All posts by StackGiant

Fan Notes from the Patriots’ 30-17 loss to the Cardinals

One other week, one other loss, one other closing rating that isn’t indicative of how the sport performed out. The Cardinals wanted this sport with a view to maintain their playoff hopes alive, and so they delivered. The Patriots, alternatively, appeared like their typical, pungent selves.

  1. I’m guessing there are a number of followers on the market who nonetheless discover themselves pissed off by what we’re seeing with this crew, and I get it. I actually do. Nevertheless it’s been roughly the identical music and dance with the 2024 Patriots all season, and with solely three video games left, it ain’t altering. So we could as effectively get pleasure from it and try to get pleasure from the little moments.
  2. I’ll say, although: it’s pretty outstanding how impossibly constant the Patriots have been of their means to lose video games each week. You normally see groups implementing totally different gameplans, altering their technique, tweaking rosters, going run-heavy one week and pass-heavy the subsequent. Not the Pats, although. Each Sunday, with out fail, they be sure that to overlook blocks, negate massive performs with penalties, sort out poorly, drop passes, and put themselves in an insurmountable gap early sufficient so the remainder of the sport is kind of taking part in out the string. It’s nearly poetic, in a bizarre, masochistic approach. I don’t assume any crew, within the historical past {of professional} soccer, can persistently flip a possible first-and-goal right into a missed 50-plus-yard subject aim try the best way these Patriots can.
  3. I feel the large subject for me, not less than one which represents a semi-departure from the same old points I harp on each week, is that I didn’t get the sense that the Patriots had been all that ready to play this one. Coming off a bye, with two weeks to organize, they simply didn’t appear able to play at any degree.
  4. And whenever you mix the same old nincompoopery with a sport like yesterday’s, the place it type of had a “simply a type of video games” really feel to it, there was simply no shot New England was successful this one.
  5. You recognize what I’m speaking about. Each crew experiences video games like this, poor play and penalties apart, the place every part simply appears to go the opposite crew’s approach. The Cardinals fumbled twice however recovered them each, one by an enormous fats man ultimately zone for a TD. A possible game-changing decide was referred to as again on a wildly questionable Roughing the Passer penalty. Drake Maye hit Boutte in stride, however he bobbled it and it went proper into the fingers of a Cardinals defender. Generally you simply have video games the place the bounces all favor one crew. Generally it favors your crew. Couple that with the Patriots being a horrible soccer crew, and right here we discover ourselves.
  6. However let’s concentrate on the constructive right here as we speak. I actually don’t know what number of extra methods I can say that the O-line is horrible and the crew has no self-discipline. Perhaps I’ll give myself an early Christmas current and never kind the phrases “Vederian Lowe” for the remainder of the yr.
  7. Though actually as I used to be writing that final notice, I additionally realized that there are solely so some ways you possibly can write “Drake Maye” and “Christian Gonzalez.” So perhaps I would like to stay with the detrimental for a short time longer with a view to meet my phrase rely.
  8. And since I’m staying detrimental, I’ll have fun Festivus just a little early this yr and air what are in all probability my three largest grievances of 2024, O-line play and psychological self-discipline apart:
  9. One – Kyle Dugger STINKS. Perhaps his ankle is shattered and he’s taking part in via it whereas additionally taking part in out of place and discovering himself pressured to play a number of roles on account of lack of depth and damage all whereas concurrently moonlighting as a vigilante who fights crime. During which case I’ll give him a move. However he’s on the market whiffing tackles, taking horrible angles, getting smoked on cuts, and never dwelling as much as that large contract he received this offseason.
  10. Two – If the Patriots have confronted a 3rd or fourth and fewer than a yard and referred to as a single Drake Maye QB sneak all yr, I definitely can’t keep in mind it. I’d prefer to assume that one of many extra cellular and athletic quarterbacks within the league would have the ability to take a snap and fall ahead for 3 toes. Perhaps I’m incorrect and he’ll get stuffed behind this line. However perhaps show it by calling a QB sneak, simply as soon as, for the love of Tebow.
