Syracuse Cruises to 83-63 Win Over Oregon
The Syracuse Orange showcased a stellar performance, leaving no room for doubt as they dominated the Oregon Ducks in a decisive 20-point victory at the Sanford Pentagon this past Sunday. The contest unfolded as a low-scoring affair, with both teams vying for control in a game that saw momentum swings and highlight-reel plays. The Ducks launched an impressive initial offensive surge, posting a 14-5 run at the start of the game. However, the Orange quickly recalibrated, seizing control in the first half.
Photo Cred: Syracuse
The court came alive with electrifying dunks, particularly those from Benny Williams, whose rim-rattlers were complemented by a stunning deep lob from Judah Mintz with a mere 23 seconds remaining in the opening period. Entering the second half with an eight-point deficit, the Ducks aimed for a comeback. Despite their efforts, the Orange maintained a firm grip on the game, refusing to let Oregon close the gap to within 15 points. Judah Mintz, having had a relatively quiet first half, emerged as a pivotal force in the second. He contributed 12 crucial points to the Orange’s commanding lead.
Mintz’s stellar performance culminated in an impressive stat line: 18 points, five assists, and three rebounds, earning him the well-deserved title of the all-around player of the game. Maliq Brown and JJ Starling also played integral roles, contributing 13 and 14 points respectively, to the Orange’s victory. On the opposing side, Kwame Evans Jr. and freshman standout Jackson Shelstad led the scoring efforts for the Ducks, amassing 17 and 16 points respectively.
Photo Cred: Inside the Land House
However, Oregon struggled with a disappointing 36% shooting percentage and a discouraging 4-for-27 performance from beyond the arc. As both teams reflect on this matchup, their focus shifts to their final non-conference matchups scheduled for this Thursday. Syracuse is poised to host Niagara at the Sanford Pentagon, seeking to carry forward the momentum from their recent victory. Meanwhile, Oregon will be welcoming Kent State to the Matthew Knight Arena, looking to regroup and bounce back from their challenging encounter with the Orange. The anticipation builds as these teams gear up for the next chapter in their respective seasons.
2023 NFL Playoff Scenarios – Week 16
AFC
Photo Cred: USA Today
1. BALTIMORE RAVENS (11-3) at San Francisco (11-3); Christmas (Monday), 8:15 p.m. ET, ABC
Baltimore clinches AFC North division title with:
- BAL win + CLE loss or tie OR
- BAL tie + CLE loss
2. CLEVELAND BROWNS (9-5) at Houston (8-6); Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS
Cleveland clinches playoff berth with:
- CLE win + CIN loss + DEN loss or tie + BUF loss + MIA win or tie + IND loss or tie OR
- CLE win + PIT loss or tie + BUF loss + MIA win or tie + DEN loss or tie OR
- CLE win + PIT loss or tie + BUF loss + MIA win or tie + JAX loss + IND win OR
- CLE win + PIT loss or tie + DEN loss or tie + JAX loss + IND win OR
- CLE win + PIT loss or tie + BUF loss + KC win + IND win + JAX loss OR
- CLE win + PIT loss or tie + DEN loss or tie + MIA win or tie + IND loss OR
- CLE win + PIT loss or tie + DEN loss or tie + MIA win or tie + JAX loss OR
- CLE win + CIN-PIT tie + BUF loss + IND win + JAX loss
3. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (9-5) vs. Las Vegas (6-8); Christmas (Monday), 1 p.m. ET, CBS
Kansas City clinches playoff berth and AFC West division title with:
- KC win OR
- KC tie + DEN loss
4. MIAMI DOLPHINS (10-4) vs. Dallas (10-4); Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, FOX
Miami clinches AFC East division title with:
- MIA win + BUF loss or tie OR
- MIA tie + BUF loss
Miami clinches playoff berth with:
- MIA win OR
- MIA tie + JAX loss OR
- MIA tie + IND loss + HOU loss OR
- MIA tie + IND loss or tie + CLE loss OR
- MIA tie + HOU loss or tie + CIN loss or tie OR
- MIA tie + CIN loss or tie + IND loss or tie
NFC
Photo Cred: USA Today
CLINCHED:
San Francisco 49ers (11-3) – NFC West division title
Dallas Cowboys (10-4) – playoff berth
Philadelphia Eagles (10-4) – playoff berth
1. DETROIT LIONS (10-4) at Minnesota (7-7); Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, FOX
