Category: Sports

The opening week of the 2025 NFL season is underway, and we’re already off to a wild start.

In the season opener on Thursday, the Eagles held off the Cowboys despite a lightning delay and the ejection of defensive tackle Jalen Carter before the first play from scrimmage. The action continued Friday night, when the Chargers stunned the Chiefs with a tight win in São Paulo, Brazil.

In the early window Sunday, new Colts quarterback Daniel Jones scored three total touchdowns in a blowout win over the Dolphins. Meanwhile, his replacement with the Giants, Russell Wilson, struggled in a loss to the Commanders. More quarterbacks who switched teams also dueled it out, with Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers barely coming out on top over Justin Fields and the Jets.

Our NFL Nation reporters are reacting to all the action, answering lingering questions coming out of each game and detailing everything else you need to know for every team. Let’s get to it.

Jump to:
CAR-JAX | TB-ATL | CIN-CLE
PIT-NYJ | NYG-WSH | LV-NE
ARI-NO | MIA-IND
KC-LAC | DAL-PHI

Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap

Jaguars

What should we make of the Jaguars’ defensive performance? The Jaguars forced two turnovers, sacked Bryce Young once and stopped two fourth downs. That’s a good sign after the disastrous season with Ryan Nielsen as defensive coordinator, especially since the Jaguars forced only nine turnovers in 2024. There are still questions, especially on third downs (7-for-14) and after a defensive penalty wiped out a pick-six. But it was a good start for first-year coordinator Anthony Campanile and some key free agent additions. Safety Eric Murray and cornerback Jourdan Lewis combined for four pass breakups, two QB hits, an interception and a fumble recovery. Murray’s PBU led to an interception. Big plays like those were scarce in 2024 and are a sign things could be different this year.

Most surprising performance: Travis Etienne Jr. is clearly the Jaguars’ No. 1 back. After an offseason during which he was the subject of trade rumors, the new regime drafted two backs and he shared first-team reps with Tank Bigsby in the early part of training camp, Etienne still won the job. He led all backs with 16 carries and finished with 143 yards, including a 71-yard run to set up a touchdown. All four backs were active on Sunday and got carries. It was a little surprising that Bigsby got only five carries, though he did get a fourth-and-1 conversion. Until Etienne struggles, he should hold on to the top spot. — Mike DiRocco

Next game: at Bengals (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

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Panthers

Was Young’s strong finish last season just a tease? The progress Young showed at the end of 2024 was erased by another horrible opening-day performance. He entered Sunday with one touchdown pass and four interceptions in his two career openers. He added two more interceptions and a lost fumble against the Jags, and was saved from a pick-six by a defensive holding penalty. He had a late touchdown pass but was ineffective overall (15-of-31 for 144 yards, 1 TD).

Biggest hole in the game plan: Stopping the run. GM Dan Morgan put a huge offseason effort into fixing the worst run defense in the league from 2024. Results were not evident. Etienne’s 71-yard run in the second quarter was part of a four-play, 91-yard touchdown drive — all on the ground. The Jags finished with 200 yards rushing.

Best quote from the locker room: After Young threw the ball out of the back of the end zone on fourth-and-1 from the Jaguars’ 5 in the third quarter, coach Dave Canales patted Young on the head, then the QB slammed his helmet to the ground. “That’s just something that he and I will work through, talk about,” Canales said. “His frustration wasn’t directed at me. We were just talking about [how] we’ve just got to keep playing ball. … It was just a frustrating day in general. There’s a lot of guys that would come up here and tell you [they were frustrated].” — David Newton

Next game: at Cardinals (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)

Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap

Buccaneers

Did the Bucs’ win raise red flags or reflect a resiliency worth celebrating? It wasn’t necessarily pretty, but these guys are closers. There was some rust for quarterback Baker Mayfield, who was held out of the preseason and missed some deep-ball connections. The Bucs also had a completely reconfigured offensive line and couldn’t get anything going on the ground. Defensively, Todd Bowles got aggressive early, with inside linebacker SirVocea Dennis left one-on-one against Bijan Robinson, and it cost them a 50-yard touchdown. But Mayfield made plays with his legs, and after the defense surrendered a 4-yard touchdown scramble to Michael Penix Jr. with 2:23 left in regulation, Mayfield led a beautiful two-minute drive capped off by a 25-yard touchdown to Emeka Egbuka — one of two on the day for the rookie — and Antoine Winfield Jr. was clutch in the end.

Turning point: With 9:03 to go in the first half and the Bucs trailing 7-3, defensive tackle Calijah Kancey and outside linebacker Yaya Diaby stuffed Robinson on fourth-and-1 at the Tampa Bay 47 for a turnover on downs. Then going up-tempo, Mayfield found Emeka Egbuka for a 30-yard touchdown to grab a 10-7 lead. — Jenna Laine

Next game: at Texans (Monday, 7 p.m. ET)

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Falcons

What will it take to unlock the Falcons’ promising offense? Robinson took Penix’s second pass 50 yards for a touchdown. It looked like the Falcons’ goal — to have the best offense in the league — was getting off to a strong start. Instead, Atlanta scuffled thereafter. The Bucs were able to stop Robinson in the run game and not allow Penix’s big arm to beat them deep. The Falcons will need better offensive line play after the loss of right tackle Kaleb McGary (leg) for the season.

What to make of the QB performance: Penix’s deep throws weren’t there for him, but he was able to make key plays with his feet. He scrambled for a first down at the 1-yard line late in the fourth quarter and then scrambled for a 4-yard touchdown with 2:23 left to put the Falcons ahead. Atlanta will need more of that from him in close games this season. — Marc Raimondi

Next game: at Vikings (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)

Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap

Bengals

Is the Bengals’ offense doing enough? Cincinnati’s offense looked good on its opening drive, but things shifted drastically after that. Heading into the final 15 minutes, Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow had thrown for just 103 yards, his fourth-lowest output in his career, according to ESPN Research. Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, two of Cincinnati’s biggest offseason deals, were not targeted as frequently as the tight ends or running backs. Coming into the 2025 season, the expectation was for the offense to be one of the best in the NFL. Despite a win and a full preseason and training camp workload, that did not exactly come to fruition.

Most surprising performance: Chase just never got involved in Sunday’s game. He had two catches on five targets for 26 yards. While the Browns are always a tough matchup because of defensive end Myles Garrett and cornerback Denzel Ward, Cincinnati has taken great pride in finding ways to get Chase the ball. But that didn’t happen. Getting more out of him is the only way to justify the team’s $161 million investment. — Ben Baby

Best quote from the locker room: “Usually when you can win a game like this, that’s a recipe for success and that means you are going to be a good team if you can a lot of different ways to win. And we did today,” Burrow said. He knows how the Bengals have squandered similar games in the past, which makes this Week 1 win even more important for a team with championship aspirations.

Next game: vs. Jaguars (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

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Browns

Do the Browns still have a kicker problem? Cleveland parted ways with Dustin Hopkins in part because of his shaky performance last season, when he missed nine field goal attempts. But Andre Szmyt, who made his NFL regular-season debut, missed an extra point and a potential go-ahead 36-yard field goal — two major miscues in a one-point loss. How much patience will the Browns have with their young kicker after what was a winnable game?

