## Swim Star Returns to Charm City 

Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time with 28 medals, including 23 golds, is a Baltimore native who never forgot his roots. Though he now calls Arizona home, his heart remains in Maryland. Recently, the Ravens called upon their hometown hero for a unique training session.

**Social Media Challenge Turns into Reality**

The challenge began on social media when several popular Ravens players, including Marlon Humphrey, invited Phelps to teach them how to swim via X (formerly Twitter).  “I got y’all!!! Let’s do it!!,” Phelps responded enthusiastically. Two weeks later, the swimming legend returned to Baltimore, drawing attention wherever he went.

**Legends Collide in Charm City**

Photos captured the incredible moment as three iconic figures - Phelps, Humphrey, and another Ravens player - stood together, showcasing a unique blend of athleticism and camaraderie. 


**Finding a Future Swimmer?**

Phelps' visit provided a glimpse into the lighter side of training camp, offering a welcome break for the Ravens players who have been putting in long hours to prepare for the season. While Phelps didn’t find any potential Olympic swimmers among the team roster, the experience undoubtedly left a lasting impression on everyone involved.  


The Ravens are focused on achieving their own type of excellence this season, aiming for championship glory just like Phelps has achieved in his illustrious swimming career. 


## Swim Star Returns to Charm City 

Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time with 28 medals, including 23 golds, is a Baltimore native who never

Olympic legend Michael Phelps makes good on promise made to 

Olympic legend Michael Phelps makes good on promise made to hometown Ravens

## Shanahan Sees Red After 49ers' Preseason Stumble

The San Francisco 49ers opened their preseason with a thud, falling to the Denver Broncos 30-9 in Santa Clara. While starting quarterbacks sat out, head coach Kyle Shanahan wasn't sugarcoating the performance.  


### Early Promise Quickly Fades

“It was frustrating,” Shanahan admitted after the game. "I liked how we started out, but after that, there wasn’t much to be excited about. We didn’t get many first downs, four turnovers, the three picks, the fumble…We made too many mistakes. It was frustrating."

Patrick Taylor Jr. gave the 49ers a touchdown on their opening drive, but the rest of the night belonged to Denver.

### Quarterback Carousel Spins with Errors

All three 49ers quarterbacks – Mac Jones, Tanner Mordecai, and Carter Bradley – threw interceptions. Running back Ameer Abdullah fumbled, while Mordecai added another lost possession though San Francisco recovered it.  

Jones finished 4-of-7 for 74 yards with a pick and two sacks. Bradley managed 6-of-14 passing for 32 yards and an interception.  Mordecai was the least effective at 3-of-6 for 21 yards, also throwing a pick while being sacked once.

The Broncos dominated in major offensive categories, leaving Shanahan with little to cheer about.


### Looking Ahead 

With Brock Purdy firmly entrenched as the starter, the performance of his backups is cause for concern. The 49ers will have another shot at redemption next Saturday when they travel to Las Vegas to face the Raiders.  


## Shanahan Sees Red After 49ers' Preseason Stumble

The San Francisco 49ers opened their preseason with a thud, falling to the Denver Broncos 30-9 in Santa Cla

“It Was Frustrating”: Kyle Shanahan Didn&#39;t Sugarcoat His

“It Was Frustrating”: Kyle Shanahan Didn&#39;t Sugarcoat His Words After 49ers&#39; Loss

## Eagles Soar Despite Dickerson Injury Blow

Philadelphia fans got a dose of both joy and disappointment at Sunday’s open practice. While star receiver A.J. Brown returned to the field, the team suffered a significant setback with offensive lineman Landon Dickerson sustaining a meniscus injury.

**Record-Breaking Charity Event**

The Eagles faithful turned out in force for the annual event, which benefits the Eagles Autism Foundation. This year’s practice raised over $630,000 for the organization. 

“#EaglesEverywhere THANK YOU for helping make a difference and supporting the @eaglesautism Foundation👏 pic.twitter.com/EuyGd0qpsK” - The Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) August 11, 2025

**Dickerson's Injury: A Devastating Blow**

The injury to Dickerson, confirmed by an MRI on Monday, casts a shadow over the team’s otherwise promising start to training camp. While the extent of his absence remains unclear, experts predict he could be sidelined anywhere from several weeks to months. 

ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith acknowledged the severity of the loss, stating, “It's a devastating blow, but if you're ranked as the number one offensive line in the National Football League...one would surmise that you should be able to overcome it."


**Can Philadelphia Overcome the Loss?**

Despite the challenge, Smith believes the Eagles’ depth can help mitigate the impact of Dickerson’s absence.  The team boasts a roster of experienced players like Matt Pryor, Darian Kinnard, and Brett Toth who can step into key roles.  Rookie Drew Kendall, a versatile center/guard, also adds another dimension to the offensive line.

Philadelphia will rely on their existing talent and coaching expertise to navigate this setback. The coming weeks will be crucial as they prepare for the upcoming season. 


## Eagles Soar Despite Dickerson Injury Blow

Philadelphia fans got a dose of both joy and disappointment at Sunday’s open practice. While star receiver A.J. Br

ESPN analyst believes the Eagles can overcome Landon Dickers

ESPN analyst believes the Eagles can overcome Landon Dickerson&#39;s meniscus injury

## Deion's Legacy in Focus: Shilo Sanders Makes NFL Debut

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie safety Shilo Sanders made his NFL debut Saturday night, adding another chapter to the already legendary story of his family. While the spotlight was brighter on his brother, Shedeur, making waves with the Cleveland Browns just a day earlier, Shilo's performance against the Tennessee Titans (29-7) hinted at potential.

"He didn’t want it," Shilo revealed after the game, when asked if he'd given his dad, Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, his first NFL jersey as a birthday gift.  “You know he’s a Hall of Famer. He expects like 30 times more. I’m gonna give it to my mom though…He don't want it. I gotta get like three picks or something for him to want it.”

The younger Sanders' humor highlights the immense pressure and expectations placed upon him by his father's legendary status. But Shilo delivered a solid performance, including a bone-jarring hit on Titans quarterback Brandon Allen that forced an incompletion.


"Just unleashing my abilities to the max," Shilo said after the game. "Everything God gave me — speed, power, physicality, smartness to react to plays — I just have to keep improving, especially on special teams."

He admitted to leaving some big hits "on the table" and expressed confidence that next week's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers would see improvement.  Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles echoed this sentiment, stating Shilo has “a chance to make it” onto the 53-man roster if he continues to show progress.   


The NFL journey for Shilo Sanders is just beginning. The eyes of the nation will be watching as he strives to carve his own path in the league while living up to the legacy set by his father. 


## Deion's Legacy in Focus: Shilo Sanders Makes NFL Debut

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie safety Shilo Sanders made his NFL debut Saturday night, adding another ch

Shilo Sanders Jokes About Deion Sanders’ Lofty Expectations 

Shilo Sanders Jokes About Deion Sanders’ Lofty Expectations After Bucs Debut

## Stroud Soaring: Texans QB Ranked 39th In NFL's Top 100

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud has been ranked 39th on the NFL's Top 100 Players list for 2025, a significant jump from his No. 20 debut last year after his rookie season.  This places him among the opponents the Arizona Cardinals will face in the upcoming season.

"He plays like a vet," Texans defensive end Will Anderson said of Stroud. "Every player knows who's in charge when he walks in the room."

Anderson added that opposing teams already know Stroud can "sling the ball." In two NFL seasons, Stroud has led the Texans to two division titles and two playoff wins.  Teammate Nico Collins, a wide receiver, calls him "the best quarterback" in his eyes.


Last season, Stroud completed 63.2% of his passes for 3,727 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He threw for 336 yards and two touchdowns against the Cardinals last year but was intercepted three times, marking his only career game with three interceptions.

The Cardinals will face Stroud and the Texans on the road in Week 15.


**Cardinals' Top 100 Opponents:**

As of this week's Top 100 rankings, the Cardinals are slated to face the following players:

* QB C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans (No. 39)
* WR Puka Nacua, LA Rams (No. 41)
* WR Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (No. 44)
* OL Trent Williams, San Francisco 49ers (No. 45)
* DE Will Anderson, Houston Texans (No. 46)
* QB Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (No. 50)
* OLB Jared Verse, LA Rams (No. 53)
* DE Nick Bosa, San Francisco 49ers (No. 57)
* RB Joe Mixon, Houston Texans (No. 58)
* QB Matthew Stafford, LA Rams (No. 59)
* RB Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons (No. 62)
* DE Josh Hines-Allen, Jacksonville Jaguars (No. 63)
* QB Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers (No. 68)
* QB Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks (No. 72)
* RB Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers (No. 73)
* DT Vita Vea, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (No. 75)
* WR Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals (No. 77)
* QB Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys (No. 79)
* DE Rashan Gary, Green Bay Packers (No. 80)
* RB Kyren Williams, LA Rams (No. 85)
* S Jessie Bates III, Atlanta Falcons (No. 92)
* LB Lavonte David, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (No. 96)
* WR Drake London, Atlanta Falcons (No. 97)
* DL Leonard Williams, Seattle Seahawks (No. 99)  





