For NFL groups, quarterback succession plans may be one of many hardest procedures to tug off. Simply ask the Atlanta Falcons.

Atlanta shocked folks across the league on the 2024 NFL Draft when it chosen former Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 choose one month after signing veteran QB Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal. The scrutinized determination was later defended by staff administration as a safeguard transfer to keep away from quarterback purgatory.

The plan gave the impression to be that the 24-year-old Penix would research beneath Cousins earlier than finally taking on as QB1 down the street. However eight months later, with Cousins in 12 months one in every of his contract and the staff’s first playoff look in seven years nonetheless in attain, the Falcons already appear prepared to maneuver on. After Cousins underwhelmed on Monday evening, the newest in a string of subpar performances, Atlanta introduced it could bench the veteran in favor of Penix, who will make his first profession begin towards the New York Giants this Sunday.

“You’re seeing the consequence of when fastidiously thought by way of plans go awry,” former NFL super-agent Leigh Steinberg stated in a cellphone interview. “That will need to have been an excoriating determination for the coach and entrance workplace.”

The yankee has immediately destabilized the staff’s quarterback state of affairs whereas creating a possible pricey transition for the Falcons, who’re on the hook to pay Cousins $27.5 million subsequent season assured no matter whether or not the 14 begins he’s made this season are it for him with the franchise. Within the occasion the Falcons minimize or commerce him, his lifeless cap hit would nonetheless seemingly dent their roster-building flexibility by way of 2026.

“For those who received’t play your franchise quarterback with closely assured cash in a important circumstance since you consider you will have a greater likelihood to win with (Penix), it’s like a hand grenade thrown in the midst of this well-thought out plan,” stated Steinberg, who has represented a file eight No. 1 draft picks, together with former Falcons star quarterback Steve Bartkowski.

The Inexperienced Bay Packers are arguably the league’s finest at quarterback succession planning. For over 20 years, they have been led on the place by present and future Professional Soccer Corridor of Famers in Brett Favre (now retired) and Aaron Rodgers (now with the New York Jets). Packers starter Jordan Love, who changed Rodgers final 12 months after serving because the backup for 3 seasons, has been thought of for Professional Bowl honors and continues to indicate promise. Not less than sufficient for the franchise to signal him to a four-year, $220 million deal (together with a file $75 million signing bonus), making him one of many league’s highest-paid gamers.

Each NFL staff aspires for that degree of continuity and stability. It’s tough to execute. Circumstances just like the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs choosing reigning Tremendous Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes within the first spherical in 2017 whereas nonetheless having then-veteran starter Alex Smith are rarer than gold. It’s extra widespread for common managers to snag a possible long-term starter within the draft and pray they’ll be prepared when their quantity known as. Daniel Jones, Trey Lance, Zach Wilson, Kenny Pickett, Mac Jones and Mitchell Trubisky all didn’t adequately change their groups’ incumbents.

The Falcons’ opponent this week has had its personal quarterback drama because it nonetheless tries to fill the footwear left by Eli Manning 5 years in the past. The Jets, Las Vegas Raiders, Cleveland Browns and Indianapolis Colts are extra groups that may very well be eyeing a brand new franchise quarterback this upcoming draft in April.

Thus, the Falcons are solely the newest staff to exemplify why seamless quarterback succession plans are robust to efficiently full. Atlanta has had a niche since buying and selling its all-time passing chief Matt Ryan in 2022. The offseason strikes to pay Cousins greater than anybody on this 12 months’s free-agent class and choose Penix regardless of different positional wants was maybe an overcorrection. Now, the staff is watching a possible lifeless cap variety of $65 million, which might be second all-time behind Russell Wilson, who left Denver earlier this 12 months with a complete lifeless cap worth of $85 million, the biggest in NFL historical past. If the Falcons launch Cousins after June 1, although, they are often unfold the hit over two years and soak up a $40 million cap cost subsequent season as a substitute.

Whereas the Falcons have pushed the button on their succession plan sooner than anticipated, the lefty Penix might rise to the event regardless of restricted preseason sport reps. The choice to provide assured money to a then-35-year-old Cousins coming off an Achilles damage may be forgiven if Penix can remind folks why he was one of the electrical gamers in school soccer final 12 months. He completed second in Heisman Trophy balloting whereas throwing for practically 5,000 yards and main the Huskies to the nationwide championship sport.

Cousins, who has greater than $294 million in profession earnings, has handed the torch with class, however it stays to be seen whether or not his understudy is prepared for the lead function. It’s unsure what expectations the staff now has for Penix this season, however it’s clear that the Falcons’ QB technique is in overdrive and represents the league-wide dilemma offered to groups which have handed out assured cash and later need to unseat that participant.

“This can be a very dramatic transfer to make this late within the season within the midst making an attempt to be a wild-card staff,” Steinberg added. “It sends a transparent sign that in a time of disaster they’re turning to a younger quarterback.”

Arsenal cruised to victory in opposition to Crystal Palace with a 5-1 win at Selhurst Park to maintain their probabilities of successful the Premier League title properly and really alive.

Following their 3-2 loss to the Gunners within the Carabao Cup through the week, Palace began the match in an aggressive and properly managed method however they have been undone as soon as once more by Gabriel Jesus.

The Arsenal man scored a hat-trick in opposition to the Eagles within the league cup and added two extra on Saturday night, both facet of Ismaila Sarr’s comfort aim, to offer Arsenal full management of the sport.

He may have had a 3rd after heading an effort onto the put up however the aim got here when Kai Havertz turned within the rebound. Two extra have been added, by Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice within the second half, to safe a wonderful victory for the Gunners who put a contact of stress on their rivals who play tomorrow.

Relive the motion from Selhurst Park with our dwell weblog under:

Our final away sport of 2024 was a thumping victory at Selhurst Park – the sixth time within the 12 months we have scored no less than 5 instances on the highway.