Most surprising performance: RB Dylan Sampson. The fourth-round pick was primed for a larger role with second-rounder Quinshon Judkins out for the opener, and he was a focal point of the Browns’ offense. He had 20 total touches and showcased his versatility, catching all eight of his targets. — Daniel Oyefusi

Next game: at Ravens (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap

Steelers

What happened to the offseason emphasis on improving the run defense? The calendar said Sept. 7, but it felt like Jan. 11, as the Steelers’ defense got repeatedly gashed on the ground. On a day when Aaron Rodgers threw for four TDs in his Steelers debut, things felt similar to their 2024 season-ending playoff loss against the Ravens — one that coach Mike Tomlin said heavily influenced the team’s offseason moves. The Steelers couldn’t slow running back Breece Hall and struggled to contain quarterback Justin Fields. The defense was without first-round DL Derrick Harmon (MCL sprain), but the problems went beyond missing a rookie as the Jets racked up 182 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns, including Fields’ 1-yard score in the fourth quarter on a run fake to give the Jets the lead with seven minutes remaining.

Most surprising performance: Ben Skowronek. The wide receiver and special teamer, who was nicknamed “Dirtbag” by offensive coordinator Arthur Smith for his affinity for doing the dirty work, caught Rodgers’ first touchdown as a Steeler and was a key part of the momentum-swinging fourth-quarter play to recover a fumble forced by Kenneth Gainwell on kickoff coverage. The 2021 seventh-round pick by the Rams became fast friends with Rodgers during the offseason, and their connection immediately translated to the field. — Brooke Pryor

Next game: vs. Seahawks (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

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Jets

Are the 2025 Jets reading from the “Same Old Jets” script? The 2024 Jets lost a franchise-record six games after leading in the fourth quarter. Coach Aaron Glenn’s mission is to change the narrative, to prove these aren’t the “Same Old Jets.” This wasn’t the way to start. Tortured by their former quarterback, Rodgers, the Jets blew not one, but two leads in the fourth quarter, suffering a crushing defeat. The script was familiar. There were costly penalties and coverage breakdowns and Rodgers’ four touchdowns. There were some positives, mostly on offense. But if Glenn wants to change the losing culture, his team needs to find a way to win games like this.

What to make of the QB performance: Fields made big plays with his legs, rushing for 48 yards and two touchdowns — but that’s hardly an upset. We’re talking about one of the best running quarterbacks in the NFL. No, the surprising part of his performance was his accuracy from the pocket and his overall command. Fields, who had a shaky preseason (to be kind), completed 16 of 22 passes for 218 yards and a touchdown. He kept his eyes downfield and fit the ball into a couple of tight windows. If he keeps it up, and if the Jets can run it as effectively as they did on Sunday (182 yards), they will win more games than people expect. — Rich Cimini

Next game: vs. Bills (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap

Commanders

Is the defense this good? They’ll get a better feel Thursday at Green Bay. But the Commanders’ beefed-up front helped. The run defense (30th-ranked last season) allowed only 38 yards on 15 carries to the Giants’ running backs, as tackles Javon Kinlaw and Daron Payne (among others) stood out. Washington’s line depth factored into harassing quarterback Russell Wilson into 17-of-37 passing. The Commanders defense, 30th in points per game in the fourth quarter last season, didn’t allow any Sunday. Yes, it was against a weak offense, but Washington needed this start.

What to make of the QB performance: Jayden Daniels was not as accurate as usual, throwing behind his target on multiple throws over the middle, which partly explains why he was just 3-of-8 on third down. And yet: Daniels’ 71 yards rushing were pivotal and he still threw for 233 yards. He will be more accurate, which bodes well for this offense.

Best quote from the locker room: Count tight end John Bates among those excited to have Deebo Samuel on the team after he gained 96 yards from scrimmage — with 19 coming on a fourth-quarter touchdown run. “Deebo is a guy that can do it all with the ball in his hands, whether quick handoffs, stuff over the middle, screens, deep stuff. He went out and showed what he could do. It was awesome to see. He can do a lot of special things with the ball in his hands.” — John Keim

Next game: at Packers (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)

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Giants

Are these the same Giants from the past two years? The offense looked awfully similar, despite subbing out Daniel Jones for Wilson. The Giants finished with 231 total yards and six points. Their offensive line struggled badly and they reverted to throwing the ball to star wide receiver Malik Nabers in the second half. Returning 10 of 11 starters and only adding Wilson wasn’t the solution in Week 1. But what has changed is rookie Jaxson Dart waiting in reserve and an improved defense. The unit finished with three sacks and kept them in this game.

Key stat to know: When under pressure, Wilson was 2-of-12 for 26 yards with two sacks and two scrambles. The veteran QB and a leaky offensive line (without LT Andrew Thomas) were a bad combination. Wilson isn’t as mobile as he once was. He looked skittish under pressure in his first game with the Giants, going 0-for-5 with a sack under pressure in the first half alone. Not a winning formula.

Best quote from the locker room: “We have to be urgent. If we let this linger like we did last year, we’ll be 3-14 again. I’ll be damn sure I’m not going to accept that,” Giants right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor said about the blowout loss. — Jordan Raanan

Next game: at Cowboys (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap

Raiders

Can the Raiders’ defense maintain a high level of play? After the Raiders struggled to contain New England’s passing game in the first half, they stepped up in the second half. Las Vegas held the Patriots scoreless in the final two quarters. Patriots quarterback Drake Maye was sacked twice and pressured seven times. The Raiders will face much stronger offenses later in the season, starting with the Chargers next week. But their ability to make adjustments in the second half is an encouraging sign for a unit that had a few red flags going into the season.

What to make of the QB performance: Geno Smith‘s first drive was everything the Raiders could hope for, ending with a 26-yard touchdown pass to Tre Tucker. After the offense stalled, Smith settled back in and helped Las Vegas score 10 unanswered points in the second half. Smith also did a good job spreading the ball around. All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers totaled five catches for 103 yards while wideout Jakobi Meyers had eight catches for 97 yards. — Ryan McFadden

Next game: vs. Chargers (Monday, 10 p.m. ET)

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Patriots

What can QB Drake Maye do to elevate the offense? Maye’s preseason struggles with high throws continued into the regular season. The Patriots need to address how best to settle him down early and produce a better success rate on higher-percentage throws. Maye did find more of a rhythm as the first half progressed but then got derailed coming out of halftime and played a poor second half as the Patriots fizzled out. He finished 30-of-46 for 287 yards with one touchdown and one interception — a stat line that was bolstered on a final drive when the Raiders were playing a prevent-style defense — as Raiders QB Geno Smith outdueled him in making the critical throws.

Turning point: The Patriots led 10-7 at halftime and received the kickoff to open the second half, but Maye was intercepted on a downfield pass when right tackle Morgan Moses and right guard Mike Onwenu struggled to handle a stunt and Maye was hurried and hit in the chest as he threw. The Raiders turned the pick into a TD and never trailed again.

Best quote from the locker room: “That was the decision that I thought was best for us at the time, and that didn’t work out … would like a better punt,” coach Mike Vrabel said about not going for it on fourth-and-10 from the New England 44. The Patriots were trailing 20-10 with 4:53 remaining, and Bryce Baringer had a 21-yard punt instead. — Mike Reiss

Next game: at Dolphins (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap

Cardinals

Are the offensive inconsistencies concerning? Not now they aren’t. The Cardinals showed flashes of brilliance (Marvin Harrison Jr.’s 45-yard catch and Trey McBride‘s 25-yard snag come to mind), but there were more broken and unproductive plays, momentum-killing sacks and penalties than they’d want. There’s the caveat that this was Week 1 and a lot of kinks will be ironed out before their next game. But the number of negative plays (seven) and plays that didn’t gain any yards (four) are drive stallers. If the offense doesn’t show noticeable growth next week, the inconsistencies could become a concern.

