ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The Denver Broncos are taking a different approach to the preseason a year after sitting the starters backfired on them.

Coach Sean Payton, who last week walked back critical comments of his predecessor and others in a misguided defense of Russell Wilson, has said all along that he'll play his starters in the preseason, beginning with Denver's game at Arizona on Friday.

That includes Wilson, who didn't take a snap last year until the opener at Seattle — after he'd signed a nearly quarter-billion dollar extension.

After reiterating over the weekend his intention to play his starters, Payton expounded upon those plans after a Monday practice that was closed to the public, suggesting his front-line players could see somewhere between 15 and 18 snaps in the first exhibition game.

“It's not time in the game; it's really more of a pitch count for these guys,” Payton said.

Asked what he wanted to see in the Broncos' first preseason action, Payton said there was plenty, beginning with his players going full speed with a full grasp of their assignments so that the coaching staff can “evaluate them versus a different scheme.”

“It’s probably just as easy to answer the question as to what I don’t want to see,” Payton continued. “I don’t want to see 10 guys on the field. I don’t want to see uniforms off after we’re done playing, sunglasses on and Gilligan hats on and interviews during the game. That’s what I don’t want to see, but we will communicate all of that."

Floppy or bucket hats — or what Payton calls “Gilligan” hats — are a popular NFL trend and&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/SayreBedinger/status/1688621613422354432?s=20">coincidentally, Nathaniel Hackett was fond of wearing one</a>&nbsp;when he was the Broncos' head coach last year.

Payton wasn't aiming another potshot at his predecessor, however, just expressing his disdain for players who don the hats on the sideline after their day is done.

Payton&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-sean-payton-nathaniel-hackett-broncos-c83ef734c577cb1347dd0a198fb1e0c1">recently expressed remorse</a>&nbsp;after telling a reporter the work Hackett did in Denver last year constituted “one of the worst coaching jobs in the NFL” and saying there were “20 dirty hands” around Wilson's career-worst season in 2022. Those comments drew criticism from Jets coach Robert Saleh, who hired Hackett as his offensive coordinator in January, Jets QB Aaron Rodgers and Hackett himself. Payton said he regretted his sharp words, which are sure to be rehashed when the Jets visit the Broncos in Week 5.

Payton also said in that interview that he was doing just about everything the opposite of what was done last year in Denver, where Hackett ditched training camp staples such as 7-on-7 passing drills and 1-on-1 pass rush drills and hardly ever had his players go full speed or hit each other in full pads, all in an effort to keep them from getting hurt.

The approach backfired when the Broncos got off to a poor start and never recovered, in large part because of an injury epidemic in the opening weeks of the season.

Payton's team has also been dealing with a rash of injuries, beginning with wide receiver Tim Patrick's torn left Achilles almost a year to the day after he tore his right ACL. Patrick will miss the entire season for a second straight year.

Linebacker Jonas Griffith (ACL) got hurt last week and linebacker Baron Browning (knee) is on the active/PUP list. Guard Yasir Durant (undisclosed) is on IR. Defensive lineman Mike Purcell (knee) is on the active/non-football injury list. Cornerback Riley Moss underwent a core muscle repair surgery last week and wide receiver KJ Hamler was released with a heart condition with plans to bring him back after the season starts.

Also, star safety Justin Simmons didn't practice Monday and Payton said Simmons was dealing with a strained groin.

Payton didn't say how long he expected Simmons to be out but did indicate it will be long enough to get a look at other safeties on the roster, and that most likely encompasses the preseason opener against the Cardinals.

“He’s a veteran player and a great communicator. He’s someone that’s always in the right spot, he’s savvy, he’s smart,” Payton said. “Some other younger guys will step in. … We’ll be smart with him and eventually get him back, but in the meantime other guys will get the chance to get in and get some reps."

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691459451058.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The Denver Broncos are taking a different approach to the preseason a year after sitting the starters backfired on them.</p><p>Coach Sean Payton, who last week walked back critical comments of his predecessor and others in a misguided defense of Russell Wilson, has said all along that he'll play his starters in the preseason, beginning with Denver's game at Arizona on Friday.</p><p>That includes Wilson, who didn't take a snap last year until the opener at Seattle — after he'd signed a nearly quarter-billion dollar extension.</p><p>After reiterating over the weekend his intention to play his starters, Payton expounded upon those plans after a Monday practice that was closed to the public, suggesting his front-line players could see somewhere between 15 and 18 snaps in the first exhibition game.</p><p>“It's not time in the game; it's really more of a pitch count for these guys,” Payton said.</p><p>Asked what he wanted to see in the Broncos' first preseason action, Payton said there was plenty, beginning with his players going full speed with a full grasp of their assignments so that the coaching staff can “evaluate them versus a different scheme.”</p><p>“It’s probably just as easy to answer the question as to what I don’t want to see,” Payton continued. “I don’t want to see 10 guys on the field. I don’t want to see uniforms off after we’re done playing, sunglasses on and Gilligan hats on and interviews during the game. That’s what I don’t want to see, but we will communicate all of that."</p><p>Floppy or bucket hats — or what Payton calls “Gilligan” hats — are a popular NFL trend and&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/SayreBedinger/status/1688621613422354432?s=20">coincidentally, Nathaniel Hackett was fond of wearing one</a>&nbsp;when he was the Broncos' head coach last year.</p><p>Payton wasn't aiming another potshot at his predecessor, however, just expressing his disdain for players who don the hats on the sideline after their day is done.</p><p>Payton&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-sean-payton-nathaniel-hackett-broncos-c83ef734c577cb1347dd0a198fb1e0c1">recently expressed remorse</a>&nbsp;after telling a reporter the work Hackett did in Denver last year constituted “one of the worst coaching jobs in the NFL” and saying there were “20 dirty hands” around Wilson's career-worst season in 2022. Those comments drew criticism from Jets coach Robert Saleh, who hired Hackett as his offensive coordinator in January, Jets QB Aaron Rodgers and Hackett himself. Payton said he regretted his sharp words, which are sure to be rehashed when the Jets visit the Broncos in Week 5.</p><p>Payton also said in that interview that he was doing just about everything the opposite of what was done last year in Denver, where Hackett ditched training camp staples such as 7-on-7 passing drills and 1-on-1 pass rush drills and hardly ever had his players go full speed or hit each other in full pads, all in an effort to keep them from getting hurt.</p><p>The approach backfired when the Broncos got off to a poor start and never recovered, in large part because of an injury epidemic in the opening weeks of the season.</p><p>Payton's team has also been dealing with a rash of injuries, beginning with wide receiver Tim Patrick's torn left Achilles almost a year to the day after he tore his right ACL. Patrick will miss the entire season for a second straight year.</p><p>Linebacker Jonas Griffith (ACL) got hurt last week and linebacker Baron Browning (knee) is on the active/PUP list. Guard Yasir Durant (undisclosed) is on IR. Defensive lineman Mike Purcell (knee) is on the active/non-football injury list. Cornerback Riley Moss underwent a core muscle repair surgery last week and wide receiver KJ Hamler was released with a heart condition with plans to bring him back after the season starts.</p><p>Also, star safety Justin Simmons didn't practice Monday and Payton said Simmons was dealing with a strained groin.</p><p>Payton didn't say how long he expected Simmons to be out but did indicate it will be long enough to get a look at other safeties on the roster, and that most likely encompasses the preseason opener against the Cardinals.</p><p>“He’s a veteran player and a great communicator. He’s someone that’s always in the right spot, he’s savvy, he’s smart,” Payton said. “Some other younger guys will step in. … We’ll be smart with him and eventually get him back, but in the meantime other guys will get the chance to get in and get some reps."</p>

No Bronco preseason starters last year, Payton says he will play starters Friday at Arizona

There will be a new twist to the RMAC football season that should help rectify officiating mistakes and bring clarity and confirmation to controversial calls.&nbsp; Instant replay will make its RMAC debut in 2023 with all of the league's schools approving its usage.&nbsp; Chadron State Head Coach Jay Long shares details on one of the biggest rule changes for the upcoming season.

There is a lot for team staffs to learn about how the replay process will work.&nbsp; From the list of challengeable plays to who will handle the game day process, the education of it all needs to happen fast and will likely evolve over the season.&nbsp; Coach Long explains how the Eagles will initially handle challenges and replay duties.

On to another major college football topic, in light of all the disturbing allegations of abuse and hazing revolving around the Northwestern football program I asked Coach Long how those situations impact how he sees and addresses his team's culture.

Check back on panhandlepost.com for more fall camp and pre-season coverage, as well as my Twitter (X) account @DMCbroadcasting for photos, videos and more from the practice fields as CSC gets ready to kickoff the fall season!

