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NBC Sports
17 minutes ago
- Sport
- NBC Sports
2025 Carolina Panthers Fantasy Preview: Crunch time for Bryce Young
Panthers head coach Dave Canales had one job as Carolina's head coach in 2024: Fix Bryce Young. He made the decision to bench the former No. 1 overall pick by Week 3, seemingly sealing the fate of the Bama passer. Young eventually returned to the lineup after Andy Dalton suffered a thumb injury, giving him a second lease on life as the starter. Young's time on the bench served him well and he finally started to turn the corner at the end of the year, giving Panthers fans hope for the 2025 season. 2024 Carolina Panthers Stats (Rank) Points per game: 20.1 (23rd) Total yards per game: 298 (29th) Plays per game: 58.4 (31st) Dropbacks per game: 39.2 (17th) Dropback EPA per play: -0.04 (26th) Rush attempts per game: 24.1 (27th) Rush EPA per play: -0.04 (11th) Bryce Young gets on track Young was a disaster out of the gates in 2023. He ranked 22nd in completion percent over expected and 29th in EPA per play among 30 qualified quarterbacks. Frank Reich was fired midseason and the Panthers landed the first overall pick… which was in the hands of Chicago via Carolina's trade up for Young. The meltdown continued into the 2024 season and Young was benched after two games. Canales was put in an impossible situation, choosing between losing the locker room with more dreadful Young starts or cutting bait on the player he was tasked with fixing. He went with the former, granting Andy Dalton five starts before he injured his thumb in a car accident. Young came back better than ever, went 4-6 to close out the year, and took both Super Bowl participants to the brink with one-score losses to Kansas City and Philadelphia. While the Panthers didn't solve all of their problems on offense, Young and Canales made herculean strides by the end of the season. The same can't be said for DC Ejiro Evero's defense. Carolina ranked dead last in EPA per play allowed. They ranked 32nd against the run and 31st against the pass. Evero was a rising star in the coaching ranks and Canales chose to retain him from Reich's staff after the latter was canned. To Evero's defense, the Panthers didn't spend one of their first two picks on defense for three consecutive drafts before this year. Their investments in free agency have also been focused on offense, leaving the cupboard bare for Evero. Still, if his side of the ball doesn't improve in 2025, he will be looking for work elsewhere next offseason. Passing Game QB: Bryce Young, Andy Dalton WR: Tetairoa McMillan, Jalen Coker WR: Adam Thielen, Hunter Renfrow WR: Xavier Legette, David Moore TE: J'Tavion Sanders, Tommy Tremble Young's late-season resurgence was the story of the season for Panthers fans, and it was just as real in the spreadsheets as it was on tape. He was PFF's No. 7 graded passer from Week 8 onward. He had the second-highest Big Time Throw rate over that stretch and scored five rushing touchdowns in his final six games. Bryce Young knew it. Young was not making throws with this kind of confidence as a rookie. His top receivers down the stretch were 34-year-old Adam Thielen and UDFA rookie Jalen Coker, both of whom missed three games. Despite drastically increasing his ability to create explosive plays, Young didn't concede more turnovers or sacks amidst his breakout. His pressure to sack rate of 14.9 percent and Turnover Worthy Play rate of 2.3 percent were both below his career averages. The sample of Young turning the corner is small, but the impact was massive and earned him a spot at the back of the QB2 ranks in early fantasy drafts. Tetairoa McMillan was brought in with the eighth overall pick to be a true alpha for Young. As a true junior, McMillan ranked second in the country in receiving yards (1,319) while averaging 2.9 yards per route run. He earned 472 yards on deep targets in 2024, the third-most for a Power Four wideout. As a sophomore in 2023, McMillan racked up 533 yards on intermediate targets (10-19 yards downfield), the highest mark among P4 wideouts. McMillan finds himself in contested situations more often than you would like to see from a target dominator, but he wins those high-leverage looks at a high clip, giving him the 'always open' factor. The aforementioned Thielen missed seven games with a hamstring injury but was as good as ever when on the field. He rebounded in 2023 after a few stagnant years in Minnesota and upped the ante in 2024, averaging 2.1 yards per route run