Most surprising performance: Running back Trey Benson had a new career high at one point on Sunday with 69 yards, but then lost yardage before he gained it back again. The backup running back shined in the season opener, thanks to a 52-yard run in the third quarter that almost tripled his previous career-long of 20 yards. — Josh Weinfuss

Next game: vs. Panthers (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)

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Saints

How quickly can the Saints fix their self-inflicted wounds? Penalties, clock management issues and even a rare missed kick from Blake Grupe were some of the most concerning issues that came out of this loss game. New Orleans made puzzling usage of its timeouts, letting the Cardinals bleed the clock at the end of the first half and then not using one on its last offensive drive of the game. The penalties were another concern, as the Saints finished with 13, an issue they’ll have to reverse by next week.

Most surprising performance: Defensive end Cameron Jordan. It took Jordan 10 games to get his first sack last season in what he has admitted was a very difficult year for him professionally. But Jordan, 36, was off to a good start for Year 15, finishing the game with 1.5 sacks, three pressures and a batted pass. He reworked his contract in the offseason for a incentive-based deal based on sacks, needing five to make $300,000.

Best quote from the locker room: “That was a four quarter battle,” Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler said. “I mean obviously we’re not happy with losing at all, so we got to be better. First of all, penalties, stuff like that. … but it’s Week 1. Like Kellen [Moore] said after, we’re not going to go undefeated this season … Got a lot of stuff to clean up from this week, but we could have won that game if you clean some things up.” — Katherine Terrell

Next game: vs. 49ers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap

Colts

What does Sunday’s performance say about Daniel Jones‘ potential? This game went exactly according to plan for Jones and the Colts. All along, coach Shane Steichen had predicted Jones would be a quick decision-maker and not force bad throws. He showed that by delivering on-time, quick throws but also utilizing timely aggressive downfield targets to Michael Pittman Jr., Tyler Warren and Alec Pierce. Jones finished 22-of-29 for 272 yards and a touchdown pass. He also added two rushing scores on goal-line sneaks, becoming the first Colts quarterback with two rushing touchdowns in a season opener.

Trend to watch: The Colts used a variety of blitzes Sunday, something the team rarely employed under former defensive coordinator Gus Bradley. But under new coordinator Lou Anarumo, the Colts got aggressive. DBs Kenny Moore II and Nick Cross recorded sacks and defensive end Laiatu Latu had an interception while dropping into coverage on a creative blitz call. Indianapolis ranked 29th in blitz rate in 2024 at 18.7%. — Stephen Holder

Next game: vs. Broncos (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)

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Dolphins

Where was the connection between Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill? Tagovailoa appeared out of sync with his top target, which makes sense considering he hasn’t taken live game snaps with Hill since December. The Dolphins’ leading receiver finished with four catches for 40 yards on six targets, but 21 of those came on a single completion. Neither player seemed concerned about their cohesiveness during the week, but this performance raised eyebrows. They have a date next week with the Patriots and coach Mike Vrabel, whose Titans teams gave Miami trouble in 2021 and 2023.

Most surprising performance: The Dolphins’ front seven is supposed to be the strength of their defense, but it failed to make an impression Sunday. Indianapolis scored on its first seven possessions, gashing the Dolphins’ defense with 156 rushing yards. Jones was also surgical whenever Miami was able to pressure him, completing 5 of 6 passes for 72 yards and a touchdown — with a whopping plus-16% completion percentage over expectation, per NFL Next Gen Stats. — Marcel Louis-Jacques

Next game: vs. Patriots (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap

Chargers

What’s going on with right guard Mekhi Becton? Becton looked exhausted throughout Friday night’s game and spent time on the sideline receiving oxygen during offensive series. He missed three weeks of training camp practice with an undisclosed injury and came into Friday night’s game questionable with an undisclosed illness. The positive sign for the Chargers is that Becton finished the game on the field, but the number of snaps he missed was concerning.

Most surprising performance: Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston finished with five catches for 79 yards and two touchdowns, buoying the Chargers’ victory. He has been one of the Chargers’ most maligned players in his first three years, struggling to find consistency since his rookie season. Friday was a sign that he could reach the potential that made him a first-round pick in 2023. — Kris Rhim

Next game: at Raiders (Monday, 10 p.m. ET)

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Chiefs

Will Xavier Worthy‘s injury put the Chiefs’ offense back in the same predicament as last season? After his first pass of the season, quarterback Patrick Mahomes was without three of his key receivers — Rashee Rice (suspended the first six weeks), rookie Jalen Royals (knee tendonitis) and Worthy (right shoulder). If Worthy and Royals are unavailable next week, Mahomes will likely have to be a superhero again, relying primarily on tight end Travis Kelce and his improvisational skills. The one receiver who can still make a difference is Hollywood Brown, who finished this week’s game with 99 receiving yards.

Stat to know: Entering the season opener, the Chiefs had won a league-record 17 straight one-score games, including the playoffs. Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert was excellent in the second half, allowing his team to keep its lead despite Mahomes’ impressive rallying efforts. In the second half, Herbert completed 13 of his 16 pass attempts for 147 yards and two touchdowns. The Chiefs blitzed him often, sacking him twice, but he sealed the victory when he scrambled to his right for a 19-yard gain on a third-and-14 just before the two-minute warning. — Nate Taylor

Next game: vs. Eagles (Sunday, 4:20 p.m. ET)

Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap

Eagles

Can the secondary get things buttoned up for their Week 2 matchup against the Chiefs? The cornerback spot opposite Quinyon Mitchell was a question mark all summer and remains so after Adoree’ Jackson was flagged for a pass interference, yielded five catches for 103 yards and missed two tackles, per NFL Next Gen Stats. The outcome could have been worse if not for some critical drops by Cowboys receiver CeeDee Lamb. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio will have to decide whether to make the move to Jakorian Bennett, who was acquired from the Raiders in August, or stick with Jackson for the Super Bowl rematch against Patrick Mahomes.

What to make of the QB performance: Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts picked up where he left off, taking advantage of large rushing lanes to score a pair of rushing touchdowns and propel the Eagles’ offense. He now has 16 games with multiple rushing touchdowns, extending his NFL record for a QB (second is Josh Allen with 12). — Tim McManus

Next game: at Chiefs (Sunday, 4:20 p.m. ET)

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Cowboys

Is there a reason to be encouraged even in a loss? Probably so, but let’s remember that an ugly win is better than a morale-serving loss. The offense has a chance to be explosive, and the young line performed much better than expected. The defense struggled at the start (123 rushing yards in the first half) but only allowed three points in the second half. Playing the defending Super Bowl champ on their celebratory night is never easy, yet the Cowboys hung with the Eagles. They opened some eyes with what they did, but they still need a win in Week 2 in a bad way.

Turning point: In games against teams like the Eagles, margins for error are slim, which is why Lamb’s drops were critical. But Miles Sanders‘ fumble at the Eagles’ 9-yard line in the third quarter flipped the momentum. Sanders got the Cowboys in position to retake the lead in the third quarter with a 49-yard gain, his longest since 2020, but then he lost the ball on his next carry. On the next three possessions, the Cowboys did not make it to Eagles’ territory. — Todd Archer

Next game: vs. Giants (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Former Newcastle United joint-owner Amanda Staveley is expected to make a statement on Monday saying that she does not intend to take over Tottenham Hotspur.

Sky News has learnt that PCP International Finance, a vehicle controlled by Staveley, will be forced to clarify its interest in bidding for Spurs, following discussions with the UK takeover watchdog, after chairman Daniel Levy unexpectedly stepped down.