Gabriel Jesus received us going early on, following up Wednesday evening’s hat-trick in opposition to the identical opposition with two extra within the opening 20 minutes – both facet of Ismaila Sarr’s strike for Crystal Palace.

Kai Havertz then scored from shut vary, when Jesus’s shot fell to him through the submit. Martinelli made it 4-1 after the break, when he turned in Declan Rice’s low shot, and Rice himself rounded off the evening with a beautiful end into the nook from the sting of the field.

The consequence makes it ten video games with out defeat now, heading into our final match of the 12 months subsequent Friday.

JESUS PICKS UP WHERE HE LEFT OFF

After his second-half hat-trick in opposition to them on Wednesday, Jesus breached the Palace defence once more after simply six minutes right here.

Bukayo Saka, making his 250th Gunners look – the third youngest participant to the milestone for us – swung in a cross from the best that the house defence simply didn’t cope with. Gabriel was within the combine and the ball fell to his compatriot behind him, who fired previous Dean Henderson.

However Palace rapidly hit again. After we practically received caught enjoying out from the again – when David Raya’s cross underneath strain was intercepted by Will Hughes who squirted an effort simply huge – they levelled.

Sarr discovered himself with area within the midfield and saved bringing the ball ahead earlier than scoring low right down to Raya’s left.

The sport had a frantic really feel to it, and it was little shock after we re-established our lead on our very subsequent assault.

Gabriel Martinelli gained a nook, which once more the Palace defence didn’t clear. Jesus was in the best place to pounce on the free ball and unerringly thump it dwelling.

It was his fifth purpose in 50 minutes of motion – all in opposition to the identical keeper.

SAKA FORCED OFF

It remained an open sport. William Saliba was caught in possession simply outdoors the realm and Raya needed to make himself massive to make a superb cease at level black vary from Jean-Philippe Mateta.

It had been a continuous opening, however there was a break when Saka’s landmark look got here to a untimely finish – he was compelled off halfway by way of the half to get replaced by Leandro Trossard.

However the probabilities saved coming. Jesus discovered himself goalside of the final man, bearing down on purpose, however Maxence Lacroix made a advantageous recovering sort out.

Gabriel then hit the bar with a header earlier than our third purpose did arrive. Martinelli – switched to the best wing – beat Tyrick Mitchell on the surface and despatched in a cross for Jesus. His header hit the submit, and there was Havertz to attain from a yard out.

Trossard was the following to run on the retreating dwelling defence, he unfold the ball to Odegaard who in flip discovered Martinelli in a harmful place, however his low cross was scrambled away.

RAYA STANDS FIRM

Raya needed to be alert within the first minute of the second half, diving to his proper to maintain out Sarr’s opportunistic header.

He was referred to as into motion once more to make a double save from Mateta and Sarr as Palace began the second interval brightly.

Mikel Arteta’s males – sporting black armbands in reminiscence of George Eastham, our former midfielder who just lately handed away – noticed out the transient storm although.

RICE MAKES HIS IMPACT

Rice and Riccardo Calafiori, each again from damage, got here on in a double change and we quickly had our fourth. A beautiful cross excessive from Gabriel launched Trossard. His cross was excellent for Jesus, however he shot straight at Henderson. The ball fell to Rice, he teed up Martinelli who equipped the remainder.

It was the Brazilian’s sixth purpose in opposition to the Eagles, no less than twice as many as he’s scored in opposition to every other opponent.

Rice then went from supplier to goalscorer to internet his first of the season late on. He curled an exquisite effort from the sting of the realm low contained in the far submit.

Scoring 5 objectives in six totally different away video games in the identical calendar 12 months had by no means been executed earlier than – by any top-flight facet ever. It was a good way to spherical off our away programme for 2024.

The consequence retains us in third place and likewise ensures we stay unbeaten from all ten of our London derbies in 2024.

WHAT’S NEXT

We now have one sport left in 2024, at dwelling to Ipswich City on Friday, December 27 within the Premier League. We’ll then kick off 2025 with one other London derby, away to Brentford on New Yr’s Day.

The Atlanta Falcons and Kirk Cousins will reportedly half methods after the season, in line with ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The 36-year-old quarterback, who’s in his first season with the Falcons, is anticipated to be minimize earlier than March 17, which is when he’s due a $10 million roster bonus.

After head coach Raheem Morris introduced this week that rookie Michael Penix Jr. would take over at quarterback for the remainder of the season, a break up with Cousins appeared inevitable.

Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million deal within the offseason to hitch the Falcons after six seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. A month and an half after that free agent deal, Atlanta used the No. 8 total choose within the NFL Draft on Penix.

The Cousins state of affairs is just like what occurred between the Denver Broncos and Russell Wilson earlier this yr. The quarterback was minimize earlier than his $37 million wage turned totally assured on March 17. After being launched, Wilson would signal a one-year, $1.2 million cope with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Ought to Cousins be in a distinct uniform in 2025, the Falcons can be on the hook for $26.3 million of the $27.5 million owed to him subsequent season.

Who is perhaps fascinated about Kirk Cousins?

There will probably be quite a few groups on the lookout for a quarterback within the offseason and, like Wilson, cheaper QBs would turn out to be immediately extra enticing.

Wilson, Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones will probably be amongst these probably available on the market and groups just like the New York Giants, Tennessee Titans, Indianapolis Colts, New Orleans Saints and Las Vegas Raiders could possibly be fascinated about Cousins in the event that they’re on the lookout for a bridge quarterback to mentor a younger sign caller they hope to pick out within the 2025 NFL Draft or, within the case of the Titans and Colts, one which they presently have beneath contract. Yahoo Sports activities’ Charles Robinson even threw the Cleveland Browns into the combo for Cousins if they need somebody to offer competitors for Deshaun Watson.

