16 for '16: WRs we'd most want in jump-ball situation
College Football 24/7's "16 for '16" series continues with a look at 16 wide receivers who we'd most want when the time comes to compete for a jump ball. We've assembled many of the game's most productive big men at the position -- they average about 6-foot-4 and 214 pounds, more than enough to create a size mismatch with even the biggest of cornerbacks -- but there are also some impressive leapers here as well. With spread offenses creating single coverage for some of these plays, fades and lobs are an easy call for offensive coordinators.
Bengals' big edge: AJ McCarron as NFL's most dependable backup QB
AJ McCarron has "it." That’s why Sporting News chose McCarron as the top backup quarterback in the NFL in this week’s backup quarterback index, but that doesn’t even address his upside as an NFL quarterback.
Licata Goes From PBS Seats To Bengals Shot
Five years ago in the fourth game of his rookie season, Andy Dalton rallied the Bengals from a 17-3 halftime deficit to beat the Buffalo Bills 23-20. One of the fans in attendance that day at Paul Brown Stadium was a 19-year-old Bills’ supporter from Williamsville, NY named Joe Licata.
Success has followed Dalton from TCU to NFL’s Bengals
Former TCU and current Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton and his wife may not know from experience the trials of raising a child with a physical disability, but as young parents themselves, they certainly know that all parents can use a night off every now and then.
AFC North Bytes
Does Pittsburgh Steelers' rebuilt defense make them AFC favorite?
The Pittsburgh Steelers have invested heavily on defensive help, with seven of their past eight first- or second-round draft picks dedicated to that side of the ball. The Steelers offense is still loaded, but does the defensive rebuild make Pittsburgh an AFC favorite?
Despite improvement, Ravens road to playoffs looks challenging
With the offseason moves they have made, the Ravens look improved on paper. However, will they be good enough to avoid missing the playoffs in back-to-back years for the first time since 2004 and 2005?
Browns Mailbag: How many rookies can Browns fit on 53-man roster?
There are no fireworks in this week’s edition of the Browns Mailbag, but we’re chomping on plenty of leftover questions from the holiday weekend. Let’s knock out three on the 6th of July.
Random Bytes
Report: Russell Wilson And Ciara Can F*** Now
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and singer Ciara married today, according to E! News.
Kevin Durant's decision to join Golden State a boon for TV
Look for Durant to become the new First Take fall guy. On Monday ESPN’s main account—with nearly 29 million followers—tweeted out Smith’s commentary about Durant . . . twice. No other ESPN commentator talking about Durant was given such a powerful platform, not Jemele Hill or Adnan Virk or Michael Smith or Kevin Connors or Jay Williams or Jay Bilas or Chris Broussard or Marc Stein or Rachel Nichols or anyone not named Stephen A. Smith.
Andre Johnson still hoping some team will give him a shot
Veteran wide receiver Andre Johnson is still hoping some team will give him a shot at playing in 2016. Johnson is working out and staying in shape, and he's continuing to indicate he doesn't consider his career over. The question is whether NFL teams agree.
Denard Robinson Asleep at the Wheel in Car Sinking in Jacksonville Pond
Denard Robinson and a female passenger were found asleep in a Chevy Impala at 4:22am on Sunday. Police determined that Robinson, who was at the wheel, wasn’t impaired. The car was sinking in a retention pond when police arrived. Via ESPN:
Seahawks cornerback Brandon Browner investigated in alleged assault
From Yahoo Sports: Seattle Seahawks cornerback Brandon Browner is under investigation, according to a TMZ Sports report, following an allegation of assault of the father of his child’s mother. TMZ obtained a report from the Pomona (Calif.) Police Department, which states that they responded to a call after an assault allegation was made against Browner. There reportedly was an argument between Browner and the other man before the alleged assault occurred in the driveway of the residence where police responded later.
Why NFL players will never make NBA (or MLB) money - Andrew Luck, Mike Conley
The guaranteed money in Andrew Luck's contract with the Colts can't sniff Mike Conley's deal with the Grizzlies. Don't expect the dichotomy between NFL and NBA contracts to change anytime soon.
Lionel Messi Convicted of Tax Fraud, Should Avoid Prison
Lionel Messi and his father Jorge were convicted of tax fraud in Spain. They were accused of sheltering $11 million in image rights income in South American tax shelters between 2007 and 2009, evading about $4.5 million in taxes. Messi had maintained he had no knowledge of his father’s financial dealings.
Twitter kicks off live sports streaming with Wimbledon
Twitter paid a reported $10 million for the rights to live stream NFL broadcasts, and now we have an idea as to what that will look like. The social network is now livecasting its first live sports event, Wimbledon, using an ESPN feed. The company emphasized, however, that it's using the world's most popular tennis tournament as a trial run.
Calvin Johnson talks painkillers, concussions, player safety
Calvin Johnson, who retired from the NFL early because his body was starting to break down, said many players are choosing to do whatever it takes to stay on the field. That includes taking painkillers.
Broncos, Emmanuel Sanders contract talks on hold
Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders had been in talks about a new contract, but those talks aren’t currently taking place. According to Mike Klis of 9 News in Denver, talks between Sanders and the Broncos are on hold. Not off, but on hold.
District Attorney calls shooting of Stanley Wilson II justified after attempted burglary
Former Detroit Lions cornerback Stanley Wilson II was shot by a Portland resident when a naked Wilson attempted to break into his house on June 22. According to Francesca Fontana of the Oregonian, the Multnomah County District Attorney declared that the shooting of Wilson by Robert McCall was justified due to the circumstances of the incident.