INSIDER
Gray runs for 2 touchdowns as the Giants beat the Lions 14-3 in a preseason game with few starters
Read full article: Gray runs for 2 touchdowns as the Giants beat the Lions 14-3 in a preseason game with few startersTommy DeVito replaced an injured Drew Lock late in the first quarter and led New York on two first-half scoring drives that Eric Gray capped with runs of 48 and 1 yard as the Giants beat the Detroit Lions 14-3 in a preseason opener limited to mostly backups.
NFL players face pressure as never before, in the digital-age surge of betting and fantasy
Read full article: NFL players face pressure as never before, in the digital-age surge of betting and fantasyThe intensity of NFL fandom that increased with the surge of fantasy football has spiked further in the age of online betting.
Drew Lock's late touchdown pass rallies Seahawks to 20-17 victory over sliding Eagles
Read full article: Drew Lock's late touchdown pass rallies Seahawks to 20-17 victory over sliding EaglesDrew Lock threw a 29-yard touchdown pass to Jaxon Smith-Njigba with 28 seconds left to cap a 92-yard drive, and the Seattle Seahawks stunned the Philadelphia Eagles 20-17, ending a four-game skid and getting back into NFC playoff contention.
Drew Lock starts at QB for Seahawks even with Geno Smith active; Jalen Hurts active for Eagles
Read full article: Drew Lock starts at QB for Seahawks even with Geno Smith active; Jalen Hurts active for EaglesDrew Lock started at quarterback for the Seahawks against the Eagles on Monday night, even though Seattle’s usual starter, Geno Smith, was active.
Samuel scores 2 TDs, Purdy throws for career-best 368 yards as 49ers beat Seahawks 28-16
Read full article: Samuel scores 2 TDs, Purdy throws for career-best 368 yards as 49ers beat Seahawks 28-16Deebo Samuel scored on a catch and a run and the San Francisco 49ers won their 11th straight division game, beating the Seattle Seahawks 28-16.
Geno Smith is inactive for Seahawks against 49ers; Drew Lock will make 1st start since 2021 season
Read full article: Geno Smith is inactive for Seahawks against 49ers; Drew Lock will make 1st start since 2021 seasonGeno Smith will miss Seattle’s game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday with a groin injury, setting the stage for Drew Lock to make his first start for the Seahawks.
Rams rally from a late deficit and snap their 3-game skid with a 17-16 win over Seahawks
Read full article: Rams rally from a late deficit and snap their 3-game skid with a 17-16 win over SeahawksLucas Havrisik made a 22-yard field goal for the Rams with 1:31 to play, and Jason Myers missed a 55-yard attempt for the Seahawks with three seconds left in Los Angeles’ 17-16 victory over Seattle.
Smith, error-prone Seahawks struggle in 27-11 loss to Bears
Read full article: Smith, error-prone Seahawks struggle in 27-11 loss to BearsGeno Smith did little to distinguish himself in his battle with Drew Lock for Seattle’s starting quarterback job as the sloppy Seahawks fell 27-11 to the Chicago Bears in the second preseason game for both teams.
AP sources: Seahawks agree to trade Russell Wilson to Denver
Read full article: AP sources: Seahawks agree to trade Russell Wilson to DenverTwo people familiar with the negotiations tell The Associated Press that the Seattle Seahawks have agreed to trade star quarterback Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos in exchange for a package of draft picks and players.
Bolton's fumble return sparks Chiefs' 28-24 win over Broncos
Read full article: Bolton's fumble return sparks Chiefs' 28-24 win over BroncosThe Kansas City Chiefs beat the Denver Broncos 28-24 on Saturday thanks to an 86-yard fumble return by linebacker Nick Bolton in the fourth quarter that put them ahead for good.
Bridgewater returns to practice four days after concussion
Read full article: Bridgewater returns to practice four days after concussionBroncos starting quarterback Teddy Bridgewater returned to practice Thursday for the first time since he was knocked out of Denver's game against Baltimore last weekend with a concussion.