Cousins, who returned this season after struggling a torn Achilles in 2023, has thrown for 3,508 yards with 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions for the 7-7 Falcons, which have slim playoff probabilities with three video games to play. He has been picked off in 10 of his 14 video games performed.

It is essentially the most surprising time of the 12 months for “Saturday Evening Dwell.”

Through the sketch present’s ultimate episode of 2024, “Weekend Replace” anchors Colin Jost and Michael Che as soon as once more partook of their biannual “joke swap,” during which they make one another learn jokes that the opposite individual has supposedly by no means seen earlier than. The jokes are sometimes horribly offensive issues that the opposite individual would not need to say on tv.

However this time, there was a twist: Jost’s spouse, Scarlett Johansson, was within the constructing after showing in a sketch in regards to the present’s five-time hosts. A digital camera was set as much as seize her reactions, and Jost famous that she appeared “so genuinely nervous.”

First off, Jost was given a joke about leaving his spouse after she turned 40 final month.

“I need to dedicate this subsequent joke to my boo, Scarlett Johansson,” he learn. “Hey, boo. Y’all know Scarlett simply celebrated her fortieth birthday, which implies I am about to stand up out of there!”

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Jost added, “Nah, nah, I am simply enjoying. We simply had a child collectively, and y’all ain’t seen no photos of him but as a result of he is Black as hell.”

The “Black Widow” star sipped a drink whereas watching. A photoshopped image of her and Jost with a Black baby was proven because the comic obtained to his punchline, which made Johansson curse and shake her head.

However Che wasn’t carried out and shortly after gave his co-anchor a surprising joke involving his spouse and a Costco sandwich, too lewd to repeat right here.

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Johansson was visibly surprised after the bit and may very well be seen blurting out, “Oh, my God!”

Jost obtained his revenge with the jokes he compelled Che to learn, together with one about Jay-Z being accused of raping a 13-year-old lady with Sean “Diddy” Combs. Jay-Z has strongly denied the allegations and accused the lawyer who filed the criticism towards him of a “blackmail try.”

“Jay-Z is harmless,” Che learn. “He wasn’t even at these events, and I do know as a result of I used to be! And Diddy, when you’re listening, we’re dangerous boys for all times.”

Che additionally needed to learn a joke about “Moana 2” being a box-office hit, “as a result of like me and my good pal Jeffrey Epstein used to say, there’s nothing like an island journey with a teenage lady.”

Through the information portion of “Weekend Replace,” Jost was stunned when the viewers cheered for Luigi Mangione, the person charged with murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

“Yeah, positively woo,” he informed the gang sarcastically. “You are wooing for justice, proper?”

Tom Hanks, Emma Stone, John Mulaney and extra welcome Martin Quick into ‘SNL’ five-timers membership

For the episode’s chilly open, “SNL” unwrapped a present for followers: one of the star-studded sketches ever.

Saturday’s episode started with a cavalcade of celebrities welcoming host Martin Quick into the five-timers membership, the group of stars who’ve hosted the present that many instances.

Tom Hanks opened up the sketch by speaking to the viewers about how he created the “unique” membership as an “ingeniously lazy approach to keep away from writing a monologue.” He was joined by Paul Rudd, who taught Quick the five-timers membership secret handshake, and Tina Fey, who stated the “Solely Murders within the Constructing” actor is “one of many least uncommon issues in Hollywood: a loud man.”

Alec Baldwin, a 17-time host, entered and stated he performs Republicans on the present due to his “robust daddy vibes.” Quickly after got here Johansson, who shut the door in Jost’s face; Kristen Wiig, who wore a bathrobe and joked she is unquestionably “not residing right here,” and Emma Stone and Melissa McCarthy, the latter of whom busted out some bodily comedy by falling by means of a wall.

John Mulaney then stopped by, saying the sitcom he and Quick starred in collectively, “Mulaney,” could not air now as a result of “it wasn’t good and nobody favored it!” There was one final cameo when Jimmy Fallon got here in, saying he quickly needed to go “host one other recreation present and snort at my very own jokes.”

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Whereas they had been all within the constructing, lots of the stars who appeared within the cameo-filled chilly open caught round for roles in sketches.

Throughout a sketch about two males who get into an argument over a parking spot on Christmas Eve, McCarthy popped up as an aggressive lady who spits her drink on a automobile window.

In one other sketch the place the totally different sorts of individuals in an airport take part in a parade, Wiig performed a girl who by accident sat down on a motorized suitcase, whereas Rudd performed himself being denied entry right into a lounge space. McCarthy additionally appeared as a gate agent having bother saying individuals’s names, whereas Hanks performed Sully Sullenberger, the captain who famously landed a aircraft on the Hudson River after a chicken strike. Hanks beforehand starred as Sullenberger within the film “Sully.”

Plus, Rudd had a fundamental position in a “Sábado Gigante” sketch as a confused man who’s pulled out of the viewers and has no concept how the Spanish-language present works. Within the sketch, Dana Carvey confirmed up as soon as once more, providing Rudd’s character a completely unhelpful trace.

“SNL” will return in 2025, and the present’s fiftieth anniversary particular is ready to air on Feb. 16.

Scarlett Johansson made a particular cameo on the most recent episode of Saturday Night time Dwell, the place she needed to take heed to her husband, Colin Jost, make a joke about her age, their little one and their intercourse life.

SNL’s Christmas 2024 version, hosted by Solely Murders within the Constructing star Martin Quick, noticed “Weekend Replace” anchors Colin Jost and Michael Che do their annual “joke alternate” on the phase.

The custom includes each males discovering new methods to embarrass the opposite as they pressure themselves to learn jokes their comedy accomplice has written, which they’d by no means seen earlier than.

Judging by this 12 months’s efforts it’s honest to say that Che may need gotten one over on Jost who was pressured to learn all of the gags in a “Black voice” earlier than studying a quip saying that Kamala Harris nonetheless helps slavery reparations.

