SAM DARNOLD

This year's quarterback class isn't as heralded as last year's or even next year's.

An underwhelming free agent class for quarterbacks is overshadowed by the possibility of multiple big names changing teams.

Tom Brady topped 5,000 yards passing for the second time in his career and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers set a franchise record for regular-season victories with a 41-17 win over the Carolina Panthers.

The Indianapolis Cots have placed five players on the COVID-19 list as the virus continues to work its way through NFL locker rooms, even with the vast majority of players in the league vaccinated.

Tom Brady threw for 232 yards and a touchdown, Antonio Brown made a grand return to the lineup after missing the last eight games and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Carolina Panthers 32-6 on Sunday to clinch their first NFC South title since 2007.

In final 3 games, the Panthers need to let QB Sam Darnold try to regain some confidence.

Dak Prescott and Joe Burrow are the top contenders for the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year honors after bouncing back from injuries that ended their 2020 seasons early.

Cam Newton is returning to the franchise that drafted him No. 1 overall in 2011.

Jameis Winston and Sam Darnold got hurt running the ball and kicker Chris Boswell was injured throwing it.

The Dallas Cowboys have decided to hold quarterback Dak Prescott out of their game at Minnesota because of a strained right calf muscle.

Joe Flacco is back with the New York Jets and he envisions himself back under center as their starting quarterback soon even if just for a few games.

Cameras caught Robby Anderson yelling at someone after Sam Darnold’s third interception of the day.

According to a person familiar with the situation Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey is expected to miss multiple weeks with a hamstring injury.

Sam Darnold threw for 304 yards and ran for two touchdowns, and the Carolina Panthers eased past the Houston Texans 24-9 despite losing Christian McCaffrey to a hamstring injury early in the second quarter.

Sam Darnold threw for 305 yards and two touchdowns, and the Carolina defense turned in another strong performance in a 26-7 win over the New Orleans Saints.

Mac Jones was smart and efficient, Damien Harris and James White had touchdown runs and the New England Patriots took advantage of a nightmarish outing by Zach Wilson in a 25-6 victory over the New York Jets.

Tailgating, face-painted fans returned in full force at stadiums around the country as the NFL opened its doors to capacity for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic.

Cam Newton followed Mac Jones along the sideline, holding his right hand up, waiting for the rookie quarterback to slap it after the No. 15 overall pick threw a touchdown in a preseason game Sunday night.

For the 2021 season, these are the starting quarterbacks, listed from worst to best. Jalen Hurts (Eagles)The Eagles have made it clear that they want Jalen Hurts as their starting quarterback. A duel threat, it’s still unknown if he’ll be the starting quarterback for the Eagles in the long term. Teddy Bridgewater (Broncos)Bridgewater is playing as the team’s starting quarterback this season, replacing former rookie Drew Lock after a lackluster season. His strong arm and analytical mind allowed him to stand up to some of the truly great quarterbacks, such as Tom Brady, Drew Brees.

The Denver Broncos are going with Teddy Bridgewater over Drew Lock as their starting quarterback.

Jacob Eason was efficient in place of the injured Carson Wentz, and rookie Sam Ehlinger delivered in the final quarter for the Indianapolis Colts.

Robert Saleh and the New York Jets were focused on football again after spending the last several days mourning the loss of their friend, colleague and mentor.

From players getting COVID-19 vaccinations to relaxed coronavirus protocols to lineup issues, particularly at quarterback, the NFL faces a multitude of questions as training camps open.

The New York Jets have been on a mostly fruitless search for the next Joe Namath since he last played for the team in 1976.

How long can pro sports keep treating vaccination as a personal decision?

Woody Johnson is happy to be back.

Jamison Crowder was a bit surprised when the New York Jets approached him during the offseason about taking a pay cut.

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Robby Anderson couldn’t help but notice a difference in Sam Darnold’s persona when he walked into Bank of America Stadium for the team’s mandatory three-day minicamp.

The 2021 NFL schedule is out, and some teams might be more thankful than others for how their regular-season slate was sequenced.

With the 2021 NFL draft complete, each of the league's 32 teams looks a bit different ... though the Packers will be in for vast changes if their league MVP remains unhappy.

History dictates that it’s likely at least a couple of the five first-round quarterbacks won’t fulfill the hopes of the teams that drafted them.

