Which shocking early statistical trends have staying power, and which are a product of a small sample size?
Author: Michael
Our insiders have intel on Rodgers’ first two games in Pittsburgh, Cincinnati’s post-Burrow scramble and more.
Hear from gold medalist Katie Moon, silver meda
On First Take, Chris “Mad Dog” Russo, Jeff Satu
Two weeks is not a verdict — it’s a vibe check. I’m not writing obituaries or carving busts after eight quarters, but we have to respond to what’s on tape and in the box scores right now. This is a rookie report built only on what we saw in Weeks 1 and 2 with supporting data, plus how I’m feeling about these players walking into Week 3.
Not a lifetime outlook. Not a dynasty gospel. Just a clean read on today.
Risers
Cam Skattebo, Giants
Even though the final stat line from the Cowboys game doesn’t scream superstar back, if you watched the matchup, you saw the shift.
The Minnesota Vikings are going to be without their franchise quarterback for the next two to four weeks following a high ankle sprain he suffered in Week 2 against the Atlanta Falcons. The injury was sustained in the third quarter after what appeared to be a hip drop tackle, but McCarthy stayed in the game.
On Monday, the injury became more prevalent, and now he is out for an undetermined amount of time. While making an appearance on Good Morning Football, NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero gave an idea for the window in which McCarthy could return.
The Commanders signed veteran pass rusher Preston Smith, bolstering a defensive line that just lost one of its starters.
American tennis star Taylor Townsend has apologized “from the bottom of my heart” for making disparaging comments about Chinese food on social media.
Former New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman is feeling left out after his former teammates, Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski, were among those announced to play in the Fanatics Flag Football Classic in Saudi Arabia.
The wide receiver posted a funny image on social media as a reaction to the announcement. It was a picture from the hit cartoon show SpongeBob SquarePants of the character Squidward being alone and watching SpongeBob and Patrick celebrate from afar.
Brady will be just one of many stars set to take part in the event.
Rob Thomson announces Phillies Game 1 starter for postseason
originally appeared on The Sporting News
The Philadelphia Phillies clinched the NL East with a win over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday night, and the following night, they won the season series over Los Angeles, putting them in a great position to earn a first-round bye.
With a guaranteed spot in the postseason and the potential to earn a first-round bye, the Phillies’ starting rotation needs to be decided on come October. Normally, Zack Wheeler would be the game one starter.