with a 17-game pace of 82 catches for 1,046 yards and nine scores. Thielen isn't a fun click, but he's the perfect WR4/5 for fantasy managers who want to load up on rookies and other high upside bets. With Thielen penciled in for a heavy dose of slot work and McMillan guaranteed a starting role, Coker and Xavier Legette are fighting for the final position in three-receiver sets. Carolina was counting on Legette to be an immediate playmaker after spending the No. 32 overall pick on him. He labored through toe, wrist, and shoulder injuries en route to 497 yards at a dreadful 1.2 yards per route run. Legette's stiff route-running was an issue and he failed to show anything after the catch. He was a high-risk prospect who showed only the floor as a rookie. Coker was a hidden gem in Charlotte, nearly matching Legette's yardage output on 139 fewer routes. PFF graded him as their No. 5 rookie. The UDFA status will follow Coker into his second season, making Legette a better bet for routes early in the season, even if the former is a more exciting bet heading into year two. There isn't much happening at tight end on this roster. Rookie J'Tavion Sanders split work with Tommy Tremble as a rookie and will likely do so again this year. Sanders will also have to keep fifth-round rookie Mitchell Evans at bay. Sanders is worth a dart throw in deep best ball leagues but isn't near the redraft radar. Running Game RB: Chuba Hubbard, Rico Dowdle, Trevor Etienne, Raheem Blackshear OL (L-R): Ikem Ekwonu, Damien Lewis, Austin Corbett, Robert Hunt, Taylor Moton Carolina entered the 2024 season expecting Chuba Hubbard to hold down the starting job until second-round rookie Jonathon Brooks was ready to take over. Brooks was coming back from the torn ACL he suffered in his final season at Texas and was expected to be the team's future at running back. Instead, he tragically suffered another torn ACL after just nine carries. The injury paved the way for Hubbard to see the bulk of the backfield work for the entire season. Hubbard was one of four backs to see over 80 percent of their team's running back carries last year. He made good on the role with a 250/1,195/10 rushing line and strong efficiency marks. Pro Football Focus graded him as a top-10 runner with an equally impressive 3.5 yards after contact per attempt. He was even more dominant in NFL Next Gen's data with an NFL-high 51.2 percent success rate and 1.16 rush yards over expected per carry. Hubbard did it all on the ground. He was explosive, elusive, and consistent. The Panthers rewarded him with a four-year, $33.2 million contract midseason. Brooks has already been ruled out for 2025 and the Panthers are returning all five starting offensive linemen from last year. Hubbard isn't much of a threat as a pass-catcher out of the backfield, but his rushing workload and efficiency should put him in the RB1 conversation this summer. Carolina signed Rico Dowdle off a breakout season in Dallas and drafted pass-catching specialist Trevor Etienne on Day Three to round out their backfield. Dowdle stepped up last year with 1,000 rushing yards and solid peripherals, but the NFL didn't buy into the breakout on the open market. The Cowboys let him walk and Carolina only gave him a one-year, $2.75 million deal. Dowdle averaged a measly .88 yards per route run and was a good but not great runner. He was likely viewed as a two-down backup by GMs, including Dan Morgan of Carolina. Etienne peaked at 131 carries and hit 20 carries in a game once during three years of college ball. He did, however, catch 32 passes in 10 games as a junior at Georgia. Etienne could work himself into a role on passing downs as a rookie, but fantasy managers shouldn't expect to see much of him early in the season. 2025 Carolina Panthers Win Total DraftKings Over/Under: 6.5 Pick: Over (-125) The Panthers are doing all the right things to turn their franchise around. After their No. 1 overall pick flopped as a rookie, they went out and got him one of the league's best offensive minds as his next head coach before bolstering the line in free agency. When Young showed promise at the end of his second season, first-year GM Dan Morgan doubled down on his ascent by spending the No. 8 overall pick on a wide receiver. If any team was going to make the leap from basement dweller to .500 this year, it would be the Panthers. Matthew Berry looks at Tetairoa McMillan joining the Carolina Panthers and breaks down why the former Arizona receiver is entering a favorable fantasy setup in Dave Canales' offense.
