group, too. I used to be on the market for 2 days with Erica McIlroy, mentioned Lowry on Sunday night, and the quantity of abuse that she obtained was astonishing and the way in which she was on the market supporting her husband and supporting her crew was unbelievable, and kudos to her for that.”

Rory McIlroy walks off along with his spouse Erica after successful his match throughout the Saturday afternoon fourballs, each enduring a torrent of jeers from the Bethpage crowd.

David Cannon

Sadly, Sunday introduced solely marginal mercy in McIlroys heavyweight bout in opposition to Scottie Scheffler. Beefed-up safety shaped a protecting wall, and European followers who had swooped in to purchase tickets that panicked People dumped on the secondary market created a barely much less venomous environment. However the reprieve was fleeting. Gap after gap, McIlroy nonetheless absorbed contemporary barragesscreams about ladies who weren’t his spouse, taunts about his Pinehurst nightmare, mockery of his nationality, his peak, nonsense spewed by hecklers who confused sadism with comedy. By means of nearly every assault, McIlroy maintained restraint. However even metal bends below sufficient strain, and as Sunday dragged on, you can see the accrued trauma of the week slowly crushing his spiritall whereas making an attempt to duel the world’s most dominant participant.

Small surprise McIlroy posted one of many day’s most forgettable rounds, rating 18th among the many 22 gamers in strokes gained. He one way or the other dragged Scheffler to the 18th gap earlier than succumbing, however in each significant sense, this felt like triumph disguised as defeat.

Afterward, when reporters circled, McIlroy delivered the anticipated platitudesadmitting he was “operating on empty,” thanking Luke Donald and the vice captains for retaining his sanity intact. Politically right. Professionally affordable. However later, when his armor lastly cracked, McIlroy peeled again the curtain and revealed the inferno he survived.

I don’t assume we must always ever settle for that in golf. I believe golf must be held to a better customary than what was seen on the market this week, McIlroy mentioned. Golf has the power to you unite folks. Golf teaches you excellent life classes. It teaches you etiquette. It teaches you play by the foundations. It teaches you respect folks. Generally this week we didn’t see that.

Richard Heathcote

McIlroy grimly famous as a substitute of followers cheering on Scheffler, there have been solely arrows aimed squarely at him. When pressed in regards to the arrival of law enforcement officials and their snarling German shepherds, McIlroy’s eyes flashed as he instructed, solely half-joking, that he wished these canines had been unleashed on the group. He closed the topic by drawing his brightest crimson line: households ought to stay out-of-bounds, particularly after watching his spouse Erica get pelted with a beer on Saturday. Lastly unburdened, McIlroy leaned again and savored a protracted pull of his personal beverage, a person who had earned each drop.

He deserves to benefit from the dividends, the week serving as a capstone to the best 12 months of his profession. His Masters breakthrough without end silenced the doubters who questioned his ending capacity, his resilience, his capability to be the participant he as soon as was so a few years in the past. He added the Gamers Championship, conquered Pebble Seaside, and claimed his nationwide Irish Open.

However this Ryder Cup transcended victories. His sixth triumph moved him previous Tony Jacklin on the all-time factors leaderboard, with José María Olazábal and Seve Ballesteros now inside placing distance. He had made good on his audacious Roman prophecy with curiosity.

It must be famous they name McIlroy the “Man within the Enviornment” for his Ryder Cup heroics, a tribute to each his theatrical brilliance and aggressive ferocity. However that nickname overlooks the knowledge of Teddy Roosevelt’s immortal phrases from the speech of the identical identify:

“It isn’t the critic who counts; not the person who factors out how the robust man stumbles, or the place the doer of deeds might have completed them higher. The credit score belongs to the person who is definitely within the enviornment, whose face is marred by mud and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes brief repeatedly, as a result of there isn’t a effort with out error and shortcoming; however who does really try to do the deeds; who is aware of nice enthusiasms, the nice devotions; who spends himself in a worthy trigger; who at the most effective is aware of ultimately the triumph of excessive achievement, and who on the worst, if he fails, not less than fails whereas daring vastly, in order that his place shall by no means be with these chilly and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

His conduct this weekas each performer and human beingcannot be measured by rating alone. True greatness calls for accepting the danger of heartbreak and humiliation and criticism, as a result of vulnerability is the worth of immortality.

Which explains why McIlroy lastly cracked when Donald started talking in regards to the crew’s sacred bond, about what this brotherhood means to males prepared to bleed for one another’s desires. With nowhere left to cover, nowhere left to run, McIlroy tears got here. The sort that stream solely while you give up to one thing bigger than your self.

Week 4 of the 2025 fantasy soccer season featured numerous massive performances from a few of the prime gamers within the NFL and solely a handful of disappointing performances.

Who have been the large winners and losers?

Matt Bowen and Tristan H. Cockcroft provide their analyses.