  11. Three – When this crew wants a cease to get again in it, that’s nearly all the time the a part of the sport the place as an alternative they offer up a 38-play, 97-yard scoring drive that takes three weeks off the sport clock. It’s not even like they will’t give up a primary down and completely must power a three-and-out; they simply want to forestall a rating and provides the offense the ball with just a little time on the clock to try to do one thing with it. And it’s in these clutch moments the place the D is at their absolute worst. And once more, that each one goes again to psychological self-discipline and toughness. AKA teaching.
  12. I haven’t referred to as for Jerod Mayo’s job as soon as all season and I’m not about to start out now. He inherited a foul crew and is studying on the job at one of many hardest positions there may be. My massive hope for him is that he’ll look again on 2024 and understand that he spent a lot time attempting to show that he wasn’t Invoice Belichick that he forgot to be Jerod Mayo, and this offseason he’ll discover his footing and his fashion.
  13. One of many few actual regrets I’ve about this season is how few persons are watching the Patriots play, and thus lacking absolutely the masterclass that Christian Gonzalez places on week in and week out. It’s not simply his bodily skills and the best way he roughly erases each receiver he covers. It’s how he learns from the instances he will get beat and solely makes a mistake as soon as.
  14. Excellent instance of that – early on this sport, Gonzalez received caught on a rub route with Harrison coming throughout the center, which became a 23-yard catch and run. It was a really well-executed play that put McBride in Gonzo’s face and sprung Harrison for an enormous acquire. The Cardinals tried operating it two extra instances yesterday after that one; Gonzo beat the rub the primary time to take care of protection, and the second time he learn the route pre-snap and bumped Harrison on the line to disrupt the timing. That 23-yard reception was considered one of two passes Harrison caught on the day, on six makes an attempt, two of which had been PBUs ultimately zone.
  15. I’m legitimately questioning if Drake Maye is flourishing despite the help he’s getting from the teaching quite than due to it. The issues he does greatest – accuracy, pocket mobility, creativity, means to improvise – are all parts he dropped at the desk already or happen after the play inevitably breaks down.
  16. His play of the day was that absolute dime he threw to Kenrick Bourne, which then arrange a nifty shovel-pass to Douglas to make it a two-score sport. Each week, I’m grateful I get to not less than take some good away from this crew, and it’s all the time one thing that Maye does or continues to do.
  17. I actually consider that the Patriots are in actually fine condition to develop into contenders inside two years. I genuinely assume that, all homerism apart. What’s going to maintain me awake at night time, although, is whether or not they squander this chance and mismanage their approach out of a doubtlessly generational expertise.
  18. I additionally really feel like Antonio Gibson hasn’t gotten sufficient credit score as he quietly places collectively an excellent season. Gibson would as soon as be thought-about a classic Belichick signing: a powerful veteran misused underneath different programs who is prospering right here. However since Belichick is now not right here, and since no one cares in regards to the Patriots anymore, he’s going unnoticed and uncelebrated.
  19. Talking of Belichick – better of luck down in North Carolina, coach. I all the time type of thought that UNC soccer was the redheaded stepchild of the Tarheel sports activities program, given how robust the opposite packages are. However all that simply modified.
  20. The Patriots have now misplaced 4 straight, with the Payments, Chargers, then Payments once more on the slate to complete out the yr. I’m undecided if that Week 18 matchup goes to be
  21. The actual pleasure, although, is on the prime of the 2025 NFL Draft. There are presently six 11-loss groups, which suggests the Patriots might find yourself selecting as excessive as first general and as little as like ninth, relying on how the remainder of the season shakes out. I feel New England has yet another win left in them, so the query is the place 4-13 will land them. And what they’ll do with that decide.
  22. However extra in regards to the draft later. Three video games left within the season, then that’s all she wrote.