Glasgow Times
19 minutes ago
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Time For Sandals pulls off Commonwealth Cup shock
The Newmarket handler struck for the very first time in Group One company with Docklands in the Queen Anne Stakes and wasted little time doubling that tally with a filly who was registering just her second career victory – and first since her debut last year. Sent off at 25-1 in the hands of Richard Kingscote, she cruised to the front on the far side with a furlong to run and showed great resolve to edge out Arizona Blaze by a neck with the supplemented Rayevka half a length further back in third. 'It's the first time she's had a fast horse to follow, I don't want to say (we were) very confident, but we felt like we hadn't seen the best from her for one reason or another,' said Eustace. Time For Sandals came from the supposedly disadvantaged far side of the track (John Walton/PA) 'The voice is in dire straits, I can assure you of that! She's always shaped to be pretty good and at home we felt we had excuses for her; she never ran a bad one, she was always right there but hadn't quite put it all together. 'We were always confident in a race like this where there would be fast horses taking her along, that's really what she needed; don't get me wrong, we didn't dream that we'd get here, but she was always pretty good.' He added: 'It's been extraordinary (the meeting), but that's the team at home, it's all the little things all the way through and I can't thank them enough. The owners will be in there, they're relatively new, this is the second ever horse they've had and they're pretty lucky people.' Kingscote – who won the Derby for Sir Michael Stoute on Desert Crown in 2022 – said: 'I've had nice horses to ride since Sir Michael retired, it was always going to be a year of building back up, I had a nice bit of support and I'm delighted to get on a filly like her. 'Last year she was a very unlucky placed horse in the Super Sprint and she progressed all the way through. She was unlucky last time I felt. 'She did a spectacular piece of work a couple of weeks ago at Newmarket and I'm delighted to ride Harry a big winner because he's a gentleman and his yard is such a happy yard. 'I'm delighted, he's a lovely man and his staff are always so positive and happy so it's great to get them a nice winner. He's only just trained his 100th winner, so I'd say two Group Ones at Royal Ascot is pretty special to him.' Arizona Blaze (purple) ran a stormer for Adrian Murray (Damien Eagers/PA) Arizona Blaze may have been 28-1, but did not surprise trainer Adrian Murray with his huge performance, with the Irish handler now eyeing a tilt at York's Nunthorpe Stakes later in the summer. 'Big run, but he never runs a bad race. He always turns up on the day so I'm delighted with him,' said Murray. 'He's very reliable. When he came home the last day he was a bit flat within himself, so he probably was a bit under the weather when he ran, we put that behind us and we were very confident of a good run. 'It was a huge price, I couldn't believe it! 'I think we'll go for the Nunthorpe, he's in the July Cup as well but I think we'll look at York.'
Glasgow Times
19 minutes ago
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Mark Wood hoping to play a part in England's Test series against India
The 35-year-old was expected to miss the entirety of the marquee five-match series after undergoing knee surgery in March, the latest in a long line of injury setbacks. But the Durham quick says he is back bowling in the nets and harbours hopes he could return in the final Test against Shubman Gill's India, which is set to begin on July 31 at the Kia Oval. 'I have just started bowling – very lightly – but I am on the comeback trail now officially,' Wood said on the BBC's Test Match Special. Mark Wood has taken 119 wickets in 37 Tests (John Walton/PA) 'I am hoping still to play a part in this series. I am still targeting maybe the last Test. 'Anything before that is probably a bit too soon. The last Test I might not get there but at the minute that is still my focus, that I might play a part.' Wood's ability to hit breakneck speeds of up to 97mph mark him out as an invaluable asset and, if he stays fit, he is likely to be crucial to England's bid to regain the Ashes in Australia later this year. He is among a lengthy list of pacemen currently on the sidelines, with Olly Stone out for the summer and Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson missing the first Test at Headingley, which started on Friday.
Economic Times
19 minutes ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Gold at a crossroads: Will fed's hawkish pause and Iran conflict spark a $3,400 breakout?