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690823557573.jpeg" alt="" />
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                    </figure><p>BY: DAVE COLLINS<br>Sports Director</p><p>There will be a new twist to the RMAC football season that should help rectify officiating mistakes and bring clarity and confirmation to controversial calls.&nbsp; Instant replay will make its RMAC debut in 2023 with all of the league's schools approving its usage.&nbsp; Chadron State Head Coach Jay Long shares details on one of the biggest rule changes for the upcoming season.</p><div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1583230707&color=%230b00ff&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/jl-sb1-on-instant-replay-debuting-in-rmac-this-year" title="JL - SB1 - On Instant Replay Debuting In RMAC This Year" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">JL - SB1 - On Instant Replay Debuting In RMAC This Year</a></div></div><p>There is a lot for team staffs to learn about how the replay process will work.&nbsp; From the list of challengeable plays to who will handle the game day process, the education of it all needs to happen fast and will likely evolve over the season.&nbsp; Coach Long explains how the Eagles will initially handle challenges and replay duties.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690905515290.png" alt="" />
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                    </figure><div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1583238515&color=%230b00ff&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/jl-sb2-on-instant-replay-details-gameday" title="JL - SB2 - On Instant Replay Details GameDay" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">JL - SB2 - On Instant Replay Details GameDay</a></div></div><p>On to another major college football topic, in light of all the disturbing allegations of abuse and hazing revolving around the Northwestern football program I asked Coach Long how those situations impact how he sees and addresses his team's culture.</p><div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1583241743&color=%230b00ff&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/jl-sb3-on-examinging-culture-in-light-of-nw-situation" title="JL - SB3 - On Examinging Culture In Light Of NW Situation" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">JL - SB3 - On Examinging Culture In Light Of NW Situation</a></div></div><p>Check back on panhandlepost.com for more fall camp and pre-season coverage, as well as my Twitter (X) account @DMCbroadcasting for photos, videos and more from the practice fields as CSC gets ready to kickoff the fall season!</p>

🔊 Instant Replay is coming to RMAC 🏈 in 2023, CSC's Long explains

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Lina Hurtig's converted her penalty and Sweden knocked the United States out of the World Cup 5-4 on penalties after a scoreless draw at the Women's World Cup.

U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher fruitlessly argued she had saved Hurtig's attempt, but it was ruled over the line. The stadium played Abba's "Dancing Queen" in the stadium as the Swedes celebrated.

The United States, which has a record four World Cup titles overall and was trying to win an unprecedented third consecutive title, was eliminated in the Round of 16 for the first time in team history.

Previously, the Americans' worst finish had been third place, three different times.

“I am proud of the women on the field," said U.S. coach Vlatko Andonovski. “I know we were criticized for the way we played, and for different moments in the group stage. I think we came out today and showed the grit, the resilience, the fight. The bravery showed we did everything we could to win the game. And, unfortunately, soccer can be cruel sometimes.”

It was the first match at this World Cup to go to extra time.

Two-time World Cup participant Julie Ertz was in tears after the match.

“We didn't put anything in the back of the net,” she sobbed. “The penalties was tough as well. It's just emotional because it's probably my last game ever. It's just tough. It's an emotional time. It obviously sucks. Penalties are the worst.”

It was the fourth time a U.S. match at the World Cup went to extra time. All of the three previous matches went to penalties, including the 2011 final won by Japan. The U.S. won on penalties in a 2011 quarterfinal match against Brazil, and in the 1999 final at the Rose Bowl against China.

Sweden knocked the United States out of the 2016 Olympics in the quarterfinals on penalties.

Sweden goes on to the quarterfinals to play Japan, the 2011 World Cup winner, which defeated Norway 3-1 on Saturday night.

Sweden has never won a major international tournament, either the World Cup or the Olympics. The closest the team has come is World Cup runner-up in 2003. They finished third in the 1999, 2011 and 2019 editions, and won silver medals in the last two Olympics.

The Americans struggled through group play with just four goals in three matches.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-states-portugal-rose-lavelle-lynn-williams-rapinoe-9ab96954dd053ec7b91fc9aa45868cd6">They were nearly eliminated last Tuesday by first-timers Portugal, but eked out a 0-0 draw</a>&nbsp;to fall to second in their group for just the second time at a World Cup.

The Americans looked far better against Sweden, dominating possession and outshooting the Swedes 5-1 in the first half alone. Lindsey Horan’s first-half header hit the crossbar and a second-half blast was saved by goalkeeper Zecira Musovic, who had six saves in regulation.

Sweden won all three of their group games,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/womens-world-cup-sweden-italy-match-summary-39130a2c83404fb1b6ec8f475d28109c">including a 5-0 rout of Italy in its final group match.</a>&nbsp;Coach Peter Gerhardsson made nine lineup changes for the match, resting his starters in anticipation of the United States.

Naeher punched the ball away from a crowded goal on an early Sweden corner kick. Three of the Swedes’ goals against Italy came on set pieces.

Trinity Rodman’s shot from distance in the 18th minute was easily caught by Musovic, who stopped another chance by Rodman in the 27th.

Horan’s header off Andi Sullivan’s corner in the 34th hit the crossbar and skipped over the goal. Horan was on target in the 53rd minute but Musovic dove to push it wide. Horan crouched to the field in frustration while Musovic was swarmed by her teammates.

The United States was without Rose Lavelle, who picked up her second yellow card of the tournament in the group stage finale against Portugal and has to sit out against Sweden.

In Lavelle’s absence, Andonovski started Emily Sonnett, who was making her first start for the team since 2022. The addition of Sonnett allowed Horan to move up higher in the midfield.

Sweden pressed in the final 10 minutes of regulation. Sofia Jakobsson, who came in as a substitute in the 81st minute, nearly scored in the 85th but Naeher managed to catch it for her first save of the tournament.

Neither Caroline Seger or Megan Rapinoe started the match, but Rapinoe came in as a sub for Alex Morgan in the first overtime period.

Seger, whose 235 appearances for Sweden are the most for any woman in Europe, was on the bench to start the match. The 38-year-old has been struggling with a calf problem all year and trained alone in the two days of practice leading into the showdown with the U.S.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/womens-world-cup-united-states-rapinoe-665f43d32ff45c859422072fdb99dd60">Rapinoe, also 38, previously announced that this would be her last World Cup.</a>&nbsp;She has taken on a smaller role for the Americans in her final tournament. She was a substitute in the United States’ first and third games of group play and didn’t get off the bench in the middle match. She made her 200th appearance for the national team at the World Cup.