## Stroud Soaring: Texans QB Ranked 39th In NFL's Top 100

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud has been ranked 39th on the NFL's Top 100 Players list for 202

NFL Top 100: Texans QB C.J. Stroud is No. 39, will face Card

NFL Top 100: Texans QB C.J. Stroud is No. 39, will face Cardinals in 2025

## Cook's Contract Hold-In Casts Shadow Over Preseason Opener

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook dressed and warmed up with the starters Saturday night against the New York Giants, but ultimately sat out the game as contract negotiations continue. 

**A "Hold-In" Amidst Extension Talks**

The 25-year-old, who led the NFL in rushing touchdowns in 2024, began training camp fully participating despite publicly requesting a raise. Last week, Cook shifted to a "hold-in,"  choosing not to participate in drills during practice. Some speculated this could signal his desire to leave Buffalo, but his agent Zac Hiller clarified things to The Athletic.

"James Cook only wants to be a Buffalo Bill," Hiller said. "This isn’t some $200 million Micah Parsons-Jerry Jones negotiation. We’re hopeful there’s a resolution soon, and we’ll keep working toward that every day." 

Cook, who believes he is worth $15 million per year, remains steadfast in his pursuit of a top-of-market contract. 

**Davis Steps Up, On Offense and Special Teams**


With Cook sidelined,  Ray Davis, along with other backups, got the opportunity to showcase their skills against the Giants. In a surprising turn of events, Davis filled in as the emergency kicker after an injury, successfully making a PAT. 

Overall, while Davis showed promise, Cook's talent remains undeniable. The Bills desperately need both players on the field.


The situation highlights the delicate balance between player value and team needs.  Thankfully, Cook’s agent has confirmed his desire to remain with the organization. Hopefully, this shared goal will lead to a resolution that benefits both sides and allows the Bills to make another deep playoff run.   


## Cook's Contract Hold-In Casts Shadow Over Preseason Opener

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook dressed and warmed up with the starters Saturday night agai

Bills RBs James Cook and Ray Davis Steal The Show In Preseas

Bills RBs James Cook and Ray Davis Steal The Show In Preseason Opener vs. Giants

## Philly's Young Guns Ready to Rise Again

The Philadelphia Eagles are built on a foundation of young talent, many plucked from the annual NFL Draft. While some picks pan out instantly, others blossom into stars later. The Eagles have seen their share of both. 

**Super Bowl Rings in Year One**


This isn't about luck; it's about scouting and development.  The trio of Quinyon Mitchell, Jalyx Hunt, and Cooper DeJean all snagged Super Bowl rings in their rookie seasons. Now they’re being recognized for their early success.

An Eagles trifecta landed on ESPN’s list of the 20 most important second-year defenders across the league. The inclusion shouldn't be a surprise. Mitchell and DeJean stepped onto the field like seasoned veterans, while Hunt transitioned seamlessly from safety to edge rusher, earning his place alongside veteran stars.

**Hunt: From Rookie Sensation to Cornerstone?**

Ben Solak, the ESPN writer who compiled the list, highlights Hunt’s potential despite limited snaps in his rookie season. He acknowledges that Hunt's role is crucial with the departure of Josh Sweat and Brandon Graham from last year's Super Bowl roster. 

“Is Hunt ready for early-down responsibilities? His run defense wasn't often tested in Year 1, and he lacked the size to hold up at the point of attack. He can play his way into a three-down job, but the Eagles need him to be great in a rotational role, as they lost so many pressures from last season’s Super Bowl team."

While Solak raises valid points about Hunt's development,  the young player has all the tools to become a dominant force. 


**A Team Built for Success**


The success of Mitchell and DeJean, alongside Hunt's potential, showcases the Eagles' commitment to building a dynasty. The team boasts playmakers at every position, allowing each individual to thrive in their specific role. This collaborative approach ensures that everyone contributes to the collective success, setting the stage for another impressive season. 


