Category: Sports

Kenny Shiels guided Northern Ireland Women to their first major tournament last summer; The team were knocked out during the group stages, but it was considered a watershed moment for the sport in Northern Ireland; Shiels has a year remaining on his contract

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While a newly cast Lombardi trophy has yet to be hoisted, dust is already settling on many fantasy football managers’ championship crowns. And they’re the lucky ones. For those who failed to take home a gold-plated prize, the wait for next season is fraught with speculation, anticipation and calculation. The first wave of which is delivered to passionate patrons via NFL free agency.

Ever the early bird, Mike Clay has already gifted readers with a thorough outline of the upcoming frenzy. In his fantasy free agency preview, Mike spotlights big free agent names, potential cut candidates and position-needy squads. Managers should read it, bookmark it and expect to come back to it.

Preparation is always paramount. However, there is some space with which to play and, perhaps, speak some big dreams into existence. Let’s wish-cast while we can!

This article is for the Tony Pollard investors who have sprouted many a gray hair watching Ezekiel Elliott plod away with the bulk of the Cowboys’ backfield touches. It’s for the Terry McLaurin stans who know he’s one signal-caller away from realizing his top-five potential. And don’t forget the metrics mavens who have too long been teased by Mike Gesicki’s SPARQ score.

I can’t promise these landing spots will be right, but I can promise they’ll be fun.

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Quarterback

Lamar Jackson
Ideal destination: Atlanta Falcons

He’s likely to remain a Raven but imagine him as a Falcon. The speed Jackson could bring to Atlanta’s run-centric offense might be exactly what makes it fly.

The Falcons led the league in rushing attempts (559) with Marcus Mariota and Desmond Ridder accounting for more than 18% of the team’s total totes. While Mariota averaged three fewer carries per game (6.5, eighth among QBs), he was also less efficient, managing 5.2 yards per carry for an 85-438-4 rushing stat line. Meanwhile, Jackson shouldered a larger load (9.3 carries per game, third among QBs) while recording 1.6 more yards per carry. That sort of seismic shift under center would keep defenses guessing and open up a receiving corps filthy with untapped potential.

Speaking of which … if a head coach who worked for years as a TE coach won’t unlock Kyle Pitts, maybe a QB who has fed the position over the length of his career will. Ravens tight end Mark Andrews has remained inside the top 10 in terms of looks and scores for four consecutive seasons. Interestingly, two of Andrews’ three most productive scoring campaigns came when receiver Marquise Brown was fully folded into the offense. That suggests plenty of opportunities for Drake London to continue his ascent.

Aaron Rodgers
Ideal destination: New York Jets

As a fantasy player, where would you most like to see Aaron Rodgers land? Not where you THINK he’ll go but where you WANT him to go.

(manager at Erewhon Market is not an option 😉)

— Liz Loza (@LizLoza_FF) Jan. 24, 2023

The people clearly (and understandably) want a Rodgers/Davante Adams reunion. As a Bears fan, however, I’ve endured enough of that. Instead, I’m feeling the Jets.

First of all, Rodgers only has to mumble “Let’s Fly” with Nathaniel Hackett in frame one time for the whole experiment to crush. Secondly, it increases the likelihood of the Jets being on Hard Knocks, thus improving the waning watchability of the series. And finally, it could inspire some delicious Zach Wilson memes.

From a purely fantasy perspective, the Jets have young players who could make the leap with a veteran signal-caller. Garrett Wilson flashed at the top of his rookie season with Joe Flacco under center, but he really exploded with Mike White at the helm. Garrett Wilson finished as fantasy’s WR1 in Week 12 and recorded a career-high 162 yards in Week 13. Elijah Moore additionally showed chemistry with both backups, scoring four TDs in five outings with White and/or Flacco in 2021. Breece Hall, who is reportedly ahead of schedule in his ACL recovery, could certainly benefit from a lifted backfield and a QB who doesn’t mind targeting his RB1.

Tom Brady
Ideal destination: Washington Commanders

Since “retirement home in Boca” isn’t an option … how about the Commanders? Brady probably wouldn’t be thrilled about working behind a bottom-10-ranked O-line that gave up 48 sacks, but Washington could aim to shore up the trenches with the 16th pick in April’s draft. After all, the team won’t need to target the receiver position. Not with a playmaker like Terry McLaurin converting on deep looks and the sticky-mitted Jahan Dotson owning the red area.

Given the potential out in Commanders tight end Logan Thomas’ deal, there’s a chance TB12 could, once again, lure ol’ buddy Rob Gronkowski out of retirement. Brady might even be able to influence the next offensive coordinator hire, which would ensure the GOAT stays in control. An offense led by Brady is one thing. An offense designed by Brady is a whole other fantasy fever dream.

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Running back

Tony Pollard
Ideal destination: Carolina Panthers

Nobody likes playing GM more than fantasy enthusiasts. So let’s do it with Tony Pollard. Forget the “he’s gonna stay in DAL” takes.

Where would you, as a TP investor, like to see him end up?

– Liz Loza (@LizLoza_FF) Jan. 25, 2023

The knock against Josh Jacobs coming out of college was he wasn’t capable of carrying the full workload. After four years with the Raiders and coming off almost 400 touches and more than 2,000 total yards in 2022, however, it appears as though he acquitted himself well in Sin City. Fantasy fans are hopeful Pollard can be the Raiders’ next unlikely hero. I’ve always been a Jacobs stan and would prefer to see him stay with Vegas, so I’m going in a different direction.

Carolina is a less popular destination but one that could prove sneakily fruitful. It’s unlikely the Panthers will benefit from a brand-name QB, but that ensures a commitment to the running game. Pollard is explosive enough to create on his own (5.9 YPT, fifth among RBs) and make up for a lack of offensive zip. I’m not 100% sold on his every-down ability (especially coming off a broken leg), but I do think he could post top-10 fantasy numbers in a 60/40 split. After all, he was fantasy’s RB8 while sharing 48% of the touches with Ezekiel Elliot (44% of all Dallas RB touches).

Alexander Mattison
Ideal destination: Buffalo Bills

Mattison is just 24 years old and has recorded only 474 touches during his career (118.5 per season). That means his legs are fresh and ready for a lead-back moment. Admittedly, Mattison isn’t the fastest back, but he’s plenty powerful and has capable hands. If the Bills are looking for an upgrade, then Mattison could produce as the backfield’s new motor. His skill set complements James Cook‘s, leaving enough work for both RBs to thrive in one of the league’s most dynamic offenses.

