NFL

Taking the Bear as a home dog +2 pts. 48-23 score

AP National WriterBelichick follows a familiar script to coaching greatnessBy EDDIE PELLSHOUSTON (AP) He values the team's overall culture ahead of its individual parts.He rules his team with an iron fist, and yet, instills that team with a sense of family.He can appear heartless - quick to say...

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) Jameis Winston threw for 208 yards and a touchdown, Tampa Bay held Cam Newton in check and came up with a late goal-line stand and the Buccaneers beat the Carolina Panthers 20-14 early Friday to give coach Bruce Arians his first victory with the team. Chris Godwin...

AP Pro Football Writer49ers CB Richard Sherman calls for more diversity in NFLBy JOSH DUBOWRichard Sherman believes NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s statement condemning racism was a good start to dealing with the issue.But the San Francisco 49ers' star cornerback called on the league to do a lot more that...

AP Pro Football WriterVulnerable Vikes pass D seeks progress vs. Wilson, SeahawksBy DAVE CAMPBELLEAGAN, Minn. (AP) The priority during the bye week for Minnesota Vikings coach Mike Zimmer and his staff was not difficult to discern.Pass defense that has uncharacteristically been a problem in several recent games needed...

AP Pro Football WriterEagles know they can't overlook winless JetsBy ROB MAADDIPHILADELPHIA (AP) The standings are a reality check for the Philadelphia Eagles when they host the winless New York Jets.Sure, Jets (0-3) are down to their No. 3 quarterback. They only have one offensive touchdown in three...

ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) Oakland Raiders wide receiver Andre Holmes practiced Sunday for the first time since breaking his hand three weeks ago.Holmes, who was third on the team with 47 catches in 2014, joins an already crowded receiving group anchored by first-round draft pick Amari Cooper and veterans...

AP Pro Football WriterThe Denver Broncos have revamped their backfieldBy ARNIE STAPLETONENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) ??? Jackhammers and buzz saws nearly drowned out the coaches hollering during OTAs this week at Denver Broncos headquarters, which is undergoing a makeover this spring.Upgrades include a massive new theater for team meetings and...

AP Sports WriterFinally arrived! John Ross III shows moves in Bengals openerBy JOE KAYCINCINNATI (AP) John Ross III had a clear path down the sideline to the end zone. All the receiver had to do was catch the ball and turn on his record-setting speed.Instead, the ball deflected...

AP Sports WriterAP source: Browns hiring Vikings OC Stefanski as next coachBy TOM WITHERSCLEVELAND (AP) The Browns didn't pass on Kevin Stefanski a second time.Cleveland is hiring the Vikings' offensive coordinator to be its new coach, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press on Sunday.Stefanski...

AP Sports WriterTimmons suspended indefinitely by Dolphins after going AWOLBy STEVEN WINEMIAMI (AP) Linebacker Lawrence Timmons was suspended indefinitely by the Miami Dolphins after he went AWOL on the eve of the team's season opener.The Dolphins announced the move in a one-sentence news release Tuesday, a day off...

Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch said he is under contract and trying to get another Super bowl ring when asked about his future plans in an interview that aired Sunday on NFL Network. Lynch, spoke with former teammate Michael Robinson in an interview that was taped Saturday in Philadelphia. When...