## Philly's Young Guns Ready to Rise Again

The Philadelphia Eagles are built on a foundation of young talent, many plucked from the annual NFL Draft. While som

Three second-year Eagles named among NFL’s most vital second

Three second-year Eagles named among NFL’s most vital second-year defenders

## Rookie Dart Explodes in Giants' Preseason Win

A depth chart might tell you who's supposed to be starting, but on the field, things often unfold differently. That's precisely what happened Saturday in Buffalo, as New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart put on a show against the Bills in their preseason opener.  Dart finished the day 12 of 19 for 154 yards and a touchdown, showcasing his arm talent while also proving his athleticism with a 19-yard QB run.

"Yeah, it definitely didn’t seem too big for them," Giants general manager Joe Schoen said on the TV broadcast about Dart and fellow first-rounder Abdul Carter, who tallied three pressures in just three pass-rushing snaps. "And that’s what it seemed like this spring and even in training camp. Each day they continue to get better."

**Could Dart Shake Up the Depth Chart?**

The Giants released a depth chart Tuesday morning with veteran Russell Wilson listed as the starter, followed by Jameis Winston and then rookie Dart. This raised eyebrows considering Dart's prominent role in practice. 

"It never felt like it was too big for either of those guys," Schoen continued. "And I think that showed today."

During training camp, Dart has predominantly taken the second-team snaps, suggesting the Giants are aiming to accelerate his development. While Winston is likely seen as a more reliable backup at this stage,  Dart's performance Saturday undeniably adds another layer to the quarterback competition. 


**One thing's for sure: The preseason is just beginning and Dart’s explosive debut has ignited a lot of buzz in Big Blue Nation. **

"JAXSON DART FIRST TD PASS IN THE NFL."
Lil'Jordan Humphrey on the other end!
Watch on @NFLNetwork
Stream on @NFLPluspic.twitter.com/afUQ8Ijt59
— NFL (@NFL) August 9, 2025

## Rookie Dart Explodes in Giants' Preseason Win

A depth chart might tell you who's supposed to be starting, but on the field, things often unfold differently.

Judging Jaxson: Giants Rookie QB Is &#39;The Bomb&#39; vs. B

Judging Jaxson: Giants Rookie QB Is &#39;The Bomb&#39; vs. Bills in Preseason Debut

## Texans Tight End Carted Off Field With Apparent Leg Injury

Houston Texans tight end Brevin Jordan left Monday's practice on a cart after suffering what looked like a lower leg injury. The incident, reported by Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston, has sent shockwaves through the team as they prepare for the upcoming season.  


**Further Details Unclear**

While the exact nature and severity of Jordan's injury remain unknown, his departure from practice on a cart raises serious concerns. Medical staff immediately attended to Jordan following the incident, and he was later transported off the field in a wheelchair. 


The Texans are expected to provide an update on Jordan's condition as more information becomes available.  


## Texans Tight End Carted Off Field With Apparent Leg Injury

Houston Texans tight end Brevin Jordan left Monday's practice on a cart after suffering what look

Brevin Jordan injury update: Texans TE carted off field in t

Brevin Jordan injury update: Texans TE carted off field in tears, per report

## The QB Most Like Tom Brady: It's Not Who You Think

**Brady Names Mahomes as His Closest Modern Counterpart** 

“From afar, I can only tell so much because if I was in there every day, I could see their habits. It’s always that line about who wants to win versus who’s willing to do whatever it takes to win,” Tom Brady said on The Joel Klatt Show. “Everyone wants to win, but what are the habits and the daily habits and the actionable things you need to do every day to put your team in a position to win."

Brady believes Patrick Mahomes embodies this winning mentality more than any current quarterback.  "Patrick Mahomes, to me, is the one that does that the most often because who he is — I mean, obviously his physical talent, how he understands what he needs to do offensively, and he brings a consistent winning attitude to work every single day. In the biggest moments you can depend on him the most.”

**Mahomes: A Worthy Rival, But Can He Catch Brady?** 

While Mahomes mirrors Brady's early success — three Super Bowl wins in eight seasons, matching Brady's own total through his first eight years —  Brady's legacy hinges on his unparalleled longevity. 