Nonetheless, his subsequent joke was the true shock as not solely was it about Johansson, however she was backstage watching him learn it out, with cameras capturing her surprised stay response. The Beneath the Pores and skin actor had beforehand appeared within the episode’s chilly open.

“I wish to dedicate this subsequent joke to my boo, Scarlett Johansson,” stated Jost, because the Black Widow star seemed on in nervous anticipation.

“Oh my gosh, she’s so genuinely fearful,” stated Jost, as he briefly broke character.

“Y’all know Scarlett simply celebrated her fortieth birthday, which suggests I’m about to rise up out of there,” stated Jost because the cameras minimize to Johansson, who was each concurrently laughing and gobsmacked.

“Shiz! Nah, nah. I’m simply playin,” he added, barely in a position to compose himself.

Issues weren’t achieved but for Jost and Johansson although as Che had lined up one other joke for them, about their son, who was born in August 2021.

“We simply had a child collectively, and y’all ain’t see no photos of him but, as a result of he’s Black as hell!” stated Jost as a photoshopped picture of himself and Johansson appeared behind him, whereas Johansson quietly sipped a glass of water backstage.

Amazingly, the jokes weren’t over for the couple and the ultimate pun that Che had ready for Jost was much more obscene than the earlier two and may require a proof that we are able to’t presumably write right here.

“Costco has eliminated their roast beef sandwich from its menu, however I ain’t tripping. I be consuming roast beef each evening since my spouse had the child,” stated Jost inflicting an eruption of laughter from the whole forged and crew, whereas Johansson seemed genuinely shocked.

Followers had been genuinely impressed on the lengths Che went to embarrass his pal and his spouse.

One particular person wrote: “That is simply essentially the most brutal one they’ve achieved but, went straight for the throat on each single joke.”

A second viewer added: “Having Scarlett there’s a energy transfer!!! Yearly Che ups himself.”

“It was a beatdown. I’m gonna die of asphyxiation by laughing, omg. I’m in tears,” a 3rd fan wrote.

That is hardly the primary time that Jost has been tricked into making jokes concerning the Misplaced in Translation star.

In July, throughout one other joke swap, Che made Jost say: “ChatGPT has launched a brand new voice assistant characteristic impressed by Scarlett Johansson’s AI character in Her,” a nervous Jost advised viewers. “Which I’ve by no means bothered to observe, as a result of with out that physique what’s the purpose of listening?”

After the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs defeated the Houston Texans 27-19 in Week 16, star quarterback Patrick Mahomes provided phrases of encouragement to second-year signal-caller C.J. Stroud.

In a quick interplay after the ultimate whistle blew, Mhomes could possibly be seen embracing Stroud whereas different gamers made their method off the sector.

Mahomes clearly has a large amount of respect for Stroud, who has rapidly developed into one of many NFL’s most fun younger prospects. The sophomore quarterback was in a position to move for 244 yards and two touchdowns towards Kansas Metropolis, but in addition threw two interceptions within the recreation.

Check out this video of Mahomes’ encounter with Stroud, which was shared by the Chiefs’ official Twitter account:

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Y’all acquired a superb one. Nice recreation, @HoustonTexans! pic.twitter.com/dAKbH4c6wn

— Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (@Chiefs) December 21, 2024

Whereas followers will nonetheless have to attend to seek out out whether or not these two groups will face off once more within the postseason, they will relaxation assured that Mahomes gained’t take his second matchup towards Stroud and the Texans as a right.

It seems it wasn’t so exhausting in spite of everything. Southampton stopped giving the ball away in their very own half, adopted an strategy rooted in expediency and saved their second clear sheet of the marketing campaign. Salvation stays a good distance distant however some extent, solely the second they’ve taken away from house, means there’s at the least one thing to construct on within the post-Russell Martin period.

Southampton’s new coach, Ivan Juric, who signed an 18-month contract on Friday, was within the stand at Craven Cottage, peering via the bitter rain driving down the Thames as Simon Rusk carried out affairs from the dugout. What he oversaw was 90 minutes of little or no, which from a Southampton standpoint will need to have come as a welcome change. Even the arrival, for his league debut, of the Fulham winger Martial Godo, for which all people has been ready, did not carry something approaching decision.

“The position of interim supervisor when issues haven’t labored out is to rapidly assess the place the group is at bodily, emotionally, mentally and tactically and ship a manner of being within the quick time period,” Rusk mentioned. “Their endeavour and focus ranges have been glorious and hopefully that can provide us a stable platform.”

Juric developed a high quality fame in his three years at Torino, however a 12-game stint at Roma this season maybe hints on the main purpose he has been appointed: there was no compensation to be paid. Southampton had held talks with their former assistant coach Danny Röhl however springing him from his contract at Sheffield Wednesday would have been expensive.

It’s not totally clear what Juric beneficial properties from the state of affairs. A fan of heavy steel, he has graduated from his teenage love of Metallica and Megadeth to Obituary and Carcass; within the context of Southampton’s season, the gags are too apparent to be value making. The official line is that he doesn’t take over crew affairs till Monday, and Rusk mentioned that within the temporary phone dialog he had with Juric they didn’t talk about ways, nevertheless it was notable that the 3-4-2-1 form – nearly the one formation Southampton had not tried this season – is what Juric most well-liked at Torino and Roma.

The Croatian might communicate of being optimistic and eager to make the crew press more durable and be extra aggressive, however he’s in severe hazard of what is likely to be termed the Jan Siewert Entice. Even when he can enhance performances, it might require one thing miraculous for Southampton to keep away from relegation which, nearly inevitably, means misplaced confidence and diminished religion in him.