Detroit clinches NFC North division title with:
- DET win or tie
Detroit clinches playoff berth with:
- LAR loss or tie OR
- SEA loss or tie
2. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (11-3) vs. Baltimore; Christmas (Monday), 8:15 p.m. ET, ABC
San Francisco clinches NFC’s No. 1 seed, lone first-round bye and homefield advantage with:
- SF win + PHI loss + DAL loss + DET loss
Former NFL Player Brandon Dunn to Become Head Coach at his High School
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Pleasure Ridge Park High School is set to usher in a familiar face as its newest football coach. Brandon Dunn, a PRP alumnus who graduated in 2010 and boasts three seasons of varsity football experience, will be formally introduced at 2 p.m. on Wednesday. Dunn, a standout at Louisville before making a mark in the NFL, is poised to take on the coaching reins at his alma mater.
Photo Cred: USA Today
During his senior year at PRP, Dunn exhibited exceptional on-field prowess, amassing an impressive 65 tackles and 16 sacks. 30 of those tackles were executed solo. His junior year showcased similar dominance, as he recorded 50 tackles and 16 sacks.
College Stint
Photo Cred: Cardinal Zone
Following his high school success, Dunn continued his football journey at the University of Louisville, playing for the Cardinals from 2010 to 2013. Over the course of 49 games, he started in 30, accumulating career totals of 101 tackles, 3 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, and 2 pass deflections. Despite going undrafted in 2014, Dunn’s impact was felt in more than 30 games for the Cardinals.
NFL Achievements
Dunn transitioned to the professional arena with a seven-year stint in the NFL, playing for the Chicago Bears and the Houston Texans. His stat line reflects his defensive prowess, with a total of 105 tackles, 1.0 sack, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and one pass deflection.
Photo Cred: USA Today
Coaching Transition
The announcement of Dunn’s appointment comes as he steps into the shoes of Tommy Williams, the outgoing head coach. Williams led the PRP team through a commendable season that concluded in the first round of the KHSAA Class 6A playoffs, falling to Ballard.
Pleasure Ridge Park High School eagerly anticipates the return of one of its own, as Brandon Dunn takes on the responsibility of guiding the next generation of Panthers on the football field. The official introduction is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Wednesday, marking a new chapter in PRP’s football legacy.
The Loss of Hill Shows He Should be in the MVP Conversation
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill sustained an ankle injury in the first quarter on Sunday, December 11th, yet he resiliently contributed with four receptions for 61 yards by the end of the match. Meanwhile, Miami Dolphins’ quarterback Tua Tagovailoa faced an uncharacteristic challenge, as he failed to throw a touchdown pass for the first time in the year, recording a season-low 29.2 QBR. This game might’ve showed the world that Hill should be the MVP.
Photo Cred: Fox News
Former NFL player Chad Johnson told TMZ Sports that this highlighted Hill’s significance in the MVP conversation. “I know the MVP is a quarterback award, but what you saw for two quarters with the absence of Tyreek, is how important he is to that team.”
Hill currently leads the NFL in receiving yards with an impressive 1,542 and boasts 12 touchdown catches. His average of 118.6 yards per game puts him on track to tie for the fifth-best in a single year. It’s worth noting that the synergy between Hill and Tagovailoa has not gone unnoticed, with the quarterback’s breakthrough in 2022 aligning with Hill’s arrival as a four-time All-Pro.
Photo Cred: CBS Sports
Acknowledging the historical bias in the MVP race, Johnson emphasized the rarity of non-quarterbacks winning the award, citing Adrian Peterson in 2012 as the last exception. The trend is even more pronounced for wide receivers, with no player in that position ever leading the MVP balloting. Even legendary wide receiver Jerry Rice only secured second place on two occasions.
