Jedd Fisch brushes off Michigan talk, focuses on Washington's showdown with Boise State in LA Bowl By GREG BEACHAM AP Sports Writer The Associated Press INGLEWOOD, Calif.
INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Jedd Fisch says he was fully focused on finishing the Washington Huskies' season with style at the LA Bowl against Boise State before Sherrone Moore's stunning downfall at Michigan threw Fisch's name back into the college football rumor mill.
The former Wolverines assistant coach insists he still isn't thinking about anything but the Huskies' (8-4) difficult matchup with the Broncos (9-4) when these respected programs kick off the bowl season with an interesting matchup Saturday night at palatial SoFi Stadium.
“We haven’t spent any time focused in on what people are saying in the outside noise regarding me or other coaches on our staff,” Fisch said Friday. “We know that’s the world we’re in right now. We know our players are being talked about or talked to from other teams, and we really just have to stay focused on the task at hand, which is a great game tomorrow. ... It’s not a distraction that I’m talking about (with the team).”
Fisch spent two seasons at Michigan as Jim Harbaugh's quarterbacks coach and receivers coach from 2015-16, and he is well-regarded in Ann Arbor. Fisch was also listed last month as a potential candidate at Florida , the alma mater of this Steve Spurrier disciple.
Fisch stuck with the Huskies, and he flatly stated Friday that he expects to remain in Seattle past the LA Bowl.
Fisch isn't the only one with a perceived murkiness about his future: The bowl that began in 2021 as the namesake of talk show host Jimmy Kimmel has made no public comment about reports earlier this week that the game will be scrapped after this edition, becoming the latest casualty of the disappearing pre-Christmas bowl calendar.
Rob Gronkowski, the tight end-turned-media personality who has served as the bowl's host for the past three years, acknowledged the uncertainty when asked.
“Yeah, this might be the last year of this game,” Gronkowski said. “But it might be extended. We don’t know.”
Big-time matchup
There's nothing minor about this meeting between the sturdy Huskies program and the three-time Mountain West champion Broncos, who have remained a small-market powerhouse under coach Spencer Danielson. Both offenses were particularly potent down the stretch, suggesting a possible bowl shootout.
Demond Williams Jr. passed for 2,850 yards and 21 touchdowns in his second season at Washington, while Maddux Madsen threw for 2,283 yards and 18 touchdowns in another solid year for the Broncos, who redefined themselves offensively after Ashton Jeanty's departure.
Recent successes
Both schools are looking for a win at SoFi to act as a springboard to send them back to their recent heights.
Michael Penix Jr.'s Washington reached the College Football Playoff championship game two seasons ago by winning the Pac-12 title and the Sugar Bowl before Fisch took over from Kalen DeBoer. Jeanty's Boise State won the Mountain West and reached the Playoff last season , losing the Fiesta Bowl quarterfinal.
Back in Inglewood
Danielson's first official game as Boise State's head coach was the 2023 LA Bowl. He got the job on an interim basis a month earlier when Andy Avalos was fired, and he received the full-time appointment a week before the Broncos lost to UCLA.
“Walking into SoFi today, you were flooded with a lot of emotions from two years ago,” said Danielson, a Southern California native. "(I was) just figuring a lot of stuff out, but I think even here, two years later, I'm learning and growing every single day. ...
Everybody in
Both schools will have almost their full rosters available, a rarity in the modern age of mid-tier bowl ambivalence from NFL prospects.
Boise State left tackle Kage Casey, a three-year starter and all-conference lineman, is skipping the game to stay healthy for the draft, but nobody else on either roster is reported to be out by the coaches.
Showcase bowl
Both of these teams rely heavily on Southern California players to fill out their rosters, with Danielson estimating nearly 50% of his group is from the sunnier end of the Golden State. The coaching staffs can't talk to potential recruits at this game, but both head coaches expressed hope that young players will converge on the game to check out these programs in an NFL stadium.
“It'll be really cool for recruits to come watch and see us play a big-time game on the West Coast,” Danielson said.
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AP college football: https://apnews.com/college-football
John Mackey Award Winners By The Associated Press The Associated Press
(Outstanding Tight End)
2000 — Tim Stratton, Purdue
2001 — Daniel Graham, Colorado
2002 — Dallas Clark, Iowa
2003 — Kellen Winslow II, Miami
2004 — Heath Miller, Virginia
2005 — Marcedes Lewis, UCLA
2006 — Matt Spaeth , Minnesota
2007 — Fred Davis, Southern Cal
2008 — Chase Coffman, Missouri
2009 — Aaron Hernandez, Florida
2010 — D. J. Williams, Arkansas
2011 — Dwayne Allen, Clemson
2012 — Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame
2013 — Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Washington
2014 — Nick O’Leary, Florida State
2015 — Hunter Henry, Arkansas
2016 — Jake Butt, Michigan
2017 — Mark Andrews, Oklahoma
2018 — T.J. Hockenson, Iowa
2019 — Harrison Bryant, Florida Atlantic
2020 — Kyle Pitts, Florida
2021 — Trey McBride, Colorado State
2022 — Brock Bowers, Georgia
2023 — Brock Bowers, Georgia
2024 — Tyler Warren, Penn State
2025 — Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt
Stafford's Rams host Goff's Lions in another high-stakes meeting nearly 5 years after win-win trade By GREG BEACHAM AP Sports Writer The Associated Press INGLEWOOD, Calif.
INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Nearly five years after the Los Angeles Rams blindsided Jared Goff by trading him to Detroit for Matthew Stafford, practically all parties involved in the blockbuster deal are thriving on the field and seemingly content about their fate.
That's a rarity in big NFL trades, particularly one as disruptive as the deal in which Sean McVay aggressively dumped his starting quarterback with none of the sophistication that usually characterizes McVay's player relationships.
McVay still thinks back on the deal as a cautionary tale for him — albeit one that also got him a Super Bowl ring.
“I had a lot of growing up to do back when that thing went down,” McVay said this week. “There were a lot of great memories and a lot of really good ball that he did here that I’ll always cherish. I’m truly happy for him. He’s married and has a beautiful little girl now. It’s awesome to see. I think I’m reminded of those things, and then you’re also reminded of when you need to be able to grow up and handle things a little bit better. I’ll never run away from that. What I’m grateful for and appreciative of is that he’s got such grace towards me and understanding. I’m happy for Jared.”
And though he didn't say it this week while he prepares the Rams (10-3) to host the Lions (8-5) on Sunday in a meeting of NFC powers, it's quite clear McVay would make that trade again — just with more tact.
Stafford led Los Angeles to a championship in his first season. Now 37, the quarterback is a strong contender for the MVP award during a standout season with receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, who is having so much fun that he has semi-jokingly tied his own retirement to Stafford's annual decision.
While Stafford and his wife still do charity work in Detroit, his ties to the Lions have inevitably faded over time.
“I have a ton of respect for them, (but) when I flip the tape on, I don’t think about all the guys that I used to play with, because hardly any of them are still playing on the team,” Stafford said.
Goff has been an above-average quarterback for the Lions, and Detroit's best stretch of success since winning the 1957 NFL title is rooted in the assets acquired in that deal with the Rams. Goff came along with a package of draft picks that helped Detroit to acquire several players, including offensive standouts Jahmyr Gibbs, Jameson Williams and Sam LaPorta.
“I know it feels like a win for us, and I’m sure they do too,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said.
Goff and Stafford spoke admiringly of each other this week, saying they occasionally watch game video of each other in the course of preparations for their next opponents. While Stafford is in MVP conversations with his 3,534 yards passing alongside 35 TD throws and just four interceptions, Goff has a higher completion percentage and more yards per attempt.
Goff says he's over the sting of the trade, and the Rams seem more like just another opponent. The playoff stakes in the latest meeting are enough to focus his attention.
“We played them in that playoff game (in January 2024, and it) was such a big deal,” Goff said. "The next year, played them again and that felt like even less. So now it’s even further removed. They’re a really good team and we’ll have our hands full.”
Familiar foes
The Rams and Lions are facing each other for the fourth time in five seasons since the trade, thanks to NFL scheduling quirks and the playoff matchup two seasons ago. These two historic NFL teams haven’t faced each other this frequently since meeting in four straight seasons from 1980-83.
Help wanted
Detroit's secondary has been hit hard by injuries, most recently losing hard-hitting cover safety Brian Branch with a torn Achilles tendon. Cornerback Terrion Arnold is on injured reserve and All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph has been out for two months with a knee injury. Safety Thomas Harper, who has filled in for Joseph, incurred a concussion in last week's win against Dallas.
The Lions signed 32-year-old defensive backs Arthur Maulet and Damontae Kazee to the roster and practice squad earlier this week to add desperately needed depth.
Best on best
Two of the NFL’s top four offenses are meeting at SoFi Stadium. Detroit is leading the NFL in points despite significant injury setbacks, while Los Angeles has scored more than 20 points in 11 of its last 12 games. Gibbs is a dual-threat nightmare, while the Rams’ passing game has been one of the league’s most effective.
Dual-threat back
Defenses are set up to slow down Gibbs in the running game, so the Lions are getting the dynamic running back the ball in the passing game.
Gibbs caught all seven passes thrown his way for 77 yards and a touchdown against the Cowboys. Last month, he had a career-high 11 receptions against the New York Giants and a career-high 107 yards receiving at Philadelphia.
He has joined LaDainian Tomlinson (2006) and Priest Holmes (2002) as players in league history with at least 500 yards rushing, seven touchdown on the ground, 275 yards receiving and two touchdowns through the air in a five-game stretch.