Aaron Jones
Ideal destination: Miami Dolphins

As is, Jones’ contract carries a cap hit of $20 million. That’s a lot for a 28-year-old RB on a team expected to enter next season roughly $16 million over budget. Restructuring Jones’ deal is certainly possible. Finding a trade partner, however, makes more financial sense, especially considering AJ Dillon will be entering 2023 in the final year of his rookie pledge.

Sending Jones to an RB-needy team like the Dolphins would be a dream for fantasy managers, as it frees up both backs. Jones figures to flourish in Mike McDaniel’s scheme, working as a safety valve in the passing game while benefiting from light boxes as defenses attempt to contain two elite field-stretchers in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Meanwhile, Dillon could finally fulfill his potential as an every-down back in Green Bay, consistently evading tackles and recording a juke rate so seismic it would cause weak knees in even the most tender-footed stat nerds.

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Wide receiver

DeAndre Hopkins
Ideal destination: Los Angeles Rams

The Rams are on the hook for Allen Robinson II‘s contract through 2024. Given his underwhelming transition from Chicago, however, the Rams could try to make a play for a more proven vet with Super Bowl aspirations.

Hopkins has been minted as a rebound king, hushing doubters when he changed teams in 2020 and naysayers who thought he might be rusty entering Week 7 of 2022. Nuk could thrive as a physical outside presence, complementing Cooper Kupp in the slot. He might not make it through the season without an injury, but he’d be good for upward of eight looks per game until then.

Jakobi Meyers
Ideal destination: Kansas City Chiefs

A former colleague insisted I dig into Kelvin Harmon’s tape back in 2019. I don’t remember much of it, because I was immediately distracted by Meyers’ craftiness. Harmon — who was a sixth-round pick — has since washed out of the league, but his former NC State teammate (who, ironically, went undrafted) has proven to be a solid slot producer.

The touchdowns have notably been missing from Meyers’ game (though he managed six spikes in 2022), but with little else around him in New England, he has thrived as a sure-handed chain mover. His reliability in the short-to-intermediate passing game could be a boon to the Chiefs … and managers who play in PPR-friendly formats.

Mack Hollins
Ideal destination: Houston Texans

Hollins emerged off the waiver wire as a surprise flex option in 2022, averaging more than nine fantasy points per game and recording seven double-digit efforts. Injuries allowed Hollins a more prominent role in the Raiders’ offense, as the 29-year-old posted career highs in targets (94), catches (57) and yards (690).

With size (6-foot-4 and 221 pounds) and speed (90th percentile), Hollins could prosper as a complementary deep threat to Nico Collins in Houston. The Texans’ QB situation is, obviously, less than ideal, but Hollins — who has played with a plethora of signal-callers — is capable of converting on YOLO balls. Enough of those would keep him in the high-upside flex conversation.

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Tight end

Mike Gesicki
Ideal destination: Green Bay Packers

The Packers have a lot of needs, and Gesicki is brimming with unrealized talent. A metrics community darling, Gesicki was primarily used as a slot receiver during his first four years in Miami. Unfortunately, the Penn State product wasn’t a fit in Mike McDaniel’s scheme. He did, however, show chemistry with Skylar Thompson, proving he could be a valuable outlet over the middle, especially in an offense featuring a green signal-caller. That skill set could come in handy for whomever arrives in Eastern Wisconsin post-Aaron Rodgers.

Follow Liz on Twitter @LizLoza_FF

Kansas City Chiefs receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling, while in the grasp of two Cincinnati Bengals defenders Sunday, extended his right arm while holding the ball in hopes of gaining the extra half-yard necessary for a key first down.

There was 6:07 remaining in the third quarter of a tied AFC Championship Game and the spot was ruled short, which meant fourth-and-1 from the Bengals’ 20.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid faced a decision as critical as any he would make with a Super Bowl trip on the line, and he had seconds to make it. Should he challenge the spot, risking his second timeout knowing it was his last challenge with 21 minutes of action remaining, or move on to fourth down?

“Unless it’s egregious, they’re going to go with the call,” said former coach John Fox, who didn’t like to challenge the spotting of the ball. “You ain’t winning that.”

Replay challenges loomed large in both conference title games Sunday, including on a play that led to a touchdown early in the Philadelphia Eagles‘ win over the San Francisco 49ers.

An NFL sideline is a hive of activity, bustling and buzzing for three emotionally exhausting hours every week. The next playcall, the personnel, the play clock — each must be shrewdly and simultaneously managed, all while reacting to your opponent’s countermoves.

The stories behind how these decisions are made can range from fascinating to frustrating. But the outcomes can alter the shape of a season or — depending on the magnitude of the contest — change the trajectory of careers.

Here’s a look inside some of the most chaotic — and most critical — moments in an NFL game: The precious seconds preceding a coach’s replay challenge.

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NFL TEAMS HAVE evolved their processes for handling replay challenges over the years to the point it’s now become a somewhat specialized area for staffers on many teams. For a number of clubs, game-management coaches are charged with quarterbacking their team’s challenge decisions, taking advantage of the television broadcasts playing on screens in the coaches’ booths and their mastery of the highly complicated replay rules.

On other teams, the job might fall to another member of the coaching staff. In either case, most teams have a clearly identified procedure for communicating information to the head coach, who ultimately decides whether to throw the red challenge flag. Niners coach Kyle Shanahan calls his point man — vice president of football administration Brian Hampton — “a straight computer. He’s extremely smart.”

But make no mistake: This is not a simple process, no matter who is assisting a coach.

Try reaching a clear-headed conclusion when your players are urgently advocating their view of the play, the crowd is roaring in an effort to influence the decision and your coaches upstairs are wavering.

That’s to say nothing of the considerations related to the game situation, the number of remaining timeouts and ensuring proper interpretation of the applicable rules governing the play and the replay procedures themselves.

“It’s a highly stressful situation for everybody,” said ESPN officiating analyst John Parry, a former NFL referee.

In the earlier scenario, Reid made the right call. He challenged the spot of the ball and the call was overturned, giving the Chiefs a first down at the Bengals’ 19-yard line.

Three plays later, Patrick Mahomes hit Valdes-Scantling for the go-ahead touchdown as the Chiefs went on to win 23-20.

“I feel for the coaching staffs,” Parry said. “I have empathy and sympathy for them in [their] attempt to try to remember and retain and stay up to speed with an extremely complicated instant replay system.”

Additional levels of intricacy are added each time replay rules are amended by the league. One innovation added last season was the replay assist procedure that allows the on-site replay official and the NFL’s officiating department in New York to intervene in situations where there is “clear and obvious” evidence to either affirm or reverse a call made on the field.