The New York Jets’ offense was downright offensive on most Sundays the past few seasons.

Our forecast for the second round of the NFL draft includes some intriguing names at running back and wide receiver, along with one QB to watch.

Our forecast for the second round of the NFL draft includes some intriguing names at running back and wide receiver, along with one QB to watch.

The New York Jets entered a new era Thursday night after drafting BYU’s Zach Wilson with the No. 2  pick and according to the rookie, his reign as quarterback will include a Super Bowl appearance.

Quarterbacks Trevor Lawrence of Clemson and Zac Wilson of BYU were the first two players off the board, as expected, in the NFL Draft.

The New York Jets have traded quarterback Sam Darnold to the Carolina Panthers.

(AP Photo/Brett Carlsen, File)NEW YORK – Intrigue and uncertainty have surrounded the New York Jets' quarterback situation all offseason. “I’m coming in with my understanding that Sam is the guy,” Davis said during a video conference call. 3 overall pick in 2018, has struggled with inconsistency and injuries during his three seasons with the Jets. “He's the right guy to come in here and turn things around,” Davis said. ... New York signed LB Del'Shawn Phillips, who played in two games last season for Buffalo.

(AP Photo/Gary McCullough, File)For people wondering where is all the free-agent quarterback movement as the NFL's “legal tampering” period enters its second day, well, calm down. He started seven and played in nine games last season for Miami, throwing for 2,091 yards, 13 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He will be replaced as Tua Tagovailoa's backup by Brissett, who will get a one-year, $5 million deal in Miami. The Bengals also reached agreement with Pittsburgh safety Mike Hilton on a four-year, $24 million contract, also according to a person with knowledge of the deal. Kelly signed a three-year, $21 million deal exactly a year ago and started all 16 games at right tackle.

Regardless, on Monday, two days before the NFL's 2021 business year begins, the 32 teams and agents for the players will be making deals. “Legal tampering, and tampering is illegal? AdOf course, free agency always is a buyer-beware situation. AdVoila: Lavonte David, a key linebacker, was re-signed, and several other key guys in the title run could be back. “We do have some money from a cap standpoint that we can spend; but again, it’s an interesting year.

FILE - New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold rolls out to pass against the New England Patriots in the first half of an NFL football game in Foxborough, Mass., in this Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, file photo. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)NEW YORK – Sam Darnold's time as the face of the New York Jets franchise might be nearing a disappointing end. General manager Joe Douglas has backed off that stance, though, and it could signal a major change at the position as free agency and the NFL draft approach. “I will answer the call if it's made,” Douglas said Wednesday when asked if he'd listen to offers for Darnold. AdThe Jets could also opt to stick with Darnold, for at least this year, and trade down from No.

However, it seems many east coast teams were struggling this season, and some have been in the rut for even longer than that. Let’s review what these teams can do to turn their franchise around for next season. This past season was a far cry from their Super Bowl days, however, as the team went 4-11-1. So now the question is, how does the team turn things around? Most analysts agree that before they churn and burn quarterbacks like other teams, they need to hire at least three starters on the offensive line.

New York Jets head coach Adam Gase watches from the sideline in the second half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Foxborough, Mass. The Jets fired Gase on Sunday night, ending a disappointing tenure after just two loss-filled seasons. Douglas, hired six months after Gase in June 2019, will now have the chance to help hire the next coach. If they keep Darnold, will the new coach be able to tap into his potential in a way Gase simply could not? Gase wasn’t a popular pick among fans after the Jets fired Todd Bowles following the 2018 season.

The 37-year-old New York Jets running back has a bruised lung that coach Adam Gase said Monday will keep Gore out of the season finale at New England on Sunday. It was originally called a chest injury by the team after Gore left, but tests revealed the lung contusion. Gore has played in 240 games, a record for NFL running backs, over 16 seasons. Gore signed a one-year deal worth $1.05 million with the Jets last May and will be a free agent in the offseason. With Gore sidelined for the finale, the Jets will use La'Mical Perine, Ty Johnson and Josh Adams against the Patriots.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield leaves the field after an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Baker Mayfield coughed up the ball — and the Cleveland Browns' chances to wrap up a playoff spot. After a 23-16 loss to the New York Jets on Sunday, the Browns will need to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers next Sunday if they're going to end the NFL's longest playoff drought. The call was upheld by video review, and the Jets (2-13) sealed their second straight victory after an 0-13 start. Mayfield then marched the Browns downfield, and Nick Chubb's 1-yard run made it 20-10 with 2:56 left in the third quarter.