The third-year pro is the seventh NFL player — and first since former Rams running back Todd Gurley — to have 1,500 yards from scrimmage, 13 rushing touchdowns and three receiving scores through the first 13 games of a season.
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AP Sports Writer Larry Lage in Detroit contributed to this report.
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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL
Cowboys' CeeDee Lamb set to return 10 days after concussion without missing a game By SCHUYLER DIXON AP Pro Football Writer The Associated Press FRISCO, Texas
FRISCO, Texas (AP) — CeeDee Lamb appears set to return from a concussion without missing a game for the Dallas Cowboys, who will play Minnesota at home 10 days after their star receiver exited a loss in Detroit .
Lamb was a full practice participant and talked to reporters Thursday, two strong signs he will be on the field Sunday night without missing a game as the Cowboys (6-6-1) try to keep their playoff hopes alive. Dallas trails Philadelphia by 1 1/2 games with four to play in the NFC East, while the Vikings (5-8) are on the verge of postseason elimination.
The 2023 All-Pro said he was still technically in concussion protocol.
“It’s been a lot of like eye work and eye discipline and trying to, I guess, frustrate myself essentially to see if I have any more residuals of the concussion,” Lamb said. “And I haven’t had any type of symptoms. As for me now, it’s been heavy on rest, to be honest. Doing everything, me knowing my requirements, kind of getting ahead of everything, especially with the extra 2-3 days that we had off. I feel like that was big.”
Lamb was injured in the second half of a 44-30 loss to the Lions on Dec. 4 when his helmet hit the turf hard out of bounds on his attempt at a leaping catch in the end zone.
The 26-year-old appeared to experience the unnatural extension of the forearms and fingers, a neurological reaction in the seconds after head trauma known as the fencing response. Quarterback Dak Prescott rushed to his side, and owner Jerry Jones said on his radio show a day later that the scene of the prone Lamb scared him.
The prospect of Lamb returning so quickly doesn't bother Prescott.
“Zero concern,” the quarterback said. “Obviously there was some urgency to get him help then, but then actually when I got over there, he was almost right back to it. I was like, ‘You good?’ He’s like, ‘Yeah.’ He was back at it Monday, doing light stuff and working out. From there, I was positive in the way that he would respond, and he’s been great.”
Lamb says football players can't worry about when they're going to get hurt again, even in the case of head injuries.
“You have to go out there first and play your game and don’t really think too much on it,” Lamb said. “I’ve been hurt a couple times, and I don’t dwell on it. I hit my head a couple of times. I don’t dwell on it. You have to move on. It’s a part of the game. That’s why playing football is very important, and that’s why taking care of your body is even more important.”
Lamb already had six catches for 121 yards when he exited the Detroit game. He has recorded at least 100 yards receiving in five of nine games, excluding a loss to Chicago when he sprained an ankle the first time he touched the ball. That injury sidelined Lamb for three games.
Lamb said he remembered everything from the moment his helmet hit the turf — and couldn't help but see the replay because it was “all over my phone.”
“It was a surreal moment for me and myself and really just a quick experience,” said Lamb, who showed frustration on the sideline that he wouldn't be allowed to return. “It was an opportunity for me to grow up. It was an opportunity for me that this game could be taken away from me at any given time.”
Broncos are underdogs at home against Packers despite 10-game win streak By ARNIE STAPLETON AP Pro Football Writer The Associated Press DENVER
DENVER (AP) — For the first time in a decade, Denver Broncos (11-2) stand atop the AFC playoff race heading into the holidays. They're the league's only unbeaten team at home. They've won 10 consecutive games and they've saddled their last 11 visitors with a loss going back 14 months.
And they are 2 1/2-point underdogs at home to the Green Bay Packers (9-3-1) on Sunday, according to BetMGM Sportsbook.
It's the NFL’s Week 15 marquee matchup, a tussle featuring Micah Parsons and Nik Bonitto, Jordan Love and Bo Nix, and pitting teams with obdurate defenses and opportunistic offenses that could very well serve as a Super Bowl appetizer.
Oddsmakers, though, have joined the legions of NFL fans who view the Broncos' longest winning streak in the post-Peyton Manning era with equal doses of criticism and skepticism.
“I love it. It fuels me, honestly,” Bonitto said. “I like when people doubt us. They can stay on that side. We'll go out and prove what we've got to prove.”
Just like they've been doing ever since their last-second loss at the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 3, which followed a walk-off loss at Indianapolis. Since then, the Broncos have set an NFL record with nine consecutive comebacks, a streak that ended last week with a comfortable win at Las Vegas, and tied another mark with four straight wins by a field goal or less.
The Broncos have grown accustomed to all the doubters who view their pile of close victories with more suspicion than admiration and who keep suggesting their live-on-the-edge habits don't make for a sustainable winning recipe.