Row breaks out as fans accuse BBC bosses of ‘ruining’ Match of the Day as Kelly Cates set to take over from Gary Lineker at end of the season – but others leap to the defence of Sky Sports presenter

A row has damaged out because the BBC strains up Kelly Cates as one of many three presenters to exchange Gary Lineker on Match of the Day – with followers accusing BBC bosses of ‘ruining’ the favored sports activities programme. 

Nevertheless, others have leaped to the defence of the present Sky Sports activities presenter, claiming Cates is ‘excellent’ for the brand new gig. 

At present, MailOnline revealed that the highly-regarded broadcaster – daughter of Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish – is ready to hitch fellow broadcasters Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan, with presenting duties for Match of the Day and Match of the Day 2 break up between the three.

Nevertheless, Cates’ appointment has divided soccer followers who took to social media to voice their opinions.

On X, previously Twitter, Chris Jones mentioned: ‘Nicely that is the top of MOTD, utter woke nonsense.’ 

Different X customers claimed that the BBC had ‘ruined’ the present. 

One wrote: ‘They’ve (the BBC) ruined it. The very best factor about MOTD was the banter between Gary, Alan [Shearer] and Ian [Wright].

‘The place has that gone now. Would have been much better going with Micah [Richards], Jermaine [Jenas] and Alan or Ian.’ 

Kelly Cates is leaving Sky to hitch Match of The Day as one in all their presenters from subsequent season

Cates will break up the function with fellow presenters Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan (pictured). The trio will take over internet hosting duties after Lineker leaves the present subsequent Could

Cates’ appointment has divided soccer followers who took to social media to voice their opinions

A person with the username Christian claimed it was ‘bonkers’ that Cates would depart her function at Sky Sports activities to current Match of the Day ‘as soon as each three weeks’. 

One other X person described the brand new presenters as ‘So so s***’, including: ‘Get a brand new fastened presenter with a little bit of persona.’ 

Nevertheless, Cates has additionally acquired reward and help from many followers who’ve welcomed her mooted new job. 

On X, one person mentioned: ‘Cates and Logan know extra about soccer than most blokes so good selections. 

‘Chapman is a strong presenter as effectively.’ 

One other mentioned: ‘Kelly Cates is a superb soccer presenter and will probably be excellent for Match of the Day.’ 

One man with the username Tony wrote: ‘No points for me with Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan taking up Match of the Day. All prime charge soccer presenters.’   

Bosses at Sky are understood to be deeply saddened on the lack of the 49-year-old.

Cates has additionally acquired reward and help from many followers who’ve welcomed her new job

Gary Lineker, who has been presenting MOTD since 1999, will go away after 26 years subsequent Could

Nevertheless, she had been recognized by the BBC because the main exterior to exchange Lineker when he leaves on the finish of the season.

Cates’ easy presentation of Sky’s Premier League protection and former expertise with the BBC have clearly gone in her favour.

She often presents on Radio 5 Dwell, used to host 606 and her arrival will probably be seen as an enormous coup – particularly given the uplift within the variety of stay matches on Sky subsequent season.

It’s understood that the three are already shut and are trying ahead to working collectively. They’re of an analogous age and have developed over an analogous time interval.

In Chapman’s case, the sharing of the function permits him to proceed together with his radio work for the BBC, which he’s recognized to be keen about.

Those that know them say the group are humble and there are not any points with the limelight being shared.

Lineker, who took over presenting duties on the flagship BBC present from Des Lynam in 1999, will convey the curtain down after 26 years. 

The 63-year-old can also be set to depart the BBC completely after the 2026 World Cup in America, Mexico, and Canada.

It’s understood BBC executives, headed by new director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski, wish to transfer the present in a contemporary course and, as Mail Sport revealed, are contemplating bringing a information ingredient to the present.

The BBC mentioned it ‘doesn’t reply to hypothesis’. Sky Sports activities declined to remark.

Kelly Cates ‘to replace Gary Lineker on BBC’s Match of the Day’ | Match of the Day

The soccer presenter Kelly Cates is known to be leaving Sky Sports activities to exchange Gary Lineker on the BBC’s Match of the Day.

Cates, a well-liked broadcaster and the daughter of the previous Liverpool footballer Kenny Dalglish, is known to be becoming a member of a brand new presenting group together with the Match of the Day 2 presenter Mark Chapman and the BBC sports activities broadcaster Gabby Logan for subsequent season.