People close to the situation said on Sunday that Staveley had been in discussions with prospective backers of a bid for the club in recent weeks.

Levy reportedly owns a stake of almost 30 per cent in ENIC, while Joe Lewis, ENIC’s majority-owner, transferred control of his stake in Spurs to his family trust in 2022. A source close to the Lewis family said on Sunday evening: “The club is not for sale.”

ENIC owns a stake of nearly 87 per cent in the club, with the remaining shares owned by a group of minority investors.

Spurs’ ownership is complicated by the fact that it is subject to the UK Takeover Code – governed by the Takeover Panel.

Under the provisions in the Code, PCP could yet return with a formal takeover bid for Spurs if invited to do so by the board of ENIC, or if a rival bidder announces its intention to make a firm offer for last season’s Europa League winners.

City sources pointed to these caveats as being particularly relevant to Staveley’s potential ongoing interest in Spurs.

Levy’s exit last week after nearly 25 years as Tottenham chairman was apparently driven by a desire to inject fresh momentum into the leadership of the club.

In a statement last week, it said: “Tottenham Hotspur has been transformed over the last quarter of a century.

“It has played in European competitions in the last 18 of 20 seasons, becoming one of the world’s most recognised football clubs, consistently investing in its academy, players and facilities, including a new, world-class stadium and state-of-the-art training centre.”

Rothschild, the investment bank, had previously been engaged by Levy to raise hundreds of millions of capital to invest in Spurs. Those discussions are understood to have involved a range of parties in the past year.

Any takeover bid for Spurs, regardless of the identity of the bidder, would be likely to be valued at well in excess of £3.5bn for it to be deemed acceptable.

Staveley and her husband, Mehrdad Ghodoussi, left Newcastle last summer after becoming directors and minority co-owners of the club in October 2021.

A spokesman for Staveley declined to comment on Sunday evening.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The Las Vegas Raiders face the New England Patriots in a NFL Week 1 matchup on Sunday.

It’s Geno Smith‘s first game as the Raiders QB and Pete Carroll’s first game as the Raiders head coach. They face Mike Vrabel, also in his first year as Patriots coach, and last year’s No. 3 overall pick QB Drake Maye.

Our two team reporters — Ryan McFadden for the Raiders, Mike Reiss for the Patriots — are at Gillette Stadium, and they’re keeping you updated on all the biggest plays and highlights.

For the third time this year, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner will face off in a major final, at the US Open on Sunday (2 p.m. ET; ABC).

Alcaraz won the French Open in June, while Sinner won Wimbledon in July (and earlier in the year, the Australian Open, in a final against Alexander Zverev).

Will Sinner win his fourth major hard-court victory in a row? Or will Alcaraz follow up his 2022 US Open title with another?

Our experts weigh in on how each could pull off the victory.

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What can Alcaraz do to defeat Sinner?

D’Arcy Maine: Alcaraz has had a phenomenal tournament and is the first man to reach the US Open final without losing a set since Roger Federer in 2015. He’s talked candidly about his desire for consistency and maintaining his level and focus throughout, and so far, has done just that.

He has also made a considerable effort to improve his serve this season and, sheesh, what a weapon it’s become. In his 84 service games this tournament, he’s won all but two. All but two!

Against Djokovic, arguably the greatest men’s tennis player of all time, he dropped his serve just once. Despite the straight-sets outcome in that semifinal, Alcaraz was hardly flawless — and at moments seemed rattled by the rowdy, pro-Djokovic crowd — but his serve (which hauled in seven aces) continued to buoy him.

In order to beat the often-unflappable Sinner, he’ll need to bring all of that consistency and focus, in addition to his incredible variety, and continue his serving prowess. Always a showman who seems to thrive when the lights are brightest and the crowds are their most energized, Alcaraz has everything he needs to win major title No. 6 on Sunday. Will he? Well, that could be another story.

Bill Connelly: My answer is the same as it was before the French Open and Wimbledon finals: Go big. When Alcaraz hits winners on 20% of his points against Sinner, he wins. He hit that mark in the last three sets of the French Open final, but he was only at 15.9% in the mostly straightforward loss at Wimbledon. He has been in complete control at the US Open, avoiding errors and lapses and still hitting winners on 19.8% of his points, and it’s possible that a more controlled version of Alcaraz needs to hit only 18% or 19% winners against Sinner to win. Regardless, he has to take his shots because Sinner’s defense and court coverage are just too good, and he’ll grind you down if you aren’t ending points when you get the chance.

Simon Cambers: The dynamic of the Sinner-Alcaraz rivalry has changed thanks to Sinner’s win in the Wimbledon final. Having won six in a row to take a stranglehold on their head-to-head record, Alcaraz must now find a way to stop Sinner, who should have won the French Open and who outplayed him at Wimbledon.

It’s pretty simple: Alcaraz has to serve well. Ignoring their match in Cincinnati last month, which hardly counts because Sinner quit after five games due to illness, in their six previous matches, first serve percentage was crucial. In four of them, Alcaraz served at 60% or better and won 50% of points or more on second serve in five of the six. In the only one he lost — the Wimbledon final — he was down at 53% on first serve. At this US Open, he has been at 60% or better in five of his six matches. If he can reproduce that kind of percentage, then it will allow him to attack with the rest of his game.

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What can Sinner do to defeat Alcaraz?

Maine: Well, first and foremost, Sinner needs to stay healthy. A viral illness caused Sinner to retire from their final in Cincinnati last month after just five games, and the world No. 1 also needed a medical timeout on Friday night for what appeared to be a right arm injury.

After the match, he said it was “nothing too bad” and “nothing too serious,” but he will want to make sure he’s as fit and as close to 100% as possible against the dynamic Alcaraz. Sinner has been all but unbeatable on hard court over the past two seasons. He’ll need to lean into that comfort and confidence on the surface, as well his powerful hitting, ability to dictate the point and, well, to paraphrase Alexander Bublik, his fourth-round opponent, his AI-like ability to read the game and respond to just about everything.

If he can bring his best level — the one we’ve seen countless times before — it feels as if he has a slight edge.

Connelly: Land the first serve (or go big on the second). Over the past year, both Sinner and Alcaraz have won about 42% of their return points — basically tied for the best average in the world. Despite having played Reilly Opelka and Arthur Rinderknech (who both win at least 65% of their service points) in the early rounds and Novak Djokovic (70%) in the semifinals, Alcaraz has won about 43% of his return points in this tournament. That’s tremendous when you adjust for competition.

But he’s also won 56% of second-serve return points. He’s broken serve 27 times in six matches and 18 sets. He is ridiculously dialed in with his return game, and if Sinner can’t command enough of an advantage there, it’s going to be awfully hard to craft an advantage elsewhere.

Cambers: Much like my answer to the first question, Sinner needs to serve well, too. In their Roland Garros and Beijing battles, he was below 60% on first serve, which puts too much pressure on his second and allows Alcaraz to take control from his return. More importantly, though, Sinner has to be physically at 100 percent; otherwise, Alcaraz will crush him. He says he was fine after his medical timeout in the semifinals, but that little hint of vulnerability will not have gone unnoticed by Alcaraz, who may try to extend the rallies when he can to test out the Italian’s fitness. Sinner is the best player in the world for a reason: He can sustain an incredible level throughout a match, no matter the opponent. If there are any doubts at all, internally, he needs to start strong.

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Who will win?