“Personally, I couldn't care less,” All-Pro kick returner Marvin Mims Jr. said. “But I mean some guys feel disrespected by it.”
Bo Nix isn't among those who feel offended by the national suspicion of the Broncos' championship bona fides — or those who install them as home underdogs.
“My mom thinks we’ll win,” the Broncos' second-year quarterback said with a laugh. “So that’s all that matters.”
Watson’s emergence
Packers wide receiver Christian Watson didn’t start playing until Oct. 26 as he returned from a torn ACL, but the 2022 second-round pick still could end up having his best season.
Watson has scored five touchdowns, all in his last four games. He has 25 catches for 452 yards in seven games. The TD total is his highest since his rookie season, when he had nine.
“He’s making plays, it feels like, every time the ball comes his way,” Love said. “I think he keeps elevating and getting better and better.”
Packers facing a streaking team
According to Elias Sports Bureau, this marks the second straight year — and the fourth time ever — that the Packers have faced a team that has won at least 10 straight games with all the victories in the same season. Last season, the Packers lost 34-31 at Detroit for the Lions’ 11th straight victory.
The Packers won their other two times in this situation. They beat Detroit 3-0 on Nov. 25, 1934, and they defeated Seattle 23-17 on Jan. 1, 2006.
The trip to Denver is sandwiched between two games against the rival Chicago Bears. The Packers snapped Chicago’s five-game winning streak with a 28-21 victory at Lambeau Field on Sunday. The Packers face the Bears again on Dec. 20 in Chicago.
“What a great challenge,” coach Matt LaFleur said. “But also, I think there’s great opportunity that goes with that.”
The Broncos also have a challenging stretch run with visits from the Jaguars and Chargers, both 9-4, sandwiched around a Christmas night game at Kansas City, where the Broncos haven't won since 2015.
Premier pass rushers
Sunday’s game features two of the NFL’s most prolific pass rushers in Green Bay’s Parsons and Denver’s Bonitto. They each have 12 1/2 sacks this season, putting them in a tie for third in the league.
Since the NFL started officially tracking sacks in 1982, Parsons is the first player to have at least 12 in each of his first five seasons. Bonitto could join Simon Fletcher as the only Broncos ever to have at least 13 1/2 sacks in back-to-back seasons.
Strength in numbers
It's not just Bonitto the Packers are concerned about. The Broncos lead the league with 55 sacks, putting them on pace for 72, which would tie the NFL record set by the 1984 Bears.
“I think they have a really solid group all around,” Love said. “It’s not just one guy that you can finger-point out, but all around that defense and especially that D-line, you look at it and they got playmakers and guys who are making plays and winning their 1-on-1 matchups. It’s a little bit different than a team that maybe only has one solid edge rusher that you make sure you get chips and lockdown that side.”
And don't forget Denver's stout secondary, led by reigning NFL defensive player of the year Pat Surtain II.
“There’s sometimes you see on film when he’s breaking on things before the receiver’s even breaking,” Love said. “I think it just goes into his film study, his knowledge of the game and his confidence in himself. I think he does a lot of things at a very high level.”
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AP Sports Writers Pat Graham and Steve Megargee contributed to this report.
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Kirk Cousins leads Falcons to 29-28 comeback victory over the reeling Buccaneers By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football Writer The Associated Press TAMPA, Fla.
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Maybe Kirk Cousins should've been starting the entire season.
Cousins threw three touchdown passes to Kyle Pitts Sr. , and Zane Gonzalez kicked a 43-yard field goal as time expired to complete the Atlanta Falcons' rally for a 29-28 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday night.
Facing a third-and-28 on the Falcons' final drive, Cousins completed passes of 14 yards to Pitts and 20 yards on fourth-and-14 to David Sills V to set up Gonzalez.
The Falcons (5-9) overcame a franchise-record 19 penalties and a 28-14 fourth-quarter deficit to damage Tampa Bay's playoff hopes.
Cousins, who lost his starting job to Michael Penix Jr. last year after signing a free-agent deal that included $100 million guaranteed, has owned the Buccaneers since joining the Falcons last season. He's 3-0 against them with 1,158 yards passing, 11 TDs and one pick. He finished this one 30 of 44 for 373 yards.
“Pro Football tests you,” Cousins said. “It keeps me on my knees (in prayer). It’s been a difficult two years since tearing my Achilles. All I know to do is trust and keep going and walk by faith, not by sight, and that can be hard sometimes. Nights like tonight, you get a boost.”
Baker Mayfield threw a crucial interception in the fourth quarter as the Buccaneers (7-7) lost for the fifth time in six games to fall a half-game behind Carolina in the NFC South. The four-time defending division champions face the Panthers (7-6) twice in the final three games.
“This one is gonna haunt me. It falls on my shoulders,” Mayfield said. “It's not the defense's fault. It's my fault.”