Siewert, having been appointed in January 2019 to information Huddersfield via their relegation, was sacked three video games into the next season. Loads of groups have believed there was knowledge in letting a brand new supervisor get a close-up view of the squad as they went down, the higher to guide their promotion push the next season, solely to search out that rebirth strangled by negativity.

However there have been promising indicators right here. On the very least, Southampton weren’t the pushovers they’d develop into. As soon as Aaron Ramsdale, carrying a modified glove to guard his fractured finger, had tipped an early Alex Iwobi chip over the bar, it was a primary half of little or no incident. The principle curiosity was seeing simply how lengthy Ramsdale may take over a goal-kick with out incurring the wrath of the referee, Tim Robinson. However given his namesake as soon as spent a tour of Pakistan batting with Invoice Athey, maybe endurance goes with the title.

“After all we respect them,” mentioned Marco Silva, “however that is the kind of recreation now we have to win at house. The sport was at all times below management however our decision-making must be significantly better. Gamers are human beings and typically they don’t make the most effective choices.”

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Fulham started the weekend eighth having misplaced solely 4 instances within the league but, properly as they’re taking part in, there’s an odd sense that it wouldn’t have taken a lot for his or her league place to be even higher. They’ve led in opposition to Tottenham, Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester Metropolis and Aston Villa with out successful. Another way, this too, as Silva mentioned, felt like a “missed alternative”.

The introduction of Raúl Jiménez and Adama Traoré to a much-changed facet on the hour introduced an uptick of their risk, Harry Wilson drawing a outstanding reflex save from Ramsdale as he met a Traoré cross with a agency volley on the again submit.

However this was a day for Rusk, a newly pragmatic Southampton and the glory of nothingness.

Casey Chaos, frontman of punk band Amen, has died aged 59.

The singer’s loss of life was introduced in a press release from Brian Perera, founding father of his file label, Cleopatra Data yesterday (December 21).

“With heartfelt unhappiness, I prolong my deepest condolences to the household and family members of Casey Chaos,” Perera wrote. “I had the privilege of working with Casey throughout his unforgettable dwell efficiency with Christian Dying on the American Legion Corridor again in 1993. Strolling into the corridor with my good good friend Matt Inexperienced and my spouse, Yvonne, was an expertise I’ll always remember—particularly seeing Nicolas Cage sitting front-row heart, utterly captivated.

“Casey wasn’t simply a rare musician—he really lived and breathed the approach to life,” he continued, “Could he relaxation in peace alongside Rozz Williams and the various tortured souls we admire and respect.”

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Chaos, actual identify Karim Chmielnski, was born in Trenton, New York on October 9 1965, and grew up in Melbourne, Florida. By the age of 10, he was touring professionally as a skateboarder.

In 1982, fellow skateboarder Duane Peters performed him a tape by the Californian punk band Black Flag, which impressed him to start making his personal music beneath the band identify Casey and the Skate Punx.  He recruited bassist Scot Lade, drummer Invoice Erwin, and guitarist Ken Decter, later altering the band identify to Disorderly Conduct.

Later, Chaos moved to Los Angeles the place the group modified their identify to Amen. There, he struck up a friendship with Christian Dying guitarist Rikk Agnew, which led to him enjoying on and cowriting a number of songs on their 1993 album ‘Iconologia’.

Drummer Roy Mayorga of Amebix, Soulfly and Stone Bitter is amongst these paying tribute, writing on Instagram: “It was nice to know you and to name you my good friend. I’ll miss you all the time. love you brother.”

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Amen launched 4 studio albums: their 1994 debut ‘Slave’, ‘Amen’ in 1999, ‘We Have Come for Your Mother and father’ in 2000 and ‘Dying Earlier than Musick’ in 2004.

In 2001, they performed the seventh NME tour alongside JJ72, Alfie and Starsailor.

All through his profession, Chaos additionally performed in Christian Dying and black metallic supergroup Scum.

In 2014, Amen returned to the studio to file a brand new album, however it wasn’t completed in time, and and Amen went on to carry out at Knotfest in assist of Slipknot. Then, in late 2019, Chaos resumed recording of the album, earlier than it was halted once more because of the COVID pandemic. The album stays unfinished

The Kansas Metropolis Chiefs got here into Week 16 with considerations about how quarterback Patrick Mahomes would take care of struggling a “gentle” high-ankle sprain within the staff’s Week 15 win over the Cleveland Browns.

Mahomes rapidly put these worries to mattress in Kansas Metropolis’s 27-19 victory over the Houston Texans. He confirmed he was wholesome by scrambling for 27 yards and a landing on two carries on Kansas Metropolis’s open drive and by no means seemed again.

Mahomes completed the day going 28-of-41 for 260 yards and a landing. He related properly with Marquise “Hollywood” Brown (5 catches, 45 yards) in his staff debut whereas additionally persevering with to see his chemistry with rookie Xavier Worthy (seven catches, 65 yards, one landing) develop.

In consequence, the Chiefs now have to win simply as soon as extra to clinch the AFC’s No. 1 seed. They will additionally clinch the highest seed if the Buffalo Payments lose any of their last three video games.

The Texans had a preventing likelihood on this one-score loss, and it appeared they’d modified the momentum when C.J. Stroud hit Tank Dell for a 30-yard landing to chop the Chiefs’ result in 17-16 early within the third quarter.

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Nevertheless, Dell suffered a gruesome-looking knee harm on the play. He needed to be carted off the sphere in an air solid, which left many Texans gamers emotional.

After the harm and delay, Ka’imi Fairbairn missed an additional level, which set the tone for the remainder of the sport. The Dell harm took the wind out Houston’s sails offensively and the staff merely could not overcome the lack of its No. 2 receiver throughout from Nico Collins. The Texans scored simply three extra factors and dropped to 9-6, positioning the AFC South winner because the possible No. 4 seed within the AFC playoff image.

USA TODAY Sports activities offered reside updates, highlights and extra from the Chiefs-Texans Saturday matchup beneath.