Teddy's Time? Bridgewater solid as Broncos thump Seahawks
Read full article: Teddy's Time? Bridgewater solid as Broncos thump SeahawksTeddy Bridgewater made another strong statement in his case to be Denver’s starting quarterback, leading a pair of touchdown drives in the Broncos’ 30-3 preseason win over the Seattle Seahawks.
NFL has pulled off improbable task playing in a pandemic
Read full article: NFL has pulled off improbable task playing in a pandemicThe league is pressing forward with its goal of playing the Super Bowl as scheduled in Tampa on Feb. 7. What often seemed improbable during the COVID-10 pandemic has become quite achievable. "Contact tracing is the thing people are not talking the most about, but it is foundational to our success," said Sills. The league presses forward with its goal of playing all 256 scheduled games in 17 weeks and the Super Bowl in Tampa on Feb. 7. The trio works with the league’s three-member team consisting of a contact tracer, an epidemiologist and a physician.
Chargers win third straight as Herbert sets rookie TD mark
Read full article: Chargers win third straight as Herbert sets rookie TD markHerbert, the sixth overall pick in the April draft and third QB taken, completed 21 of 33 passes for 253 yards. Badgley also split the uprights from 43 yards late in the second quarter to extend LA’s lead to 13-0 at halftime. After the Chargers went three-and-out, Drew Lock scored on a 1-yard keeper for Denver's first rushing touchdown in seven games. And after Badgley's late field goal, the Broncos got to midfield. McManus then had a 37-yard field goal attempt bounce off the left upright, his first miss inside 40 yards since 2017.
Bills beat Broncos 48-19 for first AFC East crown since 1995
Read full article: Bills beat Broncos 48-19 for first AFC East crown since 1995DENVER – Donning gray caps that declared them AFC East champions for the first time since 1995, the Buffalo Bills acted like this was old hat. “To be the team and to be the quarterback on the team that does it, obviously feels really good. “But there’s still a lot on the table.”Buffalo coach Sean McDermott said he received a congratulatory email from Marv Levy, the last Bills coach to win the AFC East. He also missed the 51-yard field goal attempt way to the right on Denver’s opening drive. Broncos: visit the Los Angeles Chargers, who they rallied from a 21-point deficit to beat on Nov. 1 with a touchdown as time ran out.
Chiefs rally to beat Broncos 22-16 to clinch playoff berth
Read full article: Chiefs rally to beat Broncos 22-16 to clinch playoff berthKansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws against the Denver Broncos in the second half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel )KANSAS CITY, Mo. Hill never argued when it was called incomplete, nor did Chiefs coach Andy Reid throw the red challenge flag. Instead, he quickly sent his punt team out and tried to pin the Broncos deep in their own territory. Chiefs: CB Antonio Hamilton had to be helped off the field after blocking on a punt return early in the fourth quarter.
Lock returns to practice, apologizes again for COVID-19 slip
Read full article: Lock returns to practice, apologizes again for COVID-19 slipENGLEWOOD, Colo. – Many viewers cringed at Denver’s ugly loss to the Saints behind a rookie receiver pressed into duty because every Broncos quarterback was barred by the NFL over coronavirus concerns. A three-year starter at Vanderbilt, Shurmur spent last season on the Chiefs’ practice squad. After Driskel’s positive test, a league investigation deemed Lock, Rypien and Bortles as high-risk close contacts and ordered them into quarantine Saturday. Hinton returned to catching passes, not throwing them, when he went back to the practice squad Wednesday. Miller has made it his goal to play this season after a freak ankle injury six days before the opener.