But these decisions generally come before the play clock reaches 20 seconds. If a coach throws the challenge flag before that point, any ongoing replay assistance ends and the formal challenge procedures kick in.

“If [the play clock] gets to 20 and [lower], that’s when a coach’s flag should be thrown,” Parry said. “Some coaches throw the flag at 26 seconds and then they’re like, ‘Why wasn’t that a replay assist?’ Well, you threw it too quick.”

It isn’t always clear to fans when the replay assist process is utilized since it is designed to avoid stoppages in play. But a good clue is to pay attention to times when a referee indicates a call was changed “after discussion.” That discussion, Parry said, is typically with the replay assistant and league office.

Some wondered why a replay assist wasn’t used Sunday when Eagles receiver DeVonta Smith was credited with a 29-yard reception that led to a touchdown on Philadelphia’s first drive. Replays on Fox showed the ball hitting the ground.

But the Eagles rushed to the line of scrimmage after the play, apparently snapping it before replay officials could take a close look. The Eagles ended up rolling to a 31-7 victory, so the situation didn’t factor into the game.

In Shanahan’s defense, coaches are at the mercy of the television broadcasts or in-stadium replays, something that has a significant impact on the timing of these situations.

“The replay we saw didn’t definitively show that [it wasn’t a catch],” Shanahan said after the game. “I was going to throw one anyways, just to hope to take the chance, but they showed one up on the scoreboard that didn’t have all the angles you guys saw, and that looked like a catch. So we didn’t want to waste a timeout, which we definitely would have if we didn’t see that.

“Then I heard they got a couple other angles, and you guys ended up seeing later that it was not a catch.”

While the designated replay official in each stadium has a real-time view of every camera angle, coaches only have access to the network version of the game.

That might have been a factor in a Week 7 scenario that prompted Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell to throw his headset in frustration. Campbell was awaiting advice from Jon Dykema, who is the Lions’ director of football compliance and lead football counsel, and also the person in the booth who advises Campbell on challenge situations. There was a possible scoring play by tight end Brock Wright, who was ruled down at the 1-yard line. But when no immediate advice was forthcoming, Campbell had the offense line up and try to score on first-and-goal. That’s when running back Jamaal Williams fumbled and the Dallas Cowboys recovered.

Detroit was trailing 10-6 at the time before losing 24-6. A touchdown in that situation would have markedly changed the complexion of the game, although replays seemed to indicate Wright was stopped short of the goal line.

“I was waiting to get a call and I didn’t get a call,” said Campbell, who later explained there was a technical malfunction. “At that point, let’s go. Line up and play ball.”

That example speaks to the timing element of these critical situations, with important, complex decisions being made on the fly under duress.

There’s also the reality of coaches needing to honestly interpret what happened versus what they want to believe happened. Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur was perhaps guilty of the latter in a Week 4 meeting with the New England Patriots. In that game, he challenged a dropped pass by Romeo Doubs against the advice of his assistant quarterbacks coach Connor Lewis, who advised LeFleur from the coaches booth to not challenge.

“I’m not too proud of that moment,” said LeFleur, who lost the challenge and, thus, a timeout. “That was an emotional decision, and I think it’s a great learning lesson that you can never make those emotional decisions in the heat of battle. You know better.”

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YOU’VE PROBABLY NEVER watched a football game and wondered how many cameras were filming the action. But Zac Taylor does it all the time.

Before each game, the Bengals coach and his team’s data analyst, Sam Francis, review possible camera angles that could show various views on replay. Their diligence played at least some role in their decision to not challenge a possible Ja’Marr Chase touchdown in Week 1, a decision that was thoroughly second-guessed.

“Part of it was, that’s the hardest place for us to see in the entire field,” Taylor said of the visiting sideline end zone angle. “So, I didn’t think there was a chance.”

Here again, we see another example of the complexity coaches are dealing with as they reach these decisions.

But there are even more layers to consider. Parry said games aired regionally on Fox and CBS can often employ six to eight cameras. A Sunday afternoon national broadcast can feature up to 20. For national prime-time games, including ESPN’s “Monday Night Football,” as many as 40 cameras might be in use. And, of course, practically no sporting event is better documented than the Super Bowl, which can feature more than 100 camera angles.

Because officials can’t rule on what they can’t see, knowing these particulars is important before proceeding with a challenge.

Here’s a related fun fact that drives the point home: Since replay challenges were introduced in 1999, the Dallas Cowboys (48.1%) and Eagles (46.6%) rank first and second, respectively, in success rates through 2021. Is it a mere coincidence those teams also rank first and second in the number of prime-time games played in that time span, games featuring numerous camera angles? Overall, 40% of plays have resulted in reversals.

Looking ahead to the Super Bowl, the respective coaches have enjoyed different levels of success on challenges. Reid has challenged 137 calls in his lengthy career, winning 68 (49.6%). The Eagles’ Nick Sirianni, now in his second season, has won six of his 10 challenges (60%). Sirianni also had some success Sunday, challenging an incomplete pass by 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy that was overturned and ruled a fumble after review (the Eagles took possession after a clear recovery).

And as the Super Bowl approaches and the stakes get bigger, so, too, will the challenge decisions.

ESPN Bengals reporter Ben Baby, Packers reporter Rob Demovsky and 49ers reporter Nick Wagoner contributed to this report.

At The Races expert Declan Rix has five horses to follow from three Sky Sports Racing-covered tracks on Tuesday.

OLD PAINLESS

2.35 Newcastle – Quinnbet Best Odds Guaranteed Handicap Chase

The more tactical this Class 3 handicap gets, the better the chance of the slick-jumping OLD PAINLESS, who despite only having five career runs and two starts over fences, already looks like an old chasing pro.

The former Irish point to point winner was trained Donnchadh Doyle, and since joining the Harry Whittington yard, having been bought for £50,000, connections have wasted little time in going over the larger obstacles.

His facile success at Plumpton two starts back was an impressive success under the context of his first start over fences and he again ran well last time out at Kelso, when collared late in heavy ground.

Tuesday’s better going should play to strengths more so than likely favourite French Paradoxe, especially if Daryl Jacob gets an easy lead and makes this a test of late speed over the trip.

OSCAR THYNE

2.50 Ffos Las – Allan John (AJ) Memorial Handicap Hurdle

Both market and weather checks are advised before getting OSCAR THYNE onside in this race, on the back of a first run in 81 days. In terms of the former, a clue with regards race-fitness is needed, while concerning the latter, the better the ground, the better his chance.