Despite these historical odds, Johnson’s stance on Hill’s importance to his team remains unshaken. Whether or not Hill secures the coveted MVP title, there is little dispute that he stands as one of the most vital players in the NFL. No wide receiver has ever won the MVP. Hill has a chance to go over 2,000 yards. Usually if a skill players win MVP, then they have to do something historical.
Should Christian McCaffrey be the MVP?
The ongoing discourse surrounding the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the 2023 NFL season has taken an intriguing twist, fueled by San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy fervently championing his teammate Christian McCaffrey. Following the 49ers’ commanding 45-29 victory over Arizona this past Sunday, Purdy voiced his unwavering belief that McCaffrey, far from merely a crucial team member, is the rightful recipient of the esteemed MVP title.
Purdy endorsed the running back’s MVP candidacy with post-game remarks, “I think Christian should be MVP. I really do believe that. He does everything for us, and in my eyes, that’s an MVP.”
Photo Cred: AP News
McCaffrey’s dazzling display of skills during Sunday’s game only served to underscore Purdy’s sentiments. The star running back delivered an outstanding performance, accumulating 187 scrimmage yards (115 rushing, 72 receiving) and scoring three touchdowns. It was a performance that thrilled fans and showcased unmistakable MVP-level prowess. Week 15, however, transcended being just a standout game for McCaffrey; it marked a historic milestone in his career.
This was his 11th game of the 2023 season with 100-plus scrimmage yards, which tied him with Roger Craig for the most in a single season in the illustrious history of the 49ers franchise. Additionally, it was his 15th career game with at least one rushing touchdown and one receiving touchdown, which equaled the record set by Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk. It just adds another layer to McCaffrey’s burgeoning legacy.
Photo Cred: CBS Sports
In a testament to his consistency and excellence, McCaffrey joined the elite company as the fourth player in NFL history to achieve four career seasons with 1,000-plus rushing yards and 500-plus receiving yards. This accomplishment places him alongside the legendary names of Marshall Faulk, Thurman Thomas, and Tiki Barber, solidifying his status as one of the game’s all-time greats. The remarkable statistics for McCaffrey in the 2023 season don’t end there. Accumulating a staggering 1,801 yards from scrimmage and 20 scrimmage touchdowns, he has once again etched his name in the record books.
Joining the esteemed ranks of Hall of Famers LaDainian Tomlinson and Emmitt Smith, McCaffrey now stands as one of the few players in NFL history with four or more seasons boasting 1,800-plus scrimmage yards and 13-plus scrimmage touchdowns. As the MVP race unfolds, Purdy’s vocal endorsement injects a compelling narrative into the conversation. It serves as a reminder that MVP-worthy performances extend beyond the conventional metrics often associated with quarterbacks, spotlighting the multifaceted contributions of players like Christian McCaffrey, who is undeniably building a persuasive case for football’s most prestigious individual honor.
NFL Expands Hispanic Heritage Foundation Partnership With ‘NFL Latino Youth Honors’ for Student-Athletes
NEW YORK — Dec. 18, 2023 — The National Football League and the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) announced the inaugural “NFL Latino Youth Honors,” recognizing outstanding high school tackle and flag football athletes from around the country for their academic and athletic excellence. Eight of these exemplary student-athletes were announced today as finalists, representing each of the eight league divisions.
The NFL and the HHF have a rich history of celebrating excellence within Latino communities, and this year’s program is fully focused on honoring outstanding Latino youth football players. This initiative celebrates high school seniors from across NFL club markets who excel in the classroom and on the football field.
Photo Cred: Hispanic Heritage Foundation
“The NFL is proud to again join forces with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation in the launch of this year’s ‘NFL Latino Youth Honors,’ where Latino students and their inspiring stories will motivate the next generation of fans and athletes of this great sport,” said Marissa Solis, NFL Senior VP/Global Brand & Consumer Marketing. “This initiative underscores the league’s commitment to fostering excellence, nurturing the next generation of football players and fans, and recognizing the outstanding contributions of Latino youth within the NFL community and beyond.”