Broncos activate 3 QBs following COVID-19 rules violations
Read full article: Broncos activate 3 QBs following COVID-19 rules violationsDenver Broncos quarterback Kendall Hinton (2) is hit after the throw by New Orleans Saints defensive end Marcus Davenport during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Denver. The NFL denied Denver's request to push the Saints game back 48 hours, which would have allowed their QBs to return to action. So they turned to Hinton, a former quarterback in college, and sprinkled in some direct snaps to running backs Royce Freeman and Phillip Lindsay. Lock, Rypien and Bortles were removed from the reserve/COVID-19 list after testing negative Tuesday for a fifth consecutive day. Lock and Rypien return to the Broncos’ active roster, and Bortles returns to the practice squad.
AFC features plenty of star power even without Tom Brady
Read full article: AFC features plenty of star power even without Tom BradyPittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) throws a pass in the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)The AFC doesn’t lack for drama or star power even though Tom Brady has taken his talents to Davis Beach. WEST: The Chiefs (8-1) are still the class of the conference despite a hiccup against the resurgent Raiders (5-3), who won 40-32 at Arrowhead Stadium on Oct. 11. Mahomes became the fastest quarterback in NFL history to reach 100 TD passes, doing it in 40 games, four fewer than Dan Marino. The Broncos (3-5) have been waylaid by injuries and COVID-19 opt-outs, exposures and infections and Drew Lock went 45 drives without a TD pass.
Mahomes piles up big numbers at Arrowhead - on Election Day
Read full article: Mahomes piles up big numbers at Arrowhead - on Election DayPatrick Mahomes piled up some very big numbers at Arrowhead Stadium last week. Five days before throwing for four touchdowns and nearly 400 yards in the Kansas City Chiefs’ 33-31 victory over the Carolina Panthers, Mahomes helped turn his home stadium into a giant polling place on Election Day. Chiefs president Mark Donovan and head coach Andy Reid were among the first to vote at Arrowhead on Tuesday. “Don’t be mad at paying customers when the product stinks and they are upset about what they’re watching. Not just one half.”___Follow Arnie Melendrez Stapleton on Twitter: http://twitter.com/arniestapleton___More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL
Ryan throws 3 TDs as Falcons stop comeback, beat Broncos
Read full article: Ryan throws 3 TDs as Falcons stop comeback, beat BroncosAtlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage (83) misses the catch against Denver Broncos defensive back Essang Bassey (34) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Ryan throws 3 TDs as Falcons stop comeback, beat Broncos
Read full article: Ryan throws 3 TDs as Falcons stop comeback, beat BroncosMatt Ryan took advantage of Denver's thin secondary to throw three touchdown passes and the Falcons turned back Drew Lock's bid for a second consecutive comeback to beat the Broncos 34-27 on Sunday. The Broncos' fourth-quarter comeback attempt gave Ryan and the Falcons a scary reminder of blown leads this season. Lock threw two touchdown passes and ran for a 10-yard score in the final quarter that made it 34-27. Lock answered with a 9-yard scoring pass to Tim Patrick with less than four minutes remaining. We'll get them next time.”CATCH THISZaccheaus beat Davontae Harris for a 51-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter.
Column: Broncos, Saints both defend teammate, unlike Cowboys
Read full article: Column: Broncos, Saints both defend teammate, unlike CowboysHamler (13) celebrates his game-tying touchdown with teammates during the second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. “Division rival, close game,” Chargers running back Justin Jackson explained, adding, “We weren’t too happy with 22′s hit on Buster,” referencing safety Kareem Jackson’s unflagged blasting of running back Troymaine Pope in the second half. “I’ll never watch something weak like that happen to a defenseless teammate and not defend him,” Anderson added. Saints cornerback Janoris Jenkins jumped on Wims and soon players from both teams rushed in to break up the ruckus. Wims emerged from the pileup clapping and smiling as he was ejected and escorted to his locker room.