<p>MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Lina Hurtig's converted her penalty and Sweden knocked the United States out of the World Cup 5-4 on penalties after a scoreless draw at the Women's World Cup.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Naeher saves it, but it&#39;s ruled over the line.<br><br>Sweden advances.<br><br>🇺🇸 ✅✅✅ ❌ ❌ ✅ ❌<br>🇸🇪 ✅✅❌ ❌ ✅ ✅ ✅</p>&mdash; U.S. Women&#39;s National Soccer Team (@USWNT) <a href="https://twitter.com/USWNT/status/1688154109772460032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher fruitlessly argued she had saved Hurtig's attempt, but it was ruled over the line. The stadium played Abba's "Dancing Queen" in the stadium as the Swedes celebrated.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Our time Down Under comes to an end. 💔<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USWNT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USWNT</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/Visa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Visa</a> <a href="https://t.co/X2g0NHqg38">pic.twitter.com/X2g0NHqg38</a></p>&mdash; U.S. Women&#39;s National Soccer Team (@USWNT) <a href="https://twitter.com/USWNT/status/1688155300904529920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>The United States, which has a record four World Cup titles overall and was trying to win an unprecedented third consecutive title, was eliminated in the Round of 16 for the first time in team history.</p><p>Previously, the Americans' worst finish had been third place, three different times.</p><p>“I am proud of the women on the field," said U.S. coach Vlatko Andonovski. “I know we were criticized for the way we played, and for different moments in the group stage. I think we came out today and showed the grit, the resilience, the fight. The bravery showed we did everything we could to win the game. And, unfortunately, soccer can be cruel sometimes.”</p><p>It was the first match at this World Cup to go to extra time.</p><p>Two-time World Cup participant Julie Ertz was in tears after the match.</p><p>“We didn't put anything in the back of the net,” she sobbed. “The penalties was tough as well. It's just emotional because it's probably my last game ever. It's just tough. It's an emotional time. It obviously sucks. Penalties are the worst.”</p><p>It was the fourth time a U.S. match at the World Cup went to extra time. All of the three previous matches went to penalties, including the 2011 final won by Japan. The U.S. won on penalties in a 2011 quarterfinal match against Brazil, and in the 1999 final at the Rose Bowl against China.</p><p>Sweden knocked the United States out of the 2016 Olympics in the quarterfinals on penalties.</p><p>Sweden goes on to the quarterfinals to play Japan, the 2011 World Cup winner, which defeated Norway 3-1 on Saturday night.</p><p>Sweden has never won a major international tournament, either the World Cup or the Olympics. The closest the team has come is World Cup runner-up in 2003. They finished third in the 1999, 2011 and 2019 editions, and won silver medals in the last two Olympics.</p><p>The Americans struggled through group play with just four goals in three matches.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-states-portugal-rose-lavelle-lynn-williams-rapinoe-9ab96954dd053ec7b91fc9aa45868cd6">They were nearly eliminated last Tuesday by first-timers Portugal, but eked out a 0-0 draw</a>&nbsp;to fall to second in their group for just the second time at a World Cup.</p><p>The Americans looked far better against Sweden, dominating possession and outshooting the Swedes 5-1 in the first half alone. Lindsey Horan’s first-half header hit the crossbar and a second-half blast was saved by goalkeeper Zecira Musovic, who had six saves in regulation.</p><p>Sweden won all three of their group games,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/womens-world-cup-sweden-italy-match-summary-39130a2c83404fb1b6ec8f475d28109c">including a 5-0 rout of Italy in its final group match.</a>&nbsp;Coach Peter Gerhardsson made nine lineup changes for the match, resting his starters in anticipation of the United States.</p><p>It was tense from the opening whistle.</p><p>Naeher punched the ball away from a crowded goal on an early Sweden corner kick. Three of the Swedes’ goals against Italy came on set pieces.</p><p>Trinity Rodman’s shot from distance in the 18th minute was easily caught by Musovic, who stopped another chance by Rodman in the 27th.</p><p>Horan’s header off Andi Sullivan’s corner in the 34th hit the crossbar and skipped over the goal. Horan was on target in the 53rd minute but Musovic dove to push it wide. Horan crouched to the field in frustration while Musovic was swarmed by her teammates.</p><p>The United States was without Rose Lavelle, who picked up her second yellow card of the tournament in the group stage finale against Portugal and has to sit out against Sweden.</p><p>In Lavelle’s absence, Andonovski started Emily Sonnett, who was making her first start for the team since 2022. The addition of Sonnett allowed Horan to move up higher in the midfield.</p><p>Sweden pressed in the final 10 minutes of regulation. Sofia Jakobsson, who came in as a substitute in the 81st minute, nearly scored in the 85th but Naeher managed to catch it for her first save of the tournament.</p><p>Neither Caroline Seger or Megan Rapinoe started the match, but Rapinoe came in as a sub for Alex Morgan in the first overtime period.</p><p>Seger, whose 235 appearances for Sweden are the most for any woman in Europe, was on the bench to start the match. The 38-year-old has been struggling with a calf problem all year and trained alone in the two days of practice leading into the showdown with the U.S.</p><p><a href="https://apnews.com/article/womens-world-cup-united-states-rapinoe-665f43d32ff45c859422072fdb99dd60">Rapinoe, also 38, previously announced that this would be her last World Cup.</a>&nbsp;She has taken on a smaller role for the Americans in her final tournament. She was a substitute in the United States’ first and third games of group play and didn’t get off the bench in the middle match. She made her 200th appearance for the national team at the World Cup.</p>

US loses to Sweden on penalty kicks in earliest Women's World Cup exit ever

BY: DAVE COLLINS<br>Sports Director<br><br>Experience and reps can take a team to the next level and that's what senior RMAC 2nd Team All-Conference center Michael DeCamillis is counting on as fall camp opens this weekend in Chadron.

With both starting tackles and the right guard spot all open for competition with three seniors gone from last fall the offensive line will be one of the hottest spots competing for playing time in August.&nbsp;&nbsp;

DeCamillis will be in charge of leading the group into the fall and setting the foundation for their future, which actually began with last season's efforts.

As camp breaks open on Saturday we'll start to learn more about who's in those direct roles for competition.&nbsp;

It took the Eagles some time to get jumpstarted moving the ball and scoring points with a brutal early-season schedule and the complexities of running an RPO offense under new quarterbacks.&nbsp; DeCamillis talks about the group growing out of those early struggles and improving heading into spring ball and this fall.

Like the veterans did for him, DeCamillis wants to pass along as much wisdom as he can for the next wave of Eagle protectors. He gave us a couple of examples at RMAC Media Day.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690823557573.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>BY: DAVE COLLINS<br>Sports Director<br><br>Experience and reps can take a team to the next level and that's what senior RMAC 2nd Team All-Conference center Michael DeCamillis is counting on as fall camp opens this weekend in Chadron.</p><p>With both starting tackles and the right guard spot all open for competition with three seniors gone from last fall the offensive line will be one of the hottest spots competing for playing time in August.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>DeCamillis will be in charge of leading the group into the fall and setting the foundation for their future, which actually began with last season's efforts.</p><div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1583132027&color=%230b00ff&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/md-sb1-on-ol-entering-fall-maturity" title="MD - SB1 - On OL Entering Fall &amp; Maturity" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">MD - SB1 - On OL Entering Fall &amp; Maturity</a></div></div><p>As camp breaks open on Saturday we'll start to learn more about who's in those direct roles for competition.&nbsp;</p><figure>
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                    </figure><p>It took the Eagles some time to get jumpstarted moving the ball and scoring points with a brutal early-season schedule and the complexities of running an RPO offense under new quarterbacks.&nbsp; DeCamillis talks about the group growing out of those early struggles and improving heading into spring ball and this fall.</p><div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1583139907&color=%230b00ff&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/md-sb3-on-ol-building-off-last-year" title="MD - SB3 - On OL Building Off Last Year" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">MD - SB3 - On OL Building Off Last Year</a></div></div><p>Like the veterans did for him, DeCamillis wants to pass along as much wisdom as he can for the next wave of Eagle protectors. He gave us a couple of examples at RMAC Media Day.</p><div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1583137399&color=%230b00ff&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/md-sb2-on-helping-his-young-ol-teammates" title="MD - SB2 - On Helping His Young OL Teammates" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">MD - SB2 - On Helping His Young OL Teammates</a></div></div><div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1583143539&color=%230b00ff&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/md-sb4-on-film-study-and-learning-offensive-needs" title="MD - SB4 - On Film Study And Learning Offensive Needs" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">MD - SB4 - On Film Study And Learning Offensive Needs</a></div></div><p>Check back on panhandlepost.com for more fall camp and pre-season coverage, as well as my Twitter (X) account @DMCbroadcasting for photos, videos and more from the practice fields as CSC gets ready to kickoff the fall season!</p>

🔊 DeCamillis taking charge up front as Eagles build O-Line for fall season

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska defensive back Myles Farmer entered the transfer portal Wednesday after coach Matt Rhule&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nebraska-myles-farmer-matt-rhule-suspended-cbbcb0c03df9bfcae47154fbdaed10b5">suspended him for the start of preseason practice</a>.

Farmer was the team's second-leading tackler last season and had been expected to be the anchor of the Cornhuskers' secondary. A Nebraska spokesman confirmed Farmer's name is in the portal.

Rhule didn’t disclose the reason for Farmer's suspension other than to say it had to do with a failure to adhere to team standards.

The previous coaching staff&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-football-sports-nebraska-driving-under-the-influence-lincoln-a2f08706414b35621979a1832baeaf5c">suspended Farmer for the game against Michigan last November</a>&nbsp;after he was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving.

<p>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska defensive back Myles Farmer entered the transfer portal Wednesday after coach Matt Rhule&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nebraska-myles-farmer-matt-rhule-suspended-cbbcb0c03df9bfcae47154fbdaed10b5">suspended him for the start of preseason practice</a>.</p><p>Farmer was the team's second-leading tackler last season and had been expected to be the anchor of the Cornhuskers' secondary. A Nebraska spokesman confirmed Farmer's name is in the portal.</p><p>Rhule didn’t disclose the reason for Farmer's suspension other than to say it had to do with a failure to adhere to team standards.</p><p>The previous coaching staff&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-football-sports-nebraska-driving-under-the-influence-lincoln-a2f08706414b35621979a1832baeaf5c">suspended Farmer for the game against Michigan last November</a>&nbsp;after he was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving.</p>

Suspended Husker Myles Farmer enters transfer portal

CSC's sack master is back, and he might be even better...

All-American junior defensive lineman Hunter O'Connor will lead the Chadron State defense again this fall and he shared his excitement for the upcoming season at RMAC Football Media Day in Denver recently. 

He knows a successful fall season is built on the hard work in the off-season and he's been grinding all summer to take his game to an even higher level.

Injuries made it really difficult for the Eagle defense to play to its full potential a season ago, but O'Connor says those guys on his side of the ball are healing up and ready to roar, including starting corner J.J. Hair and starting linebacker Heamasi Latu.

O'Connor set a single-season record with 16 sacks last fall and his goal is 25 this year. Adding to that outlook is a strong group of veterans returning in the defensive line rotation for a group that was second in the RMAC with 42 sacks in 2022.&nbsp;

Rivalry games are the typical answer when I ask the guys about what match-ups they're looking forward to the most in the upcoming season.&nbsp; But for O'Connor there's a pair of games he can't wait to play for entirely different reasons.