Kareem Hunt seals Chiefs win with 13-yard run

On the primary play after the two-minute warning, Hunt runs up the center for 13 yards. The Chiefs can kneel on it from right here and earn their 14th win of the 2024 NFL season.

Texans go three-and-out, want defensive cease to beat Chiefs

The Chiefs obtained a key sack of C.J. Stroud on a third-and-11 after Kansas Metropolis’s subject aim drive. Joshua Williams got here on a cornerback blitz and no person picked him up, forcing the Texans to punt with simply 3:41 left in regulation.

Houston has simply two timeouts and the two-minute warning left to cease the clock. With a few first downs, the Chiefs might be able to run the clock out on this recreation.

Chiefs accept subject aim after Xavier Worthy knocks down cross supposed for Travis Kelce

The Chiefs re-extended their result in eight factors after Harrison Butker made a chip-shot, 27-yard subject aim to cap off a 14-play, 6:33 drive.

The Texans obtained a much-needed cease on third-and-5 when Patrick Mahomes launched a cross towards Kelce at the back of the end-zone. Worthy flashed in entrance of the tight finish, together with a defender, and went for the ball, assuming it was supposed for him. The rookie could not make the catch and denied Kelce an opportunity at grabbing it.

In equity to Worthy, the defender might have been in a position to knock the ball down anyway, as Mahomes’ cross got here in on a low trajectory. Both approach, Kansas Metropolis leads 27-19 with 5:13 left within the fourth quarter.

Texans inch nearer with Fairbairn subject aim

The Texans had a golden alternative within the pink zone, however fixed strain from the Chiefs protection and a delay of recreation penalty pushed Houston to aim a Ka’imi Fairbairn subject aim. That pushed the Texans to inside a landing, 24-19.

Patrick Mahomes finds Xavier Worthy for landing cross

Xavier Worthy accounted for 46 yards of offense on Kansas Metropolis’s scoring drive, and he capped it off with a landing seize from the arm of Patrick Mahomes.

Mahomes is 21-of-31 passing for 190 yards and two touchdowns on the day because the Chiefs lengthen their result in 24-16 with 2:42 left within the third quarter.

Tank Dell harm: Texans vast receiver carted off with grotesque knee harm

The Texans vast receiver was finally taken off the sphere in a medical cart after his harm. The Texans would affirm that Dell suffered an harm to his left knee.

Ka’imi Fairbairn misses further level after Tank Dell stretchered off in air solid

Play resumed at Arrowhead Stadium after Dell acquired a number of minutes of medical consideration on the sphere. He was stretchered off in an air solid after getting harm on the Texans’ landing after struggling a serious-looking knee harm.

The Texans have been shaken up after the harm, with a number of gamers displaying emotion in its wake. It is not clear if that had an influence on Fairbairn, however the veteran kicker missed his first further level try of the season following the delay. In consequence, the Chiefs nonetheless lead 17-16.

C.J. Stroud, Texans gamers emotional after Tank Dell harm

The NBC broadcast in the reduction of to Arrowhead Stadium to point out Dell nonetheless down and being tended to on the sphere, with a cart out of the locker room. The cameras then confirmed a clearly emotional Stroud, who was among the many gamers gathered round Dell.

Tank Dell catches 30-yard landing, harm on the play

The excellent news for the Texans: C.J. Stroud hit Dell on a wonderfully thrown 30-yard landing cross. The unhealthy information: Dell was hit by his teammate whereas making the catch and suffered an obvious leg harm throughout the play.

Dell instantly reached for his leg after the play. The Texans medical workers instantly got here out to are inclined to him on the sphere.

Texans protection forces punt on first drive after Kamari Lassiter breaks up Patrick Mahomes cross

The Texans protection obtained off to a great begin within the second half. They restricted the Chiefs to 5 performs on their first drive earlier than forcing Mahomes right into a third-and-long. The quarterback tried to get the ball to Xavier Worthy, however Lassiter broke up the cross after undercutting the route.

Tank Dell had a pleasant return of Matt Araiza’s punt and that gave the Texans nice beginning subject place round midfield.

What’s the Kansas Metropolis mascot?

The Chiefs’ mascot is a wolf often known as KC Wolf. He was launched in 1989 and “has been bringing power and pleasure, in addition to laughs and smiles to audiences of all ages,” in response to the staff’s official web site.

Texans halftime stats vs. Chiefs

Houston’s offense has moved the ball properly towards Kansas Metropolis’s protection, however the staff has been responsible of loads of detrimental performs. That features two interceptions and some negative-yardage runs and display screen cross efforts.

Beneath is a have a look at the Texans’ notable first-half stats:

• C.J. Stroud: 16-of-25 passing, 149 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs
• Joe Mixon: 7 carries, 37 yards, 1 catch, 14 yards
• Tank Dell: 5 catches, 68 yards
• Nico Collins: 5 catches, 45 yards
• Dalton Schultz: 2 catches, 12 yards, 1 TD

Chiefs halftime stats vs. Texans

Patrick Mahomes is spreading the ball round as normal within the Chiefs’ Week 16 recreation towards the Texans, however it’s turning into clear that Hollywood Brown goes to be one in every of his favourite targets now that the veteran is again from an injured collarbone.

Beneath is a have a look at the Chiefs’ notable first-half stats:

• Patrick Mahomes: 13-of-20 passing, 127 passing yards, 27 dashing yards, 1 TD
• Kareem Hunt: 2 carries, 8 yards, 1 TD
• Hollywood Brown: 3 catches, 38 yards
• Xavier Worthy: 4 catches, 26 yards
• Travis Kelce: 2 catches, 15 yards

Chiefs lead Texans 17-10 at halftime

The back-and-forth first half between the Chiefs and Texans got here to an finish after a C.J. Stroud Hail Mary try was knocked down on the aim line.