Lock rallies Broncos to last-second 31-30 win over Chargers
Read full article: Lock rallies Broncos to last-second 31-30 win over ChargersDenver Broncos wide receiver K.J. Hamler (13) celebrates his game-tying touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)DENVER – Drew Lock hit rookie KJ Hamler from a yard out and no time on the clock and Brandon McManus nailed the extra point to give the Denver Broncos a shocking 31-30 win over the hard-luck Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. The Broncos (3-4) overcame a 24-3 deficit and rallied after being held to just 60 first-half yards, including 2 on the ground. The Broncos got the ball at their 19 with 2:24 remaining and Lock drove them 81 yards in 14 plays, helped by two defensive flags.
Bush, Board among key injuries in NFL's Week 6
Read full article: Bush, Board among key injuries in NFL's Week 6Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Devin Bush (55) is helped from the field after he was injured in the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, in Pittsburgh. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said in the post game news conference that Bush suffered a significant injury to a knee on the play. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Bush, Board among key injuries in NFL's Week 6
Read full article: Bush, Board among key injuries in NFL's Week 6Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said in the post game news conference that Bush suffered a significant injury to a knee on the play. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)Pittsburgh second-year inside linebacker Devin Bush sustained what coach Mike Tomlin called a “significant knee injury” in Pittsburgh’s 38-7 rout of the Browns on Sunday. Board has movement in his limbs after suffering a concussion and neck injury in the team’s 20-19 win over Washington. Bush, who had not missed a defensive snap all season, injured his left knee in the second quarter when he took an awkward step while attempting to break up a pass. Also, Giants cornerback Darnay Holmes suffered a neck injury in the game.
McManus' 6 FGs lift Broncos over Pats in COVID-delayed game
Read full article: McManus' 6 FGs lift Broncos over Pats in COVID-delayed gameDenver Broncos offensive tackle Garett Bolles, left, congratulates kicker Brandon McManus in the second half of an NFL football game after his sixth field goal against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, in Foxborough, Mass. Sunday’s game was originally scheduled for last week but got postponed twice, first by a day, then by seven. He was steady early, but had back-to-back interceptions in the fourth quarter to let the Patriots back into the game. It was the first game back for Newton, who returned after missing New England’s Week 4 loss at Kansas City. McManus, who connected on field goals of 52 and 54 yards, now has six games with multiple 50-yard field goals.
Broncos running backs coach tests positive for coronavirus
Read full article: Broncos running backs coach tests positive for coronavirusENGLEWOOD, Colo. – Denver Broncos running backs coach Curtis Modkins has tested positive for COVID-19 and won’t accompany the team on its trip to New England. “We will take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of our team, opponents and community,” the team added. On Friday, the Broncos held running back Melvin Gordon out of practice because of what coach Vic Fangio said was an illness unrelated to the coronavirus. The Patriots canceled practice Friday and later placed center James Ferentz on the reserve/COVID-19 list. On Saturday, the Broncos announced they had elevated defensive lineman Sylvester Williams to the active roster along with running back Jeremy Cox and linebacker Josh Watson.
Broncos coach: virus outbreak shows who the 'whiners are'
Read full article: Broncos coach: virus outbreak shows who the 'whiners are'“Yeah, we compete like hell on Sundays to beat each other, but ultimately we’re all in this thing together,” Fangio said. The Broncos (1-3) were supposed to host the Chargers that week, and that game was moved up to Nov. 1, which was originally Denver’s bye. So, the Broncos will have had a 17-day break between games and won't get another break all season. The Patriots wouldn't be nearly as inconvenienced, simply having to flip-flop their bye week with their game against Denver. “What makes it harder for us compared to baseball is we can’t go and play doubleheaders and we can’t make a nine-inning game and seven-inning game,” Fangio said.
Barkley, 49ers hit with potentially season-ending injuries
Read full article: Barkley, 49ers hit with potentially season-ending injuriesStart with running back, where Giants star Saquon Barkley is believed to have torn the ACL in his right knee early in their loss at Chicago. The 49ers' Jimmy Garoppolo tried to play through a right ankle injury before Nick Mullens took over for the second half. Tevin Coleman also left San Francisco's win over the Jets with a late knee injury. Along with Lock and Sutton, the Broncos lost defensive end Dre'Mont Jones to a knee injury in their defeat at Pittsburgh. Washington guard Brandon Scherff, who left early in Arizona with a knee injury, was among the offensive linemen hurt around the NFL on Sunday.