One thing is for sure with O'Connor and the schedule - he'll be on a mission to hunt down any and all quarterbacks in any color jersey as he and the Eagles take the field each Saturday.

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                    </figure><p>BY: DAVE COLLINS<br>Sports Director</p><p>CSC's sack master is back, and he might be even better...</p><p>All-American junior defensive lineman Hunter O'Connor will lead the Chadron State defense again this fall and he shared his excitement for the upcoming season at RMAC Football Media Day in Denver recently. </p><p>He knows a successful fall season is built on the hard work in the off-season and he's been grinding all summer to take his game to an even higher level.</p><div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1579959879&color=%230014ff&auto_play=false&hide_related=true&show_comments=false&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=false"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/hoc-sb1-on-grind-and-summer-improvement" title="HOC - SB1 - On Grind And Summer Improvement" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">HOC - SB1 - On Grind And Summer Improvement</a></div></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Some pass rush today workin on flipping my hips and finishing🙏 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WDE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WDE</a> <a href="https://t.co/IPMv5Y4Il9">pic.twitter.com/IPMv5Y4Il9</a></p>&mdash; Hunter O&#39;Connor (@hunteroconnor24) <a href="https://twitter.com/hunteroconnor24/status/1679258397848350722?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>Injuries made it really difficult for the Eagle defense to play to its full potential a season ago, but O'Connor says those guys on his side of the ball are healing up and ready to roar, including starting corner J.J. Hair and starting linebacker Heamasi Latu.</p><div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1579964203&color=%230014ff&auto_play=false&hide_related=true&show_comments=false&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=false"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/hoc-sb3-on-jj-and-masi-back-from-inj" title="HOC - SB3 - On JJ And MASI Back From INJ" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">HOC - SB3 - On JJ And MASI Back From INJ</a></div></div><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690905515290.png" alt="" />
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                    </figure><p>O'Connor set a single-season record with 16 sacks last fall and his goal is 25 this year. Adding to that outlook is a strong group of veterans returning in the defensive line rotation for a group that was second in the RMAC with 42 sacks in 2022.&nbsp;</p><div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1579970935&color=%230014ff&auto_play=false&hide_related=true&show_comments=false&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=false"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/hoc-sb2-on-dl-returning" title="HOC - SB2 - On DL Returning" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">HOC - SB2 - On DL Returning</a></div></div><p>Rivalry games are the typical answer when I ask the guys about what match-ups they're looking forward to the most in the upcoming season.&nbsp; But for O'Connor there's a pair of games he can't wait to play for entirely different reasons.</p><div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1579986551&color=%230014ff&auto_play=false&hide_related=true&show_comments=false&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=false"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/hoc-sb4-on-games-hes-looking-forward-to-most" title="HOC - SB4 - On Games He&#x27;s Looking Forward To Most" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">HOC - SB4 - On Games He&#x27;s Looking Forward To Most</a></div></div><p>One thing is for sure with O'Connor and the schedule - he'll be on a mission to hunt down any and all quarterbacks in any color jersey as he and the Eagles take the field each Saturday.</p><figure>
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Chadron State sack master ready to bag up more QB's this fall

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The Denver Broncos braced themselves for a second straight season without their steadiest wide receiver and locker room leader after Tim Patrick was carted off the field with a left Achilles tendon injury Monday — almost a year after tearing his right ACL at training camp.

“It's a tough break for us as a team when you see something like that, a great player, a great leader,” cornerback&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/1686078084897017856?s=20">Patrick Surtain II</a>&nbsp;said. “We wish him the best and just go on from there.”

With an energized crowd of 3,000 looking on as the Broncos practiced in full pads for the first time, Patrick hit the ground in pain just as he came out of his cut on a short route during a seven-on-seven passing drill. He threw his helmet as teammates including Courtland Sutton and Russell Wilson rushed to his side.

The injury happened right in front of head coach Sean Payton, who was watching Patrick make an adjustment from a previous route.

“It's always difficult, especially a guy like that's a leader who's coming off an entire year of rehabilitation,” Payton said. ”It's difficult for his teammates, for all of us. So, maybe, hopefully we get some good news. But it appears it's his left Achilles."

After being carted off, Patrick entered the Broncos facility on crutches, keeping weight off his left leg.

Patrick is known for his strong work ethic and no-nonsense approach. He was one of the more notable finds by the Broncos in recent years.

Undrafted out of Utah in 2017, Patrick bounced around the Ravens' and 49ers' practice squads before arriving in Denver later that year. He became a contributor in 2018 and '19 before posting back-to-back productive seasons that earned him a three-year, $34.5 million contract extension in November 2021.

He was the team's No. 1 receiver going into last season when he tore his right ACL in a noncontact drill on Aug. 2. Two months later the Broncos lost their top running back when Javonte Williams suffered a knee injury and Denver's offense never recovered from the one-two punch, averaging a league-worst 16.9 points a game in Wilson's first year in Denver.

Like Williams, Patrick was looking for a big comeback in 2023 atop the receiver rotation alongside Sutton and Jerry Jeudy.

“When I got hired here, he was one of the guys I saw every day because he was rehabbing last year's injury,” Payton said. “So, that's what makes it more difficult.”

The Broncos do appear to be in better position to weather the loss of Patrick this year if the injury proves to be as serious as suspected.

They bolstered their receiver room, chiefly by drafting speedster Marvin Mims Jr. out of Oklahoma in the second round and signing veterans Marquez Callaway and Lil'Jordan Humphrey in free agency.

“We've just got great guys all around the receiving room, so obviously next man up situation,” Surtain said. “But Tim is a big loss, a big blow, because he brings such a presence out there on the field that many people can't compare to.”

Mims pulled a hamstring in June and suffered a setback before camp, but Monday marked his first practice of camp and Payton was encouraged: "He's feeling good. You're going to see him more and more this week. He's ramping up and we're encouraged.”

However, another receiver, KJ Hamler, who is on the mend from a torn chest muscle, was released Monday when the Broncos signed guard Yasir Durant. Hamler was releasd with a non-football illness designation. Earlier in the day, he posted on Instagram that he was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CvX3bt1Ldb2/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==">diagnosed with the heart condition pericarditis</a>&nbsp;“after feeling some chest pains while working out on the break before camp started.” He vowed to return to the field as soon as he could “better and stronger than ever.”

Notes: Payton had no comment about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jets-aaron-rodgers-sean-payton-nathaniel-hackett-dbb783fd76467167bb0c9eb4c3ea74e4">Aaron Rodgers' spirited defense</a>&nbsp;of Jets OC Nathaniel Hackett after Payton ripped him last week for his poor head coaching job in Denver last year. “No, we're past it,” said Payton, who did a mea culpa last week, saying he regretted criticizing Hackett, the Jets and members of the Broncos' front office in trying to spread the blame for Wilson's career-worst season in 2022 during an interview with USA Today.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690901041091.jpeg" alt="Tim Patrick Broncos" />
                        <figcaption>Tim Patrick Broncos</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The Denver Broncos braced themselves for a second straight season without their steadiest wide receiver and locker room leader after Tim Patrick was carted off the field with a left Achilles tendon injury Monday — almost a year after tearing his right ACL at training camp.</p><p>“It's a tough break for us as a team when you see something like that, a great player, a great leader,” cornerback&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/1686078084897017856?s=20">Patrick Surtain II</a>&nbsp;said. “We wish him the best and just go on from there.”</p><p>With an energized crowd of 3,000 looking on as the Broncos practiced in full pads for the first time, Patrick hit the ground in pain just as he came out of his cut on a short route during a seven-on-seven passing drill. He threw his helmet as teammates including Courtland Sutton and Russell Wilson rushed to his side.</p><p>The injury happened right in front of head coach Sean Payton, who was watching Patrick make an adjustment from a previous route.</p><p>“It's always difficult, especially a guy like that's a leader who's coming off an entire year of rehabilitation,” Payton said. ”It's difficult for his teammates, for all of us. So, maybe, hopefully we get some good news. But it appears it's his left Achilles."</p><p>After being carted off, Patrick entered the Broncos facility on crutches, keeping weight off his left leg.</p><p>Patrick is known for his strong work ethic and no-nonsense approach. He was one of the more notable finds by the Broncos in recent years.</p><p>Undrafted out of Utah in 2017, Patrick bounced around the Ravens' and 49ers' practice squads before arriving in Denver later that year. He became a contributor in 2018 and '19 before posting back-to-back productive seasons that earned him a three-year, $34.5 million contract extension in November 2021.</p><p>He was the team's No. 1 receiver going into last season when he tore his right ACL in a noncontact drill on Aug. 2. Two months later the Broncos lost their top running back when Javonte Williams suffered a knee injury and Denver's offense never recovered from the one-two punch, averaging a league-worst 16.9 points a game in Wilson's first year in Denver.</p><p>Like Williams, Patrick was looking for a big comeback in 2023 atop the receiver rotation alongside Sutton and Jerry Jeudy.</p><p>“When I got hired here, he was one of the guys I saw every day because he was rehabbing last year's injury,” Payton said. “So, that's what makes it more difficult.”</p><p>The Broncos do appear to be in better position to weather the loss of Patrick this year if the injury proves to be as serious as suspected.</p><p>They bolstered their receiver room, chiefly by drafting speedster Marvin Mims Jr. out of Oklahoma in the second round and signing veterans Marquez Callaway and Lil'Jordan Humphrey in free agency.</p><p>“We've just got great guys all around the receiving room, so obviously next man up situation,” Surtain said. “But Tim is a big loss, a big blow, because he brings such a presence out there on the field that many people can't compare to.”</p><p>Mims pulled a hamstring in June and suffered a setback before camp, but Monday marked his first practice of camp and Payton was encouraged: "He's feeling good. You're going to see him more and more this week. He's ramping up and we're encouraged.”</p><p>However, another receiver, KJ Hamler, who is on the mend from a torn chest muscle, was released Monday when the Broncos signed guard Yasir Durant. Hamler was releasd with a non-football illness designation. Earlier in the day, he posted on Instagram that he was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CvX3bt1Ldb2/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==">diagnosed with the heart condition pericarditis</a>&nbsp;“after feeling some chest pains while working out on the break before camp started.” He vowed to return to the field as soon as he could “better and stronger than ever.”</p><p>Notes: Payton had no comment about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jets-aaron-rodgers-sean-payton-nathaniel-hackett-dbb783fd76467167bb0c9eb4c3ea74e4">Aaron Rodgers' spirited defense</a>&nbsp;of Jets OC Nathaniel Hackett after Payton ripped him last week for his poor head coaching job in Denver last year. “No, we're past it,” said Payton, who did a mea culpa last week, saying he regretted criticizing Hackett, the Jets and members of the Broncos' front office in trying to spread the blame for Wilson's career-worst season in 2022 during an interview with USA Today.</p>