If all is well, it’s not hard to imagine him going close on the back of his most recent third in a Cheltenham handicap at the track’s November meeting. On his first start in 517 days, Oscar Thyne ran on nicely late, despite being inconvenienced by the pace drop, given his held-up position throughout.

So far, there have been four individual winners – five in total – from that Cheltenham race, seeing a mark of 123 still workable, despite the 3lb rise.

ENZO D’AIRY

3.00 Lingfield – Sky Sports Racing Sky 415 Handicap Chase

On his second start after a 653-day absence, ENZO D’AIRY quite possibly “bounced” last time out at Chepstow, in what now looks a decent race, on ground that was possibly just starting to get softer than ideal.

Beforehand however, the Venetia Williams-trained nine-year-old really impressed with his jumping in winning at Chepstow on December 3, although he did get quite tired in the closing stages, maybe not a surprise given his mammoth absence.

Three-pound claimer Shane Quinlan rode him to success that day and keeps the ride here, seeing Enzo D’Aairy effectively run off 124, a mark that doesn’t look beyond him just yet.

SHE’S A SAINT

4.00 Ffos Las – Lucky Chancer Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle

The form of classy Nicky Henderson inmate Luccia will be put to the test here by both SHE’S A SAINT and Poetic Music, who clashed at Newbury back in November, when the Dan Skelton-trained mare finished six lengths ahead of the Fergal O’Brien inmate.

Off level weights, it’s hard to see Poetic Music reversing the form, although as a year younger horse, you could possibly argue that she is open to more improvement.

She’s A Saint is a lovely mare however, who can make the running and jumps well. A return to slightly softer ground also looks a plus for a horse who won an Irish point-to-point and looks to be a strong stayer over this minimum trip.

LEARNTALOT

4.10 Lingfield – Sky Sports Racing HD Virgin 535 Handicap Hurdle

Physically, LEARNTALOT looks the sort to carry on getting better with time so with the Olly Murphy yard in good form at the moment, the son of Ask may finally be able to break his maiden.

The seven-year-old progressed nicely from his seasonal debut at Wetherby – in a race working out – appearing to enjoy the step up to three miles last time out, again at Wetherby. This day, he looked an improved horse, both in terms of form and visually, travelling a bit sweeter and certainly jumping better.

With the horse’s trainer having a 26 per cent strike-rate over the last 14 days, Learntalot can hopefully score in a first-time tongue-tie after a breathing operation.

Arsenal are seriously considering a move for Chelsea midfielder Jorginho.

The Gunners see a potential opportunity as the player is into the final six months of his contract, with Chelsea trying to finalise a deal for Enzo Fernandez.

Arsenal remain ready to do a deal for Moises Caicedo if Brighton change their “not for sale” stance.

What is clear is the Premier League leaders are pushing hard to strengthen the midfield area on Deadline Day.

Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal tried to sign Jorginho in the summer of 2020, the year before the midfielder won the Champions League and European Championships with Italy.

Arteta was also the assistant coach at Manchester City when they tried to sign him in 2018 – but Jorginho turned down the move to join Maurizio Sarri instead at Chelsea from Napoli.

Why Arsenal can’t wait for a new midfielder

Sky Sports’ Nick Wright:

One of the most important factors behind Arsenal’s success this season is that they have been able to keep Thomas Partey fit. The Ghanaian was sorely missed during his periods on the sidelines last term and Arsenal’s record with and without him proves it.

In fact, factor in the current campaign as well and Arsenal’s win rate stands at 74 per cent in the Premier League games he has started compared to just 50 per cent in the ones he has missed.

The gulf in quality between him and his deputies, Mohamed Elneny and Albert Sambi Lokonga, is simply too large and the Egyptian’s injury exposes Arsenal’s lack of depth even more glaringly.

Waiting until the summer, when the club hope to recruit Declan Rice from West Ham, is now even riskier than it was and that means action is required before the end of January window.

Arsenal’s schedule has been relatively kind since Christmas, but it ramps up with a run of four Premier League games in 14 days at the start of February, and that’s followed by the resumption of their Europa League campaign in March.

Partey’s load will need to be managed in order to minimise the risk of injury and that will only be possible if Mikel Arteta is granted his wish for a viable alternative in the 29-year-old’s position.

Arsenal’s recruitment in recent years has centred on the long-term but right now, top of the Premier League and with the added burden of European commitments to come, a short-term solution is needed.

Follow Deadline Day with Sky Sports

Who will be on the move on Deadline Day? The January transfer window closes at 11pm in England and midnight in Scotland on Tuesday January 31, 2023.

Keep up to date with all the latest transfer news and rumours in our dedicated Transfer Centre blog on Sky Sports’ digital platforms. You can also catch up with the ins, outs and analysis on Sky Sports News.

LUBBOCK, Texas — Texas Tech coach Mark Adams was just happy fans stuck around for the biggest comeback in school history and the first Big 12 win of the season for a team that reached the Sweet 16 a year ago.

The Red Raiders erased a 23-point deficit after halftime to end an eight-game conference skid, with De’Vion Harmon scoring all 16 of his points after the break in an 80-77 overtime victory against No. 13 Iowa State on Monday night.

“I’m still in shock here,” Adams said. “I was just so proud of our guys. They didn’t give up on themselves. I was proud of the fans. I was afraid they were going to leave at halftime.”

The Cyclones took a 59-36 lead with 12:38 remaining in regulation. At that point, they had a 99.6% win probability. However, Texas Tech tied the largest comeback by any team in Division I men’s basketball this season, as well as tying the largest comeback to beat an AP-ranked team over the past decade and setting a record for the largest second-half deficit overcome to win a game in the history of the Big 12/Big 8.

One of Caleb Grill‘s career-best eight 3-pointers gave Iowa State that 59-36 lead, but the Red Raiders started a 20-3 run not long after to make it close down the stretch.

Kevin Obanor had 24 points and 13 rebounds for the Red Raiders (12-10, 1-8 Big 12), who won their second consecutive game, including a victory over LSU in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge.

Grill scored 24 points but missed his final three 3-pointers after starting 8-of-9. One miss was an off-balance air ball on a frantic game-ending sequence in which the Cyclones (15-6, 6-3) missed three from long range trying to force a second overtime.

“They just decided they were going to crank up the pressure, really come after us and try to spread us out,” said Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger, whose team was coming off a double-digit loss to Missouri in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge that followed a win over fifth-ranked Kansas State. “We got out of sorts.”

