The Red-Hot New England Patriots
Defense wins championships, or at least seals a five-game win streak, as the New England Patriots shut out the Atlanta Falcons, 25-0, on Thursday Night Football. In its last three games, the Patriots defense has allowed just 13 points, so one could say, the Pats are back.
Conversely, the Falcons have not scored a touchdown in almost nine quarters. That’s bad. Turnovers may be part of the issue, as Atlanta threw four interceptions in the fourth quarter Thursday night, with all three quarterbacks in uniform getting in on the act. Matt Ryan threw two, Josh Rosen threw one and Feleipe Franks threw one pass, and it was an INT. That’s rough stuff all around.
Patriots quarterback Mac Jones finished the evening 22-of-26 for 207 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Next up for the 7-4 Patriots are the Tennessee Titans, while the Falcons will be off to Jacksonville to take on the Jaguars.
Cam’s Baaaaack
It’s officially, officially official. After throwing a touchdown and rushing for a touchdown in last week’s win over the Arizona Cardinals, Panthers’ QB Cam Newton will make his first start in his second iteration with Carolina on Sunday. And this isn’t just any start. This start comes against the Washington Football Team, who is coached by Newton’s former Panthers’ coach, Ron Rivera.
Newton was in for eight plays against the Cardinals, scoring touchdowns on his first two snaps. That is some efficient playmaking right there.
Panthers’ coach Matt Rhule announced Newton as the starter on Friday, after Newton had a full week of practice.
Major League Baseball Awards Season
The Atlanta Braves are World Series Champions, and this week Major League Baseball announced its individual award winners.
National League
MVP – Bryce Harper (Philadelphia Phillies)
CY Young – Corbin Burnes (Milwaukee Brewers)
Rookie of the Year – Jonathan India (Cincinnati Reds)
American League
MVP – Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Angels)
Cy Young – Robbie Ray (Toronto Blue Jays)
Rookie of the Year – Randy Arozarena (Tampa Bay Rays)
Congratulations, gentlemen! Is it baseball season yet?
Khalil Mack & Chris Carson
In what can only be described as a massive blow to the Chicago Bears, LB Khalil Mack is having season-ending foot surgery.
Mack suffered the injury in the Bears’ Week 3 loss to the Browns but continued to play for several weeks. He missed the last two games against the San Francisco 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers before Chicago’s bye week, but it was not enough to fully heal.
Mack finishes the season with six sacks in seven games played.
Ian Rappaport is reporting that Seattle Seahawks RB Chris Carson, who has been battling a neck injury, will have season-ending surgery.
Sources: #Seahawks RB Chris Carson, who has been sidelined with a neck injury, is expected to have season-ending surgery and will be placed on Injured Reserve. His 2021 season ends after just 4 games, as his neck never improved enough for him to get back on the field.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 19, 2021
Didi Louzada
New Orleans Pelicans guard Didi Louzada has been suspended 25 games without pay by the NBA for violating the league/NBPA’s anti-drug program. He tested positive for both drostanolone and testosterone.
In a statement to ESPN, Louzada said: “When I was in Brazil during the offseason, I consulted a nutritionist who recommended I take some vitamins and supplements. Because she has a history of working with professional athletes, I would never have imagined that any of those substances would be banned or could be contaminated. Once I learned of the positive test, I immediately cooperated completely with the league and union to help all of us understand what exactly occurred. I would never knowingly take anything that violates NBA rules. I accept my responsibility in this situation. I deeply regret that this happened and I apologize to my team, my teammates, and Pelicans fans for this mistake.”