Broncos lose WR Tim Patrick for second straight season with bad injury

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska defensive back Myles Farmer, the team's second-leading tackler last season, was not on the 120-man roster when the Cornhuskers opened practice Monday and his return was uncertain.

First-year coach Matt Rhule said he suspended Farmer indefinitely. Rhule didn't disclose the reason other than to say it had to do with a failure to adhere to team standards.

Rhule also announced that wide receiver Josh Fleeks, a transfer from Baylor, reported “significantly” overweight Sunday and will be held out until he makes weight.

Brodie Tagaloa, who was expected to be in the defensive line rotation, probably is out for the season because of injuries sustained in a car accident two weeks ago. Rhule said Tagaloa had facial cuts and required knee surgery.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690901135185.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska defensive back Myles Farmer, the team's second-leading tackler last season, was not on the 120-man roster when the Cornhuskers opened practice Monday and his return was uncertain.</p><p>First-year coach Matt Rhule said he suspended Farmer indefinitely. Rhule didn't disclose the reason other than to say it had to do with a failure to adhere to team standards.</p><p>The previous coaching staff&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-football-sports-nebraska-driving-under-the-influence-lincoln-a2f08706414b35621979a1832baeaf5c">suspended Farmer for the game against Michigan last November</a>&nbsp;after he was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving.</p><p>Rhule also announced that wide receiver Josh Fleeks, a transfer from Baylor, reported “significantly” overweight Sunday and will be held out until he makes weight.</p><p>Brodie Tagaloa, who was expected to be in the defensive line rotation, probably is out for the season because of injuries sustained in a car accident two weeks ago. Rhule said Tagaloa had facial cuts and required knee surgery.</p>

Huskers suspend star defender Farmer indefinitely 

DENVER (AP) — Ryan McMahon hit a sacrifice fly with the bases load in the bottom of the 10th inning, lifting the Colorado Rockies to a 4-3 win over the San Diego Padres on Monday night in a game delayed 2 hours, 20 minutes by weather.

McMahon also homered and doubled, Elehuris Montero also had two hits and Brad Hand (3-1) got the win for Colorado.

Rockies second baseman Brendan Rodgers made his season debut with a single in four at-bats as the designated hitter. Rodgers missed the first four months of the season with a surgically-repaired torn right labrum.

Trent Grisham hit a solo homer off Justin Lawrence with two outs in the ninth to tie it but San Diego failed to score in the 10th after loading the bases with no outs.

Colorado also loaded the bases with no outs in the bottom of the inning, and after a force play at home, McMahon lofted a ball to left off of Nick Martinez (4-4) and Brenton Doyle beat Juan Soto’s throw home to win it.

“Thank God it was the fastest guy in the league, possibly,” McMahon said of Doyle. “We battled that one out. Obviously got ourselves into a sticky situation in the 10th and got out of it with really good defense.”

The Padres fell to 0-10 in extra inning games and 6-18 in one-run games.

“We know what our record is in extra innings,” said Xander Bogaerts, who hit into a pair of double plays and then a force out in the 10th. “It’s not pretty. Try to take care of business before it gets there.

“This one feels worse because this one’s on me. I felt great going into today and I just didn’t do my job. It’s just one of those days you have a bad day at work. I played like trash.”

San Diego’s Ha-Seong Kim was the designated hitter and batted leadoff a day after jamming him shoulder on a headfirst dive into home against Texas. He went 1 for 4 with a walk.

Soto and Matthew Batten each had three hits for the Padres, who had their three-game winning streak snapped despite seven solid innings from Seth Lugo. He allowed three runs — two earned — and five hits while striking out eight.

San Diego went ahead 1-0 in the fourth on Jake Cronenworth’s two-out RBI single, and Montero’s double to left-center in the fifth tied it, and Harold Castro also scored on the play when Grisham misplayed the ball to put the Rockies ahead.

McMahon made it 3-1 with his 17th home run in the sixth and Batten’s RBI single in the seventh made it a one-run game.

The Padres nearly tied it in the eighth but Soto was thrown out at home trying to score on a one-out single to center and Cronenworth flew out to end the inning.

Padres: RHP Michael Wacha (right shoulder inflammation) threw two innings to live hitters, manager Bob Melvin said. Wacha has been out since July 2.

Rockies: OF Charlie Blackmon (right hand fracture) will play rehab games Tuesday and Wednesday with Triple-A Albuquerque with the goal of returning for the weekend series in St. Louis. He has been out since June 10. ... INF/OF Nolan Jones was out of the lineup a day after cramping up while batting against Oakland.

Colorado RHP Peter Lambert (2-1, 4.76 ERA) will start Tuesday while the Padres have not named a starter.

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                    </figure><p>DENVER (AP) — Ryan McMahon hit a sacrifice fly with the bases load in the bottom of the 10th inning, lifting the Colorado Rockies to a 4-3 win over the San Diego Padres on Monday night in a game delayed 2 hours, 20 minutes by weather.</p><p>McMahon also homered and doubled, Elehuris Montero also had two hits and Brad Hand (3-1) got the win for Colorado.</p><p>Rockies second baseman Brendan Rodgers made his season debut with a single in four at-bats as the designated hitter. Rodgers missed the first four months of the season with a surgically-repaired torn right labrum.</p><p>Trent Grisham hit a solo homer off Justin Lawrence with two outs in the ninth to tie it but San Diego failed to score in the 10th after loading the bases with no outs.</p><p>Colorado also loaded the bases with no outs in the bottom of the inning, and after a force play at home, McMahon lofted a ball to left off of Nick Martinez (4-4) and Brenton Doyle beat Juan Soto’s throw home to win it.</p><p>“Thank God it was the fastest guy in the league, possibly,” McMahon said of Doyle. “We battled that one out. Obviously got ourselves into a sticky situation in the 10th and got out of it with really good defense.”</p><p>The Padres fell to 0-10 in extra inning games and 6-18 in one-run games.</p><p>“We know what our record is in extra innings,” said Xander Bogaerts, who hit into a pair of double plays and then a force out in the 10th. “It’s not pretty. Try to take care of business before it gets there.</p><p>“This one feels worse because this one’s on me. I felt great going into today and I just didn’t do my job. It’s just one of those days you have a bad day at work. I played like trash.”</p><p>San Diego’s Ha-Seong Kim was the designated hitter and batted leadoff a day after jamming him shoulder on a headfirst dive into home against Texas. He went 1 for 4 with a walk.</p><p>Soto and Matthew Batten each had three hits for the Padres, who had their three-game winning streak snapped despite seven solid innings from Seth Lugo. He allowed three runs — two earned — and five hits while striking out eight.</p><p>San Diego went ahead 1-0 in the fourth on Jake Cronenworth’s two-out RBI single, and Montero’s double to left-center in the fifth tied it, and Harold Castro also scored on the play when Grisham misplayed the ball to put the Rockies ahead.</p><p>McMahon made it 3-1 with his 17th home run in the sixth and Batten’s RBI single in the seventh made it a one-run game.</p><p>The Padres nearly tied it in the eighth but Soto was thrown out at home trying to score on a one-out single to center and Cronenworth flew out to end the inning.</p><p>TRAINER’S ROOM</p><p>Padres: RHP Michael Wacha (right shoulder inflammation) threw two innings to live hitters, manager Bob Melvin said. Wacha has been out since July 2.</p><p>Rockies: OF Charlie Blackmon (right hand fracture) will play rehab games Tuesday and Wednesday with Triple-A Albuquerque with the goal of returning for the weekend series in St. Louis. He has been out since June 10. ... INF/OF Nolan Jones was out of the lineup a day after cramping up while batting against Oakland.</p><p>UP NEXT</p><p>Colorado RHP Peter Lambert (2-1, 4.76 ERA) will start Tuesday while the Padres have not named a starter.</p>

Rockies win in late night dramatics following lengthy rain delay

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Frank Clark has reunited with Russell Wilson in Denver and now the outside linebacker has former teammate Patrick Mahomes in his sights instead.

