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The San Jose Earthquakes started fast but the Houston Dynamo finished strong and used two second-half scores on Saturday night to notch a 2-1 home victory.
Bruno Wilson scored goal just a minute into the Earthquakes' road test. The marker, a header which came by way of a Cristian Espinoza corner boot and was Wilson's first of his MLS career, and staked San Jose to a lead at the outset.
Sebastían Ferreira and Franco Escobar notched scores during a four-minute span in the second half to boost Houston (3-1-1, 10 points) ahead.
The initial goal came in the 81st minute and the decisive tally came in the 85th.
The Wilson marker was one of only two shots for the Earthquakes (1-5-0, 3 points) in the first half of the contest, as the Dynamo edged San Jose, 8-2, in that department during that duration.
Earthquakes goalkeeper Will Yarbrough made a pair of saves on tries by Houston's Ibrahim Aliyu in the 16th minute, keeping his team ahead. Yarbrough moved to 4-1-4 against the Dynamo with the loss.
Seven minutes after that, San Jose had an opportunity to double its advantage, but Dynamo goalkeeper Steve Clark kept a Preston Judd kick out of the net. Ferreira and Griffin Dorsey both missed the mark for Houston shortly thereafter, and then Aliyu had a shot blocked.
In the 34th minute, Judd was assessed a red card for an offense away from the ball, leaving the Earthquakes with 10 players for the remainder of the match.
Yarbrough pushed aside Erik Sviatchenko's shot in first-half stoppage time.
San Jose's Jackson Yueill was given a red card in the second-half stoppage time. The win was Houston's third in a row, containing a hot streak for the Dynamo after a loss and a draw to begin the calendar.
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Patriots have Drake Maye concern after comments by Steelers LB T.J. Watt
The New England Patriots offense had an ugly performance in their 21-14 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt keyed on what opposing defenses should look to do against the Patriots. Per Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, Watt said after the game that the Steelers had a plan for how to get the Patriots to cough up the football. “Mike (Tomlin) had a big presentation on it earlier in the week,” Watt said, of the Steelers’ Patriots prep. “I think 38 (Rhamondre Stevenson) had eight or nine fumbles last year (he had seven), which is a very high amount. Four (Antonio Gibson) had a couple fumbles. And we knew 10 (Drake Maye) had a bunch of fumbles as well (he had nine), when he was in the pocket. "It was something we highlighted each and every day. There was a constant reminder throughout the week. We just needed to deliver and I’m glad we did.” Why T.J. Watt's comments are concerning for Patriots Tomlin's presentation worked. The Patriots turned the ball over five times, four of which were lost fumbles. Stevenson lost two fumbles. Maye lost one fumble and had an interception. The issue with Stevenson isn't as big a deal for the Patriots as Maye. Rookie TreVeyon Stevenson will eventually become the lead back in New England. But Watt's diagnosis for Maye is concerning. Part of Maye's successful development in the league will mean he can play efficient football in the pocket. Not only is his passing game a liability there, but opposing defenses know he lacks awareness in the pocket and is susceptible to fumbling. Look for defenses to take advantage of that information until the Patriots can stop committing those turnovers.
Waking 'Dancing Bear' could be steal of Bills' 2025 draft haul
When the Buffalo Bills selected Deone Walker in the fourth round, there weren't big expectations for the rookie heading into the 2025 season. Still, many fans wanted the Bills to draft a "big man" and assumed he fit into the 3-technique spot, currently occupied by DaQuan Jones. Walker stands at 6'7" and weighs over 330 pounds. Men that size are typically 3-tech players. Deone Walker is not an average big man Walker is different, though. His quick feet and agility have taken some by surprise. As pointed out by Sal Capaccio, "A man that big shouldn't be able to move that well." Ed Oliver nicknamed Walker the "Dancing Bear". Bills' defensive coordinator Bobby Babich said, "People that are his size shouldn't be able to do some of the things he does." Babich added, "But again, just like T.J., we need some consistency, because if we don't get the dancing bear, all that type of stuff, it doesn't matter." The consistency hasn't been there yet, but Walker has made some plays at points this season, including delivering a game-saving play against the Dolphins, when he shielded Tagovailoa's vision and tipped his pass, which linebacker Terrel Bernard picked off, sealing the win against the Dolphins. On a recent episode of Center Stage with Eric Wood and Josh Reed, Wood commented on Walker, "Well, he looks like a heck of a fourth-round pick, and if he leaves a year earlier, he's likely a first-round draft pick." Added Wood, "Right now, he looks like steal, and he's a guy who started last night with Ed Oliver out." Flashes of greatness and need for consistency "I think at times he's flashed and done a good job rushing the passer. At times he's made some splash plays in the run game as well. Consistency will come as far as him recognizing plays, seeing double teams coming, not getting washed out of his gap", said Wood. Walker fell to the Bills due to a previous back injury he suffered, but so far, that doesn't seem to be an issue. If Walker can hold up physically and start to build the consistency that Wood spoke of, Walker will become a serious part of the Bills' defense as the season progresses and into the playoffs. More Buffalo Bills News: What does Bills' perfect 3-0 start mean for playoffs and beyond Bills' defense under construction but blueprint is promising Bills' defensive woes plus 3 more quick reactions from win over Dolphins 'Comfortable' Elijah Moore shares insight on unique Bills' locker room Hawes Effect: How rookie tight end is reshaping Bills' offensive identity