When approached by the Guardian, the BBC mentioned it had a coverage to not “touch upon hypothesis”, whereas a spokesperson for Sky Sports activities famous that they’d seen experiences of Cates’ departure and had “nothing so as to add”.

The Day by day Mail reported that Sky bosses have been understood to be “deeply saddened” by the lack of Cates, 49, who has introduced the channel’s Premier League protection since 2017. She had been recognized by the BBC because the main exterior candidate to exchange Lineker.

It’s thought that Cates, who additionally usually presents for BBC Radio 5 Stay, will share rotating internet hosting duties for Match of the Day and Match of the Day 2 with the opposite two presenters.

The trio will substitute Lineker, who will step down on the finish of the season. He has introduced Match of the Day since 1999, and can depart the BBC solely after the 2026 World Cup, which will likely be held within the USA, Mexico and Canada.

Lineker mentioned on his podcast, The Relaxation is Soccer, that he understood that executives have been “seeking to do Match of the Day barely in a different way”, and that it made sense to exchange him with one other presenter.

The present’s new path is anticipated to incorporate a extra digital focus, after the BBC signed a rights deal for 2025-26 that’s thought to incorporate permitting it to submit clips of all targets scored within the Premier League on the BBC web site.

Regardless of an more and more fragmented viewership, by which youthful followers trade pirated clips of matches on social media and watch highlights on YouTube minutes after the ultimate whistle is blown, high executives on the BBC are mentioned to see “untapped potential” in a revamped iteration of the model.

The brand new format can also be rumoured to comprise extra of a information ingredient, in addition to together with extra written content material and evaluation.

Regardless of broadcast TV figures plummeting by 26% since 2015, TV sports activities viewing has proved to be comparatively strong, falling by simply 3%.

Brighton 1-3 Crystal Palace Stats: Ismaila Sarr at the Double as Palace Earn Derby Win

Oliver Glasner’s facet prolonged their unbeaten run to 5 Premier League video games with a formidable win over their rivals. Try the very best details and Opta knowledge from the sport with our Brighton vs Crystal Palace stats web page.


Crystal Palace overcame rivals Brighton to earn three priceless factors of their combat towards relegation on a memorable day for Oliver Glasner’s males.

Brighton got here into the sport realizing a win would take them stage with Manchester Metropolis in fifth, whereas Palace had been just one level away from the drop zone. Brighton additionally hadn’t misplaced a house Premier League sport this season. Few folks would have predicted this consequence.

However Palace have been on a good run of late, and finally they deserved a win which moved them as much as fifteenth within the desk.

Trevoh Chalobah opened the scoring from a nook earlier than Ismaïla Sarr headed Tyrick Mitchell’s deep cross into the web to double the guests’ lead six minutes later.

Brighton pushed arduous for an equaliser after the break however couldn’t discover a approach by means of, and Sarr went on to place the outcome utterly past doubt eight minutes from time. A late Marc Guéhi personal objective was nothing greater than a comfort for Brighton.

The win extends Palace’s unbeaten run to 5 matches and leaves Brighton winless in 4. There should be eight factors separating the rivals, however on this efficiency, the groups look much more intently matched than the league desk suggests.


Our Opta match centre delivers you all of the Brighton vs Crystal Palace stats from their Premier League assembly on the Amex Stadium.

The match centre beneath consists of group and participant stats, anticipated targets knowledge, passing networks, an Opta chalkboard and extra. It offers you every thing you could do your personal match evaluation.

Beneath the match centre you could find the official Opta stats on the sport as properly. 

Brighton vs Crystal Palace: Submit-Match Details

  • Brighton have saved only one clear sheet throughout their final 14 Premier League video games towards Crystal Palace (W4 D6 L4), while the Seagulls have now received simply one among their final ten league fixtures towards sides from London (D2 L7). 
  • Crystal Palace beat Brighton for the primary time since February 2021, ending a run of six winless Premier League fixtures towards them (D4 L2). Every of the Eagles’ final three Premier League wins towards them have now come away from house.
  • Ismaïla Sarr scored twice and assisted a objective for Crystal Palace on this match, making it the second time he’s managed to each rating and help in an away Premier League match this marketing campaign (additionally vs Aston Villa). Solely Liverpool’s Mo Salah (3) has produced extra such shows up to now in 2024-25.

