Newcastle finish off Qarabag in rapid time to set up Chelsea or Barcelona tie
Eddie Howe adores motivational slogans and the Newcastle manager’s current favourite is: “One Brain.” The idea is to inspire his team to play with the sort of synchronicity that stems from a collective mindset and unity of purpose.
For a while here it seemed to be working a treat with Newcastle’s intelligence – joint and individual – threatening to further humiliate Qarabag. But then, with a last-16 tie against either Barcelona or Chelsea assured, home concentration began, understandably, wandering a little. Commendably, the Azerbaijani title holders capitalised by fighting back; Gurban Gurbanov’s side, and, in particular, their Colombian forward Camilo Durán, showing they can play a bit too.
Continue reading...Vikings Announce 2026 Coaching Staff
The Vikings announced the complete coaching staff on Tuesday. Among the returning coaches, Josh McCown has been promoted to pass game coordinator while Mike Siravo added a senior defensive assistant title. Other coaches receiving new titles include Chenzo Funari, Dalmin Gibson, Derron Montgomery, Chris O'Hara, Patrick Hill, and Jordan Traylor.
The new additions to the staff are offensive quality control coach Kyle Caskey, assistant special teams coach Chili Davis, and defensive assistant Will Johnson. They join key members like special teams coordinator Matt Daniels, defensive coordinator Brian Flores, and offensive coordinator Wes Phillips.
Would Kirk Cousins consider a return to the Vikings after release?
The Atlanta Falcons have made it official: They will be releasing quarterback Kirk Cousins on March 11th, making him a free agent.
Falcons' general manager, Ian Cunningham, announced it on Tuesday morning.
“What he’s done in his career, we owe that to him just to allow him some clarity going into free agency,” Cunningham said at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis.
This move doesn’t come as a shock to most. There was speculation before the announcement that Cousins would be cut. Atlanta signed Cousins two years ago to a $180 million contract, but then they drafted Michael Penix in the 2024 draft to the shock of many.
But what happens next with Cousins? Well, he can always return to the Minnesota Vikings, which many think he may do, but does he want to be a backup again?
The Vikings are clearly looking at other options after J.J. McCarthy’s struggles last season. Now Cousins is 37 years old, and he could just take the money the Falcons owe him and retire, but it doesn’t seem he’s open to that.
Despite his age, Cousins is going to be one of the hottest names in free agency.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Would Kirk Cousins consider a return to the Vikings after release?
Mike Evans linked with move to NFC North contender
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans has been one of the most popular names around the NFL ahead of free agency. Evans will enter the free market in March, as the Bucs don’t seem to be all-in on bringing him back.
An injury limited him to eight games in 2025. Evans caught 30 passes on 61 targets for 368 yards and three touchdowns. While his 1,000-yard streak came to an end, Evans demonstrated that he can still be impactful.
MORE: 5 best NFL free agency landing spots for Mike Evans
With his future up in the air, Vito Chirco of Sports Illustrated mentioned the Detroit Lions as a potential landing spot for the veteran.
“Evans, who has spent the first 12 seasons of his career in Tampa Bay, has the credentials of a future Pro Football Hall of Famer,” Chirco wrote. “Most notably, he recorded north of 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first 11 seasons (2014-2024). During this same period, he also earned six Pro Bowl nods and won a Super Bowl (Super Bowl LV).”
Evans’ injury history could be a major question mark for the Lions or whoever acquires his services.
“He’ll be 33 entering the 2026 season, and his best years may be behind him now after suffering through an injury-riddled 2025 campaign,” Chirco wrote.
MORE: Baker Mayfield sends strong message about Mike Evans amid exit rumors
Mike Evans linked with the Buffalo Bills too
The Buffalo Bills need to add a new WR1 after seeing Stefon Diggs leave after the 2023 season. With Joe Brady taking over as head coach, they could kickstart the new era with Evans joining forces with quarterback Josh Allen.
“A return to Tampa Bay is clearly an option for Evans, but becoming the top receiver in Buffalo with quarterback Josh Allen makes a lot of sense, too,” ESPN’s Matt Bowen wrote.
Evans isn’t as sought-after as George Pickens, but he will surely have a market this year.
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US men’s hockey team visit White House as some players with Minnesota ties stay away
Donald Trump invited team after Olympic gold
Women’s team chose to skip event
The victorious US Olympic men’s ice hockey team visited the White House on Tuesday, although there were several notable absences.
Donald Trump invited the team to celebrate in Washington DC after they beat Canada in a dramatic Olympic final on Sunday. He also invited the US women’s team, who declined citing “timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments”.
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