NFL

AP Sports WriterSuddenly dominant defense changing everything for ColtsBy MICHAEL MAROTINDIANAPOLIS (AP) Indianapolis Colts coach Frank Reich prides himself on being an aggressive play-caller.He also knows there's a time to play it smart.So with his dominant defense suffocating Chicago's offense Sunday, Reich dialed back the temptation to get...

Governor releases NFL head's response about missed penaltyBATON ROUGE, La. (AP) NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has told Louisiana's governor there was an error in the officiating that helped the Los Angeles Rams go to the Super Bowl instead of the New Orleans Saints, but there's nothing he can...

AP Pro Football WriterVikings still committed to core, as Jaguars starting overBy DAVE CAMPBELLMINNEAPOLIS (AP) The Jacksonville Jaguars, just short of three years ago, were leading New England with less than three minutes to go in the AFC championship game.Further down the coast, the Minnesota Vikings were warming...

Evans, Buccaneers agree to $82.5 million contract extensionTAMPA, Fla. (AP) Tampa Bay's Mike Evans has agreed to a five-year, $82.5 million contract extension that makes him the second-highest paid receiver in the NFL.The deal confirmed Friday includes $55 million guaranteed and also makes Evans the highest-paid player with...

AP Pro Football WriterGaroppolo faces toughest test yet in Jaguars' defenseBy JOSH DUBOWSANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) Jimmy Garoppolo has started his tenure with San Francisco better than any quarterback has done with a new team.The player who brought hope to the 49ers after three-plus years of struggles in...

AP Pro Football WriterNFL expands sideline to provide more distancingBy ROB MAADDIThe NFL is expanding the sideline area to give teams more space to distance and mask usage is now mandatory before and after games and at halftime.The updates to the COVID-19 protocols were sent to clubs in a...

AP College Football WriterNFL Draft: Defensive Player ThumbnailsBy RALPH D. RUSSOA look at some of the top prospects available at each position in the upcoming NFL draft (x-denotes early entrant):DEFENSEEDGE RUSHERS/ENDSPosition outlook: Beyond Bradley Chubb, most of the best potential pass rushers have question marks that could keep them...

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) Greg Hardy's mouth is preceding his production.The Dallas Cowboys defensive end is returning to the field this week after serving a four-game suspension for roughing up his former girlfriend. His first opponent: The defending NFL champion New England Patriots, who are 3-0 under reigning Super...

Raiders O-lineman Alexander suspended 4 games for PEDsALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) Oakland Raiders offensive lineman Vadal Alexander has been suspended without pay for the first four games next season for a violation of the league policy on performance-enhancing drugs.The Raiders made the announcement Tuesday, attributing the information to the...

Seahawks sign 5 tryout players following rookie campRENTON, Wash. (AP) The Seattle Seahawks have signed five tryout players following their rookie minicamp, highlighted by wide receiver Damore'ea Stringfellow.Seattle announced the roster moves Monday. Stringfellow started his college career at Washington before being dismissed from the team and finishing...

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - Pro Bowl defensive tackle Gerald McCoy stood near an entrance to Tampa Bay's locker room talking about the end to another disappointing season.But instead of venting frustration, the NFL's highest-paid player at his position spoke about what he's convinced will be much better days ahead...

The fans at AT&T Stadium will be treated to a game between the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys when they take their seats on Sunday. Detroit at Dallas When: 4:40 PM ET, Sunday, January 4, 2015 Where: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas TV: 4:40 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Cowboys -6.5. O/U: 48 PREDICTION: Cowboys...