Sports
Super rematch: Hill burned Bucs repeatedly in 1st meeting
Published
5 years agoon
By
FNN SPORTSTyreek Hill sprinted past cornerback Carlton Davis again, caught the ball in stride and then cut so sharply that safety Mike Edwards ended up flailing at him with one arm near the sideline. Hill casually jogged a few more yards before pausing at the goal line and doing a backflip into the end zone.
Showtime!
It was the second and most impressive of three scores for Hill, who was the star of Kansas City’s 27-24 victory at Tampa Bay in Week 12. Hill finished with 13 receptions for 269 yards — both career highs — and proved to be a mismatch for Davis and the Buccaneers.
Tampa Bay gets another shot at Hill and the Chiefs in the Super Bowl next Sunday, the first rematch in the NFL finale in nearly a decade.
Same teams, same venue, much higher stakes.
The Chiefs are counting on the same outcome. The Bucs, who have won seven straight since that late November loss, are looking to become the eighth team in 14 tries to beat an opponent in the Super Bowl that it lost to in the regular season.
Both sides expect to lean on — and learn from — that previous meeting.
“We’ll help a little bit more than we did in that ballgame,” Bucs coach Bruce Arians said.
Tampa’s biggest and most obvious mistake was trying to single-cover Hill, one of the fastest players in the league. Davis was burned repeatedly, including on consecutive TD passes from Patrick Mahomes to Hill (75 and 44 yards) in the first quarter. Davis gave up their third scoring connection, too, but had much tighter coverage on what was a perfect throw and catch.
Hill had seven receptions for 203 yards and two TDs in the first quarter alone, but just six catches for 66 yards and a score the rest of the way. The difference?
“I just got tired. I got tired of running,” Hill joked this week.
“No, let me stop,” he continued. “Todd Bowles is a great defensive coordinator. He’s been doing it for a long time. I’m sure he’s seen guys like me throughout his career. Just being able to dial up (coverages) and things like that to slow me down.
“Also … bringing the safety over the top a bit to double me and (Travis) Kelce. That kind of slowed us down a lot, plus their front seven is tremendous. Once they get clicking on defense, they’re a great defense. They fly around the field; they’re great. I feel like I just got lucky and was able to get open.”
The Chiefs scored on three of their first four possessions and led 17-0 before the Bucs crossed midfield. The margin could have been even greater had Tampa’s defense not forced a field goal after Kansas City ran two plays from the 1-yard line.
Davis knocked down Kelce’s pass to Mahomes, a nifty trick play that started when Mahomes flipped to Hill, who pitched to Kelce, who expected to find Mahomes open in the end zone. It was Davis’ best play of the afternoon.
Kansas City settled for the chip-shot field goal on the opening possession. Mahomes and Co. had a chance to extend their 17-0 lead early in the second, but Shaq Barrett stripped the quarterback on a first-and-goal play from the 8 and forced the Chiefs’ lone turnover.
Tampa Bay waited until the fourth to make its comeback. Tom Brady threw two interceptions in the third quarter and the Bucs trailed 27-10 before a furious rally.
Brady found Mike Evans for scores of 31 and 7 yards, the first one coming on a fourth-and-3 play early in the quarter and the second one coming after a pair of roughing-the-passer penalties on Frank Clark.
Down three with 4:10 to play, Tampa turned to its defense to get a stop and get Brady the ball back. But Mahomes didn’t let it happen, scrambling for one first down and then rolling left on third-and-7 and finding — who else? — Hill for a first down in front of — who else? — Davis. Mahomes then took a knee to end the game.
“You learn from mistakes and you learn from really good things, and there were some really good things in that game,” Arians said. “So we’ve got a lot of stuff to build on.”
Mahomes completed 37 of 49 passes for 462 yards and three TDs. Hill finished with the 14th-most receiving yards in any game in NFL history and the most since Julio Jones notched 300 against Carolina in 2016.
Brady completed 27 of 41 passes for 345 yards, with three scores and two picks.
Neither team will be completely the same in the rematch.
The Chiefs had to shuffle their offensive line again this week after losing left tackle Eric Fisher to a torn Achilles tendon in the AFC championship game. Two more starters — right tackle Mitchell Schwartz (back) and left guard Kelechi Osemele (knees) — haven’t played since October.
The Bucs will have 350-pound defensive tackle Vita Vea back for the second straight game after he missed most of the season because of a broken right ankle. Vea returned last week and was the catalyst in Tampa’s five-sack day against Green Bay.