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Rating winners | Rating losers |
Greatest accidents and what’s subsequent

1. Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons: Robinson was electrical within the Week 4 win over Washington, scoring a season-high 28.1 factors, whereas showcasing his elite dual-threat capacity. Johnson completed with 181 complete yards and a landing on 21 touches, discovering the top zone on a 14 yard rush. Plus, Johnson caught 4 passes for 106 yards. Johnson now has two video games this season with over 24 factors, and he’ll stay a top-3 RB when the Falcons return from the bye in Week 6 versus the Payments. — Bowen

2. Omarion Hampton, RB, Los Angeles Chargers: Hampton’s 27.5 factors in Sunday’s loss to the Giants have been a season-best for the rookie, and he has now posted back-to-back video games with 24 or extra factors. Hampton displayed his big-play capacity within the run sport, breaking one for a 54-yard rating. Plus, Hampton is being utilized on screens and as an beneath outlet for quarterback Justin Herbert within the cross sport. Hampton caught all 5 of his targets for 37 yards right here, giving him a complete of 11 receptions for 96 yards over his previous two video games. With the entire quantity, plus the dual-threat utilization, Hampton will probably be a RB1 in my Week 5 ranks for the matchup versus Washington. — Bowen

3. Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers: In a considerably shocking improvement, Gainwell earned the beginning for the Steelers’ early-morning sport in Dublin, Eire, after Jaylen Warren (knee) was scratched regardless of placing in restricted practices through the week. Gainwell thrived because the Steelers’ clear go-to working again, taking part in 77% of the offensive snaps, dealing with 19 of the staff’s 29 speeding makes an attempt, scoring a pair of speeding touchdowns and totaling a career-best 31.4 PPR fantasy factors. Rookie Kaleb Johnson, in the meantime, performed 21% of the snaps and had seven complete touches, marking the fourth consecutive week that Gainwell has at the least tripled Johnson’s quantity in both division. Gainwell now has 5 explosive runs (10-plus yards) and is clearly a major a part of the Steelers’ speeding sport plan. Make sure that he’s rostered within the 64.4% of ESPN leagues by which he stays accessible when the staff returns from its Week 5 bye. — Cockcroft

4. Quentin Johnston, WR, Los Angeles Chargers: In Sunday’s upset loss to the Giants, Johnston posted his second sport of 20-plus factors this season (23.9), catching eight of a team-high 13 targets for 98 yards and a landing. Johnston has now recorded at the least one landing seize in three of 4 video games performed this season, and he has seen a complete of 23 targets in his final two. With the vertical aspect he brings to the Chargers offense, along with the numbers he can produce after the catch on over routes and crossers, Johnston has carved out an outlined function on this route tree. He’ll stay an upside WR3/Flex for the Week 5 matchup versus Washington. — Bowen

5. Drake London, WR, Atlanta Falcons: The star of the early phases of the Falcons’ shocking, 34-27 win over the Washington Commanders, London scored nearly as many PPR fantasy factors in Week 4 (25.0) as he did in his first three video games mixed (29.9), thanks largely to a five-yard landing catch close to the top of the primary quarter and a 43-yard catch early within the second. He dominated targets on this sport, which was an encouraging signal heading into the Falcons’ bye week and their powerful Week 6 matchup towards the Buffalo Payments. — Cockcroft

6. DK Metcalf, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers: Metcalf posted season-high 23.6 factors within the Week 4 win over the Vikings. With the short passing sport on the prime of the Steelers’ name sheet, Metcalf caught all 5 of his targets for 126 yards, which included an 80-yard rating on slant route. Catch and go. Massive time open subject juice there. Metcalf has now scored a landing in three straight video games, but it surely was the explosive performs on this one which boosted his numbers. The Steelers head into the bye subsequent, however they return in Week 6 with a matchup versus the Browns protection, which can preserve Metcalf on the WR2/Flex line. –Bowen

7. Woody Marks, RB, Houston Texans: Rostered in solely 33.2% of ESPN leagues, Marks dropped a career-high 27.9 factors in Sunday’s win over the Titans. Marks, who out-touched veteran Nick Chubb 21 to fifteen, completed with 119 complete yards and two scores, plus we noticed the upside he brings as a cross catcher (4 receptions, 50 yards, one landing). Even in a backfield share with Chubb, it’s clear that Marks brings extra juice and play-speed to the sphere. The rookie out of USC ought to be a precedence waiver-add this week. — Bowen

8. Emeka Egbuka, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: He has been a rookie sensation, scoring touchdowns in three of 4 video games, posting a 25% goal share, and totaling a rookie class-leading 71.1 PPR fantasy factors, which ranks sixteenth amongst rookie extensive receivers via his first 4 profession video games since at the least 1940. Egbuka continues to be the go-to man for Baker Mayfield, which ought to proceed to be the case for Week 5 towards the Seattle Seahawks, as Mike Evans (hamstring) is predicted to overlook a number of weeks. — Cockcroft