Iowa State’s only field goal in the final 10 minutes of regulation was the 3-pointer that gave Grill his career high of eight. The Cyclones were 3-of-16 in the final 10 minutes of regulation and OT.

“This isn’t a time to figure out who’s fault it was and doom and gloom,” Otzelberger said. “We’ve had some really great moments. We’re going to continue to have some great moments.”

Iowa State still led by five with 40 seconds remaining in regulation when Obanor hit a 3-pointer and the Red Raiders forced one of 13 second-half turnovers from the Cyclones on the inbound play.

Harmon, who had 11 points in the second half and five in OT, was fouled on a drive and made both free throws for the first tie of the game at 71-all with 21 seconds remaining after Iowa State had led from the opening bucket.

Iowa State’s Gabe Kalscheur had 19 points but went 0-of-6 from 3, with one of the misses coming up short at the buzzer in regulation.

The Red Raiders took their first lead early in overtime on a layup by D’Maurian Williams, and their biggest lead was the final margin.

Harmon put them ahead for good with one of two free throws with 42 seconds remaining in overtime, and Obanor hit two more after another of Grill’s late misses on an off-balance 3.

Grill had the first long try in the final seconds, and Jaren Holmes got the rebound but also was short from beyond the arc. Holmes ended up with the ball one more time but was short again as the buzzer sounded.

Texas Tech’s biggest previous comeback was from 17 down in a 99-94 overtime victory at Nevada on Dec. 27, 1997.

“I thought our defense was much better [in the second half], but the big thing was just we were the most aggressive team on both ends of the floor the second half,” Adams said. “That was the difference.”

The Cyclones, who beat Texas Tech by 34 points at home last month, led by 17 at halftime — their largest lead in a road conference game over the past 10 seasons — and took their first 20-point lead on one of Grill’s 3s in the opening seconds of the second half.

The Red Raiders rallied without freshman point guard Pop Isaacs, their leading scorer in conference play. He missed a second consecutive game because of an ankle injury, while 6-foot-11 senior center Fardaws Aimaq was out because of a foot injury.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Reigning winner Aliyah Boston of the South Carolina Gamecocks headlines the John R. Wooden Award late season top 20 list for the most outstanding player in women’s college basketball, as announced Monday.

Boston is joined by the likes of the Iowa Hawkeyes‘ Caitlin Clark, Stanford Cardinal‘s Cameron Brink and LSU Tigers‘ Angel Reese.

Boston — whose No. 1-ranked and defending NCAA champion Gamecocks last lost in the 2022 SEC tournament championship game — and Reese have guided their teams to unbeaten records, although they are set to face off in SEC play Feb. 12.

The list is rounded out by other standouts including the UConn Huskies‘ Aaliyah Edwards, Indiana Hoosiers‘ Mackenzie Holmes and Maryland Terrapins‘ Diamond Miller.

Iowa, Stanford and South Carolina are the only schools with multiple players included. Clark is joined by teammate Monika Czinano, Brink by Haley Jones and Boston by Zia Cooke.

Florida State‘s Ta’Niya Latson is the only freshman featured, while Reese, the DePaul Blue Demons‘ Aneesah Morrow and Notre Dame Fighting Irish‘s Olivia Miles are the only sophomore representatives.

Many top players across the nation — including UConn’s Azzi Fudd, Indiana’s Grace Berger, Ohio State‘s Jacy Sheldon and NC State‘s Diamond Johnson — missed time this season due to injury and are not on the late season top 20.

The Wooden Award All-American team will be announced the week of the Elite Eight, while the winner will be presented in April following the NCAA tournament’s conclusion.

John R. Wooden Award Presented by Wendy’s Late Season Top 20 (Women)

Aliyah Boston, South Carolina, 6-5, Sr., F

Cameron Brink, Stanford, 6-4, Jr., F

Caitlin Clark, Iowa, 6-0, Jr., G

Zia Cooke, South Carolina, 5-9, Sr., G

Monika Czinano, Iowa, 6-3, Sr., F/C

Aaliyah Edwards, UConn, 6-3, Jr., F

Mackenzie Holmes, Indiana, 6-3, Sr., F

Ashley Joens, Iowa State, 6-1, Sr., G/F

Haley Jones, Stanford, 6-1, Sr., G

Deja Kelly, North Carolina, 5-8, Jr., G

Elizabeth Kitley, Virginia Tech, 6-6, Sr., C

Ta’Niya Latson, Florida State, 5-8, Fr., G

Olivia Miles, Notre Dame, 5-10, So., G

Diamond Miller, Maryland, 6-3, Sr., G

Aneesah Morrow, DePaul, 6-1, So., F

Charisma Osborne, UCLA, 5-9, Sr., G

Alissa Pili, Utah, 6-2, Jr., F

Angel Reese, LSU, 6-3, So., F

Maddy Siegrist, Villanova, 6-1, Sr., F

Hailey Van Lith, Louisville, 5-7, Jr., G

COSTA MESA, Calif. — The Los Angeles Chargers have agreed to terms with Kellen Moore to be their new offensive coordinator, the team announced Monday.

The move comes less than 24 hours after the Dallas Cowboys released a statement that said Moore and the team had reached a “mutual decision to part ways” following an end-of-season review process.

In L.A., Moore is replacing offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, who was fired after a 10-7 season that ended in a historic meltdown loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the wild-card round.

Moore, 33, will take over an offense led by quarterback Justin Herbert, who last season passed Andrew Luck to tally the most passing yards through a player’s first three NFL seasons. Moore also inherits receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams and running back Austin Ekeler, who last season led the NFL with 18 touchdowns.

Moore goes from coaching Dak Prescott, who led the league in interception rate (3.8%) this season, to Herbert, who had the seventh-lowest interception rate (1.4%) in the NFL, according to ESPN Stats & Information research.

At the outset of the search for a new offensive coordinator, coach Brandon Staley said he would look for leadership and a system that resembled the ones deployed by Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay and San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan.

“The offenses that I think are the most challenging to defend … are the ones that put a lot of pressure on you every snap, in terms of marrying the run game to the pass game, putting a lot of pressure on you with personnel groupings, pace, motion, and being able to get the explosions consistently,” Staley said.

The Chargers’ offense ranked 10th last season, scoring an average of 22.47 points per game. But they struggled to consistently run the football, averaging only 89.6 yards per game, which ranked 30th.

Moore spent four seasons as coordinator for the Cowboys, with his offense ranking in the top four in points per game (27.7), yards per game (391) and third-down conversion percentage (44%).