Gold prices are currently under pressure due to the US Federal Reserve's stance on interest rates. This has strengthened the US Dollar. Geopolitical tensions and trade worries offer some support to gold. Spot gold is trading near $3,387. Technical levels to watch include support at $3,322 and resistance at $3,374. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Why is gold falling today? The Fed now expects only one rate cut of 25 bps in both 2026 and 2027. This 'hawkish' view supports the US Dollar and pressures gold. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Geopolitics and trade tensions still support gold US Senate Intel Chair said Trump wants to give Iran a last chance to end its nuclear program. Trump is reportedly delaying any strikes for about two weeks. Gold price now and key levels to watch Spot gold trades just below $3,350, after falling earlier in the day. Earlier this week, gold touched a nearly 2-month high close to $3,452. The US Dollar pulled back after a recent peak, giving gold slight support. Technical view: Can gold stay above key support? Immediate support: $3,323–$3,322 Next support: $3,300 Key resistance: $3,374–$3,375 Next hurdle: $3,400 Upside target if breakout happens: $3,434–$3,435, then $3,451–$3,452 Major breakout point: $3,500 (psychological level, also near top of ascending channel) What traders should watch next If gold drops below $3,322, it may fall further to $3,300 or even lower. If gold breaks above $3,400, it could aim for $3,435 and even $3,452. A clear move above $3,500 could open the door to test $3,550 or $3,600. RSI is weakening but close to key levels; a move back above 60 would signal strength. Today's focus: Geopolitics and the Fed outlook US–Iran tensions: US officials reportedly preparing strike options; Trump says, 'I may do it. I may not.' Fed signals fewer rate cuts in future years, boosting the Dollar and limiting gold upside. Gold prices are facing selling pressure even though there are some factors that could help support them. The Federal Reserve's tough stance on interest rates is helping the US Dollar and putting pressure on worries and increasing geopolitical tensions may support gold as a safe-haven asset. Gold prices have dropped to their lowest in over a week, trading just below a key level in early European trading. This comes after the Fed recently lowered its forecast for future rate cuts, which boosts the US Dollar and reduces demand for gold, since it doesn't pay is under pressure again even though some factors could support it. Prices are hovering just under $3,350 after falling earlier in the day. Traders are watching global risks and the US Federal Reserve's recent interest rate US Federal Reserve kept interest rates the same but said it now plans fewer rate cuts in 2026 and 2027. This made the US Dollar stronger and reduced demand for gold, which doesn't give any top of that, European stock markets are doing well, which is reducing safe-haven demand for with the pressure, gold still has some support. Rising tensions in the Middle East are worrying investors. The fight between Iran and Israel has now gone on for eight days. There's also speculation that the US may get the same time, US–China trade worries are growing again. Trump has warned of new tariffs on the pharma sector, and more could come before the July 9 'liberation day' tariff kind of uncertainty usually supports gold as a safe has dropped below the 100-period SMA and is testing the lower edge of an ascending channel. Momentum indicators are losing strength, especially on hourly now, gold is trading between $3,322 and $3,400. A clear breakout from this range could set the direction for the coming weeks.
Express Tribune
20 minutes ago
- Express Tribune
Speeding bus overturns in Karachi, injures over a dozen picnickers
Listen to article More than a dozen people, including women and children, were injured when a speeding bus overturned near the Razzaqabad Police Training Centre in the Shah Latif area on Friday, following a reckless attempt to overtake a water tanker on the National Highway, Express News reported. According to rescue officials, the incident occurred when the water tanker persistently honked and pressured the bus from behind in an apparent attempt to pass. In response, the bus driver accelerated but lost control of the vehicle, which veered off the road and struck a footpath. The impact threw several passengers from their seats, many of whom suffered head injuries after striking the bus's iron fittings. Edhi Foundation volunteers Sajid Pathan and Abid Rasheed said the bus was carrying members of a family from Orangi Town, who were on their way to Kalri Lake for a picnic. While many initially declined medical assistance, police and rescue workers convinced them to receive first aid. At least six passengers with more serious injuries were transported to a nearby hospital. Read More: Karachi road accident leaves two dead as bus loses control Those injured and taken to hospital were identified as Mukhtar Ahmed (48), Mehtashim Hussain (25), Naveed Hussain (18), Azeem Shakir (20), Naqqash (20), Gulshan (26), Farhan (30), his sister Sehr (20), younger brother Arman (17), and their father Qadir Hussain (58). A number of women passengers refused to be taken to hospital and instead requested to return home. Police said the tanker driver managed to flee the scene and has yet to be traced. A case is likely to be registered. The incident highlights the growing dangers of unregulated commercial traffic and reckless driving on Karachi's main arteries, particularly on weekends and holidays when family outings become more frequent. Last year, a similar tragedy unfolded in the Mauripur area, where seven picnickers — including three children — were killed and 14 others injured after a coaster collided with a trailer and overturned. That accident, too, involved families headed for a picnic.
