Latest news with #WildCard
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Dondrea Tillman Predicted to Be Broncos' Biggest Surprise on Defense in 2025
Dondrea Tillman Predicted to Be Broncos' Biggest Surprise on Defense in 2025 originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Denver Broncos defense is loaded with star players, but one more unheralded depth piece could be a candidate to break out this season. Advertisement Dondrea Tillman went undrafted out of Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2021. He was then signed by the Broncos last year after spending three seasons with the UFL's Birmingham Stallions. There, he racked up 5.5 sacks in 12 games in 2024, before adding five more sacks at the NFL level as well. Now, The Athletic's Nick Kosmider is expecting Tillman to be Denver's biggest surprise on defense as the edge rusher gets more playing time. "His finish rate last season was impressive, and I think you'll see his numbers go up as his opportunities increase," Kosmider said. Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) is tackled by Denver Broncos linebacker Dondrea Tillman (92) during the second quarter in an AFC wild card game at Highmark Fisher-Imagn Images Tillman appeared in 13 games with the Broncos last season and just turned 27 years old this past April. At 6'3" and 270 lbs, Kosmider praised his unique size for a linebacker and stout run defense. That showed up on film as Tillman made a strong impression in his final game of the season with seven tackles in the Broncos' Wild Card loss to the Buffalo Bills. Advertisement The reserve weakside linebacker sits behind ' star pass rusher Nik Bonitto, so snaps are limited, but he could find his way on the field in ways other than just relief for Bonitto. So far, Tillman has been making the most of his shot at the NFL. It should be interesting to see what the future holds in his second year of development under Broncos' defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. Related: Broncos' Marvin Mims Jr. Named NFL's Top 'Gadget Player' This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Phillies Trade Idea Sends Nick Castellanos to Blue Jays After Benching
Phillies Trade Idea Sends Nick Castellanos to Blue Jays After Benching originally appeared on Athlon Sports. If the Rafael Devers-Boston Red Sox stunner taught us anything, it's that any feud can lead to an unexpected trade. Advertisement Devers refused to switch positions and battled management, eventually leading to the Red Sox sending him to the San Francisco Giants for two pitchers and two prospects. We'll see whether or not the Philadelphia Phillies have a similar problem on their hands with All-Star right fielder Nick Castellanos. Phillies manager Rob Thomson benched Castellanos on Tuesday, citing a negative comment the 33-year-old veteran made during Monday's 5-2 victory over the Miami Marlins. Castellanos evidently disagreed with Thomson's decision to pull him in the eighth inning for defensive reasons. Could Castellanos' benching, even if it's only for one night, eventually lead to a trade? The Blue Jays should be asking themselves that exact question, and they should be ready to pounce if the Phillies are willing to talk. Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Nick CastellanosRon Chenoy-Imagn Images Castellanos has a season and a half remaining on the five-year, $100 million contract he signed after the 2020 season. He's admittedly been relatively average thus far, hitting .278 with seven home runs, 36 RBI, 17 doubles, and a .746 OPS. Advertisement Those numbers are all in line with last year's, though his bWAR has plummeted from 0.8 to -0.5. However, Castellanos offers durability, and he'd undoubtedly be an upgrade in left field over rookie Alan Roden. Unfortunately for the Blue Jays, they're likely stuck with Anthony Santander and his .577 OPS at DH, given that he's in the first season of a five-year, $92.5 million contract. Castellanos should come relatively cheap, and the Blue Jays are in an excellent position to make a playoff run. Toronto entered Tuesday at 38-33, holding the AL's second Wild Card berth and only four games out of first in the AL East. Advertisement As for the Phillies, ditching Castellanos could eventually pave the way for another outfield-related trade. Boston Red Sox star Jarren Duran has been linked to the Phillies in recent weeks, and Chicago White Sox veteran Luis Robert Jr. remains available. The Devers-Red Sox feud arguably began with a position change. Might we eventually look back at a mid-game benching involving two NL East teams as the start of an eventual Blue Jays title run? Related: MLB Makes Bryce Harper Announcement After Injury Update Related: Phillies Share Bryce Harper Injury Update Amid Trade Rumors This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Bills fans worry Hailee Steinfeld is a distraction as Josh Allen's Super Bowl chances are already crumbling
