NFL

AP Sports WriterJaguars turn to NFL draft to rebuild once-stout defenseBy MARK LONGJACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) Jacksonville’s once-stout defense, which carried the franchise to the brink of the Super Bowl in 2018, is a shell of itself these days.The Jaguars traded Calais Campbell, A.J. Bouye, Jalen Ramsey and Dante...

AP Sports WriterSaints coaches: Top pick Rankins in good shape, learns fastBy BRETT MARTELMETAIRIE, La. (AP) New Orleans Saints first-round draft choice Sheldon Rankins can accept people calling him boring, as long they're referring to the way he spends time away from football.''I'd use, `laid back,' but whatever...

The Latest: Bears offense off to abysmal start vs. EaglesBy The Associated PressThe Latest on Week 9 in the NFL (all times Eastern):3 p.m.Chicago's offense is off to an abominable start at Philadelphia.How about these ugly first-half numbers? Two first downs, nine total yards, and only six completions by...

Ex-NFL player denies Ohio golf course assault chargesBEDFORD, Ohio (AP) A former Cleveland Browns player who had his sentencing delayed in an embezzlement case while he participates in a concussion study has denied charges that he assaulted a man at a golf course over a loud radio.Cleveland.com reports...

AP Pro Football WriterDerrick Henry starts settling in at Titans rookie minicampBy TERESA M. WALKERNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Titans rookie linebacker Aaron Wallace looks across the line of scrimmage and sees an almost a mirror image of himself standing on the other side.Except Derrick Henry is a running back.And...

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - The Minnesota Vikings have been in transition all year.Rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is learning on the job. Coach Mike Zimmer is shaping his new team's mindset. Dave Mansell is making sure a 970-foot steel roof truss will be in place on time and within budget, along...

AP Pro Football WriterDaughters challenge Pat Bowlen's trust, risk inheritanceBy ARNIE STAPLETONENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) Pat Bowlen's two oldest daughters have put themselves at risk of being disinherited by challenging their father's trust, which is in charge of selecting the next controlling owner of the Denver Broncos, a franchise...

Patriots owner apologizes in Florida prostitution caseMIAMI (AP) New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft is apologizing after being charged in a Florida massage parlor prostitution investigation.''I am truly sorry,'' Kraft said in a statement Saturday. ''I know I have hurt and disappointed my family, my close friends, my...

AP Pro Football Writer49ers sign WR Marquise Goodwin to 3-year extensionBy JOSH DUBOWSANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) The San Francisco 49ers rewarded wide receiver Marquise Goodwin for his career-best season by giving him a three-year contract extension Thursday worth $20.3 million.Goodwin was one of San Francisco's best free-agent acquisitions...

Matthew McConaughey hails Nick Foles in newspaper adAUSTIN, Texas (AP) Matthew McConaughey is congratulating fellow Texan and Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles on his Super Bowl win.The actor took out a full-page ad in the Austin American-Statesman on Sunday. It reads: ''From one local to another, Congratulations Nick...

Huddle Up: NFL seeks 100 minutes of community volunteeringNEW YORK (AP) The NFL wants America to huddle up as part of the league's celebration of its upcoming 100th season, and the first event in that initiative will focus on the fight against hunger.Overall, the NFL is encouraging fans,...

AP Pro Football WriterVikings, like Texans, work OT to advance in NFL playoffsBy BARRY WILNERWorking overtime paid off for Minnesota and Houston this weekend.One day after the Texans rallied from a 16-0 deficit to beat Buffalo 22-19 in an AFC wild-card game, the Vikings stunned New Orleans 26-20 on...