9. James Prepare dinner, RB, and Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Payments: They have been the celebrities of a sport that, for 52 minutes, was far nearer than it ought to’ve been. Prepare dinner managed his eighth consecutive sport with a speeding landing, and fourth consecutive sport with at the least 20 PPR fantasy factors. His speeding rating got here from one yard out, and for the reason that starting of final season, he now has 10 such touchdowns from inside three yards of the top zone, a exceptional quantity for a teammate of the plenty-capable-in-his-own-right Allen. Allen, in the meantime, scored 24.86 factors, his eleventh sport in his previous 15 full (that means excluding Week 18) by which he totaled 20-plus. Each ought to once more ship top-shelf numbers in Week 5 in a divisional sport towards the New England Patriots. — Cockcroft

10. Quinshon Judkins, RB, Cleveland Browns: Judkins had a career-best 21.5 factors within the Week 4 loss to the Lions. Sure, Judkins as soon as once more noticed No. 1 quantity, carrying the ball 21 occasions 82 yards and a landing. He’s the clear lead again in Cleveland. Nevertheless, Judkins additionally had his finest receiving numbers as a professional, catching all 4 of his targets for 33 yards. With a bump in cross sport utilization, Judkins ought to be ranked as an RB2 forward of the Week 5 sport versus the Vikings. — Bowen

1. Justin Herbert, QB; Ladd McConkey, WR, Los Angeles Chargers: Within the upset loss to the Giants, Herbert had a season-low 12.52 factors, finishing solely 56% of his passes, whereas he threw two interceptions versus a New York protection that created stress. McConkey caught one in every of six targets for 11 yards (2.1 factors), and he has posted double-digit factors in just one sport this season (Week 1). With the bump in quantity for Johnston, plus the presence of Keenan Allen, McConkey’s numbers have taken a success to begin the season, and he’ll proceed to slip within the rankings — regardless of the pre-season hype. I’ll have McConkey as a WR3 for the Week 5 matchup towards the Commanders protection. — Bowen

2. A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, WR, Philadelphia Eagles: They have been remarkably quiet in Week 4, scoring 2.7 and 4.9 PPR fantasy factors, and every has now been held beneath 5 factors in two of 4 video games thus far this season. Simply as was the case final yr, the Eagles’ working sport is buzzing behind Saquon Barkley and Jalen Hurts, minimizing the necessity to rely closely on the staff’s prime two extensive receivers. To date, the Eagles have run 123 offensive performs with a lead, and a whopping 61% of them have been speeding performs. — Cockcroft

3. Trey Benson, RB, Arizona Cardinals: With Benson assuming the lead function in Arizona for an injured James Conner, we anticipated a bit bit extra within the Thursday evening sport versus Seattle, proper? Benson did handle to put up 10.4 factors, due to bringing in 5 receptions, however he totaled simply 19 yards within the cross sport, whereas he carried the ball eight occasions for 35 yards. I’ll preserve Benson in my lower-tier RB2 ranks as a result of optimistic Week 5 matchup versus the Titans protection, however I’m not bought but. — Bowen

Malik Nabers, WR, New York Giants

What we all know: He left Sunday’s sport within the second quarter after his proper knee buckled instantly earlier than he jumped in an try to make a catch. Preliminary experiences had the Giants fearing that he has a torn ACL.

What’s subsequent: Nabers is scheduled for an MRI on Monday morning, which may affirm the season-ending damage. Nabers’ absence can be devastating to a Giants offense that simply put in rookie Jaxson Dart at quarterback. The staff’s offensive method may now dramatically shift to make finest use of Dart’s speeding capacity, however he’ll additionally have to make do leaning extra closely upon extensive receivers Wan’Dale Robinson and Darius Slayton and tight finish Theo Johnson. — Cockcroft

Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens

What we all know: Jones left the sport in a 3rd quarter with a hamstring damage, and he didn’t return to the sport. Earlier than exiting, Jackson handed for 147 yards with a landing and interception, whereas including 48 yards speeding on six carries (10.68 factors).

What’s subsequent:If Jackson is down for the Week 5 sport versus the Texans, backup Cooper Rush would get the beginning at quarterback. If Rush is beneath middle, it’s time to downgrade Zay Flowers, Mark Andrews and Derrick Henry towards the Houston protection. — Bowen

Week 4 of the 2025 NFL season kicked off Thursday evening with an thrilling matchup between the Seahawks and the Cardinals. Arizona tied the rating at 20 with 28 seconds left within the fourth quarter, however Seattle drove down for a game-winning, 52-yard area objective by Jason Myers as time expired.

Sunday’s motion kicked off in Dublin, Eire, because the Steelers beat the Vikings 24-21 within the second worldwide sport of the season. Again in america, the Patriots and Falcons bounced again from Week 3 losses with victories over the Panthers and Commanders, respectively.

Our NFL Nation reporters reacted to all of the motion, answering lingering questions popping out of every sport and detailing the whole lot else it’s essential to know for each crew. Let’s get to it.