Steelers knock out Lock, hold off Driskel, Broncos 26-21
Read full article: Steelers knock out Lock, hold off Driskel, Broncos 26-21Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool (11) crosses the goal line for a touchdown on an 84-yard play during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Steelers knock out Lock, hold off Driskel, Broncos 26-21
Read full article: Steelers knock out Lock, hold off Driskel, Broncos 26-21(AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)PITTSBURGH – A game seemingly in hand suddenly on the cusp of slipping away, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin didn't overthink things. Needing a stop to turn back the surprisingly resilient Denver Broncos, the Steelers dialed up one final blitz in an afternoon filled with them. So the Broncos (0-2) hung around despite losing starting quarterback Drew Lock (right shoulder) in the first quarter. The Steelers recovered and went downfield for a touchdown while Lock was in the blue medical tent getting evaluated. Still, he wasn't exactly thrilled on a day the Steelers never trailed but struggled to put the Broncos away.
Timeout? Fangio's late approach questioned after Denver loss
Read full article: Timeout? Fangio's late approach questioned after Denver lossTennessee Titans kicker Stephen Gostkowski (3) celebrates his game winning field goal with teammates during the second half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, in Denver. The Denver Broncos coach was taken to task on television and social media for his late-game clock management Monday night after a 16-14 loss to Tennessee. Struggling kicker Stephen Gostkowski made a 25-yard field goal in the closing seconds after missing three attempts earlier in his Titans debut. One, their field goal kicker had obviously been having his problems. It would have put us in field goal range and given us a first down.
Gostkowski finally delivers in Titans' 16-14 win at Denver
Read full article: Gostkowski finally delivers in Titans' 16-14 win at DenverDenver Broncos inside linebacker Josey Jewell (47) celebrates his stop of Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)DENVER – New kicker Stephen Gostkowski avoided a disastrous debut with the Tennessee Titans in the nick of time. The Titans escaped Denver with a 16-14 victory Monday night on Gostkowski’s 25-yard field goal with 17 seconds left after he’d missed four kicks, one in each quarter. Gostkowski missed three field goals: wide left, wide right and a block, and he missed an extra point. And Gostkowski became the first kicker to miss three field goals and a PAT in the same game since Mason Crosby missed four field goals and a PAT for the Packers against the Lions in 2018.
Broncos' Jake Butt a feel-good story on NFL's cutdown day
Read full article: Broncos' Jake Butt a feel-good story on NFL's cutdown dayDenver Broncos tight end Jake Butt takes part in drills during an NFL football practice in empty Empower Field at Mile High, Saturday, Aug. 29, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)ENGLEWOOD, Colo. Star-crossed tight end Jake Butt felt better this summer than ever before. On Saturday he joined Washington quarterback Alex Smith as one of the NFL's biggest feel-good stories on cutdown day. Im really happy I stuck with it because I do feel really, really good out there. Bad days are going to come and tough days are going to come, but you cant quit.
Jets' Flacco 'embracing' backup role but not done as starter
Read full article: Jets' Flacco 'embracing' backup role but not done as starterAfter injuries shortened his last two seasons, Flacco is now in New York with a new role: as a backup to Sam Darnold. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)NEW YORK Joe Flacco has hoisted the Lombardi Trophy and been the Super Bowl MVP. Now with the New York Jets, Flacco is merely a 35-year-old backup coming off an injury and tasked with helping Sam Darnold achieve the kind of success he has enjoyed in his pro career. I think in the role Im in now, you can definitely have a good, positive effect on the team." Listen, I dont think there are any backups in this league that dont have aspirations to be a starting quarterback," Flacco said.