The 30-year-old outside linebacker signed with Denver after being jettisoned by the Kansas City Chiefs in a cost-cutting move this offseason and the Broncos are counting on him to add some oomph to their pass rush.

Still in the AFC West, Clark gets two opportunities at beating his former team this season, something the Broncos haven't done since 2015. Their 15-game skid against the Chiefs is the fourth longest by one team to a single opponent in NFL history.

Unlike his reunion with Wilson, revenge and rivalry aren't top of mind for Clark as he embraces his fresh start in the Rocky Mountains.

“I wouldn't call it a rivalry. A rivalry is competitive,”&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/1685358050440597504?s=20">Clark interjected</a>&nbsp;in his first public comments since signing a one-year, $5.5 million deal with Denver last month. “I'm (with) the Broncos now. I've been on the other side. We didn't call it a rivalry then."

And before anyone around Denver can call it that the Broncos will have to beat Mahomes, something they have a better shot at doing with Clark on their side.

The Chiefs parted ways with Clark just a year after signing him to a two-year, $30 million extension. The Broncos haven't had a fearsome pass rush since trading Von Miller two years ago. And with Baron Browning sidelined by a knee injury and Randy Gregory coming off an injury-filled debut season in Denver, first-year head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-sean-payton-nathaniel-hackett-broncos-c83ef734c577cb1347dd0a198fb1e0c1">Sean Payton</a>&nbsp;eagerly welcomed the veteran with 58 1/2 sacks.

Clark had 23 1/2 sacks in four seasons in Kansas City and another 10 1/2 in the playoffs, helping the Chiefs go 10-2 in the postseason and make three trips to the Super Bowl.

“What we did in Kansas City was special,” Clark said. “Four-year run, two Super Bowl (rings), three AFC titles. It was fun, but at the end of the day all good things come to an end.”

Bad things, too, he hopes. Such as Denver's 15-game skid to the Chiefs.

One thing Clark insists isn't nearing the finish line in his proclivity for getting after the passer even though his five sacks in 2022 and two-game suspension for gun possession incidents a year earlier meant an end to his three-year run as a Pro Bowler.

“I wouldn't say it was the end" in Kansas City last season, Clark said. “It's never the end when you get the job finished.”

Now he aims to help the Broncos and Wilson bounce back in 2023.

“He's still dangerous. Don't get it twisted,” Clark said of Wilson, whom he played with in Seattle from 2015-18. "Russ is a veteran. He's a guy that's won on multiple levels. ... I was a part of Seahawks teams that were successful; I was a part of teams where we didn’t make the playoffs. But it was the same Russ.

“So don't think a bad season's going to shake a guy like Russ,” Clark added. "Naw, bro, we start fresh every year. Every summer's a fresh start.”

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690819155834.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Frank Clark has reunited with Russell Wilson in Denver and now the outside linebacker has former teammate Patrick Mahomes in his sights instead.</p><p>The 30-year-old outside linebacker signed with Denver after being jettisoned by the Kansas City Chiefs in a cost-cutting move this offseason and the Broncos are counting on him to add some oomph to their pass rush.</p><p>Still in the AFC West, Clark gets two opportunities at beating his former team this season, something the Broncos haven't done since 2015. Their 15-game skid against the Chiefs is the fourth longest by one team to a single opponent in NFL history.</p><p>Unlike his reunion with Wilson, revenge and rivalry aren't top of mind for Clark as he embraces his fresh start in the Rocky Mountains.</p><p>“I wouldn't call it a rivalry. A rivalry is competitive,”&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/1685358050440597504?s=20">Clark interjected</a>&nbsp;in his first public comments since signing a one-year, $5.5 million deal with Denver last month. “I'm (with) the Broncos now. I've been on the other side. We didn't call it a rivalry then."</p><p>And before anyone around Denver can call it that the Broncos will have to beat Mahomes, something they have a better shot at doing with Clark on their side.</p><p>The Chiefs parted ways with Clark just a year after signing him to a two-year, $30 million extension. The Broncos haven't had a fearsome pass rush since trading Von Miller two years ago. And with Baron Browning sidelined by a knee injury and Randy Gregory coming off an injury-filled debut season in Denver, first-year head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-sean-payton-nathaniel-hackett-broncos-c83ef734c577cb1347dd0a198fb1e0c1">Sean Payton</a>&nbsp;eagerly welcomed the veteran with 58 1/2 sacks.</p><p>Clark had 23 1/2 sacks in four seasons in Kansas City and another 10 1/2 in the playoffs, helping the Chiefs go 10-2 in the postseason and make three trips to the Super Bowl.</p><p>“What we did in Kansas City was special,” Clark said. “Four-year run, two Super Bowl (rings), three AFC titles. It was fun, but at the end of the day all good things come to an end.”</p><p>Bad things, too, he hopes. Such as Denver's 15-game skid to the Chiefs.</p><p>One thing Clark insists isn't nearing the finish line in his proclivity for getting after the passer even though his five sacks in 2022 and two-game suspension for gun possession incidents a year earlier meant an end to his three-year run as a Pro Bowler.</p><p>“I wouldn't say it was the end" in Kansas City last season, Clark said. “It's never the end when you get the job finished.”</p><p>Now he aims to help the Broncos and Wilson bounce back in 2023.</p><p>“He's still dangerous. Don't get it twisted,” Clark said of Wilson, whom he played with in Seattle from 2015-18. "Russ is a veteran. He's a guy that's won on multiple levels. ... I was a part of Seahawks teams that were successful; I was a part of teams where we didn’t make the playoffs. But it was the same Russ.</p><p>“So don't think a bad season's going to shake a guy like Russ,” Clark added. "Naw, bro, we start fresh every year. Every summer's a fresh start.”</p>

Former Chiefs star reunites with Russell Wilson on Broncos side of the football

Chadron State football kicks off its season one month from today in Illinois on August 31, and on&nbsp;Friday in Denver the RMAC's football schools shared pre-season thoughts with the media in anticipation of fall camps opening this week.

Head Coach Jay Long addressed what his staff determined to be the two main areas of improvement the Eagles needed to focus on going into the offseason.

Coach Long talked about how the team utilized the transfer portal to help rebuild the secondary in an effort to cut down on allowing big plays. So far, it sounds like it's already paying off with new players making their mark.

All-American defensive lineman Hunter O'Conner and second team all-conference center Michael DeCamillis are two veterans that attended media day with Coach Long.&nbsp; The pair described the hunger they and the team have to get back on the field following a 3-8 season.

The Eagles will open fall camp practices at the end of the week and have 25 total get-togethers with 13 of those practices allowing pads.&nbsp; Coach Long emphasized there's no room for wasting any of those practices and the team's focus has to be sharp.

Check back on panhandlepost.com this week for more comments from Long, O'Connor and DeCamillis as we lead into fall camp.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Follow Dave Collins on Twitter (X) for coverage of CSC sports all season @DMCbroadcasting.