Take pleasure in this? Subscribe to our soccer publication to obtain unique weekly content material. You also needs to observe our social accounts over on X, Instagram, TikTok and Fb.

Report & Highlights: Clinical Palace cut through Brighton – News

Palace’s defence was holding agency, with solely a second of inspiration prone to breach it, albeit Brighton’s Brajan Gruda got here near selecting out the highest nook with a deflected free-kick – the trouble, fortunately, landed on the roof of the web.

There was nonetheless time to sprinkle a – and, in fact, Sarr was the person to supply it, racing onto Nketiah’s flick-on, nicking the ball previous a hesitating Dunk and rolling it dwelling past Verbruggen with pleasant composure.

Spirits couldn’t even be dampened by a Brighton comfort aim a couple of minutes later, as a scramble at a nook noticed the ball cruelly deflect in off an unwitting Guéhi.

There was even time left for Nketiah to run clear by means of from Kamada’s through-ball, however his lobbed end evaded the far publish, earlier than Henderson denied Enciso with one closing spectacular save.

By then, nevertheless, there had already been an exodus at Amex Stadium, with Palace changing into the primary crew to win away there this season.

It was a day to recollect.

Brighton: Verbruggen (GK), Lamptey (Enciso, HT), Dunk, Van Hecke, Estupinan, Baleba, Ayari (Gruda, 72), Minteh (Ferguson, 72), Rutter (Adingra, 72), Mitoma, Pedro.

Subs: Steele (GK), Igor, Moder, Wieffer, McConville.

Palace: Henderson (GK), Muñoz, Chalobah, Lacroix, Guéhi, Mitchell (Clyne, 85), Lerma, Hughes (Doucouré, 85), Eze (Kamada, 60), Sarr (Devenny, 90+2), Mateta (Nketiah, 60).

Subs: Turner (GK), Kporha, Schlupp, Agbinone.

As It Occurred:

Cooper Kupp Disappoints Fantasy Football Managers with 0 Catches for Rams vs. 49ers | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

Ezra Shaw/Getty Photos

Cooper Kupp had an especially quiet evening on Thursday.

Kupp was focused 3 times, however didn’t report a catch in the course of the Los Angeles Rams’ 12-6 win over the San Francisco 49ers.

Whereas wet situations prompted Los Angeles’ passing assault to wrestle, six different Rams gamers nonetheless completed the sport with a minimum of one seize.

Kupp’s crew was capable of safe a victory, however fantasy soccer managers had been shocked by his disappointing efficiency.

br_betting @br_betting

Cooper Kupp ending with 0.0 factors on the primary week of fantasy playoffs is INSANE 😭

(H/T @SuperiorNBA) pic.twitter.com/9hpLyM6ZfQ

Underdog NFL @Underdog__NFL

cooper kupp tonight: pic.twitter.com/zoXQX46BBl

#RingerNFL @ringernfl

Cooper Kupp to fantasy managers in the playoffs 😭 pic.twitter.com/Nk4tj4UhIO

theScore @theScore

BRUTAL night to have Cooper Kupp in your fantasy playoff lineup. 🫥 pic.twitter.com/R1MEPxML81

Ian Hartitz @Ihartitz

Could be worse Cooper Kupp fantasy managers.

Actually, no. It really couldn’t. That one is going to hurt for a long, long time. But through years of therapy and self reflection, you might be able to get back to around 80-90% of the person you were before tonight.

NFL Fantasy Football @NFLFantasy

Cooper Kupp tonight: pic.twitter.com/UjVrcRTFWz

Thursday marked the first game that Kupp finished without a catch since Week 10 of the 2019 season.

Puka Nacua was Matthew Stafford’s favorite target against the 49ers, hauling in seven receptions for 97 yards.

NFL @NFL

Stafford. PUKA. 51 yards!#LARvsSF on Prime Video
Additionally streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/v9NA63UeiS

It’s worth noting that no other player on the Rams surpassed 25 receiving yards in the contest.