Kansas Metropolis has gotten a robust displaying from Patrick Mahomes, who’s displaying no indicators of the ankle harm he handled main as much as the Week 16 contest. He has accomplished 13-of-20 passes for 127 yards whereas including a landing and 27 yards on the bottom.

In the meantime, Stroud has been shakier, making some large passing performs, together with a 10-yard landing to Dalton Schultz, however has additionally tossed two interceptions.

The Chiefs are set to get the ball first after halftime. They scored 10 unanswered factors to shut the half.

Chiefs vs. Texans rating replace: Harrison Butker subject aim provides Chiefs 17-10 lead

After lacking a 29-yard subject aim on his lone try final week, Butker makes his first try in Week 16 from 44 yards away. That offers the Chiefs the lead with 19 seconds left within the half.

C.J. Stroud interception: Texans QB tosses second choose of first half

The Texans have been dealing with a third-and-20 on the sting of subject aim vary when Stroud tried to pressure a cross amid strain. The end result? Stroud hit Trent McDuffie over the center of the sphere, and that allowed Chiefs to get the ball again with just below a minute left within the half.

Kareem Hunt punches in 3-yard landing run to present Chiefs lead

The Chiefs are again on high after a simple rating for Hunt. The veteran again entered the sport on a first-and-goal and patiently waited for the Chiefs’ inside offensive line to open a lane for him to the end-zone. It developed, he noticed it and powered by way of the ultimate yard to place the Chiefs up 14-10.

Kansas Metropolis’s go-ahead drive coated 82 yards and was 13 performs lengthy. The Chiefs transformed 4 third downs on the drive and can now look to guard a lead with 4:38 left till halftime.

Did Marquise Brown change his identify?

No, Brown’s first identify remains to be Marquise. He simply prefers to go by his nickname “Hollywood,” which most broadcasts at the moment are doing.

Why is Marquise Brown referred to as Hollywood?

Brown grew up in Hollywood, Fla., which is how he earned the nickname. It lends itself properly to him given his origins and his flashy, speedy type of play when wholesome.

Texans whistled for roughing the passer on Patrick Mahomes

A wierd play simply unfolded in Saturday’s Chiefs vs. Texans recreation. Houston pressured Patrick Mahomes and appeared to pressure the quarterback to fumble. The Texans picked up the ball and introduced all of it the best way to the tip zone for a landing.

Nevertheless, the play was later dominated an incomplete cross simply earlier than Derek Barnett was referred to as for roughing the passer. As such, the Chiefs prevented a third-and-10 and took the ball throughout midfield whereas the Texans have been denied an opportunity to go up by two scores.

What number of instances has Patrick Mahomes been sacked in 2024?

Mahomes had been sacked 35 instances getting into Week 16. That’s simply probably the most he has ever been sacked in a single season, seven greater than his earlier profession excessive of 28 in 2021.

Dalton Schultz catches 10-yard TD from C.J. Stroud

Stroud confronted strain from George Karlaftis on a first-and-goal from the 10-yard line however scrambled out to his proper to create time to throw. Ultimately, he discovered Schultz vast open in the midst of the sphere and lofted a cross to him for a simple completion.

The Kansas Metropolis crowd jeered the officers for selecting to not flag what it believed was a holding name towards the Texans on Karlaftis. Ka’imi Fairbairn transformed on the additional level to present the Texans a 10-7 lead.

Chiefs lead Texans 7-3 after first quarter

Kansas Metropolis could also be main after quarter-hour, however Houston is driving and nearing scoring vary. Nico Collins caught a 32-yard cross to shut the quarter after profitable rapidly off the road of scrimmage and forcing the Chiefs defensive again to chase him down alongside the sidelines.

C.J. Stroud is 7-of-11 for 74 yards within the early goings of the sport, although he did throw an interception on a first-drive overthrow. His counterpart, Patrick Mahomes, has gone an environment friendly 6-of-7 for 38 yards but additionally has run for 27 yards and a landing, displaying that his injured ankle is not a lot of a priority in any respect.

The Texans have been in a position to strain and sack Mahomes on their second defensive drive, one thing they could not do their first time taking part in protection. They might want to persevering with doing that to maintain Kansas Metropolis’s offense out of rhythm.

Patrick Mahomes sacked by Texans’ Christian Harris

Mahomes has been sacked extra throughout the 2024 NFL season than he has at any level throughout his profession. He took one other one on the staff’s second drive when Harris got here on a blitz and dropped the Chiefs quarterback.

Mahomes obtained up simply high quality after the hit, which was notable given his harm. The loss pushed the staff again right into a third-and-long, nonetheless, and Kansas Metropolis was pressured to punt the ball again to the Texans after failing to transform that.

Who did the Chiefs lose to this yr?

The Chiefs misplaced to the Buffalo Payments 30-21 in a Week 11 throughout which Josh Allen racked up 317 yards and two touchdowns. That marks Kansas Metropolis’s solely defeat of the 2024 NFL season by way of 15 weeks.

Texans accept subject aim to reply Patrick Mahomes TD run

C.J. Stroud and the Houston offense mounted a great response to Kansas Metropolis’s landing drive, as Nico Collins, Tank Dell and Joe Mixon ripped off some large performs to get the Texans into the pink zone. Finally, they stalled out and Ka’imi Fairbairn got here on to aim a 33-yard subject aim.

Fairbairn made the chip-shot to get the Texans on the board and make it 7-3 Chiefs.

Patrick Mahomes scrambles for TD on Chiefs’ opening drive

How wholesome is Mahomes’ injured ankle? The Chiefs quarterback is not as quick as he has normally is, however he additionally confirmed that followers should not be overly involved about his mobility being impacted by his “gentle” high-ankle sprain.

Mahomes ran for 12 yards on a third-and-13 earlier within the drive earlier than taking off from the 15-yard line later to attain a landing on a run up the center.