Pam Shriver: Obviously, given Sinner’s hard-court major success the last two years, Sinner is the favorite, but I have a feeling that in a five-set classic, Alcaraz is going to win his second US Open. Alcaraz still has more endurance and more variety than Sinner, plus his serve has been strong during the Cincinnati and US Open run the past month. These two young champions have set a high bar for the rest of the ATP Tour to try to reach.

Maine: I’m truly tempted to flip a coin here, but thankfully, I never have any cash on me. Alcaraz, the charismatic dynamo, has impressed me throughout the tournament with his consistency and his serving dominance and progress, and Sinner, the clinical technician, has just been so solid and rock steady. Even when clearly not feeling his best Friday, he dug deep and found a way to win against a formidable opponent in Felix Auger-Aliassime. I truly think this could go either way but, for the moment anyway, let’s go Sinner in five sets.

Connelly: A few months ago, it was easy to assume that Alcaraz had the advantage on the natural surfaces and Sinner had the edge on hard courts. But then Sinner came within one point of beating Alcaraz on clay and took him down with relative ease (by the standards of this rivalry) on grass. Did that signify a semi-permanent edge for Sinner? Or does Alcaraz’s absolute ruthlessness in six matches in New York suggest he’s about to turn the tables right back around?

I’m going with Sinner in four here — it’s hard to pick against the guy who has won 27 straight Grand Slam matches on hard courts — but wow, has Alcaraz looked good. I’m almost hoping that I’m wrong and that this rivalry continues to defy our assumptions.

Cambers: I would have said Sinner would definitely win this, had it not been for two things: One, the medical timeout he took in the semis, and the fact that his preparations coming in were affected by the illness he suffered in Cincinnati.

There is so little between these two, they know each other inside out and usually bring out the best in each other, so we can expect more unbelievable shotmaking. It sometimes comes down to gut feeling, and it just feels like Alcaraz has the edge, at least on the form of the past two weeks. If he can avoid the occasional dip in form that he sometimes suffers, his high point is higher than Sinner’s. I’ll go Alcaraz in four tough sets.

Max Verstappen emphatically ended his nine-race wait for another victory by winning the Italian Grand Prix at a canter as Lando Norris eventually trimmed Oscar Piastri’s world title lead after late McLaren pit-stop drama.

Winning for the first time since May’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix for just his third victory of 2025, Verstappen won out in a thrilling early duel with Norris in the race’s early laps front the front row.

The start saw the polesitter cut the first chicane as the two went wheel-to-wheel, with Verstappen ceding the lead to Norris at the end of the opening lap having gained a lasting advantage.

But after repassing his British rival at the start of lap four, Verstappen checked out at the front to surprising effect ahead of McLaren cars that had won all but three of the season’s races up to Sunday.

Norris still looked firmly on course for second to claw three points back on Piastri thereafter but briefly dropped to third behind the Australian amid late McLaren drama late on after a slow single pit stop had seen his team-mate move ahead.

But, after McLaren had given Piastri – who had enjoyed a swift trouble-free stop the lap before – the earlier stop in order for him to ward off any threat from Charles Leclerc behind him, with Norris agreeing to that plan, they asked the Australian to cede second back to his team-mate.

Piastri questioned their reasoning over team radio but duly complied to restore the pre-stops order, meaning his points advantage over Norris is trimmed by three points to 31 points with eight grands prix and three Sprints still left this season.

Piastri had earlier had to fight his way back to third after twice losing his starting position during an early ding-dong battle with Leclerc.

But the Ferrari challenged faded thereafter with Leclerc finishing a distant fourth ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell.

Lewis Hamilton made early ground from his penalised 10th place on the grid but once behind Russell, he could not make further headway and so finished sixth.

Alex Albon capped a fine recovery from a disappointing qualifying to finish seventh for Williams ahead of Sauber’s Gabriel Bortoleto, who was promoted to eighth in the final classification ahead of Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli, who gained a five-second penalty.

With Antonelli dropping to ninth, Isack Hadjar impressively raced from the pit lane to the final point in 10th a week on from his maiden podium in Zandvoort.

More to follow…

Formula 1 heads to Baku for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on September 19-21, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Quick-hit thoughts and notes around the New England Patriots and NFL:

1. Henderson & RB split: There are many fascinating storylines and lingering questions for the Patriots entering their season opener against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday at Gillette Stadium (1 p.m. ET, CBS). One is how they plan to divide snaps at running back, specifically with speedy rookie TreVeyon Henderson, the second-round pick from Ohio State who was their most dangerous weapon in the preseason.

The only certainty, it seems, is that fifth-year veteran Rhamondre Stevenson will be in huddle for the first snap. Then Henderson and six-year veteran Antonio Gibson could get the call at any time.

“Coming into the first game, first season [for this staff], obviously Rhamondre has been here and he’s earned the opportunity to be in the role he’s in,” running backs coach Tony Dews said. “At the same time, they all have a different skill set, a unique skill set, and they do a lot of good things in their own ways. So it is a great, great problem to have, in terms of having three guys that are capable of carrying the load. I’m excited as we’re getting ready to play that as each get their opportunity, they’ll take advantage of those.”

Henderson’s skill set, as offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels said earlier in training camp, is unlike anything the Patriots have had at the position since at least the turn of the century. He’s that fast.

At 5-foot-10 and 202 pounds, Henderson isn’t as rugged as Stevenson (6-0, 227) and Gibson (6-0, 228), but there’s no one else on offense that is as lethal of a threat to score every time he has the football in his grasp — as a rusher or receiver.

So while Henderson is almost guaranteed to be on the field on third down in a pass-catching role that has been a staple in McDaniels’ offense, he is also expected to be given a chance on early downs as well. He likes being part of a multi-player mix.

“I think it’s good to have more backs in the room,” he said. “It makes the whole room better and gets the best out of everybody, pushing us to compete. And I think it keeps everyone fresh, and a good way to try to keep everyone healthy.”

Henderson’s viewpoint changed last year at Ohio State when the Buckeyes brought in highly touted Quinshon Judkins via the transfer portal.

“I think the biggest thing having Quinshon in the room, it revealed a lot of my heart, and the things I can continue to work on, such as jealousy, such as envy. Jesus really used the situation to reveal those things,” Henderson said. “I got a chance to work on being happy for him, being a servant, and serving Quinshon and the team last year.”

Henderson had a terrific season — totaling 1,016 yards on 144 carries (7.1 avg.) and 27 receptions for 284 yards (10.5 avg.) — and is now taking the same approach with Stevenson, Gibson and the Patriots. Henderson said his mother, LaKeesha Hayes-Winfield, is expected to attend his NFL debut along with his two brothers, Ronnie Walker Jr. and Kesean Henderson.

There was a symbolic moment near the end of training camp highlighting the Patriots’ running back approach. It was after practice and Stevenson stepped in front of the microphone to answer questions from reporters when Gibson peeked his head around the corner and said to Stevenson with a laugh, “Are you skipping the line?”

To which Stevenson replied, “Come on, AG, let’s do it together.”

So the two held a dual news conference where inevitably the topic of a multipronged attack with Henderson came up.

“I kind of like the split backfield. That 20-, 30-carry stuff, that’s wear and tear on the body,” Gibson said. “The split helps the body, and once you push for that long run to the super goal — which is the Super Bowl — everybody is fresh and everybody is still going.”

“I agree,” Stevenson responded. “Coach’s decision, whatever they call upon us to do — take 15 runs a game, to five runs a game or passes — we’re all willing, and that’s what I love about us.”

Both have been impressed with Henderson, with Gibson saying “he has a special juice about him” and “the energy he brings gets everyone excited.”