Soar to:
CLE-DET | TEN-HOU | CAR-NE
WSH-ATL | MIN-PIT | SEA-ARI

Atone for the motion: Field rating | Recap

How does the Lions’ offense enhance from right here on out? Detroit’s explosive offense knew it might face a tough check towards the Browns’ defensive entrance, but it surely handed the check with ease. The Lions registered 277 yards of complete offense, which was their fewest because the Week 1 loss at Inexperienced Bay, however they managed the sport regardless of struggling to get a constant run sport going. Lions working again Jahmyr Gibbs logged 91 of Detroit’s 109 speeding yards off 15 carries and a landing, whereas David Montgomery struggled with 9 carries for 12 yards. Broad receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown additionally scored two touchdowns. Montgomery, a Cincinnati, Ohio native, needs to be extra of an element subsequent week in his return to his hometown to face the Bengals.

Greatest gap within the sport plan: Matching up towards one of many NFL’s stingiest run defenses, Lions quarterback Jared Goff tried to air it out with extensive receiver Jameson Williams, his high deep ball risk, however the connection wasn’t there early on. Williams was focused by Goff eight complete instances, however was capable of join solely twice, together with a dropped incomplete move that would have been an enormous achieve at 6:17 within the second quarter. Goff additionally threw an interception to Browns cornerback Denzel Ward whereas attempting to throw a deep proper move to Williams within the third quarter. Williams would lose one other three yards on an end-around carry within the fourth. — Eric Woodyard

Subsequent sport: at Bengals (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)

How for much longer can the Browns follow Flacco and his turnovers? Flacco threw a pair of first-half interceptions and misplaced a fumble within the second half, rising his season complete to a league-leading eight giveaways. All of the turnovers haven’t been Flacco’s fault, however they contributed to 17 factors for the Lions and have been on the crux of Cleveland’s 1-3 begin. Flacco’s six interceptions are probably the most by a Browns quarterback by means of the primary 4 video games of a season since Baker Mayfield’s six in 2019.

Greatest gap within the sport plan: The Browns didn’t give their backup tackles assist towards Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson. Cleveland left Cornelius Lucas, filling in for injured proper deal with Jack Conklin, alone for all 17 of his matchups with Hutchinson, per NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. Hutchinson made Cleveland pay, recording two sacks and 5 pressures when matched up towards Lucas. — Daniel Oyefusi

Subsequent sport: vs. Vikings (Sunday, 9:30 a.m. p.m. ET)

Atone for the motion: Field rating | Recap

Is working again Woody Marks positioning himself to take over the RB1 function? Towards the Titans, the rookie had a profession day. He had career-highs in carries (17), general touches (21), offensive snaps (41), receiving yards (50) and touchdowns (two). Marks outperformed beginning working again Nick Chubb (11 carries for 47 yards) and received a bulk of the snaps and carries.

Turning level: Quarterback C.J. Stroud discovered wideout Nico Collins for a 37-yard achieve on second-and-33. At this level the sport, the rating was 6-0 with 4:06 remaining within the third quarter. However after Stroud discovered Collins down the sidelines, the Texans scored on three straight touchdowns drives. — DJ Bien-Aime

Subsequent sport: at Ravens (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

The place do the Titans go from right here? This Titans crew is a catastrophe 4 weeks in. There is no such thing as a rhythm on offense, and the protection continues to put on down on the finish. This was the fourth consecutive sport wherein Tennessee allowed an explosive run to the tip zone that was affected by missed tackles. The offense has gone with out a landing in two of its 4 video games, and kicker Joey Slye missed two area targets. It’s onerous to think about issues getting any worse for the Titans. However back-to-back street journeys to the West Coast, adopted by former coach Mike Vrabel and the Patriots at house, may spell catastrophe.

Stat to know: This was the primary time the Titans have been shut out within the first half below coach Brian Callahan. It was their first shutout in a full sport since Oct. 13, 2019, after they misplaced 16-0 to the Broncos. They’d solely been shut out twice in franchise historical past earlier than Sunday. Neither crew made it to the purple zone till the beginning of the fourth quarter, per ESPN Analysis. — Turron Davenport

Subsequent sport: at Cardinals (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)

Atone for the motion: Field rating | Recap

Have the Patriots discovered their new working again snap distribution? One week after Rhamondre Stevenson misplaced two fumbles and backup Antonio Gibson misplaced one, the Patriots altered the snaps performed by working backs by lessening Stevenson’s workload with extra of a good break up. At halftime, Stevenson nonetheless led the best way with 11 snaps, adopted carefully by TreVeyon Henderson’s 10 and Gibson’s 5. The Patriots held a 28-6 lead at that time. Patriots working backs didn’t lose any fumbles this week, which may foreshadow an analogous strategy with snaps transferring ahead.