Mahomes now has 27 dashing yards within the first quarter of the sport. That is already the fourth-most he has recorded in a single recreation this season.

Chiefs intercept C.J. Stroud on overthrown cross to Nico Collins

The Texans confronted a third-and-12 on their first drive and Stroud tried to pressure a downfield shot to Collins in double protection. Rookie Jaden Hicks caught the overthrown cross and set Kansas Metropolis up with nice subject place on its first drive of the day.

Shaq Mason harm replace

Houston’s first drive is off to an inauspicious begin, as beginning proper guard Mason was harm simply 4 performs into it. He walked off the sphere underneath his personal energy however headed for the blue medical tent.

The Texans have been already with out beginning left guard Juice Scruggs and will likely be pressured to place both Kenyon Inexperienced or Kendrick Inexperienced into motion.

What time is Chiefs vs. Texans?

• Begin time: 1 p.m. ET (Midday CT)

The Chiefs and Texans are scheduled for kick off on Saturday at 1 p.m. ET, midday CT.

Chiefs vs. Texans TV channel

NBC will broadcast the Chiefs-Texans matchup in Week 16. Noah Eagle will likely be on play-by-play, and he will likely be flanked by Todd Blackledge (shade commentary).

Is Taylor Swift on the Chiefs recreation at present?

It seems that Swift is in attendance for the Chiefs’ Saturday matchup with the Texans. She was noticed getting onto a golf cart at Arrowhead Stadium and is presumably be transported to her suite to observe her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, in motion.

Hollywood Brown harm replace

The Chiefs vast receiver, who has not performed in any respect in 2024, will make his season debut on Saturday. Brown suffered a shoulder harm throughout preseason and will likely be a significant enhance to the Chiefs vast receiver corps.

Who’re the announcers for the Chiefs-Texans recreation?

Noah Eagle (play-by-play) and Todd Blackledge (shade commentary) would be the announcers for the Chiefs vs. Texans video games. The duo normal broadcasts NBC’s package deal of prime-time faculty video games, however they have been referred to as as much as the NFL degree to permit Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth to name only one recreation over the weekend.

Kathryn Tappen will be part of Eagles and Blackledge as a sideline reporter.

Is Noah Eagle associated to Ian Eagle?

Sure, Noah Eagle is Ian Eagle’s son. The 28-year-old attended Syracuse and broke into sports activities media in 2019 earlier than quickly rising the ranks to change into a significant community play-by-play man.

Who’s Patrick Mahomes’ backup?

Carson Wentz is the Chiefs’ backup quarterback for the 2024 NFL season. The previous Philadelphia Eagles star signed a one-year cope with the Chiefs throughout the offseason to tackle that position after taking part in behind Matthew Stafford with the Los Angeles Rams within the second half of the 2023 NFL season.

Is Patrick Mahomes taking part in at present vs. the Texans?

On Thursday, head coach Andy Reid informed reporters he anticipated his quarterback to make the beginning. That turned out to be true, as Mahomes will to start out vs. the Houston.

Chiefs inactives vs. Texans

Patrick Mahomes and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown will each play vs. the Texans at present. Mahomes avoids lacking a recreation as a result of harm, whereas Brown is making his season debut.

Texans inactives vs. Chiefs

The Texans will likely be with out beginning guard Juice Scruggs and a handful of veteran position gamers for Sunday’s recreation towards the Chiefs. Beneath are the staff’s seven inactives for the competition:

• WR John Metchie
• LB Devin White
• DE Jerry Hughes
• G Nick Broeker
• G/C Juice Scruggs
• TE Cade Stover
• DL Folorunso Fatukasi

Chiefs vs. Texans predictions, picks

This is how the USA TODAY Sports activities workers feels the Chiefs vs. Texans matchup will go:

• Tyler Dragon: Chiefs 24, Texans 21
• Jordan Mendoza: Texans 23, Chiefs 20

Chiefs vs. Texans reside stream 

• Stay stream: Fubo | Peacock 

For twine cutters searching for a reside stream for the matchup, you may flip to Fubo. Fubo carries NBC, in addition to CBS, FOX, NFL Community and the ESPN household of networks, that means you may catch NFL motion by way of the rest of the season. 

Peacock, the proprietary streaming service of NBC, can even carry the sport.

Chiefs vs. Texans odds, moneyline, over/underneath 

The Chiefs are favorites to defeat the Texans, in response to the BetMGM NFL odds. Not on this recreation? Try knowledgeable picks and greatest bets for each NFL recreation this week. 

• Unfold: Chiefs (-3.5) 
• Moneyline: Chiefs (-190); Texans (+155) 
• Over/underneath: 42

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Who’s the highest-paid NFL participant?  

The NFL’s high 18 gamers in common annual wage are all quarterbacks, in response to OverTheCap.com. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott turned the league’s highest-paid participant earlier than the 2024 season, agreeing to a four-year, $240 million deal. Minnesota Vikings vast receiver Justin Jefferson is the primary non-quarterback on the highest-paid checklist after placing a four-year, $140 million contract extension this offseason. 

Who’re the very best paid NFL gamers at every place? 

We’ve got a whole checklist at each place:  

Chiefs vs. Texans climate updates 

Mom Nature gained’t be concerned in Saturday’s matchup exterior of simply making the temperature a bit colder than normal. Temperature for kickoff is anticipated to be simply above freezing and can climb to 36 levels all through the matchup.

The place is Chiefs vs. Texans? 

The Texans journey to GEHA Discipline at Arrowhead Stadium to tackle the Chiefs. 

AFC West standings 

The Chiefs have the AFC West locked up. Subsequent step: No. 1 seed within the AFC. Right here’s how the division seems to be: 

1. Chiefs (13-1) 
2. Chargers (9-6) 
3. Broncos (9-6) 
4. Raiders (2-12)