“Great kid, on and off the field. Cool to talk to,” Stevenson added. “Faith is very high, I love that about him. Just a fast player, super fast.”

How quickly the Patriots turn to that speed, and how often, is among the compelling storylines set to unfold.

2. Vrabel’s debut: First-year head coach Mike Vrabel relayed that his wife Jen and youngest son Carter are excited for his first regular-season game as Patriots coach, but as for his own thoughts, Vrabel deflected with a message that the focus should be on the players.

“They put a lot of work in. We ask a lot of them. The games are their opportunity to go play and I want to make sure we exemplify that — that we give them what they need to be ready and prepared,” Vrabel said.

Vrabel has stressed the importance of winning the second half, pointing out that 12 of the 16 winners in Week 1 last season outscored their opponents in the second half. That’s why he’s focused on conditioning over the course of training camp, and also instituted a break in practices last week, followed by two team periods, to simulate halftime.

3. McDaniels’ return: Similar to Vrabel, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels downplayed any attention for how he’s returning after a year off and faces his former team, the Raiders, in Week 1. That shouldn’t stop CBS cameras from showing him often on the sideline — not just for his prior ties to the Raiders, but also for his key role in the development of quarterback Drake Maye.

“Certainly there are people there that I still know well and still have relationships with, and hopefully will have forever,” he said. “You learn more, honestly, when you fail than when you have success. I’ve always tried to take each opportunity as an experience I could learn from. The one thing I’ve tried to get really good at over the course of time is take the lessons, digest those, and use them for something positive. I don’t harbor any ill-will towards any of the things that haven’t worked out in my career — and there’s been many of them.”

4. McGinest on Austin: Patriots Hall of Famer Willie McGinest coached third-year cornerback Alex Austin in California youth football, and Austin views him so much like family that he refers to McGinest as his uncle. So one can imagine the pride McGinest has that Austin is projected to start in place of injured Christian Gonzalez in the season opener.

“He’s been diligent honing his skills and doing everything in his power to be ready when he got his opportunity. He’s a fighter. That’s something instilled in him,” McGinest said in a phone interview. “He understands that you can’t cheat the process, especially with a coach like Vrabel.”

McGinest should know, as he was teammates with Vrabel from 2001-2005, winning three Super Bowls together. McGinest previously told Austin what to expect from Vrabel — straight-forward and no fluff — and Austin has taken those words to heart.

“There’s a lot of history — me playing there, and now he’s in that same locker room and it’s his turn, his shine, his opportunity,” McGinest said. “It’s kind of surreal that he’s putting on the uniform and doing the same thing.”

5. Chism an early riser: Undrafted free agent receiver Efton Chism III of Eastern Washington has developed a reputation within the team for his early arrivals at the stadium. Vrabel referred to Chism as the “poster boy for technique, details and fundamentals” in the latest episode of “Forged in Foxborough,” while receivers coach Todd Downing relayed that Chism has a “relentless work ethic.”

“A lot of times he’ll pop into my office super early in the morning, and I’m just getting going, and he wants to sit there and watch me build the PowerPoint for the meeting that day,” Downing said. “Just so he can get extra time, an extra rep, the mental processing for the system.”

6. Fears’ presence: At one practice last week, former longtime running backs coach Ivan Fears watched from a golf cart, as he’s been a regular guest of Vrabel, McDaniels and the coaching staff. His consistent presence has been welcomed by Dews, who had never met Fears prior to this year.

“I talk to him just about every day, whether it’s about life and his kids, or my kids. There’s been times I’ve asked him football questions. He’s a legend,” Dews said. “He did it for a long time. Coached in a bunch of Super Bowls. Coached a bunch of good backs. You don’t stay in a place 20 seasons, and have the accomplishments you do, without being really good. He’s been so awesome and so willing to answer any question I have.”

7. OL coaches: Few teams have three offensive line coaches like the Patriots do with Doug Marrone, Jason Houghtaling and Robert Kugler, and when they work by specific position, Marrone has worked closest with centers and Houghtaling with tackles. The guards will split time, sometimes pairing up with centers, and other times with tackles.

Seven-year veteran center Garrett Bradbury explained it’s different from what he experienced in his six seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, and even before that at NC State, in terms of individual work by specific position before coming together as a group of five.

“I think Coach Marrone has a really good understanding of the center position, and there are some details and techniques, and certain little plays that we can work on just by ourselves,” he said. “I think it’s going to help.”

Practice observation: The Patriots have one of the NFL’s unique set-ups with 3 offensive line coaches – Doug Marrone, Jason Houghtaling, Robert Kugler – and this is one snapshot of how they split up duties.

Marrone/Kugler work with interior OL (at right), Houghtaling the OTs. pic.twitter.com/BVtm0ojtbS

— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) September 4, 2025

8. Landry’s wait: How rare is it that outside linebacker Harold Landry III was named a Patriots captain?

Landry said he couldn’t remember the last time it happened, as he never wore the “C” in his seven years with the Tennessee Titans (2018-2024), nor in his four seasons at Boston College (2014-17). So one has to go back to his time at Pine Forest High School in Fayetteville, North Carolina, when he was a team captain in 2013 — a season in which he totaled 96 tackles and 17 sacks.

One area that might have earned Landry respect among his peers — he was a regular presence in the voluntary offseason program despite his family staying behind in Tennessee at the time, and he would return to them each weekend before making his way back to Foxborough.

9. They said it: “He casts vision as well as anyone I’ve ever met. He has a great knack for identifying for how you’re going to go win a game, painting that picture for the team, and demanding accountability they go and produce that. That’s a pretty special thing. It’s not common.” — Patriots WRs coach Todd Downing, on Mike Vrabel

10. Did you know? Since Gillette Stadium opened in 2002, the Patriots are undefeated against seven teams at home, which includes a 3-0 mark against the Raiders. The others are the Browns (5-0), Titans (4-0), Jaguars (4-0), Vikings (3-0), Lions (3-0) and Falcons (2-0).

Whom should you start? Whom should you sit? To help you set your fantasy football lineups and avoid starting an offensive player who won’t be in the lineup, we’ll post fantasy-relevant updates and analysis here as NFL teams release their official inactives lists.

Official Sunday inactives should begin coming in approximately 90 minutes before the scheduled kickoff times: around 11:30 a.m. ET for the early games and 2:30 p.m. ET for the late-afternoon games.

Refresh often for the latest information.

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Don’t forget to check these out: Mike Clay’s Playbook | Week 1 Buzz
Week 1 Rankings | Expert chat (Noon-1 p.m. ET)

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What we’re watching for early

• Darnell Mooney, WR, ATL (Shoulder): He’s questionable despite limited practices this week. Probably will be a game-time call. Casey Washington would likely be called upon to step up if he sits.

• Tyler Goodson, RB, IND (Elbow): DJ Giddens would spell Jonathan Taylor if Goodson doesn’t suit up.

• Malik Nabers, WR, NYG (Back): He was not listed on the team’s injury report and he’ll almost certainly start. Just be aware that there’s a chance that his “little tightness” could flare up during the game.

Ruled out prior to Sunday

• Isaiah Likely, TE, BAL (Foot): Starter Mark Andrews will still get the majority of TE looks, with Charlie Kolar getting the scraps.

• Tyler Bass, K, BUF (Hip/Groin): He’s been placed on IR. Matt Prater will handle Buffalo’s kicking duties.

• Quinshon Judkins, RB, CLE: He only signed with the team on Saturday after off-the-field legal issues had delayed the process. Expect Dylan Sampson and Jerome Ford to split backfield work in Week 1.