Amidst Josh Allen's marriage celebrations with Hailee Steinfeld, concerns arise within the Buffalo Bills' camp regarding their Super Bowl aspirations (Image via Beau society) While Josh Allen may be basking in newlywed joy after marrying actress Hailee Steinfeld , the mood in Buffalo's front office is less romantic and more strategic. As the Bills prepare for the 2025-26 season, concerns are mounting over whether Allen can lead the team deep into the playoffs — or if their roster gaps will cut the celebration short. Josh Allen's Super Bowl dreams under threat as Bills' wide receiver woes spark concern Despite an impressive 2024 season that included an MVP-worthy campaign and a 30.9 points-per-game average, experts warn the Bills are missing key elements that could derail another title run. Most notably, the absence of a dominant No. 1 wide receiver may prove costly following Stefon Diggs' departure. CBS Sports analyst Cody Benjamin didn't mince words: 'The absence of a bona fide No. 1 wide receiver plagues Allen, as he tries to carry Buffalo's offense.' Allen is undeniably elite, but expecting him to replicate last season's heroics without a true WR1 could be too much — even for him. Buffalo's efforts to patch the receiving hole include drafting Keon Coleman and signing Elijah Moore and Joshua Palmer. However, none have consistently delivered WR1 production in the NFL. The void Diggs leaves behind is not just statistical — it's emotional and strategic. Curtis Samuel could be a key figure, but expectations may be unrealistic Curtis Samuel, entering the second year of a three-year deal, is a name to watch. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Vietnam: New Container Houses (Prices May Surprise You) Container House | Search Ads Search Now Undo After finishing last season strong with touchdowns in both the Wild Card and AFC Championship games, he's poised to make an impact — if he stays healthy. 'I feel good, you know, confident, feel fast and excited for this journey,' Samuel said. 'It's just all about being healthy, just getting in the rhythm.' He also noted his comfort in Joe Brady's offensive system, which he learned during their time with the Panthers. But as Benjamin points out, Samuel has 'never functioned as a true WR1,' and relying on him to become one could be setting the offense up for disappointment. Buffalo has also reshuffled its secondary, bringing in fresh faces through free agency and the draft. Yet, continuity and chemistry remain question marks on that side of the ball. Also Read: Hailee Steinfeld reveals why she broke a classic wedding tradition during her dreamy ceremony with Josh Allen As Allen returns from honeymoon mode to locker room reality, the road to a Super Bowl ring looks bumpier than ever. For now, love may be in the air — but so is doubt.
CBS News
3 days ago
- Sport
- CBS News
How have the Red Sox have won six straight? Pitching, pitching, and more pitching
Don't look now, but the Boston Red Sox have won six straight games. In the process, Boston has reintroduced itself to the American League Wild Card race. The Red Sox kept their streak going Monday night with a second straight 2-0 victory, this time over the Mariners in Seattle. Boston has now won nine of its last 11 games, and currently sit as the American League's third Wild Card team. The Red Sox are just half-a-game up on the Mariners and Minnesota Twins -- and a game ahead of both the Cleveland Guardians and Texas Rangers -- so the margin remains razor thin. But considering where the team was just a few weeks ago, sitting in a playoff spot is just as surprising as Sunday's shocking trade of Rafael Devers. Monday's win followed a similar script for the current Red Sox run: Stellar pitching and a few big swings. Lucas Giolito handled the first part by tossing six shut out innings and striking out 10 Mariners in his best start in a Boston uniform. Justin Wilson, Greg Weissert, and Aroldis Chapman all put up zeros out of the bullpen to preserve the win. Rookie Roman Anthony provided the winning run early with a solo home run in the top of the first -- his first career longball -- while Abraham Toro gave Boston a cushion in the top of the third with an RBI infield single. "There was a lot of energy today," Boston manager Alex Cora said after the win. "For the group, it's a tough day. Raffy, he's Raffy. He's not with us anymore. We've got a job, too. We have to continue. Today was a good day for us." The Red Sox are on their first six-game winning streak since July of 2023. They started the month 3.5 games back of the Twins for that final AL Wild Card spot, with the Blue Jays, Royals, Rays, and Rangers in between. Now Boston occupies that spot, and sit just 5.5 games back of the Yankees in the AL East. The Red Sox have sliced five games off that divisional deficit since beating the Yankees in New York on June 7. Is it sustainable? We'll see, especially considering the Red Sox have embarked on this streak in an unconventional way. All about Red Sox pitching The Boston pitching staff has been nothing short of incredible over the streak. Starters have gone at least six innings in each victory, and allowed no earned runs in four of those outings. Giolito hasn't allowed an earned run in two straight starts, while giving up just six hits and striking out 14 over his last 12 innings. How good is it going for Giolito at the moment? On Monday night, he surrendered three straight singles to the Mariners to load the bases in the bottom of the third. He struck out the next three batters swinging to escape the jam, including Cal Raleigh on three pitches to end the Seattle threat. The veteran's velocity was up Monday, with Giolito touching 96 mph on the radar gun and his fastball hovering around 93-94 mph for the night. On Sunday, Brayan Bello kept the Yankees off the board for seven innings in a 2-0 victory. Hunter Dobbins went six shutout innings Saturday against New York, after ace Garrett Crochet nearly went the distance before Aaron Judge took him