Patriots, Bucs among those making biggest waves so far
(AP Photo/Adam Hunger, File)Bill Belichick never was one to spent wildly in free agency. Whether by trade, free agency or re-signings, the group brings a good mix of offense, defense and special teams. In addition to keeping Von Miller, Justin Simmons and Shelby Harris, Paton filled his biggest defensive pothole by signing free agent cornerbacks Ronald Darby and Kyle Fuller. FUTURE CONSIDERATIONSThe Lions didn’t do much in free agency but nobody in Detroit should be bothered. The Lions are focused on rebuilding through the draft after sending QB Matthew Stafford to the Rams and then letting star wide receiver Kenny Golladay walk in free agency.
Some NFL veterans prosper as business season begins
FILE - San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Trent Williams (71) looks on prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, in Glendale, Ariz., in this Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, file photo. (AP Photo/Jennifer Stewart, File)As the NFL opened its business year Wednesday, veterans Trent Williams, A.J. The Seahawks addressed another need, agreeing to terms with tight end Gerald Everett on a one-year deal. Ad— Kansas City agreed to a $5 million contract for next season with three-time Pro Bowl guard Kyle Long, who will come out of retirement. — New England brought back center Ted Karras on a one-year, $4 million contract.
Rams' Goff dislocates thumb, Jets' Gore has chest injury
(AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)Jared Goff popped his dislocated right thumb thumb back into place and kept playing. “It’s OK right now," said Goff, who was 23 of 42 for 224 yards and an interception in the Rams' 20-9 loss at Seattle on Sunday. In East Rutherford, New Jersey, Frank Gore ran his way to another career milestone and then was forced to watch the New York Jets' second win from the sideline. — Baltimore center Patrick Mekari left the Ravens' 27-13 win over the New York Giants with a back injury. — Carolina left tackle Trent Scott left early in the third quarter of the Panthers' 20-13 win over Washington with a shoulder injury and did not return.
Bengals beat Texans 37-31 for first road win since 2018
Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) is tackled by Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, in Houston. That preparation paid off on Sunday when Samaje Perine scored a 3-yard touchdown late to give the Bengals their first road win in more than two years with a 37-31 victory over the Houston Texans. It’s the first road win for Taylor, who is in his second season, and the first time the Bengals (4-10-1) won away from Cincinnati since a 37-36 victory at Atlanta on Sept. 30, 2018. Perine put the Bengals up 17-10 when he ran 46 yards for a touchdown early in the third quarter. The Bengals took an early lead when Allen found Drew Sample wide open for an 8-yard touchdown on their first drive.
Hurting Mayfield, Browns score late, outduel Bengals 37-34
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) talks with wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones after Peoples-Jones' touchdown reception during the second half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)CINCINNATI – Baker Mayfield overcame a terrible start to throw for five touchdowns, including a 24-yard go-ahead score to Donovan Peoples-Jones with 15 seconds left, and the Cleveland Browns outdueled the Cincinnati Bengals 37-34 on Sunday. Nursing sore ribs, Mayfield started 0 for 5 — including an interception on his first attempt of the game. Rashard Higgins had six catches for 110 yards, and tight end Harrison Bryant had two touchdown catches. MISSING PIECESThe Bengals had lost Mixon (foot) and cornerback William Jackson III (concussion) to injuries during the week.
Several Raiders active against Bucs after time on COVID list
(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)Las Vegas starting offensive linemen Kolton Miller, Denzelle Good, Rodney Hudson and Gabe Jackson are active for the Raiders against Tampa Bay after spending time on the COVID-19 list this week. Safety Johnathan Abram remains on the COVID-19 list for at least one more day and is missing the game. ___TAMPA BAY AT LAS VEGASBuccaneers: QB Ryan Griffin, OL Aaron Stinnie, LB Quinton Bell, DL Khalil Davis, WR Cyril Grayson. Raiders: WR Bryan Edwards, CB Keisean Nixon, QB Marcus Mariota, G Patrick Omameh, DE David Irving. ___CAROLINA AT NEW ORLEANSPanthers: QB Will Grier, CB Stantley Thomas-Oliver, G John Miller, OL Mike Horton, WR Marken Michel.
Rivers throw 3 TD passes as Colts rally past Bengals 31-27
(AP Photo/AJ Mast)INDIANAPOLIS – Philip Rivers never flinched with the Indianapolis Colts facing a 21-0 first-half deficit Sunday. He went back to work and joined MVP quarterbacks Bert Jones and Peyton Manning in the Indianapolis Colts' record book. ... Mixon left in the first half with a right foot injury but returned at the start of the second half. ... DT Christian Covington and CB William Jackson III both got hurt in the second half and returned later. ... CB Xavier Rhodes and WR Marcus Johnson also were shaken up in the second half but returned.
Mayfield throws 2 TD passes, Browns hold off Burrow, Bengals
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020, in Cleveland. 1 overall pick Joe Burrow, who threw three TD passes and showed incredible poise in just his second game. Burrow's third TD pass — a 9-yarder to Tyler Boyd with 43 seconds left — pulled the Bengals within five, but the Browns recovered the ensuing onside kick and ran out the clock. But the reigning Heisman Trophy winner matched Mayfield pass for pass and showed why the Bengals believe he can turn them around. Uzomah in the second quarter, but Cincinnati's defense couldn't slow down the Browns and Mayfield tossed a 6-yard TD pass to a wide-open Hunt gave Cleveland a 21-10 lead.