ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons have interviewed a pair of offensive coordinators, Nathaniel Hackett of the Green Bay Packers and Joe Brady of the Carolina Panthers, for their head coaching job. The Falcons conducted a virtual interview with Hackett on Thursday, one day after meeting virtually with Brady. The 41-year-old Hackett has been with…… read more »
By MICHAEL MAROT INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Frank Reich’s heart never really left Buffalo. It was there where he orchestrated the largest comeback in NFL history, there where he won four straight AFC championships and there where he celebrated the births of two of his three daughters. So, of course, the Indianapolis Colts coach finds himself…… read more »
By RALPH D. RUSSO Former LSU linebacker Patrick Queen is a good example of how a huge performance in a national championship game can help a player boost his NFL draft stock. Queen was a rising prospect throughout last season and capped it by being the defensive MVP of the College Football Playoff championship victory…… read more »
By CHARLES ODUM ATLANTA (AP) — Gordon Hayward scored a career-high 44 points and the Charlotte Hornets recovered after trailing for the first time in the fourth quarter and beat the Atlanta Hawks 102-94 on Wednesday night. The Hornets led by double figures most of the game before Atlanta claimed its first lead, at 86-85,…… read more »
By FRED GOODALL TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — New team, same ole Tom Brady. The six-time Super Bowl champion who left New England for sunny Florida is in the playoffs for a NFL-record 18th time in 21 years, and eager to build on an ever-expanding legacy in his first postseason appearance with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.…… read more »
By PETE IACOBELLI Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence has made it official — he’s heading to the NFL. Lawrence, the 6-foot-6 QB with the power arm and flowing hair, released a video on social media Wednesday announcing he was leaving school and declaring for the NFL draft. “I really feel like I’m a man now and…… read more »
By DAVE CAMPBELL For the eight NFL teams guaranteed to host at least one game in the playoffs this month, the comfort of familiar surroundings sure can’t hurt their quest to reach the Super Bowl. Staying in the same time zone and avoiding airplanes and hotels ought to help players stay fresh. For the far-north…… read more »
By BARRY WILNER Peyton Manning, no surprise, is among 15 finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s class of 2021. The star quarterback, owner of a record five NFL Most Valuable Player awards and two Super Bowl titles, was the first finalist revealed by the hall on Tuesday night. Manning, of course, was one…… read more »
By RALPH D. RUSSO College Football Playoff executive director Bill Hancock said Tuesday the national championship game between Alabama and Ohio State is still a go for Monday night amid a report that the Buckeyes are having COVID-19 issues. AL.com reported that Ohio State has been in contact with CFP officials about possible player availability…… read more »
By RALPH D. RUSSO NEW YORK (AP) — On an Alabama team stacked with stars, DeVonta Smith emerged as the best player in college football while playing a position that rarely gets that kind of recognition. Smith became the first wide receiver to win the Heisman Trophy in 29 seasons Tuesday night, breaking the monopoly…… read more »