Earlier this season, all 32 NFL teams were invited to submit exemplary student-athletes to be considered for this year’s program. As part of the selection process and after receiving hundreds of applications between August and October, a total of two students (one male and one female) were identified and nominated by many of the league’s 32 clubs. The selection criteria for the “NFL Latino Youth Honors” program includes:
- Being a Latino/Hispanic High School Senior.
- A flag or tackle football player.
- Based in or near the 32 NFL team markets.
- Be in good academic standing (minimum GPA 3.0).
- Must demonstrate commitment to his/her community.
- Verifiable football stats (season and career), with designation of tackle or flag.
This selection process led to 56 remarkable student-athletes being nominated for the 2023 NFL Latino Youth Honors, many of whom were honored and celebrated locally during Latin Heritage Month events held by their nominating teams. Once the NFL and HHF received all nominations, a panel convened to choose eight outstanding finalists — each representing a club market.
Photo Cred: Latino Leaders
The eight finalists will each receive a grant award that can be used for college and are set to participate in a variety of special events taking place in Las Vegas during Super Bowl LVIII Week, presented by Nationwide. Activities will be designed to provide mentorship, guidance and resources to pursue careers in professional sports. During that week, the NFL and HHF will also announce the national winner, with the recipient receiving an invitation to HHF’s National Youth Awards ceremony later in 2024.
“In partnership with the NFL, we are thrilled to announce the ‘NFL Latino Youth Honors’ program, celebrating the many talents and achievements of young Latinos who are not only exceptional athletes, but also outstanding students and leaders,” said Jose Antonio Tijerino, President and CEO of HHF. “We look forward to discovering and celebrating Latino talent throughout the league’s 32 club markets while highlighting the bright future that lies ahead.”
To find out more about this year’s eight “NFL Latino Youth Honors” finalists and their full bios, click here.
Photo Cred: NFL Football Operations
Bates’ Homecoming Spoiled by Seton Hall
Missouri guard Tamar Bates played with a lot of emotion in his return to his hometown of Kansas City, Missouri. The Tigers faced Seton Hall at the T-Mobile Center on Sunday. Despite the junior’s impressive performance with 22 points, Mizzou fell to the Pirates 93-87. Bates, a former Indiana Hoosier, delivered 15 of his points in the first half.
He made an immediate impact early, scoring eight of MU’s first 10 points. Bates’ first bucket, a three-pointer, came off a pass from forward Aidan Shaw following an offensive rebound. Moments later, Conner Vanover found Bates in the paint for a layup. Continuing his momentum, he sank another three on a fast break about a minute-and-a-half later, giving the Tigers a 10-8 lead with 14:57 remaining in the first half.
The guard contributed two more field goals towards the end of the first half. Sean East II assisted Bates in hitting his third three-pointer of the game. With 1:52 remaining in the half, he also finished a layup to cut Seton Hall’s lead to 38-34.
Photo Cred: KTGR
SHU dominated the second half with a 21-6 run over the first eight minutes. During this run, Bates picked up his third foul, which led to his substitution. Pirates guard Dre Davis extended Seton Hall’s lead to 63-44 with 12:02 remaining with a second-chance layup to extend their lead. He finished the matchup scoring 19 points and grabbing eight rebounds.
Al-Amir Dawes, Dylan Addae-Wusu, Kadary Richmond, and Davis combined for 78 of SHU’s points. Dawes led the Pirates with 25 points, adding three assists as well. Addae-Wusu contributed 20 points, six rebounds, and six assists, while Richmond scored 14 points.
Bates became instrumental in Missouri’s late-game comeback attempt, scoring five consecutive points to give the Tigers some life. With just over five minutes remaining, he made both free throws from the charity stripe. 16 seconds later, the Kansas City native nailed a three-pointer off East’s assist to reduce MU’s deficit to 76-66 with 4:45 remaining. Bates also scored a layup on a fast break with 30 seconds left to trim Seton Hall’s lead to 88-83.