Wearing their Creamsicle jerseys on the 48th anniversary of the franchise’s first win — that one came after an 0-26 start — the Buccaneers were booed off the field.
“You don’t make excuses," Bucs coach Todd Bowles said in an expletive-laden reaction. "You got to (bleeping) care enough where the (bleep) hurts. It’s got to (bleeping) mean something to you. It’s more than a job. It’s your (bleeping) livelihood. How well do you know your job? How well can you do your job? You can’t sugarcoat that (bleep).”
After Pitts made a leaping, acrobatic grab for a 7-yard TD with 3:34 remaining to pull the Falcons within 28-26, Cousins was pressured and threw incomplete on the 2-point conversion try.
The Falcons forced the Buccaneers to punt and got the ball at their 30 with no timeouts and 1:49 to go.
Haason Reddick sacked Cousins, forcing a fumble that the Buccaneers grabbed coming out of the pile. But officials ruled it was recovered by both team simultaneously, and the Falcons kept the ball.
Pitts finished with 11 catches for 166 yards, becoming the first tight end with 150 yards receiving and three TDs since Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe did it in 1996.
Mayfield tossed a 6-yard TD pass to Devin Culp, the second-year pro’s first scoring reception in the NFL that made it 20-14.
On the ensuing drive, Sills dropped what should have been a 44-yard TD catch and the Falcons ended up punting.
Bijan Robinson fumbled on Atlanta’s next possession after taking a shot from Christian Izien and Jacob Parrish recovered at the Falcons 25.
Mayfield fired a 3-yard TD pass to Chris Godwin Jr. and the two connected for the 2-point conversion to extend the lead to 28-14.
But Robinson’s 6-yard TD run cut the deficit to 28-20 with under 10 minutes left. After the Falcons missed the 2-point try, Dee Alford picked Mayfield’s pass and Atlanta drove 67 yards for a score.
Mayfield had all of his wide receivers available for the first time this season after six-time Pro Bowl pick Mike Evans and second-year pro Jalen McMillan were activated from injured reserve. Evans broke his clavicle on Oct. 20. McMillan broke three vertebrae in his neck in the preseason.
Evans made an immediate impact, catching six passes for 132 yards and drawing several penalties.
“He's one of the ones that cares,” Bowles said.
Pitts was wide open for his first two TD catches. He caught a 17-yard pass from Cousins to give the Falcons a 14-10 lead under one minute left in the first half.
Cousins tossed an 8-yard TD pass to Pitts to tie it at 7, one play after an offside penalty on cornerback Zyon McCollum during a field goal gave Atlanta a first down.
Cousins beat the Buccaneers twice last year in his first season with Atlanta. He threw for 785 yards, eight touchdowns and only one interception. He had 509 yards passing against them in one of the wins.
Chase’s leg
Tampa Bay's Chase McLaughlin connected on field goals of 52 and 49 yards. He’s 10 for 10 from 50 yards or beyond.
Injuries
Falcons: WR Drake London (knee) was inactive. ... CB Mike Hughes (ankle) left in the first quarter.
Buccaneers: McCollum (hip) left in the first half. ... LG Ben Bredeson (knee) was out after being placed on injured reserve. ... DB Tykee Smith (neck/shoulder), LB SirVocea Dennis (hip), TE Cade Otton (knee) and CB Benjamin Morrison (hamstring) were inactive.
Up next
Falcons: Visit Arizona next Sunday.
Buccaneers: Visit Carolina next Sunday.
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Pitts' performance is most productive by NFL tight end since 1996, helps Falcons beat Bucs By FRED GOODALL Associated Press The Associated Press TAMPA, Fla.
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Catch by catch, Kyle Pitts Sr. put the mistake-prone Atlanta Falcons on his back and carried them to a thrilling comeback victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Thursday night got even better for the fifth-year pro when the former University of Florida star learned his 11-reception, 166-yard, three-touchdown performance that keyed a 29-28 win was the most productive game by an NFL tight end in nearly three decades.
The previous tight end to finish with at least 10 catches, 150 yards receiving and three TDs in a game was Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe in 1996.
The 25-year-old Pitts noted he wasn't even born yet back then.
“Man, I love the state of Florida,” the 6-foot-6, 250-pound Pitts said as he stepped up to the podium in the visiting interview room at Raymond James Stadium.
“It means a lot,” he added about the mention of Sharpe. “It's a great person to be (compared to).”
Kirk Cousins targeted Pitts a team-high 12 times, leaning heavily on the young tight end with leading receiver Drake London out with a knee injury. Pitts scored on receptions of 8, 17 and 7 yards, the latter trimming what had once been a 14-point, fourth-quarter deficit to 28-26 with 3:34 remaining.