<figure>
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                    </figure><p>BY: DAVE COLLINS<br>Sports Director</p><p>Chadron State football kicks off its season one month from today in Illinois on August 31, and on&nbsp;Friday in Denver the RMAC's football schools shared pre-season thoughts with the media in anticipation of fall camps opening this week.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690822071116.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Head Coach Jay Long addressed what his staff determined to be the two main areas of improvement the Eagles needed to focus on going into the offseason.</p><div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1579129175&color=%230014ff&auto_play=false&hide_related=true&show_comments=false&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=false"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/long-sb1-on-two-biggest-areas-needing-imprvmt" title="Long - SB1 - On Two Biggest Areas Needing Imprvmt" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Long - SB1 - On Two Biggest Areas Needing Imprvmt</a></div></div><p>Coach Long talked about how the team utilized the transfer portal to help rebuild the secondary in an effort to cut down on allowing big plays. So far, it sounds like it's already paying off with new players making their mark.</p><div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1579138411&color=%230014ff&auto_play=false&hide_related=true&show_comments=false&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=false"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/long-sb2-on-bringing-in-transfers-for-db-ol" title="Long - SB2 - On Bringing In Transfers For DB - OL" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Long - SB2 - On Bringing In Transfers For DB - OL</a></div></div><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690822124218.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>All-American defensive lineman Hunter O'Conner and second team all-conference center Michael DeCamillis are two veterans that attended media day with Coach Long.&nbsp; The pair described the hunger they and the team have to get back on the field following a 3-8 season.</p><div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1579133986&color=%230014ff&auto_play=false&hide_related=true&show_comments=false&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=false"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/hunter-michael-hunger-for-the-upcoming-season" title="Hunter &amp; Michael - Hunger For The Upcoming Season" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Hunter &amp; Michael - Hunger For The Upcoming Season</a></div></div><p>The Eagles will open fall camp practices at the end of the week and have 25 total get-togethers with 13 of those practices allowing pads.&nbsp; Coach Long emphasized there's no room for wasting any of those practices and the team's focus has to be sharp.</p><p>Check back on panhandlepost.com this week for more comments from Long, O'Connor and DeCamillis as we lead into fall camp.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Follow Dave Collins on Twitter (X) for coverage of CSC sports all season @DMCbroadcasting.</p>

🔊 RMAC Media Day: Eagles shoring up two major areas heading into season

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Aaron Rodgers is sticking by his offensive coordinator and firing his hardest throw of the summer at Sean Payton.

The Jets quarterback was bothered by critical comments Payton, the Denver Broncos' head coach, recently made about offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. Payton&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sean-payton-nathaniel-hackett-broncos-jets-d8bafbaaf1d0673ca4bb8313b23b1897">told USA Today for a story published Thursday</a>&nbsp;that Hackett's 15-game stint with the Broncos last season ”was one of the worst coaching jobs in the history of the NFL.″

Payton also said there were “20 dirty hands” around Russell Wilson’s career-worst season, and took some shots at the Jets — Hackett's new team where he and Rodgers are reunited after enjoying success together in Green Bay.

“It made me feel bad that someone who has accomplished a lot in the league is that insecure that they have to take another man down to set themselves up for some sort of easy fall if it doesn’t go well for that team this year,”&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/PSchrags/status/1685702897613295616?s=20">Rodgers told NFL Network</a>&nbsp;on Sunday. “I think it was way out of line, inappropriate, and I think he needs to keep my coaches’ names out of his mouth.”

Rodgers, acquired by New York in April from Green Bay, said Hackett is “arguably my favorite coach I’ve ever had in the NFL.” The pair was together for two of Rodgers' four NFL MVP awards in 2020 and 2021 with the Packers.

During the interview with USA Today's Jarrett Bell, Payton also criticized the Jets being the latest NFL team “trying to win the offseason” — something he said the Broncos under Hackett tried to do and were “embarrassed.”

Jets coach Robert Saleh said Thursday “Hackett’s doing a phenomenal job here” when asked about Payton's comments. He also said the Jets are just focused on themselves, but recognizes “there’s a lot of people that are hatin’ on us and a lot of people looking for us to fail.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-sean-payton-nathaniel-hackett-broncos-c83ef734c577cb1347dd0a198fb1e0c1">Payton on Friday said he regretted his comments</a>&nbsp;in which he disparaged Hackett, and said he would reach out to Hackett and Saleh “at the right time” to do so.

“Listen, I had one of those moments where I still had my Fox hat on and not my coaching hat,” said Payton, who’s returning to the sideline this season after a year’s sabbatical during which he worked as a studio football analyst for Fox Sports following a 15-year stint with the New Orleans Saints.

Rodgers told NFL Network he thought Payton's initial comments "were very surprising, for a coach to do that to another coach."

Meanwhile, the back-and-forth made the Jets' matchup in Denver in Week 5 on Oct. 8 a bit juicier. Payton acknowledged Friday his comments “certainly will bring more interest to the game when we play them, but that seems like years from now.”

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690819017949.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Aaron Rodgers is sticking by his offensive coordinator and firing his hardest throw of the summer at Sean Payton.</p><p>The Jets quarterback was bothered by critical comments Payton, the Denver Broncos' head coach, recently made about offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. Payton&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sean-payton-nathaniel-hackett-broncos-jets-d8bafbaaf1d0673ca4bb8313b23b1897">told USA Today for a story published Thursday</a>&nbsp;that Hackett's 15-game stint with the Broncos last season ”was one of the worst coaching jobs in the history of the NFL.″</p><p>Payton also said there were “20 dirty hands” around Russell Wilson’s career-worst season, and took some shots at the Jets — Hackett's new team where he and Rodgers are reunited after enjoying success together in Green Bay.</p><p>“It made me feel bad that someone who has accomplished a lot in the league is that insecure that they have to take another man down to set themselves up for some sort of easy fall if it doesn’t go well for that team this year,”&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/PSchrags/status/1685702897613295616?s=20">Rodgers told NFL Network</a>&nbsp;on Sunday. “I think it was way out of line, inappropriate, and I think he needs to keep my coaches’ names out of his mouth.”</p><p>Rodgers, acquired by New York in April from Green Bay, said Hackett is “arguably my favorite coach I’ve ever had in the NFL.” The pair was together for two of Rodgers' four NFL MVP awards in 2020 and 2021 with the Packers.</p><p>During the interview with USA Today's Jarrett Bell, Payton also criticized the Jets being the latest NFL team “trying to win the offseason” — something he said the Broncos under Hackett tried to do and were “embarrassed.”</p><p>Jets coach Robert Saleh said Thursday “Hackett’s doing a phenomenal job here” when asked about Payton's comments. He also said the Jets are just focused on themselves, but recognizes “there’s a lot of people that are hatin’ on us and a lot of people looking for us to fail.”</p><p><a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-sean-payton-nathaniel-hackett-broncos-c83ef734c577cb1347dd0a198fb1e0c1">Payton on Friday said he regretted his comments</a>&nbsp;in which he disparaged Hackett, and said he would reach out to Hackett and Saleh “at the right time” to do so.</p><p>“Listen, I had one of those moments where I still had my Fox hat on and not my coaching hat,” said Payton, who’s returning to the sideline this season after a year’s sabbatical during which he worked as a studio football analyst for Fox Sports following a 15-year stint with the New Orleans Saints.</p><p>Rodgers told NFL Network he thought Payton's initial comments "were very surprising, for a coach to do that to another coach."</p><p>Meanwhile, the back-and-forth made the Jets' matchup in Denver in Week 5 on Oct. 8 a bit juicier. Payton acknowledged Friday his comments “certainly will bring more interest to the game when we play them, but that seems like years from now.”</p>

Aaron Rodgers fires back at Broncos coach as budding rivalry heats up

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska tight ends coach Bob Wager resigned Friday after being cited for suspicion of drunken driving.

According to Lincoln police records, Wager was stopped Wednesday and cited for driving with a blood-alcohol content of 0.15 or higher, refusal of a preliminary breath test, refusal of chemical test and having an open container.

“Earlier this week I received a citation for a driving offense that I regret immensely," Wager said in a statement released by the university. "I am grateful for the opportunity extended to me, and sincerely sorry for any negativity my poor decision has brought to my family, our team, our staff, and all those that I have disappointed.”

First-year coach Matt Rhule elevated Josh Martin from special teams analyst to full-time tight ends coach. Martin previously coached tight ends at SMU and Arizona State.

The 53-year-old Wager arrived at Nebraska after being a Texas high school coach for 26 years. He was coach at Arlington Martin High for 17 years and led the school to the state playoffs each of his 17 seasons.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690819348156.jpeg" alt="" />
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                    </figure><p>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska tight ends coach Bob Wager resigned Friday after being cited for suspicion of drunken driving.</p><p>According to Lincoln police records, Wager was stopped Wednesday and cited for driving with a blood-alcohol content of 0.15 or higher, refusal of a preliminary breath test, refusal of chemical test and having an open container.</p><p>“Earlier this week I received a citation for a driving offense that I regret immensely," Wager said in a statement released by the university. "I am grateful for the opportunity extended to me, and sincerely sorry for any negativity my poor decision has brought to my family, our team, our staff, and all those that I have disappointed.”</p><p>First-year coach Matt Rhule elevated Josh Martin from special teams analyst to full-time tight ends coach. Martin previously coached tight ends at SMU and Arizona State.</p><p>The 53-year-old Wager arrived at Nebraska after being a Texas high school coach for 26 years. He was coach at Arlington Martin High for 17 years and led the school to the state playoffs each of his 17 seasons.</p>

Husker TE coach Wager resigns following drunk driving citation

DENVER (AP) — Ty Blach tossed five strong innings, Ryan McMahon had two hits and drove in both runs, and the Colorado Rockies beat the Oakland Athletics 2-0 on Sunday to salvage the final game of the three-game series.