With the Chargers, he’s anticipated to deploy a more balanced offensive attack than the Bolts relied on under Lombardi.

Last season, the Chargers called a designed pass on 68% of plays, the second-highest rate in the NFL behind only the Buccaneers (68.1%). The Cowboys called a designed pass on 54.6% of their plays in 2022, the sixth-lowest rate in the league.

“In terms of the passing game, that’s what we’ve been able to do at a high level for the last two years, throw the football,” Staley said before Moore’s hiring. “But to be more explosive, you have to be able to run the football more consistently to put more pressure on people.”

The Cowboys under Moore ranked 11th in rate of explosive plays (10.1%), qualified as a 10-yard run or 20-yard pass play, while the Chargers the last two seasons under Lombardi ranked 30th (8.1%).

The Chargers also interviewed Rams passing game coordinator/quarterbacks coach Zac Robinson, Rams senior offensive assistant Greg Olsen, Rams assistant head coach/tight ends coach Thomas Brown and Minnesota Vikings assistant quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson for the position.

It’s unclear whether Moore will make further changes to the Chargers’ offensive staff. A vacancy remains at quarterbacks coach after Shane Day also was fired after the season.

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{{ timeAgo(‘2023-01-30 20:37:26 -0600’) }}
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KANSAS CITY, Missouri — At some point last week, it all got out of hand. Too much Cincinnati Bengals love, too much Kansas City Chiefs disrespect. We roll our eyes when a team like the Chiefs says “nobody thought we could win,” and while that wasn’t technically true for this game, enough people picked the Bengals that the Chiefs had the right to say it.

Then there was the weird trash talk. The “Burrowhead Stadium” thing. The mayor of Cincinnati, unprompted, just lobbing word grenades as the Bengals were packing for their trip.

“The mayor was coming after me,” Patrick Mahomes said Sunday night after willing Kansas City to the Super Bowl on one good leg. “I mean, come on.”

In no universe was it ever a good idea to let the Chiefs feel like underdogs. But while it’s easy to say that now, it really wasn’t outlandish. This team isn’t the kind of bully you picture when you think of a team that’s been to three Super Bowls in five years. For proof, travel with me inside its postgame locker room, where the biggest smile in the room stretched across the face of rookie receiver Skyy Moore.

“I honestly didn’t think they’d let me return another punt all year,” Moore said, and he wasn’t kidding. The second-round rookie was taken off of the punt return team earlier this season because he was dropping too many and it was costing the team. But even after the Chiefs stopped letting Moore return punts in games, they kept working with him on it in practice. Special teams coaches Dave Toub and Andy Hill worked with Moore on it every day.

“They just kept having confidence in me, even when I didn’t,” Moore said. “Here’s something I’m doing for the first time, and I keep messing up, and they’re out there like, ‘We believe in you. We know you’re going to be good at this.’ It meant a lot.”

Still, when he showed up Sunday for the AFC Championship Game, the last thing Moore expected was to be returning a punt in the final minute that set up the conference-winning field goal. I asked him where he was on the punt returner depth chart this week.

“It was Kadarius [Toney], then Mecole [Hardman], then J-Wat [Justin Watson], then [Trent] McDuffie, then me,” Moore said.

Watson was inactive for the game, and McDuffie is one of the team’s starting corners, so when Toney and Hardman went out of Sunday’s game with injuries, Moore’s antennae went up. Kansas City sent him back for a kick return early in the game after Toney’s injury, and then, sure enough, the Chiefs tapped him on the shoulder when the Bengals lined up to punt with 41 seconds left and the score tied at 20-20.

“Honestly, the only thing I was thinking about was making sure I caught it,” Moore said, “Then I saw it was like a low line drive and I had a chance to do something with it.”

Moore had to backpedal to field the punt at his own 18-yard line. But the kick had little hang time, so he had room when he caught it, and he sprinted up the right sideline to the Kansas City 47 — a 29-yard return that fit the very definition of clutch.

“Arguably the biggest play of the game,” Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce said.

Three plays and one terrible Bengals unnecessary roughness penalty later, Harrison Butker was lining up for the 45-yard field goal that put the Chiefs in the Super Bowl.

“It says a lot about the culture here,” rookie running back Isiah Pacheco said. “We’ve got a lot of young guys on this team, but the coaching staff and the leaders on our team made sure, all year, that we’d be ready when the time came.”

Pacheco, the 251st pick in the 2022 NFL draft, out of Rutgers, had 85 yards from scrimmage in the AFC Championship Game, a week after rolling up 101 of them in the divisional round victory over the Jaguars. Pacheco was third or fourth on the running back depth chart coming out of camp but was the starter by the second half of the season and is a key reason Kansas City is still playing.

But that’s not all.

Rookie cornerbacks Jaylen Watson and Joshua Williams had interceptions Sunday, in a game that saw starting corner L’Jarius Sneed leave with a head injury in the first quarter. Rookie defensive end George Karlaftis had one of the team’s five sacks of Joe Burrow. Marcus Kemp, a fifth-year practice squad receiver who had four catches in his career and none this season but was forced into action after injuries to Toney, Hardman and JuJu Smith-Schuster, caught a 13-yard pass for a first down at one point in the fourth quarter.

Young guys and new guys. With Kelce playing with a bad back and receivers dropping like flies, 2022 free agent signee Marquez Valdes-Scantling caught six Mahomes passes for 116 yards and a touchdown. Carlos Dunlap, signed early in training camp to help bolster the pass rush, didn’t get one of the five sacks, but he hit Burrow twice and was a key part of the pressure package.

“The free agents, the guys we got in the draft, obviously they’ve helped us a lot and we’re going to need them even more in the Super Bowl, but I can’t thank them enough for choosing Kansas City,” Kelce said. “Those guys who work their tails off and don’t always get that opportunity in the game, for those guys to step up, that’s the best feeling in the world.”

We don’t tend to think of the Chiefs like this. We think of Mahomes and Kelce and Chris Jones and Andy Reid — the mainstays who have been the standouts in an incredible run of AFC dominance. We don’t imagine Kansas City as a team that relies on rookies, that had to patch together a wide receiver corps all season, let alone Sunday. Given everything that went on in the offseason, the Chiefs might have had the right to think of this as something of a rebuilding year. That they’ve ended up in the Super Bowl anyway should terrify the rest of the league.

“That’s what’s crazy — this is still only the beginning,” Dunlap said. “Look around at all these young guys. Like, this was my 200th game or something [actually his 205th], but so many of these guys are just getting started. What an experience for the young guys. And think about what it means for this team’s future.”