His last catch, on third-and-28 from the Atlanta 29, was for 14 yards. Cousins threw 21 yards to David Sills V on fourth-and-14 to set up Zane Gonzalez's 43-yard game-winning field goal as time expired.
“It was the plan, you know, all along. Kyle is our guy,” second-year Falcons coach Raheem Morris said. “You're down a couple of your guys like Drake, some of those guys, and Kyle has really filled in that role and become the lead dog guy. He has done an awesome job.”
The Falcons (5-9) are eliminated from playoff contention, but they relished the opportunity to play spoiler against the division-rival Bucs (7-7), who are trying to win the NFC South for the fifth straight season.
“It's amazing. I mean, we've been having our ups and downs through the year,” Pitts said. “Obviously, it's not fun being eliminated early, but we're resilient. ... It was just pretty fun to get that win.”
The Falcons overcame a team-record 19 penalties for 125 yards. They also withstood a wide-open Sills dropping what would have been a go-ahead TD catch in the third quarter, as well as Bijan Robinson's third-quarter fumble that led to the touchdown that put Tampa Bay up by two scores early in the fourth.
“It's a steppingstone to where we want to go,” Morris said. “We talked about this, building blocks for what we've got to do. What we're talking about is next year. ... Only thing we can do right now is finish.”
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Fernando Mendoza looking to add a historic Heisman Trophy win for Indiana to his college ride By MICHAEL MAROT AP Sports Writer The Associated Press
The first time Fernando Mendoza put his hands on a Heisman Trophy, he did it as a whim on a recruiting trip to Yale.
On Saturday, he'll be on stage for the real deal.
Mendoza enters this weekend having won the Associated Press Player of the Year Award and as the the favorite to win college football's most prestigious individual award. He would be the first winner from Indiana University and the third with Hispanic roots — titles not lost on the once lightly recruited Miami native who started contemplating this storybook ending a few months ago.
“At the beginning of the year, I saw the list of the top 10 Heisman contenders and evidently (my name) wasn't there,” he said. “I was like, ‘Wow, I want to make a goal for myself.' I prayed about, like, if I could make it to the ceremony, how cool that would be. Now that it's come to fruition, I'm able to share that moment with people who appreciate it. It's such a cool moment.”
For Mendoza, his first and likely only season in Bloomington has been filled with memories.
As fans watched him throw winning touchdown passes late in games against Iowa, Oregon and Penn State what he did behind the scenes — forcing bonds with new teammates, embracing family time and savoring all those special celebrations — helped deliver program-changing victories like Saturday's 13-10 victory over No. 1 Ohio State that gave Indiana its first Big Ten title since 1967, a 13-0 mark and the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff.
Along the way, Mendoza cherished his time studying film with his younger brother, Alberto, meeting with coaches and hearing students serenade him with chants of “HeisMendoza.”
The funny thing is Fernando Mendoza never sought the spotlight. He just wanted to win.
"He's just the ultimate professional and a wonderful teammate,” starting center Pat Coogan said. “He prepares like no one I've ever seen. He works his butt off like no one I've ever seen. He's just an awesome locker room guy on top of that.”
Head of the class
When Mendoza entered the transfer portal last winter, he could have gone essentially anywhere. He chose Indiana because he knew coach Curt Cignetti would push him hard to improve.
Mendoza knew of Cignetti's reputation for developing quarterbacks.
At North Carolina State, Cignetti worked with Pro Football Hall of Fame semifinalist Philip Rivers and helped recruit Super Bowl champ Russell Wilson. Then as Cignetti guided the most successful transition from the Football Championship Subdivision to the Football Bowl Subdivision he helped three quarterbacks win conference player of the year awards in five seasons.
Last year, his first at Indiana, Cignetti brought in 2023 Mid-American Conference Player of the Year Kurtis Rourke, who led the Hoosiers to a school record 11 victories and their first playoff bid while earning second-team all-Big Ten honors. Rourke finished ninth in the Heisman voting.
When Cignetti did his homework on Mendoza, he saw something different from the late-bloomer.
“Being the film junkie I am, and making all the different cutups, occasionally I’d see plays from Fernando at Cal," Cignetti said. "When he went in the portal, obviously we watched a lot of game tape on him and just really liked his stuff — the quick release, the arm, the mobility. He’s a great person. He really prepares. He’s really smart, and he’s developed quite a bit since he’s been here.”
Mendoza's mobility might not have been as evident in 2024 when he was sacked 41 times.
But Cignetti embraced taking a two-year starter from a Power Four school with a rich tradition of producing quarterbacks. He was impressed by Mendoza's crafty work ethic, selfless leadership style and his inspirational journey from grandson of Cuban immigrants to one of America's best college quarterbacks all while watching his mother battle multiple sclerosis.
The adversity has helped Mendoza maintain a positive approach with the kind of real-life perspective rarely found in a 22-year-old with the spotlight shining so brightly on him.