Still, it was unexpected to see Kupp’s minimal impact. The Super Bowl 56 MVP is in the midst of another impressive season, catching 63 passes for 657 yards and six touchdowns in nine appearances prior to Thursday’s defeat.

B/R Gridiron @brgridiron

Weekly scheduled Stafford to Kupp TD post

(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/OplcJvFkQx

Kupp missed four games earlier in the year due to an ankle injury, however he is remained a key piece of Los Angeles’ offense after coming again in Week 8. Actually, the Rams personal a 6-2 report since he returned to the sector.

Regardless of profitable simply one of many crew’s first 5 video games to open the 12 months, Los Angeles has continued to spice up its postseason possibilities with its current play. The Rams now sit at 8-6 on the season as an entire and have a 50 % playoff likelihood, by way of Subsequent Gen Stats.

For fantasy managers, Kupp may wrestle to get going as soon as once more in Week 16. Whereas the Rams will journey to face a New York Jets crew that has misplaced 4 straight video games, the Jets nonetheless personal the league’s fourth-best go protection.

It should not be too tough for Kupp to high Thursday’s efficiency, although.

Celtic v Rangers: Six goals, 10 pens & 120 minutes of Old Firm chaos

Extremely, McGregor has by no means misplaced a cup last, however “it was mighty shut at this time,” he stated. The captain was as relieved as he was trustworthy.

“The efficiency wasn’t nice, so we needed to grind it out. We needed to maintain our nerve. Even once you’re not excellent, you possibly can nonetheless win. Dig in. Discover one thing additional.”

Pyro, predictably, reappeared and kick-off was delayed, two extra fingers being raised by the ultras to their very own golf equipment and to the footballing authorities who virtually begged them to behave. Extra expenses pending from the SPFL? Let’s examine.

When the motion started, it was toe-to-toe. Rangers had been bodily and uncompromising.

Amid the maelstrom, Taylor misplaced his head, performed a sq. ball that was a nasty concept and likewise poorly executed in any occasion and that was the catalyst for the opener.

The omens had been good for Rangers. Solely 4 groups who’ve scored first within the final 49 League Cup finals have did not win the trophy. However stats do not take note of Celtic’s steepling self perception.

They had been in bother – no area, no management, not many probabilities – however they discovered their approach out of it. Celtic’s psychological energy is a factor of marvel. They had been nowhere close to their greatest and but they’ve one other title to their title.

The shoot-out got here and with it got here recollections of Rangers’ within the Europa League denouement in Seville in opposition to Eintracht Frankfurt. Aaron Ramsey, then. Yilmaz now.

Schmeichel did his factor. There was gamesmanship in the best way he tried to place off some Rangers penalty takers. There have been some mocking phrases in reply from Ianis Hagi after he buried his kick previous the Dane.

Finally, this odyssey got here right down to Yilmaz versus Schmeichel and Maeda versus Butland. Celtic gained, by a whisker or by a mile, it does not actually matter.

A distinct type of victory from earlier than, however the identical feelgood in a single dressing room and presumably the identical silence and despair within the different. Sporting drama at its greatest .

Confirmed Chelsea line up vs Brentford | News | Official Site

Enzo Maresca has made 10 adjustments to Chelsea’s beginning line-up for tonight’s London derby with Brentford.

Thursday’s journey to Kazakhstan noticed the Blues embark on the longest European away journey within the membership’s historical past, with eight-hour flights to Almaty and again, plus the gamers going through Astana in subzero temperatures.

It meant we did not arrive again till mid-morning on Friday so with simply over two days to organize for tonight’s match with Brentford, Maresca determined to go away nearly all of our senior gamers at house for the journey to Kazakhstan.

So it got here as no shock to be taught Maresca has determined to make 10 adjustments for tonight’s 7pm kick-off at Stamford Bridge, with Tosin Adarabioyo the one one to retain his place.

Pedro Neto’s suspension meant there was all the time going to be one change in comparison with the staff which beat Spurs 4-3 final weekend and Noni Madueke returns on the correct wing.

It means Robert Sanchez is again in purpose and will likely be protected by a again 4 which ought to see Malo Gusto on the correct, Tosin and Levi Colwill within the center, with Marc Cucurella on the left.

Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez are the 2 midfielders, with Cole Palmer forward of them, and Jadon Sancho and Madueke on the flanks. Nicolas Jackson leads the road as soon as extra.

Chelsea’s bench consists of Christopher Nkunku, who did not make the journey to Kazakhstan, whereas the remaining had been all a part of the squad which received 3-1 on Thursday, together with academy trio Josh Acheampong, Sam Rak-Sakyi and Tyrique George.

At the moment’s London derby shouldn’t be being televised within the UK however you possibly can observe all of the motion in our Chelsea vs Brentford Match Centre on our official web site and app.

Chelsea’s beginning XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez (c); Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson

Substitutes: Jorgensen, Acheampong, Disasi, Veiga, Rak-Sakyi, Dewsbury-Corridor, George, Nkunku, Guiu

Cooper Kupp Might Have Ended Your Fantasy Football Championship Dreams

The 2024 fantasy soccer playoffs started on Thursday night time, because the Rams confronted the 49ers in what was speculated to be a high-scoring affair. Sadly, primarily based on the unbelievable lack of statistical success, the fantasy playoffs may need already ended for numerous followers, too.

Extra to the purpose, those that began Cooper Kupp at the moment are dealing with an uphill battle.

The Rams’ famous person extensive receiver, who was began in near one hundred pc of leagues throughout all platforms, didn’t rating a single level within the sport. Not one. It’s solely the tenth time in his NFL profession that he’s been held below 5 factors, and it got here on the worst time for managers.

Kupp wasn’t the one participant who had a foul stat line, although.

The competition didn’t function a single landing, because the scoring was restricted to 6 area objectives. Each quarterbacks, Matthew Stafford and Brock Purdy, mixed to attain 12.2 factors. Going into the night time, Stafford had averaged 14.7 factors whereas Purdy averaged 17.6 factors.

Stafford’s 8.2 factors is the seventh fewest he’s scored in 55 regular-season video games with the Rams. As for Purdy, his four-point stinker is his third-worst complete in his 34 begins with the 49ers. The 2 kickers, Joshua Karty and Jake Moody, outscored each quarterbacks.

They weren’t the one ones who scored fewer factors than these two booters, both.

Karty’s 13 fantasy factors have been greater than Isaac Guerendo (11.5), George Kittle (10.1), Jauan Jennings (5.1), and Deebo Samuel Sr. (4.9). Karty almost equaled the fantasy stats from Kyren Williams (13.4), who entered the week averaging greater than 17 factors per sport.

Puka Nacua was the lone participant who didn’t fail to satisfy expectations. He scored 17.8 factors on seven catches and 108 complete yards. However total, the shortage of statistical success from virtually each startable fantasy participant on this contest (none greater than Kupp’s zero factors) has put loads of fantasy managers in a deep gap heading into the weekend.

Chelsea 2 – 1 Brentford

Chelsea took benefit of their rivals’ slip-ups to maneuver two factors off the highest of the Premier League however made arduous work of a slim 2-1 win over Brentford.

The Blues didn’t make the identical mistake as Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester Metropolis who had all dropped factors at house earlier within the weekend, however ended up hanging on to victory in opposition to a Bees facet who had picked up just one away level all season.

They took a deserved lead into the break when Marc Cucurella nodded in his first Premier League purpose for the Blues minutes earlier than the interval, having dominated the opening half with out creating a lot in the best way of clear-cut probabilities.

Nicolas Jackson ought to have put the sport to mattress on the hour mark when he ballooned the influential Jadon Sancho’s cross over from six yards out, and with out that the Blues’ slim lead all the time remained precarious.

Group information:

  • Chelsea welcomed again Malo Gusto and Noni Madueke to their line-up, with Romeo Lavia injured.
  • Igor Thiago missed out with a calf damage for Brentford, who introduced in Mads Roerslev and Mikkel Damsgaard.

Brentford got here so shut to creating them pay as momentum started to shift and Christian Norgaard pulled an excellent finger-tip cease out of Robert Sanchez, earlier than Fabio Carvalho’s sliding effort bounced down off the bar, no quite a lot of inches from crossing the road.