Turning level: Cornerback Marcus Jones’ 87-yard punt return for a landing within the first quarter modified the whole lot. The Patriots had one other gradual begin on protection by giving up an early landing, then went three-and-out on offense; that left no vitality in Gillette Stadium. Jones’ catch was spectacular, as he broke an preliminary deal with, took off up the left facet after which reduce within the center to cap it off. His 167 punt return yards are probably the most by a Patriots participant in a sport in franchise historical past. — Mike Reiss

Subsequent sport: at Payments (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)

What occurred to the chemistry between QB Bryce Younger and WR Tetairoa McMillan? They’d an virtually magical chemistry all offseason and thru Week 2. Nevertheless it has been off since. Earlier than this sport grew to become embarrassing, Younger missed an open McMillan down the left facet. And he later missed the rookie with room to run down the appropriate facet. McMillan had three catches for 40 yards earlier than Andy Dalton changed Younger. The offense wants that magic to maintain tempo.

Most shocking efficiency: Carolina’s particular groups unit. First, there was a missed PAT. Then, an 87-yard punt return allowed for a landing. Then, a badly missed 55-yard FG try. Then, a 61-yard punt return that nearly went for a landing. The particular groups group that was spectacular in final week’s 30-0 victory have been dreadful Sunday. — David Newton

Subsequent sport: vs. Dolphins (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Atone for the motion: Field rating | Recap

Was this the actual Falcons offense all alongside? Operating again Bijan Robinson had a career-high 181 yards from scrimmage. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. threw his first landing passes this season to a large receiver (Drake London) and tight finish (Kyle Pitts Sr.). Even working again Tyler Allgeier received in on the motion with a speeding landing. After being shut out by the Panthers final week, firing extensive receivers coach Ike Hilliard and transferring offensive coordinator Zac Robinson right down to the sector, the Falcons got here out firing in an encouraging win.

What to make of the QB efficiency: Penix hit London in stride on a deep shot within the second quarter that went for 43 yards, the longest move play to a large receiver of the season for the Falcons. That’s the type of throw and efficiency — greater than 300 yards passing — Atlanta anticipated out of Penix when it drafted him at No. 8 in 2024. — Marc Raimondi

Subsequent sport: vs. Payments (Oct. 13, 7:15 p.m. ET)

Was this only a unhealthy sport by the protection, or motive to be involved? With the offense banged up, the Commanders wanted their protection to play properly. As a substitute, the Falcons gained 15 or extra yards on 10 performs and had a season-high 436 yards general. Washington’s protection continues to have points when groups use movement, resulting in confusion and a free goal. The issue is the large performs have been allowed all season. Washington’s inconsistency towards the move — it had allowed 20 move performs of 15 yards or extra, tied for twenty seventh coming into the sport — would be the crew’s undoing if that doesn’t get mounted.

What to make of the QB efficiency: The Commanders lack explosion minus quarterback Jayden Daniels and injured receivers Terry McLaurin and Noah Brown. The consequence was backup quarterback Marcus Mariota’s most pedestrian outing since signing with Washington forward of final season. He threw for 156 yards and had one ill-advised deep ball picked off, however did handle a complete of two touchdowns. Had Washington’s protection helped Sunday, that may have been ok. There may be hope that Daniels will return for Week 5, but it surely stays to be seen if McLaurin and Brown will do the identical. — John Keim

Subsequent sport: at Chargers (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)

Atone for the motion: Field rating | Recap

Is that this model of the Steelers’ protection right here to remain? The Steelers’ protection put collectively its greatest exhibiting of the season, amassing six sacks and 10 tackles for loss towards QB Carson Wentz. The return of S DeShon Elliott was essential in thwarting RB Jordan Mason and the speeding assault, and Elliott additionally got here up with a giant second-quarter interception. LB T.J. Watt dramatically affected the sport, too, with a third-quarter interception when he deflected the ball on the line of scrimmage and grabbed it out of the air. Even DT Keeanu Benton, who had a troublesome begin to the season, received two sacks. Huge performs nonetheless got here again to chew the protection late, as Jordan Addison’s 81-yard catch-and-run arrange Jalen Nailor’s late fourth-quarter landing.

Most shocking efficiency: With beginning working again Jaylen Warren a shock inactive with a knee harm, the already woeful Steelers’ run sport appeared lifeless on arrival at Croke Park. However veteran Kenneth Gainwell shortly revived it with two touchdowns, averaging 5.2 yards on 19 carries for 99 yards to go along with six catches for 35 yards. The Steelers additionally used OL Spencer Anderson and TE Darnell Washington as additional blockers to assist unlock the run sport. — Brooke Pryor

Subsequent sport: at Browns (Oct. 12, 1 p.m. ET)

The place does the Vikings’ offense go from right here? The Vikings confirmed some life with two fourth-quarter touchdowns, however by the tip of Sunday’s sport, they have been taking part in with extra backup offensive linemen (three) than starters (two). And their outcomes mirrored it, with Wentz taking six sacks and dealing with strain for many of the sport. From a personnel perspective, there aren’t many reinforcements on the best way. QB J.J. McCarthy (ankle) has missed two consecutive weeks of observe, making his return in Week 4 a protracted shot. Left guard Donovan Jackson (wrist) goes to overlook no less than yet another sport, and it’s tough to undertaking both proper deal with Brian O’Neill (knee) or heart Ryan Kelly (concussion) to be prepared.

