NFL

AP Sports WriterNew York Giants finalize deal to make Joe Judge head coachBy TOM CANAVANEAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) New England Patriots special teams coordinator and wide receivers coach Joe Judge has been hired as the New York Giants head coach.The Giants and representatives for Judge reached a contract...

AP Sports WriterDebate on racism renews calls for Redskins to change nameBy STEPHEN WHYNOThe recent national debate over racism has renewed calls for the NFL’s Washington Redskins to change their name, with Native American advocates believing the climate is right for action despite no evidence owner Dan Snyder is...

AP Sports WriterPanthers rediscovering pass rush after offseason of changeBy STEVE REEDCHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) The Panthers are finally figuring out how to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks.Now coach Ron Rivera hopes his defense can do it on a consistent basis beginning Sunday when the Panthers visit Deshaun Watson...

AP Pro Football WriterBig D in Big Easy: Unbeaten Dallas faces test against SaintsBy BARRY WILNERWith the Dallas Cowboys at 3-0, their fans are beginning to see America's Team as a team of destiny.Hold on: The combined records of the three opponents they vanquished is 1-8.Sunday night comes a...

AP Sports WrterFalcons WR Ridley eager to step out of Julio's large shadowBy PAUL NEWBERRYFLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) When you're a receiver on the same team with Julio Jones, it's easy to get overlooked.Calvin Ridley is hoping to change that in 2020.Heading into his third season with the...

AP Sports WriterRuss Brandon resigns as Bills, Sabres presidentBy JOHN WAWROWORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) Russ Brandon has resigned his dual role as president of the NFL Buffalo Bills and NHL Buffalo Sabres in a major shake-up for the teams' owners, Terry and Kim Pegula.The Pegulas announced they had...

Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott OK after minor traffic accidentFRISCO, Texas (AP) Star Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott was involved in a minor vehicle accident not far from the team's practice facility Wednesday. The rookie didn't miss practice and said he wasn't injured.Frisco police said there were no...

AP Sports WriterFalcons face Packers with five starters hurting on defenseBy GEORGE HENRYATLANTA (AP) The Atlanta Falcons are banged up on defense at just the wrong time.Facing a Green Bay offense Monday that leads the NFL in scoring and ranks second in total offense, the Falcons will limp...

Former 49ers punter Max Runager dies at age 61ORANGEBURG, S.C. (AP) Max Runager, the former NFL punter who helped the San Francisco 49ers win the Super Bowl following the 1984 season, has died. He was 61.The 49ers announced Runager's death Sunday, and The Times and Democrat of Orangeburg...

AP Pro Football WriterStrong faith keeps Carson Wentz focused on something biggerBy ROB MAADDIInjuries forced Carson Wentz to watch another quarterback lead the Philadelphia Eagles to their first Super Bowl title and put him on the sideline for playoff games in each of the next two seasons.Now the franchise...

Seahawks release longest-tenured player, punter Jon RyanRENTON, Wash. (AP) The Seattle Seahawks have put an end to the kicking competitions in training camp, releasing kicker Jason Myers and punter Jon Ryan, who had been the longest-tenured member of the team.Ryan posted a lengthy goodbye to the Seahawks and...

AP Pro Football WriterA-plus NFL draft grade for Music City with record attendanceBy TERESA M. WALKERNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Grading any draft can be challenging, and snap judgments after the last pick usually are far too optimistic.Yes, Music City couldn't keep the rain away from opening night. Still, closing...