After 51 weeks and 13 games without a win, the Jets finally earned the chance to celebrate with pride. The Jets (1-13) knew their 23-20 victory over the embarrassed Los Angeles Rams on Sunday was never pretty. Moments later, Darnold hit Gore with the short pass over the middle that allowed the Jets to run out the clock. It was an amazing feeling.”With two games left, New York might have ruined its chances at the No. Of the nine teams in NFL history to start 0-13, the Jets were the fourth to win in Week 15.

The Chargers and Falcons are tied at 17 midway through the fourth quarter. Kenny Moore also starred for the Colts with a spectacular one-handed, diving end-zone interception in the second quarter. Adams didn’t do much other than run the scrambling Darnold to the sideline midway through the second quarter. Seattle took its opening possession and got 19-yard touchdown pass from Russell Wilson to Freddie Swain. Mack also recovered a Duke Johnson fumble in the first quarter and deflected a Watson pass in the second quarter.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – Ryan Fitzpatrick threw two touchdown passes while starting in place of the injured Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami Dolphins kept the New York Jets winless with a 20-3 victory Sunday. Tagovailoa was inactive with a left thumb injury, so Fitzpatrick stepped in against one of his many former teams. Darnold was intercepted twice and the Jets (0-11) twice couldn’t take advantage of takeaways by the defense. Fitzpatrick drove the Dolphins down the field and sealed the win with a 7-yard touchdown toss to Shaheen to make it 20-3 with 6:54 left. Gase challenged the call — and TV replays seemed to support the Jets’ argument — but it was upheld and the Dolphins scored four plays later.

Midway through the 2020 season, performance has altered perception all around the NFL. Here’s a look at who’s up and who’s down:UPDALVIN COOK: While running backs have generally been devalued during this pass-happy era, Cook is showing the impact a big-play back can make. He leads the NFL with 858 yards and 12 touchdowns despite missing one game with an injury. He’s the first NFL player with at least 50 catches, 600 yards receiving and eight touchdown receptions over his first six games of a season. Evans has been a productive threat near the end zone with seven TD catches, but six of those have come on passes from inside the 10.

From the season-altering (Dak Prescott, Barkley) to the bizarre (Tyrod Taylor, Trent Brown), injuries are playing their traditionally significant role in the NFL. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)ARLINGTON, Texas – From the season-altering to the bizarre, injuries are playing their traditionally significant role in the NFL. Brown also recently went back on the COVID-19 list, a newcomer among potential ailments with the NFL playing during a pandemic. Few teams have had the volume of injuries that have hit defending NFC champion San Francisco. New Orleans' star receiver, Michael Thomas, has had a tumultuous season in part because of ankle and hamstring injuries.

– Patrick Mahomes did just about everything for the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. On the second, Mahomes claimed to see Hill “a little banged up” and decided to carry him — horse-and-jockey style — back to the Kansas City sideline. While the Jets answered with the first of three first-half field goals, the Chiefs kept scoring touchdowns. Mahomes hit Robinson from 26 yards out for his fourth TD pass, giving Kansas City a 28-9 lead late in the third quarter. Mahomes capped his big day with his second touchdown throw to Hill early in the fourth.

___7:10 p.m.Tom Brady moved one touchdown pass ahead of Drew Brees for the career lead. The Los Angeles Chargers and Jacksonville Jaguars combined for four touchdowns in the final 5:25 of the third quarter. The Los Angeles Chargers have blown another large, second-quarter lead, this time to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Chargers jumped out to a 16-0 lead, but the Jaguars have scored 21 unanswered points. New York leads 3-0.

Titans: CB Joshua Kalu, LB Derick Roberson, LB David Long Jr., OL Daniel Munyer, T Isaiah Wilson, DL Matt Dickerson. Washington: T Geron Christian, WR Isaiah Wright, DE James Smith Williams, WR Robert Foster, LB Thomas Davis, DE Casey Toohill. ___DETROIT AT ATLANTALions: QB David Blough, CB Desmond Trufant, S Miles Killebrew, OL Logan Stenberg, WR Quintez Cephus, RB Bo Scarbrough. ___GREEN BAY AT HOUSTONPackers: QB Jordan Love, CB Kevin King, S Darnell Savage, RB Tyler Ervin, RB Aaron Jones, T David Bakhtiari, DL Tyler Lancaster. Texans: WR Keke Coutee, CB John Reid, LB Peter Kalambayi, T Charlie Heck, TE Jordan Akins.

