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🏈 Greetings to everyone, especially …
VON MILLER AND THE WASHINGTON COMMANDERS
The Commanders sought additional talent to bolster their pass rush, acquiring Von Miller. The seasoned edge rusher entered into a one-year agreement with Washington, poised to augment his already considerable career sack statistics.
Previously, in March, Miller’s future in the NFL appeared uncertain when the Bills released him, aiming to save $8 million. However, Miller expressed his intention to play at least one more year in May.
“I’m committed to playing this upcoming season,” he stated. “We’ll take it one year at a time. If I have another great year, I’ll consider playing the following year.”
Last season, Miller, aged 36, served a four-game suspension for violating NFL policies, before registering six sacks across 13 games. Currently, Miller holds the 16th position on the NFL’s official all-time sack leaderboard, closely trailing Lawrence Taylor and Leslie O’Neal, who share the 14th spot.
While Miller is a valuable addition for the Commanders, other teams have actively improved their squads this offseason. Tyler Sullivan assessed the 10 most impactful player transactions of the summer thus far. Aaron Rodgers joining the Steelers, the Giants strategically drafting Jaxson Dart, viewed as their future quarterback, and both Lions coordinators advancing to coaching roles all warranted inclusion.
😃 Special recognition
😩 Less commendable mentions
🏌 Rory McIlroy aims for triumph at The Open
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Golf enthusiasts, prepare your coffee. One of the premier weekends unfolds at The Open Championship, which will have commenced by the time you access this content.
Rory McIlroy is scheduled to commence play at 10:10 a.m. ET, affording him sufficient time to reflect on the events that transpired during The Open’s previous visit to his home country at Royal Portrush — an experience he has likely endeavored to forget.
During the 2019 event, McIlroy’s opening tee shot landed out of bounds. His opening round performance did not improve, culminating in a score of 79. Despite a commendable second-round score of 65, he missed the cut.
This year’s situation presents some differences. Upon commencing play, McIlroy will possess a career Grand Slam title, and Patrick McDonald suggests that his accumulated experience will prove advantageous.
- McDonald: “The nature of McIlroy’s experiences this week remains uncertain and will be influenced by his performance and responses to challenges. However, it’s apparent that he’s embracing his position, unlike his more detached approach in the past.”
McIlroy is fully focused on his game and savoring the present.
“The reality that I’m at Portrush with the green jacket, having achieved a lifelong aspiration, motivates me to fully embrace the week, appreciate the support of the fans, and perform well.”
Another notable golfer seeking victory is Scottie Scheffler, who seeks to secure a rare two-major season. Scheffler will need to surpass his best Open finish of a seventh-place tie to achieve this objective.
CBS Sports will offer comprehensive coverage throughout the weekend. Furthermore, you can explore a selection of major champions who have encountered struggles and review the updated tee times and television schedule.
🏀 Bradley Beal expected to join Clippers
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Following his buyout from the Suns, Bradley Beal swiftly secured a new team. Subject to the completion of the buyout, Beal is anticipated to sign a two-year, $11 million agreement with the Clippers.
Beal was slated to earn $53 million from Phoenix in the upcoming season, resulting in a stagnant trade market. Instead, the Suns opted to buy out Beal following an underwhelming season during which he averaged 17.0 points, 3.7 assists, and 3.3 rebounds across 53 games.
While his production may not warrant the substantial compensation he was set to receive from the Suns, this development represents a worthwhile opportunity for the Clippers. James Herbert argues that Beal is the ideal player at the ideal time (and the ideal price) for Los Angeles.
- Herbert: “By acquiring the former All-Star at a bargain, the Clippers have secured the scoring guard they required and have assembled a roster that, in theory, can rival the Western Conference’s best teams. Although their team is seasoned and potentially prone to health issues, they possess the playmaking ability, shooting proficiency, perimeter defense, rim protection, and lineup flexibility to be genuinely formidable.”
🏈 SEC’s daring forecasts
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The preview season is in full swing with SEC Media Days taking place in Atlanta. Optimism abounds, and everyone anticipates finishing with at least an 8-4 record.
You might now be in the mood for some bold predictions, and our Brad Crawford has anticipated your desires with a look into his crystal ball. In his daring predictions for each SEC squad, Crawford foresees a College Football Playoff berth for LSU as Brian Kelly navigates a high-pressure season.
- Crawford: “Brian Kelly has committed significant resources this offseason, gaining the support of both fans and boosters. He appears to have his strongest team at LSU and is employing a unique strategy leading up to the Tigers’ pivotal season opener against Clemson. Kelly understands that early success is imperative.”
Here’s a sampling of additional bold predictions:
- Arkansas QB Taylen Green attracts the attention of NFL scouts.
- Texas A&M fails to secure a spot in the final Top 25 rankings.
- Florida discovers its first 1,000-yard receiver in over 20 years.
SEC coaches might be less forthcoming with bold statements, but they still had insights to offer. In case you missed some key developments, John Talty provides his Day 3 takeaways, including insights into Billy Napier‘s strategies.
⚾ MLB trade deadline: buyers, sellers, and Power Rankings!
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Although the MLB break is ongoing, the trade landscape will be active in the upcoming weeks.
As teams develop their trade deadline strategies, Dayn Perry has assessed which teams are most likely to be buyers and which might be sellers on this year’s market. The Boston Red Sox have swiftly altered their trajectory.
Following the Rafael Devers trade, they appeared destined for the bottom of the AL East, but a 10-game winning streak has positioned them as potential contenders, prompting them to become significant buyers.
- Perry: “Boston’s initial struggles after the Rafael Devers trade suggested they might be sellers. However, an 11-1 record in July has transformed their situation, placing them in buyer territory. Currently, they hold a second wild-card position and are competitive in the AL East race. Their primary focus should be adding rotation depth to address injuries and Walker Buehler‘s inconsistent performance.”
The Yankees and Mets are also identified by Perry as clear buyers, but the Braves and Cardinals might face more complex decisions before the July 31 deadline. As the trade activity intensifies, Mike Axisa provides updates on the latest rumors.
Before the baseball action resumes on Friday, consult the latest edition of the MLB Power Rankings, which sees the Red Sox entering the top 10.
📺 What’s on TV Thursday
⛳ Coverage of The Open Championship will be available throughout the day. View the broadcast schedule.
⚽ UEFA Women’s Championship: Sweden vs. England, 3 p.m. on Fox
🏀 NBA Las Vegas Summer League: Learn how to watch