“I've been lucky enough to have such a great team that I've always been in a good position to win games," Mendoza said. “That's what's helped elevate me to the position I'll be in Saturday night.”
Heismendoza
It didn't take Mendoza long to win the hearts of Hoosiers fans, who have waited decades to cheer a legitimate Heisman contender.
The last time was 2001 when quarterback Antwaan Randle El finished sixth in the voting. The best finish by an Indiana player was 1989 when running back Anthony Thompson finished second.
But Mendoza didn't impress immediately. His breakout game came in Week 4, a rout over then-No. 8 Illinois when he threw five TD passes for the second straight week. Suddenly, to his surprise, friends began touting him as a Heisman contender.
One week later, at Iowa, he beat a blitz to find Elijah Sarratt for a 49-yard touchdown with 88 seconds to go. But the play that showed his teammates what Mendoza was all about came when he took a big hit on a run out of bounds that ignited a sideline shoving match.
“I told him we had his back. I said ‘Go out there and just sling it, we have all the confidence in the world in you,’” linebacker Aiden Fisher said. “That dude's got some confidence, too. He's got some swagger. He looked at me and said, ‘I got us. don’t even worry about it.'"
He showed his resilience again at No. 3 Oregon with a tiebreaking 8-yard TD pass to Sarratt after throwing the Pick-6 that tied the score at 20. He did it again in the final minute at Penn State and again in the third quarter against the Buckeyes, putting him here on the cusp of hoisting his own Heisman Trophy.
"The (other finalists) are fantastic players. I think everybody, when you're a finalist, you've got to prepare a speech because anything could happen," Mendoza said before discussing the Heisman being a goal. “I thought of it, but it was a little bit more of a dream and a long-range goal or a goal you reach a little farther than you think you could reach.”
It could be right in his hands Saturday night.
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Undrafted rookie quarterback Brady Cook to make first NFL start for Jets against Jaguars By DENNIS WASZAK Jr. AP Pro Football Writer The Associated Press FLORHAM PARK, N.J.
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Brady Cook is going from undrafted rookie to NFL starting quarterback this week.
New York Jets coach Aaron Glenn announced Friday that Cook will make his first regular-season start Sunday against the Jaguars in Jacksonville.
Cook took the snaps with the starters this week and coach Aaron Glenn said on Friday that Tyrod Taylor and Justin Fields were ruled out for the game. Neither practiced during the week while dealing with injuries.
“I have all the confidence in the world,” Glenn said of Cook. “That’s something I’ve stated, you know, from the very beginning. He’ll be a good player in this league. And he’ll have his opportunity again this week.”
Adrian Martinez, who was signed to the practice squad earlier this week, will serve as the backup to Cook.
Cook will become the 55th player to start at quarterback in franchise history, and the first undrafted rookie to do so for the Jets since J.J. Jones in 1975. Cook will be the 16th undrafted rookie quarterback to start a game for any team since 1990. Those QBs went 6-9 in their first starts with the last winner Tyson Bagent for Chicago in 2023.
Cook will also be the 41st player to start at quarterback for the Jets since Joe Namath's last game with the franchise in 1976. That's the seventh-most QBs started by an NFL team in regular-season games during that span. The Raiders, who are starting Kenny Pickett on Sunday , will be sixth with 42. The Browns have the most with 56 since the start of the 1977 season.
“Every quarterback, and I think every one of them do, should prepare like they’re a starter because you just don’t know when it’s going to happen, when you have to get in and be able to lead a group of men to score touchdowns,” Glenn said. “He’s had a hell of a week. We still have more work to do, but I’m looking forward to how he finishes this week off.”
Taylor made his third straight start for the benched Fields last Sunday before injuring his groin late in the first quarter of the Jets’ 34-10 loss to the Miami Dolphins . Cook, who was Taylor’s backup because Fields was ruled out ahead of the game with knee soreness, came in and went 14 of 30 for 163 yards and two interceptions in his NFL regular-season debut.
On Wednesday, Cook said he was a bit anxious when he first came into the game but things slowed for him in the second half. His teammates said they were impressed by how he smoothly commanded the huddle, and Cook said that was a result of proving he was competent at the job and the other players believing in him.
“It’s not just the competent part, it’s the influence part, how he works,” Glenn said. “The time he gets in in the morning, when he leaves, the way he goes in and commands the huddle, the way he gets the play call out. All those things shows that he’s been studying his butt off for this moment.”
Cook, who threw for 9,008 yards and 49 touchdowns with 15 interceptions in five seasons at Missouri, was signed to the active roster last Saturday. He was promoted from the practice squad for two previous games this season, but hadn’t played in the regular season.
Cook was 25 of 38 for 235 yards and a touchdown with one interception in three preseason games. He started the preseason finale against Philadelphia and Martinez, in his first stint with the team this season, played the second half.