deep in the top of the ninth. Before the Yankees were in town, Walker Buehler allowed three runs over seven innings in a 4-3 win over the Rays. The night prior, Giolito got this streak started with his six shutout innings against Tampa. During the streak, Red Sox starters have allowed just four earned runs over 40.1 innings. They've surrendered just 21 hits while striking out 41. The Boston bullpen has held up its end of the bargain too. Over the last six games, Red Sox relievers have allowed just three earned runs over 14.2 innings while striking out 18. All three of those runs came in Saturday's 4-3 win over the Yankees, with Luis Guerrero surrendering two and Weissert giving up one in the ninth. Red Sox bats doing just enough The Red Sox currently have the fifth-most runs in baseball with 355 over 74 games. But the offense hasn't really been lighting the world on fire during the current streak, outscoring opponents at just a 17-8 clip over the last six games. You read that correctly. The Red Sox have scored just 17 runs over the last six games, and have won them all. Boston has just 39 hits during the streak, but seven of them left the yard. Unfortunately, all seven of those homers were of the solo variety, with the Red Sox struggling to get runners on during the streak. When runners have been on base and in scoring position, the bats haven't done much. Boston is just 7-for-43 (a .162 average) with runners in scoring position the last six games. As great as the pitching has been, wins at such a clip can't be expected if the offense doesn't come through. Boston has a plus-24 run differential for the season, good for 11th-best in baseball, but the offense needs to be much better if the team wants to turn this streak into a sustained run of success. The Red Sox did this last season too. A scorching June gave the team hope, before they ultimately ran out of gas later in the summer. To avoid a repeat, the team needs to start playing complimentary baseball on a nightly basis. But wins are wins, and the Red Sox are stacking them up at a pivotal moment of the season. They've managed to claw their way back into the playoff picture, which didn't seem possible just a few weeks ago. "Winning solves everything," Giolito said Monday night. "No matter what's going on from the outside, no matter what people feel about what's going on, if we win baseball games, we put ourselves in a good position to continue to win more and more, that will take care of it."
New York Post
3 days ago
- Business
- New York Post
Red Sox internal ‘dysfunction' exposed after Rafael Devers trade — including absurd Zoom call moment
The mute button sure would have done wonders. Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow fired former scouting supervisor Carl Moesche earlier this year after the latter said, 'Thanks, Bres, you f–king stuff,' following a Zoom meeting, according to Yahoo. Advertisement The scene highlighted what the article pointed to as an example of the 'dysfunction' that played a role in the organization's controversial decision to trade superstar Rafael Devers to the Giants. 'An absolute s–tshow,' one team staffer told Yahoo when describing the sweep of the Yankees this past weekend, then making a franchise-altering trade of a beloved superstar. It will take years to determine a winner in this blockbuster trade that came out of nowhere, but the Yahoo piece painted the picture of a front office that is not functioning on all cylinders. 3 Craig Breslow moved Rafael Devers to the Giants. Getty Images Advertisement Breslow, who joined the organization before the 2024 season to replace Chaim Bloom, 'has grown increasingly insulated,' according to the report. Longtime staffers who played a role in previous regimes that won championships in 2004, 2007, 2013 and 2018 reportedly 'feel shut out of the operation.' 'The collaborative spirit that once defined Red Sox baseball operations has frayed,' Yahoo contributor Joon Lee wrote. Advertisement Boston reportedly hired Sportsology, a sports consulting firm, last May for an audit of the organization with the purpose of helping align baseball operations. 3 Carl Moesche was fired by the Red Sox. Team USA It led to several individuals being fired and the 'marginalization' of several respected voices. Advertisement Moesche, whose LinkedIn profile says he joined the franchise in December 2017, reportedly made his comment earlier this year after believing a Zoom meeting had ended, two team sources told Yahoo. 3 Rafael Devers homered against the Yankees in likely his last game with the Red sox. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect Breslow has reportedly also clashed with manager Alex Cora, with Cora emphasizing winning now while Breslow is looking more toward the future. With Boston having made the playoffs once since 2018, Cora is trying to return to October. That can leak into how he manages games and divvies up playing time, which can go against the preferences Bloom and the front office have regarding what they believe should be prioritized. 'The coaching staff has grown frustrated with the state of player development, specifically how much emphasis is placed on swing mechanics and hitting data, often at the expense of fundamentals,' Lee wrote. The Red Sox (38-36) began the post-Devers era with a second straight 2-0 win, this time at Seattle. They are now in sole possession of the third Wild Card spot and just 5 1/2 games back of the reeling Yankees in the AL East.