Photo Cred: Yahoo Sports
The junior was perfect from beyond the arc on Sunday, shooting 4-for-4. Overall, he shot 7-for-12 (58%) from the field in his homecoming appearance. Missouri is set to face off against No. 16 Illinois on Friday at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri at 8 P.M. for the annual Braggin’ Rights Rivalry showdown.
Photo Cred: Enterprise Center
Damontae Kazee Suspended for Remainder of Season
Released by the NFL:
NEW YORK — Dec. 18, 2023 — Damontae Kazee of the Pittsburgh Steelers has been suspended without pay for the remainder of the regular season and any potential postseason games. This is due to repeated violations of playing rules intended to protect the health and safety of players, including during this Saturday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts.
NFL Vice President of Football Operations Jon Runyan issued the suspension for a violation of Rule 12, Section 2, Article 9 (b)(1), which states that it is a foul if a player “forcibly hits the defenseless player’s head or neck area with the helmet, facemask, forearm, or shoulder, even if the initial contact is lower than the player’s neck, and regardless of whether the defensive player also uses his arms to tackle the defenseless player by encircling or grasping him.”
Photo Cred: New York Post
Article 9 (a)(3) further explains that a player in a defenseless posture includes “[a] player attempting to catch a pass who has not had time to clearly become a runner…”
Rule 12, Section 2, Article 9 also states, “[a] player who initiates contact against a defenseless opponent is responsible for avoiding an illegal act. A standard of strict liability applies for any contact against an opponent, even if his body position is in motion, and irrespective of any acts by him, such as ducking his head or curling up his body in anticipation of contact.”
In a letter to Kazee, Runyan wrote:
“With 8:49 remaining in the 2nd quarter, you were involved in a play that the League considers a serious violation of the playing rules. The video of the play shows that you delivered a forcible blow to the head/neck area of Colts’ receiver Michael Pittman Jr., who was in a defenseless posture. You had an unobstructed path to your opponent and the illegal contact could have been avoided. Your actions were flagrant, and as a result, you were disqualified from the game.”
Runyan also noted that Kazee has had multiple prior violations of rules designed to protect the health and safety of players, specifying that:
“When players violate the rules intended to protect player safety on a repeated basis, and particularly when the violations carry with them a significant risk of injury to an opposing player, it is appropriate to impose substantially greater penalties.”
Kazee will be suspended for games against Cincinnati, Seattle, and Baltimore, and any potential postseason games. Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, he may appeal the suspension. Any appeal will be heard and decided by either Derrick Brooks or James Thrash, the hearing officers jointly appointed and compensated by the NFL and NFLPA to decide appeals of on-field player discipline.
Statistical Highlights From Week 15 Games
Released by the NFL:
NEW YORK –– Dec. 17, 2023 –– A look at seven statistical highlights from games played during NFL Network’s Saturday Showdown tripleheader on Dec. 16 and during the 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. ET windows on Sunday, Dec. 17, the 15th week of the 2023 season.
- The SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS clinched the NFC West division title for the second-consecutive season with a 45-29 win over Arizona in Week 15. It marks their first back-to-back division titles since 2011-12.
Both the DALLAS COWBOYS and PHILADELPHIA EAGLES, who visit Seattle on Monday Night Football, clinched playoff berths for the third-consecutive season.The BALTIMORE RAVENS can clinch a playoff berth in Week 15 with a win on Sunday Night Football at Jacksonville, while the DETROIT LIONS can secure a playoff berth should Philadelphia defeat Seattle on Monday.Four teams recorded the game-winning score in the final two minutes of regulation or in overtime in Week 15: CAROLINA (field goal with no time remaining in fourth quarter), CINCINNATI (field goal with 3:11 left in overtime), CLEVELAND (field goal with 34 seconds remaining in fourth quarter), and HOUSTON (field goal with no time remaining in overtime).