No, the Patrick Mahomes/Andy Reid Chiefs don’t rebuild. But they had to do an awful lot of retooling — this year, this week and in the course of this game. They did it. And so somehow, in a year when the Bills and the Bengals took turns as favorites in a conference Mahomes and Reid have owned for half a decade, the Chiefs have emerged scarier than ever. They might not beat the Eagles in two weeks, but then again they very well might. And regardless of what happens in the Super Bowl, the Chiefs aren’t going away any time soon.

Maybe next time, we’ll all work a little harder to make sure they don’t get to feel like underdogs.

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{{ timeAgo(‘2023-01-30 20:07:18 -0600’) }}
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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Monday.

Purdy is seeking second medical opinions about whether he needs surgery, which the 49ers are recommending, the source told Schefter.

The injury is expected to sideline Purdy for six months regardless of his decision on surgery, the source told Schefter.

Purdy’s injury is the latest serious injury suffered by a 49ers starting quarterback this season. San Francisco lost starter Trey Lance to a broken right ankle in Week 2 and veteran backup Jimmy Garoppolo to a broken left foot in Week 13. Garoppolo will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason.

The Niners lost Purdy on their sixth offensive snap in Sunday’s 31-7 NFC Championship Game loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. After he was originally considered questionable to return, he had no choice but to reenter in the third quarter when his replacement — fourth-string signal-caller Josh Johnson — was ruled out with a concussion.

Purdy sustained the injury with 7:03 left in the opening quarter. Facing second-and-6 at the 50, Purdy dropped back to throw, looking for wideout Brandon Aiyuk down the left side. With a clean pocket and time to throw, the Niners believed it was about to be a big play. Eagles pass-rusher Haason Reddick ruined those plans, racing past Niners tight end Tyler Kroft and hitting Purdy as he attempted to throw, jarring the ball loose.

Upon returning, Purdy threw a short screen pass to running back Christian McCaffrey for a gain of 3. He attempted only one more pass, a short dump-off to Kittle for a gain of 1. Purdy finished 4-of-4 for 23 yards with an average of 1.5 air yards per attempt. That’s the lowest average by a starting quarterback in a playoff game since the stat was first tracked in 2006 and the second lowest by a starting quarterback this season.

ESPN’s Nick Wagoner contributed to this report.

Hockey Hall of Famer Bobby Hull, a 12-time All-Star and two-time Hart Trophy winner, has died, the Chicago Blackhawks announced Monday. He was 84.

“We send our deepest sympathies to the Hull family,” the team said in a statement. “The Hull family has requested privacy during this difficult time. They appreciate the sympathies that have been sent their way.”

Hull, known during his playing career as the Golden Jet because of his blond hair and his speed on the ice, became beloved in Chicago for teaming with Stan Mikita to help the Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup in 1961, ending a 23-year title drought.

Following Mikita’s lead, Hull became known for curving the blade of his wooden stick in the 1960s and had one of the most feared slap shots in the league. His slap shot was reportedly clocked at 118 mph.

He played 15 seasons in Chicago and is the franchise’s career leader in goals scored with 604. For eight of those seasons, he played alongside his brother Dennis, who scored 298 goals with the Blackhawks. Bobby Hull won back-to-back Hart Memorial Trophies as the league’s most valuable player in 1964-65 and 1965-66, when he won the NHL scoring title for the third time in his career.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman in a statement called Hull “a true superstar with a gregarious personality.”

“When Bobby Hull wound up to take a slapshot, fans throughout the NHL rose to their feet in anticipation and opposing goaltenders braced themselves,” Bettman said. “During his prime, there was no more prolific goal-scorer in all of hockey. … We send our deepest condolences to his son, fellow Hockey Hall of Famer Brett; the entire Hull family; and the countless fans around the hockey world who were fortunate enough to see him play or have since marveled at his exploits.”

In 1972, Hull signed the first $1 million contract in the history of professional hockey (10 years, $1.75 million), leaving the Blackhawks and the NHL to join the Winnipeg Jets of the WHA as a player/coach.

He played seven seasons in the WHA and helped the Jets win Avco Cups in 1976 and 1978. He won two Gordie Howe Trophies as the league’s most valuable player in 1972-73 and 1974-75, a season in which he scored a career-best 77 goals.

He announced his retirement during the 1978-79 season but decided to return the next season after the WHA merged with the NHL. He played 18 games with the Jets in 1979-80 and was traded to the Hartford Whalers, playing nine games for the team before retiring again.

Hull was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983. His son Brett also is in the Hall of Fame, inducted in 2009 after a 19-season career in which he scored 741 goals. Bobby and Brett Hull are the only father and son to each win the Hart Trophy. They also were the only father and son named among the 100 Greatest NHL Players in 2017.

In a statement released by the St. Louis Blues, for whom he works as an ambassador, Brett Hull said his father gave his family and others “a tremendous amount of great memories.”

“Those of us who were lucky enough to spend time with him will cherish those forever,” Brett Hull said. “He will be greatly missed.”

Bobby Hull finished in the top three in goals scored in 10 NHL seasons, according to ESPN Stats & Information research. Only Gordie Howe (12) and Alex Ovechkin (11) have more such instances.

Hull’s No. 9 is retired by the Blackhawks and the Jets. That Winnipeg franchise relocated to Arizona in 1996 and was renamed the Coyotes, who also retired Hull’s No. 9. The Coyotes unretired the number in 2005 so Brett Hull could honor his father by wearing it.

Bobby Hull had 610 goals and 560 assists in 1,063 regular-season NHL games. In addition to his two Hart Trophies, he was a three-time winner of the Art Ross Trophy awarded to the league leader in points and took home the 1965 Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for sportsmanship combined with stellar play.

Although Hull starred on the ice, he faced legal and family issues in his personal life.

He faced allegations of domestic abuse from two of his three wives. His second wife, figure skater Joanne McKay, alleged that in 1966 he held her over a balcony in Hawaii and hit her with a shoe and in 1978 threatened her with a loaded shotgun. His third wife, Deborah, filed charges after an incident in 1984 but later dropped them. Hull, however, later pleaded guilty to taking a swing at an officer during his arrest and was fined $150 and placed on six months of court supervision.

In 1998, Hull came under fire for telling The Moscow Times that the Black population in the United States was growing too fast and that “Hitler had some good ideas” but “just went a bit too far.”