“They kind of readjusted some things and then they had a week off, had a lot of guys get acclimated to the system that Tom Brady likes, their coach likes,” Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones said. “They’ve been playing well, especially later in the season. … They’re definitely a different team from when we played them a couple of weeks ago.”
Hill and Davis, though, are sure to be lined up across from each other at some point.
“You go back and look at the game and what matchups you had,” Arians said. “Familiarity helps. I’m not really excited playing Tyreek Hill and Kelce and Mahomes (again). That’s a formidable challenge, but our guys will be up for it.
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Sports
Jaguars Place Two Offensive Linemen on Active/PUP List Ahead of Training Camp
Published
2 days agoon
July 27, 2026By
FNN SPORTSPlayers on the Active/PUP list count against the 90-man offseason roster but are unable to participate in practice until they are medically cleared. Once cleared, they may return to practice at any time during training camp.
The Jaguars did not disclose the nature of the injuries or provide a timetable for either player’s return.
DiGiorgio and Van Lanen are among the offensive line depth pieces competing for roster spots as Jacksonville prepares for the 2026 NFL season. Their availability during training camp could impact competition along the offensive front as coaches evaluate the roster ahead of preseason play.
The Jaguars continue training camp preparations with veterans and rookies working toward the start of the 2026 season.
Sports
Marta Makes History as Orlando Pride Defeat Kansas City Current 3-0
Published
3 weeks agoon
July 11, 2026By
FNN SPORTSORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Orlando Pride extended their home dominance Friday night, defeating the Kansas City Current 3-0 at Inter&Co Stadium behind a historic performance from Marta, another goal from Barbra Banda, and a standout effort from goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse.
The victory improves Orlando to 6-6-2 (20 points), while Kansas City falls to 8-6-0 (24 points). The win marks the Pride’s fourth consecutive home victory and hands the Current its first loss in its last five visits to Orlando.
Scoreless First Half Sets Stage for Offensive Explosion
Both clubs created scoring opportunities during an evenly contested first half, but neither side was able to break through before halftime.
Orlando’s defense withstood constant pressure from Kansas City, setting the stage for a dominant second-half performance.
Marta Becomes First Pride Player to Reach 50 Goals
The Pride wasted little time after the break.
Just four minutes into the second half, Marta collected a pass from Jacquie Ovalle before curling a spectacular left-footed shot from outside the penalty area into the back of the net.
The goal gave Orlando a 1-0 lead and marked a historic milestone for the club.
Marta became the first player in Orlando Pride history to score 50 goals across all competitions.
Ovalle recorded her team-leading third assist of the season on the play.
Anderson Doubles Orlando’s Lead
The Pride struck again in the 57th minute.
Midfielder Ally Lemos delivered a perfectly placed corner kick that defender Hannah Anderson headed into the net for a 2-0 advantage.
The goal was Anderson’s second of the season, while Lemos earned her second assist of the 2026 campaign.
Barbra Banda Adds League-Leading 12th Goal
Substitute Barbra Banda put the match out of reach in the 85th minute.
After Kansas City’s goalkeeper misplayed a clearance outside the penalty area, Banda capitalized by calmly finishing into an open net.
The goal was Banda’s NWSL-leading 12th goal of the season and the first she has scored as a substitute in her professional career.
Moorhouse Records Milestone Appearance
Goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse anchored Orlando’s defense with a season-high nine saves, preserving the club’s fifth clean sheet of the season.
Friday’s match also marked Moorhouse’s 100th appearance across all competitions for the Pride, making her just the fifth player in club history to reach the milestone.
Orlando’s five shutouts rank third in the National Women’s Soccer League this season.
Seb Hines Praises Complete Team Performance
Head coach Seb Hines credited his team’s disciplined approach and collective effort.
“Really pleased with the result. I think it was quite even in the first half. We had some half-chances, and we tried to stop their key players from having a big influence on the game. I thought the players implemented the game plan very well.”
Hines continued:
“We had some really outstanding performances. It was a really big collective effort from everyone. It was nice to get some goals and a clean sheet at the end of it.”
Match Highlights
- 49′ — Orlando 1, Kansas City 0: Marta (assist: Jacquie Ovalle)
- 57′ — Orlando 2, Kansas City 0: Hannah Anderson (assist: Ally Lemos)
- 85′ — Orlando 3, Kansas City 0: Barbra Banda (unassisted)
Match Notes
- Marta scored her second goal of the 2026 season and 50th career goal for the Pride.