Four teams overcame a deficit of 10-or-more points to win in Week 15: CINCINNATI (14), HOUSTON (13), INDIANAPOLIS (13) and CLEVELAND (10).
- Miami quarterback TUA TAGOVAILOA completed 21 of 24 attempts (87.5 percent) for 224 yards and one touchdown with no interceptions for a 119.4 rating and running back RAHEEM MOSTERT rushed for two touchdowns in the Dolphins’ 30-0 win over the New York Jets.
Tagovailoa has six career games with a completion percentage of 80-or-higher (minimum 20 attempts in each game), surpassing JOE BURROW (five games) and Pro Football Hall of Famer KURT WARNER (five) for the most such games by a player in his first four seasons in NFL history.Mostert has 18 rushing touchdowns this season, tied with LEGARRETTE BLOUNT (18 rushing touchdowns in 2016) for the third-most rushing touchdowns by an undrafted player in a season since 1967. Only PRIEST HOLMES (27 rushing touchdowns in 2003 and 21 in 2002) has more.Mostert, who has 18 rushing touchdowns and two touchdown receptions in 2023, is the third undrafted player since 1967 to record at least 20 touchdowns in a season, joining AUSTIN EKELER (20 touchdowns in 2021) and PRIEST HOLMES (27 in 2003 and 24 in 2002).
- San Francisco quarterback BROCK PURDY had four touchdown passes with no interceptions for a 135.3 rating and running back CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY had 187 scrimmage yards (115 rushing, 72 receiving) and three touchdowns (two receiving, one rushing) in the 49ers’ Week 15 win over Arizona.
Purdy has six games this season with a passer rating of 130-or-higher, tied with AARON RODGERS (six games in 2011 and six games in 2020), TONY ROMO (six in 2014), RYAN TANNEHILL (six in 2019), and RUSSELL WILSON (six in 2019) for the most such games in a season in NFL history.Purdy has 13 career games with a passer rating of 110-or-higher, tied with JUSTIN HERBERT (13 games) for the second-most such games by a player in his first two seasons in NFL history. Only RUSSELL WILSON (14) has more.McCaffrey has 1,292 rushing yards and 509 receiving yards this season and is the fourth player in NFL history to record at least 1,000 rushing yards and 500 receiving yards in four-or-more career seasons, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers MARSHALL FAULK (five seasons) and THURMAN THOMAS (four) as well as TIKI BARBER (four).
McCaffrey has 80 scrimmage touchdowns in 89 career games and is the fifth running back with at least 80 scrimmage touchdowns in his first 90 career games in the Super Bowl era, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers LADAINIAN TOMLINSON (104 scrimmage touchdowns) and EMMITT SMITH (97) as well as SHAUN ALEXANDER (91) and ADRIAN PETERSON (83).
McCaffrey has totaled 6,018 rushing yards and 4,265 receiving yards since entering the NFL in 2017 and is the third player ever with at least 6,000 rushing yards and 4,000 receiving yards in his first seven seasons, joining Pro Football Hall of Famer MARSHALL FAULK and ROGER CRAIG.
McCaffrey is the second player in NFL history with 30 career games with at least 50 rushing yards and 50 receiving yards, joining Pro Football Hall of Famer MARSHALL FAULK (41 games).
Photo Cred: The Athletic
- Buffalo quarterback JOSH ALLEN had two touchdowns (one passing, one rushing) in the Bills’ 31-10 win over Dallas.
Allen has 10 games with both a touchdown pass and a rushing touchdown this season, surpassing KYLER MURRAY (nine games in 2020) for the most such games in a season in NFL history. - Kansas City quarterback PATRICK MAHOMES passed for 305 yards and two touchdowns in the Chiefs’ 27-17 win at New England.
Mahomes, currently in his seventh season, has 45 career games with at least 300 passing yards, tied with MATT RYAN (45 games) for the most such games by a player in his first 10 career seasons in NFL history.Mahomes has 217 touchdown passes in 94 career games, tied with Pro Football Hall of Famer DAN MARINO (217 touchdown passes) for the most touchdown passes by a player in his first 100 career games in NFL history. - Tampa Bay quarterback BAKER MAYFIELD passed for 381 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions for a 158.3 rating, the highest attainable mark, in the Buccaneers’ 34-20 win at Green Bay.