Brewers announce pitcher who will take Brandon Woodruff’s turn through the rotation
Over the weekend, the Milwaukee Brewers announced devastating news that Brandon Woodruff was being placed on the injured list with a lat strain. He first felt the discomfort during a bullpen over the weekend, the strain has been labeled moderate, and there is not much optimism that he will be ready for the playoffs. With just a week remaining in the regular season and the NLDS set to begin on October 4, the long-term focus for Woodruff is clearly his postseason availability. In the short term, however, the Brewers had a more immediate challenge: finding someone to step into his spot in the rotation. Milwaukee Brewers announce which pitcher will take Brandon Woodruff’s turn through the rotation On Saturday, the Brewers designated Joel Payamps for assignment and selected the contract of Bruce Zimmermann. The 30 year hasn’t made a big league appearance since 2023, but in a twist of fate he is now slated to start Tuesday against the San Diego Padres, which originally was Woodruff’s day to pitch; As Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reported, Zimmermann was told straight up that he was coming up for one day with the Brewers. However, with Woodruff being diagnosed with a lat strain that same day, plans changed, and he now will start at least one game for Milwaukee. Notably, with Zimmermann scheduled to pitch on Tuesday, he lines up to start the Brewers’ final regular season game against the Reds. Even if he doesn’t get the start, he’ll be available to pitch, giving Milwaukee the option to use him for bulk innings without risking another last-minute injury to one of their key arms heading into the playoffs. Zimmermann brings some experience to the table, with 27 career big-league starts under his belt. As a starter, he had a 4.11 ERA in Triple-A this season. While his role may seem minor in the shadow of the Woodruff injury, his performance could still play a meaningful part in helping the Brewers secure the best record in baseball, which would guarantee them home field advantage throughout the playoffs. He also could have a hand in whether or not Cincinnati makes the post season or not.
Rockets Facing Russell Westbrook Decision After Fred VanVleet News
The Houston Rockets were among the biggest winners of the NBA offseason, making aggressive moves to raise expectations. They re-signed Fred VanVleet on a two-year, $50 million contract, secured Kevin Durant in a blockbuster deal, and built around a core of Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, and Jabari Smith Jr. With a revamped roster, the Rockets have been labeled as serious contenders in the Western Conference. That optimism suffered a major setback Monday. Per Shams Charania of ESPN, VanVleet has suffered a torn ACL, a devastating injury that is expected to sideline him for most, if not all, of the 2025 season. The news immediately sparked questions about how Houston will replace VanVleet’s production and leadership — with NBA free agent Russell Westbrook entering the public conversation. Westbrook, who declined his $3.47 million player option with the Denver Nuggets, remains unsigned as training camp nears. A return to Houston, where he played in 2019-20, would be headline-worthy, particularly alongside Durant — who he starred with on the Oklahoma City Thunder. Rockets Have One Problem on Potential Russell Westbrook Signing All this being said, Houston's cap situation presents a roadblock. The Rockets are roughly $1.2 million from the first apron hard-cap, leaving little flexibility. They could apply for a disabled player exception, yet that doesn’t clear enough space to add a veteran minimum deal outright. "For those asking, the Rockets can't sign Russell Westbrook, Ben Simmons, or anyone else since they are roughly $1.2M from the first apron hard-cap," Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints explained on X. "The Rockets can apply for a disabled player exception, but that doesn't change their financial restrictions." This is where the Rockets face a decision. Westbrook, who averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists in 75 games for the Nuggets last season, would be a great replacement for the injured VanVleet. He has familiarity with Durant, vocal leadership skills and remains productive at age 36. But the Rockets would have to disrupt their current roster via a cap-saving move in order to make this possible, which makes it a difficult decision. Aside from Houston making a cap-saving move, their best options are to wait for to sign a prorated minimum later in the year or turn inward. Rockets' Internal Options Amid Russell Westbrook Speculation This all likely means more minutes for Reed Sheppard and veteran Aaron Holiday. The Rockets cannot easily move recently signed players—Holiday, Jae’Sean Tate, Jeff Green, Josh Okogie, Dorian Finney-Smith, Steven Adams, or Clint Capela—until later in the season. Westbrook averaged 27.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 7.0 assists in his lone season with the Rockets in 2019-20, helping lead them to the playoffs. His chemistry with Durant from their Oklahoma City days and his past stint in Houston make the possibility of a reunion intriguing. However, given the Rockets’ financial restrictions and roster commitments, his signing is unlikely in the short term. Houston appears more inclined to lean on its depth until cap conditions shift later in the season. For now, Westbrook remains available, but a return to Houston is something the Rockets would have to make a complicated decision on.
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