• Christian Kirk, WR, HOU (Hamstring): Kirk might be out of action for a few weeks. Braxton Berrios (hamstring) is also out for Week 1, so rookies Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel should both be tasked with a larger-than-expected workload right out of the gate.

• Jaylen Wright, RB, MIA (Knee): De’Von Achane will be backed up by rookie Ollie Gordon II and Jeff Wilson Jr., who was elevated to fill in for Wright.

• Darren Waller, TE, MIA (Hip): The veteran is not yet ready to shake off his retirement cobwebs. Julian Hill and Tanner Conner will share whatever TE targets there are to be had.

• Chase Young, LB, NO (Calf): This certainly could benefit any Cardinals in your starting lineup.

• Jake Bobo, WR, SEA (Concussion): This frees up rookie Tory Horton for work as the team’s No. 3 WR.

• Chris Godwin Jr., WR, TB (Ankle): Not expected back until at least Week 5.

What we’re watching for late

• Marvin Mims Jr., WR, DEN (Thigh): He was removed from the injury report and is expected to be the team’ No. 2 WR option behind Courtland Sutton.

• Jayden Reed , WR, GB (Foot): He was limited in practice this week, but given that it’s Week 1, he’s likely to give it a try. Dontayvion Wicks and Savion Williams are both questionable, so rookie Matthew Golden might be in line for a big debut.

• Christian McCaffrey, RB, SF (Calf): Given his injury history and a missed practice on Friday, it’s understandable why fantasy managers might be wary here. That said, McCaffrey says he’s feeling great. Isaac Guerendo (shoulder) and Jordan James (finger) also enter the season banged up, so Brian Robinson Jr. would be the late-window pivot if there’s a need for one.

Twelve clubs have bid to join the expanded 14-team Betfred Super League next season.

It was confirmed at a league meeting in July that the number of teams in the 2026 Super League season would increase from the current 12 to 14.

A dozen clubs have met the deadline for lodging a formal expression of interest in joining the process for the proposed expansion and now have until September 12 to submit a full formal application.

The league’s Club Grading System will then be the basis for a seven-person panel to make decisions on places 13 and 14, which will be confirmed on October 16.

Lord Caine will be joined by two fellow non-executive RFL directors – Abi Ekoku and Dermot Power – plus the RFL chief executive Tony Sutton and interim head of legal Graeme Sarjeant; Rugby League Commercial’s managing director Rhodri Jones; and Peter Hutton, the senior independent non-executive director of RL Commercial who is also a Super League (Europe) board member.

Clubs will be judged against five criteria – fandom, performance, finances, stadium and community – and the panel will then assess applications in terms of finance and sustainability.

These include their financial performance in 2025, detailed financial performance and sustainability forecasts for the 2026, 2027 and 2028 seasons and their ability to field a competitive team in 2026 and beyond.

Watch every Super League game this season live on Sky Sports – including two matches in each round exclusively live, with the remaining four matches each week shown on Sky Sports+ via the red button.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The man with more Super Bowl wins than any other coach in NFL history now has his first win as a college coach.

Bill Belichick picked up win No. 1 in college — and No. 334 overall — as North Carolina shrugged off a dismal opening performance Monday vs. TCU and beat Charlotte on Saturday night 20-3.

“It’s great,” Belichick said, “but it’s really about the team. It was disappointing Monday night against TCU, but these guys bounced back — players, coaches, staff, support people — and just got back to work. They were determined to have a better outcome. I’m really proud of what they did. They deserve the credit for tonight.”

After a 48-14 blowout loss that included two defensive touchdowns by the Horned Frogs, Belichick praised the team’s ability to shrug off the performance and focus on the fundamentals.

UNC led 17-3 at the half, rushed for 148 yards, and didn’t turn over the ball against Charlotte. Meanwhile, the Tar Heels’ maligned defense held the 49ers to just 21 yards on the ground, five days after TCU ran for 258.

The news cycle after Monday’s loss had been ugly for Belichick and the Tar Heels — “a lot of negativity from the outside,” he said — including reports from multiple outlets, including ESPN, that scouts from the New England Patriots, with whom Belichick won six Super Bowls, have been banned from North Carolina’s facility.

Belichick confirmed those reports Saturday, saying the decision was in response to a closed-door edict in New England.

“It’s obvious I’m not welcome at their facility,” Belichick said, “so they’re not welcome at ours.”

Belichick has had an acrimonious divorce from New England and owner Bob Kraft since he left the Patriots after the 2023 season, with multiple spats erupting in the media in recent months. Belichick took issue with comments from Kraft that hiring him had been a “big risk,” releasing a statement in July saying that he was the one who took a risk by accepting the job. In a Boston Globe story last month, Belichick appeared to take another swipe, saying that one of the perks of his job at North Carolina is that “there’s no owner, there’s no owner’s son,” the latter a reference to Jonathan Kraft.

On Saturday, Belichick seemed in far better spirits, though hardly effervescent in his celebration.

Asked if the team had given Belichick a game ball to celebrate his first win with the Tar Heels, senior Gavin Gibson laughed and said, “If we’d tried, I think he’d look at us like, ‘Nah.’”

Instead, Belichick pointed to UNC’s determination to wipe the slate clean after Monday’s ugly loss and offer some renewed hope that the Tar Heels wouldn’t roll over.

“It was clear in the locker room and as we got out on the practice field there was a … higher level of determination and commitment,” Belichick said. “That was good to see us improve.”

North Carolina hosts Richmond next week before heading to UCF to close out its nonconference schedule.

Colorado’s quarterback situation went in an unexpected direction Saturday with coach Deion Sanders turning to third-string QB Ryan Staub to power the Buffaloes’ 31-7 win over Delaware.

Staub, a redshirt sophomore, stepped in after Kaidon Salter and Julian Lewis played against the Blue Hens, and he made the most of his opportunity. He completed seven of 10 passes for 157 yards and two touchdowns, making his case to be the Buffaloes’ starter moving forward.

Sanders said he prayed about his quarterback room after a 27-20 loss to Georgia Tech in the season opener and decided the best move was giving two series each to Salter, Lewis and Staub and letting their performances “tell its own story” and dictate who deserved to play.

But after Staub threw touchdown passes on each of his two drives, he stayed in for two more and helped turn a 10-7 game into a 31-7 rout. Afterward, Sanders presented Staub with a game ball.

“He’s just been waiting for his opportunity,” Sanders said. “Never jumped in the portal, he had every right to think that way. But he’s just been a great human being and a great young man, like a leader amongst that room. All he needed was the opportunity, and I thought it was time.”

Sanders wasn’t ready to say who will start in Colorado’s Big 12 opener next week at Houston, but he got the clarity he was seeking on Saturday.

“I know exactly how I’m going to handle the quarterback situation,” he said. “I’m not going to say it, but yeah, I’m not lost for direction.”

Staub earned one start for Colorado in 2023 during Sanders’ debut season, replacing an injured Shedeur Sanders and throwing for 195 yards and one score in a 23-17 loss to Utah in the regular-season finale. He played a total of 20 snaps over four appearances last season but does possess more experience running offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur’s system than Colorado’s two newcomer QBs.

Against Delaware, Staub got his chance with 45 seconds left in the first half and engineered a 75-yard touchdown drive with a 31-yard pass to receiver Joseph Williams followed by a 21-yard touchdown pass to running back Dekalon Taylor.

He opened the second half with a 71-yard touchdown throw to receiver Sincere Brown and stayed in as the Buffaloes’ QB for the rest of the third quarter.