Glenn said tight end Mason Taylor (neck), linebacker Kiko Mauigoa (knee) and cornerback Azareye’h Thomas will also be out for the game.
Center extension
The Jets announced they signed center Josh Myers to a multiyear contract extension, keeping the leader of their offensive line in place through the 2027 season.
Myers was a bargain signing last offseason, joining the Jets on a one-year deal worth $3.5 million. The team didn't announce terms of the extension, but ESPN reported it's a two-year, $11 million contract.
Myers, who spent his first four NFL seasons in Green Bay, has started every game this season at center. Joe Tippmann, the Jets' center most of the past two seasons, has been the starter at right guard after Alijah Vera-Tucker suffered a torn triceps just before the regular season.
“He deserves it,” Glenn said of Myers. “I feel very fortunate that he chose us, this team, and me to be his coach, to come in and battle for that spot and he’s done everything that you would want to be done as a player.”
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AP Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow contributed to this report.
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Falcons show fight that has been missing in thrilling comeback against the Buccaneers By BILL TROCCHI Associated Press The Associated Press
The Falcons were reduced to playing spoiler after being eliminated from playoff contention following a home blowout loss to Seattle last week.
They apparently relish the role.
The Falcons put together their most thrilling win of the season Thursday night in Tampa, beating the Buccaneers 29-28 on a 43-yard field goal by Zane Gonzalez on the game's final play. The game featured a 14-point, fourth-quarter comeback, a franchise-record number of penalties, a career night from Kyle Pitts and multiple game-changing plays late.
For a team that folded in the second half against the Seahawks just four days earlier, there was no quit from a team missing its starting quarterback and top wide receiver.
“Couldn't be more proud of the ways those guys stayed resilient and found a way to win tonight,” Falcons coach Raheem Morris said. “That's what we've been talking about all year.”
The win improved Atlanta's record to 2-5 in one-score games this season.
What’s working
With Drake London out, the Falcons built their offense around Pitts and running back Bijan Robinson, and both players came through. Pitts had career-highs in catches (11), yards (166) and touchdowns (3) as Tampa Bay continued to have trouble matching up with him. It was the first time since Shannon Sharpe in 1996 that a tight end had more than 150 receiving yards and three TDs in a game.
Robinson continued his All-Pro-type season with 93 rushing yards and a touchdown on 19 carries, plus 82 receiving yards on 11 catches. He did have a costly second-half fumble for the second straight week that led to a Bucs touchdown. Robinson has now reached at least 175 yards from scrimmage four times this season. No other player has done it more than twice.
What needs help
The Falcons secondary struggled with the full complement of Bucs receivers on Thursday night. Mike Evans returned after missing seven weeks with a broken collarbone, and he was immediately quarterback Baker Mayfield's go-to No. 1. He had six catches for 132 yards in his return. The Bucs receivers collectively made 16 catches for 254 yards mostly against corners Dee Alford, AJ Terrell and Cobee Bryant, plus safeties Xavier Watts and Jesse Bates. The cornerbacks combined to commit six penalties. Alford did come up with a crucial interception in the fourth quarter off Mayfield.
Stock up
Quarterback Kirk Cousins will almost certainly be a free agent this offseason and looking for someplace were he can start. Last night's game will be at the top of his 2025 resume after he finished 30 for 44 for 373 yards with three touchdowns, no interceptions and just one sack. His sack came on the game-winning drive, and he recovered his own fumble in traffic to keep the drive alive.
Cousins continued a remarkable three-year run against the Bucs in which he has averaged 32 completions in 44 attempts for 376 yards in four games against Tampa Bay with 13 touchdowns and two interceptions. He is 3-1 in those games, with the only loss coming as a member of the Vikings in 2023.
Stock down
With London sidelined, the Falcons could use more production out of wide receiver Darnell Mooney, who is the team's No. 2. Mooney had three catches for 35 yards last night and had a fumble that Falcons center Ryan Neuzil somehow recovered in the fourth quarter at the Tampa Bay 10-yard-line. Mooney has averaged only 2.1 catches per game this season and his production has not increased significantly in London's absence.
Injuries
London missed his fourth straight game with a knee injury. ... Cornerback Mike Hughes (ankle) left the game in the first quarter and did not return. He was replaced by Bryant, an undrafted free agent out of Kansas who has now seen action in four games.
Key number
19: The Falcons set a franchise record for penalties, and they were spread out with 10 in the first half and nine in the second. It was the most in the NFL since 2016. The 19 penalties cost the Falcons 125 yards. The Bucs were whistled for four penalties and 25 yards. Entering the game, the Falcons were averaging 5.6 penalties (sixth fewest in the NFL) and 45.4 penalty yards (seventh) per game.
Next steps
The Falcons will wrap up the road portion of their schedule Dec. 21 when they travel to Arizona to face the Cardinals. Both teams have been eliminated from playoff contention.
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