The Jets (0-6) became the NFL's only winless team and continued their worst start since 1996, increasing the heat on embattled coach Adam Gase. The Dolphins blanked the Jets for the first time since the January 1983 AFC championship game, which they won 14-0. The two teams were a combined 0 for 19 on third downs before the Jets finally converted with 11 minutes left. The Dolphins' only third-down conversion came on a completion by Tagovailoa, who went 2 for 2 for 9 yards. ANTHEMRunning back Ty Jackson was the only player kneeling for the Jets during “The Star-Spangled Banner.”The Dolphins stayed in the locker room.

(AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)NEW YORK – Joe Flacco will get his second straight start at quarterback for the New York Jets in place of the injured Sam Darnold. Gase said Darnold, who was injured in the Jets' 37-28 loss to Denver on Oct. 1, would not practice Wednesday. Darnold left the game against the Broncos for a few plays but returned and finished the game. “I think he's better than what he was last week,” Gase said of Darnold. “I do think he's a quick healer and there's no doubt any of us would ever say he's anything but tough.

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) runs in a touchdown against New York Jets free safety Marcus Maye (20) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in East Rutherford. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The Arizona Cardinals certainly came to the right place to get back on the winning track. Having Kyler Murray and the offense put up nearly 500 yards against the hapless and winless Jets was almost predictable. “I don’t want anyone on the team to feel satisfied with what happened today," said Murray, who threw for 380 yards. Jets: play at Miami next Sunday as NFL reorganizes schedule due to coronavirus pandemic.

Jones had been listed as questionable after missing practice throughout the week with a hamstring injury. Even so, the winless Falcons’ secondary gets a boost with safeties Keanu Neal (hamstring) and Ricardo Allen (elbow) returning from injuries. ___PHILADELPHIA AT PITTSBURGHEagles: TE Hakeem Butler; RB Jason Huntley, WR DeSean Jackson, WR Alshon Jeffery, CB Avonte Maddox, QB Nate Sudfeld, DE Casey Toohill. Falcons: S Jaylinn Hawkins, WR Julio Jones, CB A.J. Ravens: RB Justice Hill, WR Chris Moore, QB Trace McSorley, DT Broderick Washington, DT Justin Ellis, OL Tyre Phillips.

The New York Jets and Giants are both 0-4 for the first time since 1976, and victories might be tough to come by this season. The Big Apple is pretty rotten when it comes to its professional football teams, and it's tough to imagine things getting better any time soon. Both the Jets and Giants are 0-4 for the first time since 1976 — the only other time they've gotten off to similar dismal starts. Just four games into the NFL season, the Jets and Giants have firmly established themselves as the league's worst teams. I could be a Jets fan,'" said Bob Gray, a 60-year-old resident of West Caldwell, New Jersey, and a longtime Giants fan.

It was a victory, though, and Vic Fangio and the Denver Broncos are relieved to finally get one — no matter how it looked. Melvin Gordon sealed the Denver Broncos’ first win of the season with a 43-yard touchdown run with 1:48 remaining, and the defense made just enough plays in the fourth quarter to beat the bumbling — and still winless — New York Jets 37-28 on Thursday night. The Jets couldn’t do anything on their next possession, and Sam Darnold was sacked by Chubb on fourth-and-3 at the two-minute warning. Brian Poole intercepted Rypien, making his first NFL start, on the Broncos’ next possession, giving the Jets the ball at Denver’s 44. Jets: look for their first win when they host Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals on Oct. 11.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold left against Denver late in the first quarter Thursday night after a hard sack by linebacker Alexander Johnson, and soon returned to the game. On a first down, Darnold tried to avoid the rush and was slammed to the ground by Johnson — who had missed an attempted sack earlier and saw Darnold escape for a 46-yard touchdown run. Veteran Joe Flacco, in his first game as New York's backup, took over, but Darnold came back early in the second period. Darnold has missed games in his first two NFL seasons with a foot injury and mononucleosis. He looked to be severely hurt, but came back for the end of the next series, taking another sack.