Mayfield is the third player with at least 375 passing yards, four touchdown passes and a 158.3 rating in a road game in NFL history, joining NICK FOLES (Nov. 3, 2013 at Oakland, with Philadelphia) and KEN O’BRIEN (Nov. 2, 1986 at Seattle, with the New York Jets).
Photo Cred: Pewter Report
- New Orleans quarterback DEREK CARR completed 23 of 28 attempts (82.1 percent) for 218 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions for a 134.8 rating in the Saints’ 24-6 win over the New York Giants.
Carr has 3,098 passing yards this season and became the third player in NFL history with at least 3,000 passing yards in each of his first 10 career seasons, joining Pro Football Hall of Famer PEYTON MANNING and RUSSELL WILSON.Carr has 3,503 career completions and joined MATT RYAN (3,630 completions) as the only players with at least 3,500 completions in their first 10 career seasons in NFL history. - Additional notes from Week 15 include:
- Detroit rookie tight end SAM LAPORTA had five receptions for 56 yards and three touchdowns in the Lions’ 42-17 win over Denver on Saturday in Week 15.LaPorta became the fourth rookie tight end since 1980 to record three touchdown receptions in a game, joining ERIC GREEN (Oct. 14, 1990), ROB GRONKOWSKI (Nov. 14, 2010), and JOSEPH FAURIA (Oct. 13, 2013).LaPorta has nine touchdown receptions this season, tied with JUNIOR MILLER (nine touchdown receptions in 1980) for the third-most ever by a rookie tight end. Only Pro Football Hall of Famer MIKE DITKA (12 touchdown receptions in 1961) and ROB GRONKOWSKI (10 in 2010) have more.
LaPorta has 71 receptions this season and is the third rookie tight end with at least 70 receptions in NFL history, joining KEITH JACKSON (81 receptions in 1988 with Philadelphia) and JEREMY SHOCKEY (74 receptions in 2002 with the New York Giants).
- Cincinnati quarterback JAKE BROWNING passed for 324 yards and two touchdowns with one interception for a 97.7 rating in the Bengals’ overtime win on Saturday in Week 15.Browning is the fifth quarterback since 1950 with a passer rating of 95-or-higher in each of his first four career starts, joining GARDNER MINSHEW (2019), CHAD PENNINGTON (2002), BROCK PURDY (2022) and MARK RYPIEN (1988).
Browning has a completion percentage of 76.0 (98 of 129) in his first four career starts, trailing only CHAD PENNINGTON (76.9 percent) for the highest completion percentage by a quarterback in his first four career starts since 1950.
- Pittsburgh linebacker T.J. WATT recorded two sacks in Week 15 and has 21 career games with at least two sacks, tied with his brother J.J. WATT for the fifth-most such games by a player in his first seven seasons since 1982, when the individual sack became an official statistic. Only Pro Football Hall of Famers REGGIE WHITE (30 games) and RICHARD DENT (23) as well SIMEON RICE (23) and JARED ALLEN (22) have more.
- Detroit rookie tight end SAM LAPORTA had five receptions for 56 yards and three touchdowns in the Lions’ 42-17 win over Denver on Saturday in Week 15.LaPorta became the fourth rookie tight end since 1980 to record three touchdown receptions in a game, joining ERIC GREEN (Oct. 14, 1990), ROB GRONKOWSKI (Nov. 14, 2010), and JOSEPH FAURIA (Oct. 13, 2013).LaPorta has nine touchdown receptions this season, tied with JUNIOR MILLER (nine touchdown receptions in 1980) for the third-most ever by a rookie tight end. Only Pro Football Hall of Famer MIKE DITKA (12 touchdown receptions in 1961) and ROB GRONKOWSKI (10 in 2010) have more.
Photo Cred: Sports Illustrated