What to make of the QB efficiency: It was onerous to not evaluate the Vikings’ struggling offense with the Steelers’ offense, quarterbacked by Aaron Rodgers, whom the Vikings determined towards signing through the offseason. Rodgers’ almost excellent afternoon (18-of-22, 200 yards) got here totally on the type of timing-based, quick-pass offense that will work properly for a crew just like the Vikings, who’ve safety points. As a substitute, the Vikings have been left with Wentz, whom the Vikings signed final month as a backup for McCarthy. — Kevin Seifert

Subsequent sport: vs. Browns in Dublin, Eire (Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET)

Atone for the motion: Field rating | Recap

The place does Jaxon Smith-Njigba rank among the many greatest receivers in soccer? Smith-Njigba received off to one of the best three-game begin in franchise historical past with 323 receiving yards — second most within the NFL this season to that time. It took him some time to get going towards Arizona on Thursday, however he completed with 4 catches for 79 yards, together with a 22-yarder that arrange the Seahawk’s successful area objective. Smith-Njigba, who additionally rushed for 11 speeding, was Seattle’s greatest receiver final season, even with DK Metcalf nonetheless within the fold. Now, Smith-Njigba has a case to be among the many greatest in soccer.

What to make of the QB efficiency: Sam Darnold has been getting it accomplished along with his arm and his legs. On this contest, his poise on key drives was an element, as properly. Along with the throw to Smith-Njigba that arrange the successful kick, Darnold (18-of-26, 242 yards, one TD) threw a dime to his No. 1 receiver on the earlier drive for 36 yards. Late within the first half, Darnold scrambled and hit rookie tight finish Elijah Arroyo for 32 yards; on the subsequent play, he discovered an open swath of turf and ran for twenty-four yards. That drive ended with a landing that put Seattle up 14-3 at halftime. — Brady Henderson

Subsequent sport: vs. Buccaneers (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)

How do the Cardinals repair their offense? It received’t be straightforward or fast, however the Cardinals want to handle a couple of points to their offense: the right way to get your complete scheme and key gamers in a rhythm early; the right way to cut back the variety of performs which are losses, no achieve or beneficial properties of a yard or two; and the right way to full “received to have it” performs on third down and within the purple zone. If they will enhance in these three areas, Arizona’s offense will look extra just like the one which scored two touchdowns within the fourth quarter towards Seattle.

What to make of the QB efficiency: Kyler Murray did what he may with what he had out there to him, ending along with his lowest adjusted QBR this season (27.8). Each of his interceptions have been on throws to Marvin Harrison Jr., and the extensive receiver was possible extra at fault for every of them. Nonetheless, after going 1-of-5 when focusing on Harrison within the first half, the duo was 5-of-5 for 58 yards and a landing within the second half. Murray completed 27-of-41 passing for 200 yards. — Josh Weinfuss

Subsequent sport: vs. Titans (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)

The most recent AP ballot is out.

It was a troublesome week for ranked groups. 4 groups in final week’s high 10 — the Georgia Bulldogs, LSU Tigers, Penn State Nittany Lions and the Florida State Seminoles all misplaced.

The Ole Miss Rebels knocked off LSU to leap into the highest 5 of the rankings. Rebels QB Trinidad Chambliss had 385 whole yards and a rating, and the Tigers struggled on each side of the ball. They failed to attain 20 factors for the third time prior to now 5 video games. The LSU protection allowed 480 yards. The Tigers have allowed 944 whole yards of their previous two video games towards the Rebels.

Elsewhere, the Indiana Hoosiers, Texas A&M Aggies, Tennessee Volunteers and Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets all acquired slim wins.

What does all of it imply for the AP Prime 25? Let’s break down the rankings.

Stats courtesy of ESPN Analysis.

All instances Jap

Earlier rating: 1

2025 report: 4-0

Week 5 consequence: Defeated Washington 24-6

Stat to know: Ohio State has held its opponent beneath 10 factors in every of the primary 4 video games of a season for the primary time since 1973.

What’s subsequent: Saturday vs. Minnesota, 7:30 p.m., NBC

Earlier rating: 6

2025 report: 5-0

Week 5 consequence: Defeated Penn State 30-24

Stat to know: First highway win towards an AP Prime-5 group since 2021 at Ohio State.