“To be honest, this whole week, I wasn’t really expecting to play,” Staub said. “Friday, I kinda got the call and, OK, I might be playing. I was just waiting on an opportunity. Didn’t know it would be a two-minute drill, and kind of the rest is history.”

Salter, a transfer from Liberty, earned his second start with the Buffaloes and led the team to a 10-0 lead before Sanders gave Lewis, the No. 12 overall recruit in the 2025 ESPN 300, a chance to play his two drives in the second quarter. After both drives ended in punts and Delaware cut the deficit to 10-7, Staub took over.

Salter later reentered the game in the fourth quarter for two drives, both of which ended in punts, and finished with 127 total yards of offense. Lewis went in for victory formation on Colorado’s final drive.

Sanders planned to give Lewis, their five-star freshman, more snaps against Delaware after he didn’t play in the opener. Lewis threw for 8 yards on 2-of-4 passing and took one sack against the Blue Hens. Sanders said Lewis’ youth showed in his performance and is trying to be careful about the situations Lewis is being put in early in his college career.

“Some guys want you to just throw them in there, and I’m too protective,” Sanders said. “I love the kid and I want the kid to be successful, so we’re very protective on what we do with him and what we can do with him, how we call things with him. We want him to be in a situation to excel.”

Staub said he never considered transferring out of Colorado during his two years backing up Shedeur Sanders or when the Buffaloes brought in Lewis and Salter this offseason. He said he fell in love with the process and the program and preferred to put his head down and keep working until he got a chance.

“It’s kind of crazy,” Staub said. “I mean, yeah, there’s been a lot of days of a lot of work and some self-doubt and, you know, kind of my own battles. It’s crazy to be rewarded this way. It doesn’t really feel real. But I’m also looking forward to next week. We need to get back to work.”

DENVER — The Tennessee Titans have agreed to a contract extension with safety Amani Hooker, his agent told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler on Saturday. The three-year deal is worth $48.6 million with $29 million in total guarantees.

The 27-year-old safety was entering the final season of a three-year, $33 million contract extension he signed with the Titans in 2022. Hooker played 96.2% (807) of Tennessee’s defensive snaps last season, leading the Titans with a career-high five interceptions and tying for the team lead with nine pass breakups.

The Titans selected Hooker in the fourth round of the 2019 draft after a standout career for Iowa. In six NFL seasons, Hooker has played in 80 games totaling 315 tackles, 12 interceptions and 31 pass breakups.

“This is a reflection of all the people that believed in me along the way,” Hooker said via the team website.

Tennessee is carrying five safeties on its 53-man roster. Hooker and veteran free agent addition Xavier Woods will start. Quandre Diggs will rotate in at times as well. The Titans also have Mike Brown and 2025 third-round pick Kevin Winston Jr.

The Titans open their season Sunday on the road against the Denver Broncos.

World No 1 Aryna Sabalenka successfully defended her US Open title with a thrilling 6-4 7-6 (7-3) win over Amanda Anisimova in New York.

Sabalenka sealed a hard-fought victory against Anisimova at Flushing Meadows, making her the first woman to win the tournament in consecutive years since Serena Williams in 2014.

The Belarusian picked up the fourth Grand Slam title of her career as a result, all on hard courts – having now added two New York triumphs to her pair of Australian Open trophies.

“I want to thank everyone who came here, who flew in to be there in my box,” said Sabalenka, who fell to her knees after clinching victory with an unreturnable serve and jumped up and down with her coaches in the stands in a scene of utter joy.

“I’m going to reach a lot more finals and I don’t care where you are in the world I want you in my box.”

Both women were looking to bury recent scar tissue, with Anisimova back in a major final 56 days after her Wimbledon whitewash, while Sabalenka suffered heart-breaking defeats at the Australian Open and French Open – forced to apologise after an ungracious press conference towards winner Coco Gauff at the latter.

Sabalenka also lost to Anisimova in the semi-finals at Wimbledon, putting her in the strange position of being by a distance the best player in the world but without a major trophy in 2025, but she quelled a fightback from her opponent to secure the silverware.

How Sabalenka triumphed in New York

With heavy rain battering Queens, the roof was closed, adding an extra edge to the atmosphere and allowing both women to strike out with confidence.

Anisimova must have feared the worst when she dropped serve immediately, extending her run of losing games in Grand Slam finals to 14.

The set was threatening to run away from Anisimova in a similar fashion to Wimbledon, but she told herself above all this tournament to be brave and she powered winners into opposite corners to finally get on the board.

Having won one game, she quickly made that three in a row, the crowd greeting every winner with a huge cheer.

The American was dominating both the winner and error count and it was the latter that climbed again as Sabalenka responded with four games in a row to take the opening set.

Anisimova, who was struggling with the roof lighting on her ball toss, was too inconsistent to apply any solid pressure.

Anisimova slammed a ball down in frustration when a backhand pass from Sabalenka gave her another break in the third game of the second set and, although she fought back to level, the eighth seed’s serve was too much of a liability.

Sabalenka forged ahead again to lead 5-3 and soon found herself serving for the title.

Perhaps it was inevitable that it would not be straightforward. Anisimova somehow dug out a backhand lob that Sabalenka dumped into the net to give herself a chance to level and more huge hitting made it 5-5.

If there was a moment for the demons to resurface, it was now, but Sabalenka took the set to a tie-break, where she has been untouchable this season, and this time finished the job.

Anisimova’s final tally of 29 unforced errors, including seven double faults, was ultimately too many, but the American, who started the year ranked outside the top 30, will have the consolation of being a top-four player on Monday.

“It’s been a great summer, losing in two finals in a row is great but it’s also super hard,” said 24-year-old Anisimova, who was left in tears yet again after the heartbreak of her 6-0 6-0 drubbing in the Wimbledon final two months ago.

“I didn’t fight hard enough for my dreams today.”

Tale of the Tape: Sabalenka vs Anisimova

‘Sabalenka showed what a champion she is’

Sky Sports Tennis’ Martina Navratilova:

“For a match that was straight sets, there were a lot of momentum changes within the match.

“Aryna Sabalenka showed just what a champion she is, because she had a lot of pressure on her – she lost finals at the Australian Open and French Open.

“Amanda Anisimova has got to keep her head up high. She held her own here today and is now in the conversation at all of the majors.

“Sabalenka just had a little bit more firepower and composure. Feeling the pressure, she did not falter. She held her nerve brilliantly in the tie-breaker.”

‘Not nice to see Anisimova so upset’

Sky Sports Tennis’ Marion Bartoli:

“Sabalenka absolutely deserved the victory today.

“It’s always so hard to watch the agony for the loser, in contrast to the pure joy of the winner.

“I’ve been a loser along with being a winner. You just don’t want to see such a great player like Anisimova looking so broken now and being so upset.

“She gave everything she had today and did so much better than at Wimbledon. But Sabalenka just had the better tactics.”

‘Sabalenka gave nothing away’

Sky Sports Tennis’ Laura Robson:

“Sitting courtside, it was so fun for me to see Sabalenka regroup when things could have taken a turn in the second set.

“She played a blinder of a tiebreak, gave nothing away.

“Everything that has happened this year – especially the Roland Garros final, where she mentally let herself down in that match [against Coco Gauff] – it has been something that everyone has reminded her of since then.

“Under pressure today, everything on the line, and with the crowd against you, she barely put a foot wrong in that breaker.

“That’s the mentality we’ve come to know from Sabalenka, and we saw it in the semi-final as well.”

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