“What made Brady’s career so special was his longevity,” a source commented. “Mahomes will have to at least double his Super Bowl wins in the back half of his career and win another MVP award to rival Brady’s legacy.”


**The Next Generation:  Potential, But Still Developing**


Despite Mahomes' similarities to Brady, other young quarterbacks are starting to make waves. However, Brady believes they need more time to prove themselves.

“There’s other guys that are still developing, and they need to prove it before, in my mind, I can say, ‘Oh yeah, he’s done it.’ Well, obviously, he hasn’t done it yet,” Brady said. “They’ve all shown flashes of amazing things. They’re all great players. All of them can make tremendous plays at some point. They need to take the next step and take, in my mind, more ownership of what they’re doing, in terms of the organizational level."

Brady emphasizes that true greatness goes beyond individual talent. "The quarterback, in many ways, is the CEO of the team, certainly on game day. There’s nobody that impacts the game more than the quarterback in NFL football. Now, you have to have the ability and the belief from the entire team, offensively and defensively, that your word means so much." 


## The QB Most Like Tom Brady: It's Not Who You Think

**Brady Names Mahomes as His Closest Modern Counterpart** 

“From afar, I can only tell so much because i

Tom Brady: Patrick Mahomes is the NFL quarterback most like 

Tom Brady: Patrick Mahomes is the NFL quarterback most like him

##  Lions Coach Praises Backup QB After Preseason Win

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell isn't sweating the team's backup quarterback situation, despite a rough start to the preseason for both Hendon Hooker and Kyle Allen. 

After Friday's win against the Atlanta Falcons, Campbell showered praise on Allen's performance.  "I thought Kyle played really well," Campbell said Monday. "I was fired up. That was outstanding."

Allen entered the game in the first half after Hooker started but fumbled twice. "He gets out there and immediately gives us a boost," Campbell said. "Runs the offense, makes two huge throws in the first drive."  That drive culminated in a touchdown to rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa, capped off by a 68-yard completion to Jackson Meeks. Allen finished the game 7-of-8 for 120 yards and two touchdowns, one each to TeSlaa and Meeks.

Allen’s performance through two preseason games is markedly better than Hooker's.  Allen boasts a 95.1 quarterback rating with 211 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions on a 16-of-22 passing record. Hooker, meanwhile, has a 42.7 rating with 56 yards, one interception, two lost fumbles, and a 10-of-16 passing record.

While Campbell's comments could be viewed as coachspeak, his effusive praise for Allen raises questions about whether he currently holds the edge in the competition for the backup spot. Hooker has shown promise in practice but needs to translate that success to game situations.


The next test for both quarterbacks comes Saturday afternoon when the Lions host the Miami Dolphins at 1:00 eastern. Their final preseason game is August 23 against the Houston Texans.  


##  Lions Coach Praises Backup QB After Preseason Win

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell isn't sweating the team's backup quarterback situation, despite a r

Dan Campbell heaps praise on QB Kyle Allen after impressive 

Dan Campbell heaps praise on QB Kyle Allen after impressive preseason outing vs Atlanta

## Second-Year Bucs Linebacker Impressing Coach 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Chris Braswell entered the NFL with a reputation as a unique hybrid – part edge rusher, part linebacker. The second-round pick in the 2024 draft was viewed as a potential chess piece for head coach Todd Bowles. Now, entering his second season with higher expectations, Braswell is vying for a more significant role on defense.

While some fans and media members may have differing opinions after Saturday's preseason win over the Tennessee Titans, Bowles offered a decidedly optimistic assessment of Braswell's performance.

“No disappointment at all,” Bowles said Sunday. “We thought he was very physical at the point of attack. We thought he got off the ball some, and the ball was coming out quick. One or two of his rushes could be more speed-to-power, but everything else he did was good. We were pleased with his performance.”

The development of Braswell into a key contributor would benefit both the player and the team.  All eyes will be on his snap count as the preseason progresses, to see if it reflects Bowles' confidence. 




## Second-Year Bucs Linebacker Impressing Coach 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Chris Braswell entered the NFL with a reputation as a unique hybrid – part edg

#Nfl

Olympic legend Michael Phelps makes good on promise made to hometown Ravens

“It Was Frustrating”: Kyle Shanahan Didn't Sugarcoat His Words After 49ers' Loss

ESPN analyst believes the Eagles can overcome Landon Dickerson's meniscus injury