The Blackhawks announced last year that Hull would no longer serve as a team ambassador. The team said it was redefining the role of team ambassador after Mikita died in 2018 and Tony Esposito died in 2021.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Match report as West Ham ease past Derby with a routine win at Pride Park, ending the League One side’s 19-game unbeaten run; Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio were on target for David Moyes, who now faces a trip to former club Man Utd in the fifth round in the week commencing February 27

Swansea have said they are “sickened” by “disgusting” racist social media abuse aimed at Michael Obafemi following his loan switch to Burnley.

The 22-year-old, who scored 15 goals in 52 appearances for Swansea, has joined Vincent Kompany’s side until the end of the season, with a view to a permanent transfer.

Swansea say the offensive posts have been reported to South Wales Police.

In a statement, the Welsh club said: “Swansea City is aware of disgusting racist abuse posted on social media in relation to Michael Obafemi’s loan move to Burnley.

“The club is sickened by the vile language used in the offending posts, and is working to identify those responsible and take the strongest possible action.

“The matter has been reported to South Wales Police, who are investigating. There is no place for racism or discrimination of any kind in society or football.”

Sky Sports News has contacted Burnley and South Wales Police for comment.

The Super Bowl LVII pairing is on the line during the NFL’s championship Sunday.

With two matchups of elite teams, every play could decide which team advances. Everything counts — every call, every non-call, every decision, every replay and every yard.

To that end, let’s review the major decisions — and non-decisions — made by referees John Hussey (NFC) and Ron Torbert (AFC). We’ll take a look at the circumstances and the rules involved, and we’ll provide some analysis as well.

Bengals frustrated by Chiefs’ second chance via clock error

Cincinnati Bengals–Kansas City Chiefs AFC Championship Game, 10:29 remaining in the fourth quarter

What happened: A failed third-down play by the Chiefs didn’t count because of a clock error.

How it was resolved: As it turned out, a member of referee Ron Torbert’s crew tried to stop the play before it started after noticing that the game clock was running. It should not have been, because on the previous play, the Chiefs had thrown an incomplete pass. The attempt to stop the play wasn’t seen or heard on the broadcast, nor did players and coaches appear to notice it. But once any official rules a play dead, it’s dead.

On the second attempt, the Chiefs were awarded a first down because of a defensive holding penalty against the Bengals.

Analysis: This was absolutely confusing in real time but makes sense in retrospect. Real-time communication is key in these situations, and Torbert’s audio was not clear at the time. Eventually, CBS showed a replay of the official trying to stop the play and rules analyst Gene Steratore provided further context and explanation. This was the right outcome, even as it was understandably frustrating to the Bengals

---

What happened on Chiefs coach Andy Reid’s final challenge?

Bengals-Chiefs AFC Championship Game, 6:07 remaining in the third quarter

What happened: Chiefs receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling caught a pass from quarterback Patrick Mahomes on third-and-7 from the Bengals’ 26-yard line. Stopped by the Bengals’ defense at the 20-yard line, Valdes-Scantling briefly stuck the ball out toward the line to gain, but referee Torbert’s crew spotted the ball 1 yard short of the first down.

How it was resolved: Rather than go for it on fourth-and-1, Chiefs coach Andy Reid used his second and final challenge. After a review, Torbert announced that Valdes-Scantling had in fact reached the line to gain and awarded the Chiefs a first down.

Analysis: This was an unusual play because Valdes-Scantling extended the ball, then brought it back in before the whistle, presumably to avoid a turnover. CBS didn’t show many replays on the broadcast, but the NFL’s command center in New York City has instant access to all of them.

Generally speaking, ball carriers will be given the furthest reach point on a spot (or a review of one) as long as they are being pushed back or held back by a defense. That was the case here. Valdes-Scantling’s reach was considered his furthest point of forward progress, and the command center determined that it was enough for a first down.

Did Brett Kern‘s punt hit the SkyCam wire?

49ers-Eagles NFC Championship Game, 15 seconds remaining in the first quarter

What happened: Eagles punter Brett Kern hit an uncharacteristically short punt, a 34-yarder from the Eagles’ 26-yard line to the 49ers’ 40. Kern and others on the Eagles’ sideline immediately began signaling that the ball hit the wire that holds Fox’s SkyCam in place over the field.

How it was resolved: According to NFL rules, if the ball hits a foreign object on the field — including a wire or a scoreboard — the down is replayed from the original line of scrimmage and the game clock is restored. In this case, the Eagles would have gotten a chance to get off a better punt.

The in-stadium replay official can initiate a challenge in such an instance, without a coach needing to throw his red flag. But Hussey announced that it could not be confirmed that the ball hit the wire.

Analysis: Reversing any eligible on-field decision requires clear and obvious evidence. In this case, that would mean a view that showed the ball hitting the wire. If one existed, we didn’t see it on the broadcast.

Some suggested on social media that the NFL should check to see whether the SkyCam video feed was shaking as a result of the ball hitting the wire. But it would have been difficult to consider that clear and obvious, given the possibility of another explanation — such as wind — for a shaky video feed.

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Should replay officials have reviewed DeVonta Smith‘s catch on fourth-and-3?

49ers-Eagles NFC Championship Game, 10:28 remaining in the first quarter

What happened: Eagles receiver DeVonta Smith was credited with a leaping 29-yard catch along the left sideline on fourth-and-3 to the 49ers’ 6-yard line, extending their opening possession of the game. Smith jumped up quickly after the play, apparently signaling the Eagles to hurry to the line of scrimmage for the next play.

How it was resolved: The Eagles were ready to run the next play quickly and got the snap off 28 seconds after the previous snap. That made the play irreversible even if replays later showed evidence of a drop.

Analysis: Fox showed a replay several minutes later that clearly showed the ball hitting the ground before Smith had fully secured it via the NFL’s catch rule. 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan never challenged it, likely because his coaches and advisers in the booth didn’t see the definitive replay in time. But there was another way the call could have been rectified.

The NFL instituted a new rule at the start of the 2021 season, alternately known as the “replay assist” or “expedited review” rule, that allows either an on-site replay official or a member of the league office in New York to make a quick reversal when there is immediate, clear and obvious evidence that one is necessary. To make the process more efficient, the NFL imported Hawk-Eye replay technology that pulls in all replays instantaneously rather than waiting for the broadcast network to put them on air.

The process has been met with rave reviews and has helped in shortening the average length of games over the past two seasons. But for reasons that were not immediately clear, it was not employed in this case.

Needed 3, got 29 🤯@DeVontaSmith_6 | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/SFd2Tb0p3N

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) January 29, 2023