What’s subsequent: Oct. 11 vs. Indiana

Earlier rating: 2

2025 report: 4-0

Week 5 consequence: Idle

What’s subsequent: Saturday at Florida State, 7:30 p.m., ABC

Earlier rating: 13

2025 report: 5-0

Week 5 consequence: Defeated LSU 24-19

Stat to know: QB Trinidad Chambliss is the primary SEC participant with 300 passing yards and 50 dashing yards in three straight video games prior to now 30 years.

What’s subsequent: Oct. 11 vs. Washington State, 12:45 p.m., SEC Community

Earlier rating: 7

2025 report: 4-0

Week 5 consequence: Idle

What’s subsequent: Saturday vs. Kent State, 4 p.m., SEC Community

Earlier rating: 9

2025 report: 4-0

Week 5 consequence: Defeated Auburn 16-10

Stat to know: Texas A&M is 4-0 to start out a season for the primary time since 2016 (began 6-0).

What’s subsequent: Saturday vs. Mississippi State, 7:30 p.m., SEC Community

Earlier rating: 3

2025 report: 3-1

Week 5 consequence: Misplaced to Oregon 30-24

Stat to know: Penn State’s six-game win streak in White Out video games was snapped within the loss to Oregon.

What’s subsequent: Saturday at UCLA, 3:30 p.m., CBS

Earlier rating: 11

2025 report: 5-0

Week 5 consequence: Defeated Iowa 20-15

Stat to know: Indiana has began 5-0 in consecutive seasons. Earlier than this present run, the Hoosiers began 5-0 solely twice in program historical past (1967, 1910).

What’s subsequent: Oct. 11 at Oregon

Earlier rating: 10

2025 report: 3-1

Week 5 consequence: Idle

What’s subsequent: Saturday at Florida, 3:30 p.m.

Earlier rating: 17

2025 report: 3-1

Week 5 consequence: Defeated Georgia 21-24

Stat to know: Alabama has gained 10 of its final 11 video games towards Georgia.

What’s subsequent: Saturday vs. Vanderbilt, 3:30 p.m.

Earlier rating: 12

2025 report: 4-0

Week 5 consequence: Idle

What’s subsequent: Saturday at Houston, 7 p.m., ESPN

Earlier rating: 5

2025 report: 3-1

Week 5 consequence: Misplaced to Alabama 24-21

Stat to know: The loss to Alabama was Georgia’s first dwelling loss since 2019.

What’s subsequent: Saturday vs. Kentucky, midday, ABC

Earlier rating: 4

2025 report: 4-1

Week 5 consequence: Misplaced to Ole Miss 24-19

Stat to know: LSU has allowed 450 or extra whole yards 3 times prior to now two years. Two of these got here towards Ole Miss.

What’s subsequent: Oct. 11 vs. South Carolina

Earlier rating: 14

2025 report: 4-0

Week 5 consequence: Defeated Arizona 39-14

Stat to know: Iowa State is the primary Massive 12 program to start out 5-0 in consecutive seasons since Oklahoma State in 2021.

What’s subsequent: Saturday at Cincinnati, midday, ESPN2

Earlier rating: 15

2025 report: 4-1

Week 5 consequence: Defeated Mississippi State 41-34 (OT)

Stat to know: Tennessee has by no means misplaced a number of extra time video games in the identical season.

What’s subsequent: Oct. 11 vs. Arkansas

Earlier rating: 18

2025 report: 5-0

Week 5 consequence: Defeated Utah State 55-35

Stat to know: Vanderbilt has scored 50 or extra factors in consecutive video games for the primary time since 1915.

What’s subsequent: Saturday at Alabama, 3:30 p.m., ABC

Earlier rating: 16

2025 report: 5-0

Week 5 consequence: Defeated Wake Forest 30-29 (OT)

Stat to know: Within the win, Haynes King recorded his thirteenth recreation with a passing and dashing rating, probably the most by a Georgia Tech participant over the previous 20 years.

What’s subsequent: Oct. 11 vs. Virginia Tech

Earlier rating: 8

2025 report: 3-1

Week 5 consequence: Misplaced to Virginia 46-38 (2OT)

Stat to know: Within the loss, Randy Pittman Jr. joined Clemson’s C.J. Spiller as the one non-QBs within the ACC prior to now 20 years with a passing, dashing and receiving rating in the identical recreation.

What’s subsequent: Saturday vs. Miami, 7:30 p.m., ABC

Earlier rating: 20

2025 report: 5-0

Week 5 consequence: Defeated UMass 42-6

Stat to know: Mizzou is 5-0 for the second time within the final 12 seasons

What’s subsequent: Oct. 11 vs. Alabama, midday

Earlier rating: 19

2025 report: 3-1

Week 5 consequence: Idle

What’s subsequent: Saturday vs. Wisconsin, midday, Fox

Earlier rating: 22

2025 report: 2-2

Week 5 consequence: Defeated Arkansas 56-13

Stat to know: The 56 factors had been probably the most scored by Notre Dame towards an SEC opponent since scoring 59 towards Tulane in 1947.

