FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank made his annual preseason remarks to the media Saturday, and he sounded like this is really the year his franchise finally ends its postseason drought. At seven seasons, it’s tied with Carolina for the second-longest in the NFL.

“I like where we are,” Blank said following the team...Read more

Minkah Fitzpatrick was a stability test for the Miami Dolphins, and they passed it. That’s a new conclusion than recent years. They actually passed this test of temptation.

They emerged from a contractual dust-up with an important player looking smarter and more disciplined than just last year. They didn’t throw an open checkbook at ...Read more

TAMPA, Fla. — When you think about it, the job is among the most basic in the sport.

Do you see the guy over there? The one crouched behind 1,600 pounds of offensive line?

Go get him.

This is the edge rusher in today’s NFL. Sure, there’s some run-stopping duties, maybe even a little pass coverage if the coach wants to get creative. ...Read more

CHICAGO — Overshadowed by much of the hand-wringing done this offseason regarding the Chicago Bears’ depth — or lack of — when it comes to pass rushers was a discussion of how the new scheme will affect the players on the roster.

If the first four days of training camp are a hint of things to come, expect the unexpected when it comes to...Read more

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Brock Purdy returned to practice Sunday and was joined by Ricky Pearsall, while Renardo Green and Jauan Jennings were among the newly wounded.

It was a pretty routine day at camp until defense lineman Tarron Jackson sustained a neck injury that caused him to be strapped to spine board, taken away on a cart an escorted to...Read more

LOS ANGELES — Rashawn Slater, a former first-round draft pick and one of the veteran leaders on the Chargers’ offensive line, is staying in L.A. for the long haul.

Slater signed a four-year, $114-million contract extension with the Chargers on Sunday, according to a person with knowledge of the situation not authorized to speak publicly.

A...Read more

MIAMI — The Dolphins revised Minkah Fitzpatrick’s contract on Sunday, giving their new safety a bit more money this season and clearing $11 million in cap space.

The Dolphins converted some of his salary into a $16.2 million signing bonus and moved up $2 million in salary to 2025, meaning he will make $17.5 million in 2025 and $15.6 million...Read more

PITTSBURGH — After a Rams-Packers game in 2021 at Lambeau Field, seventh-round rookie Ben Skowronek sought out Aaron Rodgers at midfield. Skowronek didn't play in the game, let alone interact with Rodgers, but he wanted to pay his respects to one of the NFL's best ever and have a story to tell for himself in case his career didn't last long.

...Read more

RENTON, Wash. — During the Seattle Seahawks’ training camp debut Wednesday afternoon, a frustrated fan made a four-word plea to Mike Macdonald’s defense.

“Get! Off! The! Ball!” he bellowed from the berm at Virginia Mason Athletic Center, pausing after each word for added emphasis.

On cue, quarterback Sam Darnold took a snap, turned ...Read more

MINNEAPOLIS — Kevin O’Connell began devising his schedule for training camp months ago. He spent long hours meticulously crafting a daily plan for Minnesota Vikings players, coaches and support staff to follow practically down to the minute.

He could barely contain his excitement for practice No. 1 in the month-long buildup to the regular ...Read more

DENVER — Last summer, it was Bo Nix’s time. This summer, it is Bo Nix’s team.

For a Broncos quarterback to navigate this responsibility, he must understand the magnitude of the position on and off the field.

No job in the state of Colorado has a higher profile. Every Sunday is a referendum, a job performance review from 75,000 bosses —...Read more

RENTON, Wash. — Third-year Seattle Seahawks running back Kenny McIntosh suffered a left knee injury early in Saturday’s practice that the team fears is a torn ACL, which could sideline him for the upcoming season.

A league source confirmed the feared diagnosis of the injury. McIntosh was expected to undergo further tests to confirm the ...Read more

RENTON, Wash. — Gone is receiver DK Metcalf — the Seahawks' dynamo who not only set single-season franchise records during his time in Seattle, but drew enough attention from defensive backs to open the playing field for all his pass-catching teammates.

Gone is fellow receiver Tyler Lockett — the Seahawks Ring of Honor lock who trails ...Read more

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Robert Saleh is the 49ers’ third defensive coordinator in three years but comes with familiarity in terms of the system.

Nick Bosa and Fred Warner are the only defensive players on the roster who played under Saleh from 2017-20, and Bosa missed most of Saleh’s last season with a torn ACL.

Bosa chooses his words ...Read more

LOS ANGELES — Jared Verse thought he was ready for the challenge.

A workout with future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald in Donald's home gym?

No big deal. Or so believed Verse, the reigning NFL defensive rookie of the year.

"That workout was psychotic," Verse said this week.

The meeting of the muscles happened in June after Verse stoked Donald'...Read more

PITTSBURGH — It would be easy to dismiss last year's late-season collapse on a brutal 11-day stretch in December in which the Steelers lost three consecutive games to the best teams in the league.

It would be easy to dismiss the meltdown as being overmatched against three teams who were a combined 41-10 and not having enough time to fully ...Read more

DENVER — A key young piece of the Broncos’ defense may have suffered another tough setback.

Toward the end of Denver’s second full day of training camp Saturday morning, third-year linebacker Drew Sanders was seen carted off the field with an apparent injury. Two staffers helped him into the locker room, as Sanders slung both arms over ...Read more

LOS ANGELES — Matthew Stafford observed practice for the first time on Saturday, but the Rams star quarterback will remain sidelined at least another week because of a back issue, coach Sean McVay said.

Stafford, 37, has not practiced since the Rams opened training camp while receiving treatment from trainers and team medical staff.

McVay ...Read more

TAMPA, Fla. — As a nation, we are splintered. Practically irreconcilable.

For instance, some people still firmly believe in running the football on first down. Imagine that. Others are convinced that a prevent defense will eventually doom us all. And heaven forbid you try critiquing Tom Brady’s broadcasting skills in polite company.

Yet, ...Read more

MIAMI — In one day, the Miami Dolphins have changed the outlook of their secondary.

Former Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones signed with the Miami Dolphins, the team announced Saturday morning. Less than six hours later, ex-Cincinnati Bengals nickel corner Mike Hilton joined the aqua and orange, according to his agent Drew Rosenhaus.

...Read more