Enzo Maresca’s celebrations which greeted Jackson’s thunderous second after a fast counter-attack summed up the reduction round Stamford Bridge with 10 minutes left as Chelsea lastly gave themselves a cushion to defend.

However even then, a hospital cross of a throw from Cucurella to Moises Caicedo noticed a Brentford counter completed off stylishly by Bryan Mbeumo, leaving the Blues to see out a nervy seven minutes of added time earlier than they may lastly have a good time stealing a march on their title rivals with victory.

Cucurella’s glorious night ended on a bitter word after the full-time whistle when the goalscorer was proven a second yellow card for an altercation with Kevin Schade.

Participant scores:

Chelsea: Sanchez (7), Gusto (7), Tosin (6), Colwill (6), Cucurella (7), Caicedo (6), Fernandez (6), Madueke (6), Palmer (7), Sancho (7), Jackson (7).

Subs: Nkunku (n/a).

Brentford: Flekken (7), Van den Berg (6), Collins (7), Pinnock (6), Roerslev (6), Norgaard (7), Yarmolyuk (7), Damsgaard (7), Lewis-Potter (6), Mbeumo (7), Wissa (6).

Subs: Carvalho (7), Janelt (6), Schade (6), Ajer (6), Maghoma (n/a).

Participant of the Match: Nicolas Jackson.

Maresca: Title winners do not concede that kind of purpose

Chelsea supervisor Enzo Maresca:

“Irrespective of what number of video games we win, I believe we’re not able to compete for the title. One of many explanation why is I believe that groups who know the way to win titles will not concede targets like we did.

“ninetieth minute, our attacking throw-in. If you happen to do not consider me, or suppose I simply say it – I’d love the strain to compete. However we’re not prepared for a lot of causes, and one of many causes is we can not concede the purpose we conceded. It opened the sport up.”

On Marc Cucurella’s purple card: “The second yellow card was for unhealthy perspective, the referee advised me. When the ultimate whistle went I used to be with the teaching workers celebrating, so I did not see something.

“He was prime along with the opposite 10. They have been improbable, and we’re pleased with Marc’s efficiency. On the finish of the sport, the sport is completed, we will handle the second differently. However it’s an expertise for the gamers to study.”

Frank: Chelsea celebrations confirmed we deserved some extent

Brentford head coach Thomas Frank:

“We have been in some ways unfortunate to not get something out of the sport, no less than a draw. The second half was improbable, we went more-or-less toe to toe with one of many favourites within the Premier League.

“The best way we did that second half was vastly spectacular. We had two massive moments, with Christian Norgaard and Fabio Carvalho – after which we put one and put strain on, they ended up taking set items brief and working within the nook.

“The best way they celebrated the second purpose and the win, it meant rather a lot to them – we will need to have induced them plenty of bother so I am more than happy with the efficiency from my group.”

Evaluation: Chelsea transfer nearer to prime – however title credentials look much less convincing

Sky Sports activities’ Ron Walker at Stamford Bridge:

“Chelsea succeeded the place Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester Metropolis had failed by successful at house, however had they been punished by Brentford, as they may have been, it could have been simply as self-inflicted.

“Robert Sanchez and Chelsea’s centre-back choices have been highlighted as their Achilles heel, but it surely was their lack of ability to complete Brentford off and the way of the purpose they did ultimately concede – from their very own attacking throw – which supplies some credence to Enzo Maresca’s insistence they don’t seem to be able to problem for the title.

“From the skin, this may seem like an ideal instance of a group successful with out enjoying nicely – the hallmark of any good facet.

“However the best way Chelsea let Brentford, a facet who had misplaced six of seven on the street, wrestle again management of the sport out of nowhere and are available inches away from getting one thing is one other signal that maturity remains to be creating.

“The Blues have nonetheless come an terrible good distance below Maresca. Whereas their title rivals all have established, skilled names via the backbone of the group, Chelsea are nonetheless on the best way up. They’re getting there, however nonetheless have a solution to go.”

Story of the match in stats…

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