- Banda extended her league lead with 12 goals this season.
- Orlando earned its fifth clean sheet, tied for the third-most in the NWSL.
- Hannah Anderson scored her second career NWSL goal, both coming this season.
- Ally Lemos recorded her second assist of the year.
- Jacquie Ovalle collected her team-leading third assist.
- Zara Chavoshi made her first start of the 2026 season.
- Anna Moorhouse made her 100th appearance for Orlando.
- Orlando has now scored in seven consecutive home league matches.
- The Pride have scored five goals in the opening 15 minutes of the second half this season, the second-most in the NWSL.
By the Numbers
Final Score
- Orlando Pride 3
- Kansas City Current 0
Attendance: 8,058
Team Statistics
| Category | Orlando | Kansas City |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 45% | 55% |
| Shots | 11 | 20 |
| Shots on Goal | 5 | 9 |
| Saves | 9 | 2 |
| Corners | 1 | 4 |
| Fouls | 5 | 3 |
Heineken Star of the Match: Marta
Up Next
The Pride remain at Inter&Co Stadium on Wednesday, July 15, when they host Boston Legacy FC. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, with the match streaming on NWSL+.
Sports
Miami Heat Acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bobby Portis Jr. in Blockbuster Trade with Bucks
Published
3 weeks agoon
July 6, 2026By
FNN SPORTSMIAMI (FNN SPORTS) — The Miami Heat have acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis Jr. from the Milwaukee Bucks in a blockbuster trade that reshapes the franchise’s championship aspirations.
In exchange, Miami sent Tyler Herro, Kasparas Jakučionis, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Kel’el Ware to Milwaukee, along with first-round draft picks in 2026, 2031 and 2033, a 2030 first-round pick swap, and a 2033 second-round pick.
Pat Riley: ‘One of the Great Trades in HEAT History’
HEAT President Pat Riley called the acquisition one of the most significant moves in franchise history.
“The announcement of today’s trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis Jr. is one of the great trades in HEAT history,” Riley said. “In my opinion, Giannis is one of the top five players in the league, and Bobby is one of the best power forwards. The difficult part is trading Tyler, Kasparas, Jaime and Kel’el, who have given so much to this organization. We wish them nothing but the best. We also thank the Arison family for their continued commitment to pursuing another championship.”
Antetokounmpo Brings MVP Pedigree to Miami
Antetokounmpo arrives in Miami as one of the NBA’s most accomplished players.
His résumé includes:
- 2021 NBA Champion
- Two-time NBA Most Valuable Player (2019, 2020)
- 2021 NBA Finals MVP
- 2020 NBA Defensive Player of the Year
- 10-time NBA All-Star
- Seven All-NBA First Team selections
- Member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team
Last season, Antetokounmpo averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists while shooting a career-best 62.4% from the field. He became the first player in NBA history to average at least 25 points while shooting better than 60% from the field in three consecutive seasons.
He also enters Miami as the Milwaukee Bucks’ all-time franchise leader in points, rebounds, assists, blocks, field goals, free throws, triple-doubles, minutes played and games played.
Antetokounmpo will wear No. 34 with the Heat.
Portis Adds Championship Experience
Portis, an NBA champion with Milwaukee, averaged 13.7 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 67 games last season while shooting 48.8% from the field and 45.6% from three-point range.
The 11-year veteran has established himself as one of the league’s top reserve forwards, recording a Bucks franchise-record 61 double-doubles off the bench. He also received the NBA Cares Community Assist Award for his work in mentorship and community outreach.
Portis will wear No. 95 in Miami.
Heat Part Ways with Core Players
The trade ends the Miami careers of several key contributors.
Herro, selected 13th overall in the 2019 NBA Draft, spent seven seasons with the Heat, earning 2022 NBA Sixth Man of the Year honors and a 2024 NBA All-Star selection. He averaged 19.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 394 regular-season games.
Jaquez Jr., a 2023 first-round pick, averaged 12.1 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists over three seasons with Miami.
Jakučionis, selected in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft, averaged 6.2 points during his rookie season.
Ware, the 15th overall selection in the 2024 NBA Draft, averaged 10.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks over two seasons.
Championship Expectations Rise
The acquisition of Antetokounmpo gives the Heat one of the NBA’s premier superstars and significantly strengthens Miami’s pursuit of another NBA championship. The addition of Portis further bolsters the team’s frontcourt with championship experience, scoring and rebounding.
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