What’s subsequent: Saturday vs. Boise State, 3:30 p.m., NBC

Earlier rating: 23

2025 report: 4-1

Week 5 consequence: Defeated USC 34-32

Stat to know: QB Luke Altmyer is the primary Illinois participant to have a passing, dashing and receiving landing in the identical recreation since Kurt Kittner did it in 1999.

What’s subsequent: Saturday at Purdue, midday, Massive Ten Community

Earlier rating: 25

2025 report: 4-0

Week 5 consequence: Defeated Colorado 24-21

Stat to know: BYU has began 4-0 in consecutive seasons and for the fourth time in 10 seasons beneath Kalani Sitake.

What’s subsequent: Friday vs. West Virginia, 10:30 p.m., ESPN

Earlier rating: NR

2025 report: 4-1

Week 5 consequence: Defeated Florida State 46-38 (2OT)

Stat to know: Virginia’s 46 factors had been its most ever towards an AP Prime-10 group.

What’s subsequent: Saturday at Louisville, 3:30 p.m., ESPN2

Earlier rating: NR

2025 report: 4-1

Week 5 consequence: Defeated TCU 27-24

Stat to know: Arizona State has gained 9 straight at dwelling.

What’s subsequent: October 11 at Utah

Workforce USA should make a historic comeback to win the 2025 Ryder Cup.

The 12-5 deficit to Workforce Europe is the biggest going into the ultimate day since 1979. No crew has rallied on Sunday from something higher than a four-point deficit.

Right here is the schedule for the Sunday singles matchups:

12:02 p.m.: Cameron Younger vs. Justin Rose
12:13 p.m.: Justin Thomas vs. Tommy Fleetwood
12:24 p.m.: Bryson DeChambeau vs. Matt Fitzpatrick
12:35 p.m.: Scottie Scheffler vs. Rory McIlroy
12:46 p.m.: Patrick Cantlay vs. Ludvig Åberg
12:57 p.m.: Xander Schauffele vs. Jon Rahm
1:08 p.m.: J.J. Spaun vs. Sepp Straka
1:19 p.m.: Russell Henley vs. Shane Lowry
1:30 p.m.: Ben Griffin vs. Rasmus Hojgaard
1:41 p.m.: Collin Morikawa vs. Tyrrell Hatton
1:52 p.m.: Sam Burns vs. Robert MacIntyre
* there are solely 11 matches as a result of Viktor Hovland needed to withdraw with a neck damage His match with Harris English was halved.

Can Workforce USA pull off the best comeback in Ryder Cup historical past? Take a look at a few of the finest moments from Sunday.

A grasp of ceremonies has stepped down from her position on the Ryder Cup after becoming a member of the Bethpage Black crowd in directing expletive-laced chants towards Rory McIlroy.

In an announcement launched Sunday morning, the PGA of America introduced that American comic and actress Heather McMahan won’t return to emcee on the first tee at Bethpage Black.

“Heather McMahan has prolonged an apology to Rory McIlroy and Ryder Cup Europe and has stepped down from internet hosting the primary tee of the Ryder Cup,” mentioned the PGA of America, which runs the occasion.

Video footage taken Saturday morning appeared to point out McMahan riling up followers on the first tee by shouting, “F— you, Rory,” into the microphone.

European golfers, who’ve dominated the primary two days of the competitors, have been heckled repeatedly by the rowdy Bethpage Black crowd Saturday — and McIlroy caught the brunt of the abuse.

Throughout morning foursome play, McIlroy informed spectators to “shut the f— up,” after being yelled at whereas lining as much as hit a shot. The reigning Masters champion additionally needed to again off his ball a number of instances on the fourth inexperienced throughout afternoon four-ball play due to yelling followers.

“I don’t thoughts them having a go at us,” McIlroy mentioned after his morning match. “Like, that’s to be anticipated. I imply, that’s what an away Ryder Cup is. Each time they’re nonetheless doing it if you are over the ball and attempting to hit your shot, that’s the powerful factor.”

Followers heckled McIlroy over his earlier main losses at Pinehurst, shouted that his Masters win this yr was “a fluke” and took photographs at his private life and marriage.

“Look, whenever you play an away Ryder Cup, it’s actually, actually difficult,” McIlroy mentioned. “It’s not for me to say. Individuals will be their very own decide on in the event that they [took] it too far or not.”

By the ninth gap Saturday afternoon, practically 20 New York State Police troopers lined the ropes because the gamers teed off. Some Bethpage State Park Law enforcement officials on bikes monitored the galleries.

New York State police spokesman Beau Duffy mentioned two followers have been ejected. The PGA of America mentioned it added safety to the McIlroy match and the opposite three. It additionally posted a message on the massive videoboards on “Spectator Etiquette.”

McIlroy and the Europeans enter Sunday with a seven-point lead, the biggest within the historical past of the Ryder Cup’s fashionable format.

ESPN’s Paolo Uggetti and The Related Press contributed to this report.