Matt Koch, Brent Suter and Daniel Bard each pitched an inning before Justin Lawrence capped the shutout with a clean ninth to earn his eighth save.

“That was pitching at its finest,” Rockies manager Buddy Black said. “It was a really, really good game when we needed it, on a summer day in Denver in late July when it’s hot and the ball flies. Two runs. Well pitched on both sides.”

Ramón Laureano had two hits and Luis Medina (3-8) allowed two runs in 5 1/3 innings for the Athletics.

Oakland, which entered the weekend series averaging 3.22 runs, put up a total of 19 runs in its wins Friday and Saturday nights against traditional starters. The Athletics’ bats went silent against Blach, a reliever and designated opener.

“To come to Coors and keep that offense in check and win two of three games shows the growth in the team,” Oakland manager Mark Kotsay said. “It shows that we continue to be competitive, and winning a series is a good sign.”

Blach (1-0), making his second straight start, went a season-high five innings and threw just 11 balls in his 52 pitches. He allowed three hits and only one runner past first base.

McMahon provided the run support with an RBI single in the third inning and a two-out double in the fifth to bring home Ezequiel Tovar.

“Any time you can come through, that’s what this game is about,” McMahon said. “That’s what feels good and just feels good to come through for your team.”

The Athletics’ best chance to score was against Suter in the seventh, when they loaded the bases with two outs. Suter got Nick Allen looking with a 78 mph changeup to end the inning.

Colorado continued its season-long 30th anniversary celebration by honoring four key figures in franchise history. Clint Hurdle, Pedro Astacio, Jorge De La Rosa and Carlos González were in attendance and recognized for their major contributions to the Rockies.

Hurdle managed the team to the 2007 World Series, Astacio holds team record for complete games with 14, De La Rosa has the most strikeouts in franchise history with 985, and González was a Gold Glove outfielder and NL batting champion. He also hit a walk-off homer to complete a cycle, which occurred on July 30, 2010.

González, Astacio and De La Rosa threw out the ceremonial first pitch before the game.

Blach, a Denver native, grew up watching them play and got an extra boost from their presence.

“I was walking in from the bullpen and I was like, ‘I’m going to try to channel my inner Jorge de la Rosa,’” he said. “For me to be able to do that is really special.”

Rockies outfielder Randal Grichuk had a good audition this weekend if contending teams are in need of a veteran for the pennant drive. Grichuk homered twice, had four total hits Friday and Saturday and capped the series with a diving catch in right field on Sunday.

“That was outstanding,” Black said. “That’s a highlight-reel play.”

Athletics: Have not announced a starter for Monday night’s game at the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Rockies: LHP Austin Gomber (8-8, 5.83) will start the opener of a three-game series against San Diego on Monday night.

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                    </figure><p>DENVER (AP) — Ty Blach tossed five strong innings, Ryan McMahon had two hits and drove in both runs, and the Colorado Rockies beat the Oakland Athletics 2-0 on Sunday to salvage the final game of the three-game series.</p><p>Matt Koch, Brent Suter and Daniel Bard each pitched an inning before Justin Lawrence capped the shutout with a clean ninth to earn his eighth save.</p><p>“That was pitching at its finest,” Rockies manager Buddy Black said. “It was a really, really good game when we needed it, on a summer day in Denver in late July when it’s hot and the ball flies. Two runs. Well pitched on both sides.”</p><p>Ramón Laureano had two hits and Luis Medina (3-8) allowed two runs in 5 1/3 innings for the Athletics.</p><p>Oakland, which entered the weekend series averaging 3.22 runs, put up a total of 19 runs in its wins Friday and Saturday nights against traditional starters. The Athletics’ bats went silent against Blach, a reliever and designated opener.</p><p>“To come to Coors and keep that offense in check and win two of three games shows the growth in the team,” Oakland manager Mark Kotsay said. “It shows that we continue to be competitive, and winning a series is a good sign.”</p><p>Blach (1-0), making his second straight start, went a season-high five innings and threw just 11 balls in his 52 pitches. He allowed three hits and only one runner past first base.</p><p>McMahon provided the run support with an RBI single in the third inning and a two-out double in the fifth to bring home Ezequiel Tovar.</p><p>“Any time you can come through, that’s what this game is about,” McMahon said. “That’s what feels good and just feels good to come through for your team.”</p><p>The Athletics’ best chance to score was against Suter in the seventh, when they loaded the bases with two outs. Suter got Nick Allen looking with a 78 mph changeup to end the inning.</p><p>THOSE WERE THE DAYS</p><p>Colorado continued its season-long 30th anniversary celebration by honoring four key figures in franchise history. Clint Hurdle, Pedro Astacio, Jorge De La Rosa and Carlos González were in attendance and recognized for their major contributions to the Rockies.</p><p>Hurdle managed the team to the 2007 World Series, Astacio holds team record for complete games with 14, De La Rosa has the most strikeouts in franchise history with 985, and González was a Gold Glove outfielder and NL batting champion. He also hit a walk-off homer to complete a cycle, which occurred on July 30, 2010.</p><p>González, Astacio and De La Rosa threw out the ceremonial first pitch before the game.</p><p>Blach, a Denver native, grew up watching them play and got an extra boost from their presence.</p><p>“I was walking in from the bullpen and I was like, ‘I’m going to try to channel my inner Jorge de la Rosa,’” he said. “For me to be able to do that is really special.”</p><p>RESUME BUILDING</p><p>Rockies outfielder Randal Grichuk had a good audition this weekend if contending teams are in need of a veteran for the pennant drive. Grichuk homered twice, had four total hits Friday and Saturday and capped the series with a diving catch in right field on Sunday.</p><p>“That was outstanding,” Black said. “That’s a highlight-reel play.”</p><p>UP NEXT</p><p>Athletics: Have not announced a starter for Monday night’s game at the Los Angeles Dodgers.</p><p>Rockies: LHP Austin Gomber (8-8, 5.83) will start the opener of a three-game series against San Diego on Monday night.</p>

Colorado salvages final game of Oakland series, 2-0 Sunday

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — The Los Angeles Angels reacquired slugger C.J. Cron and outfielder Randal Grichuk in a trade with the Colorado Rockies on Sunday, bolstering their injury-plagued roster with more veteran depth as they fight for a playoff spot.

Los Angeles sent minor league pitchers Mason Albright and Jake Madden to the Rockies in the deal that brought two former Angels first-round draft picks back to the team. Colorado also is sending $3,701,613 along with Cron and Grichuk, who are in the final years of their contracts before free agency. Cron is owed $2,540,323 in remaining salary and Grichuk $3,161,290, leaving the Angels in effect responsible for $2 million.

The Angels (55-51) are desperate to end their MLB-worst streaks of seven consecutive losing seasons and eight consecutive non-playoff seasons, but their efforts have been endangered by injuries that have seriously compromised their big league depth.

Los Angeles has a major league-leading 17 players on its injured lists after outfielder Taylor Ward joined the group Sunday before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/angels-blue-jays-renfroe-bbe95071c888d21ce61432e0dbe0fcda">an extra-inning victory in Toronto</a>. Ward was moved to the 60-day injured list later in the day, effectively ending his regular season, with facial fractures after Toronto's Alek Manoah&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-ward-angels-hit-head-f6d9e274c8e40637904ae6528f903d4c">hit him in the face with a fastball</a>&nbsp;on Saturday.

The 33-year-old Cron spent his first four major league seasons with Los Angeles, hitting 59 of his 186 career homers before getting traded to Tampa Bay in early 2018 for prospect Luis Rengifo, who is still a valuable contributor to the Angels. Cron is batting .260 with 11 homers and 32 RBIs this season for the Rockies as their power-hitting first baseman.

Grichuk was selected by the Angels one pick before Mike Trout in the 2009 draft. Los Angeles traded him to St. Louis before he reached the majors and began a 10-year career with the Cardinals, Toronto and Colorado.

Grichuk is batting .308 with an .861 OPS in 64 games this season for the Rockies. His positional flexibility in the outfield will be valuable for the Angels in the injury absences of Trout, Ward and Jo Adell, leaving Mickey Moniak and Hunter Renfroe as the only healthy outfielders on Los Angeles' 40-man roster.

Grichuk is making just over $10.3 million this season, while Cron is earning $7.25 million. The moves continue the Rockies' teardown for the final two months of what's almost certain to be their fifth consecutive losing season.

The 20-year-old Albright is 11-8 with a 5.36 ERA in three seasons in the low minors. The 21-year-old Madden, a fourth-round pick in 2022, is 2-6 with a 5.46 ERA in 14 starts for Low-A Inland Empire this season.

The Angels have traded a significant amount of minor league talent in recent weeks in their determined effort to make the playoffs during the final season of Shohei Ohtani's contract.

Los Angeles has acquired six veteran major leaguers — slugger Mike Moustakas,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/angels-white-sox-lucas-giolito-reynaldo-lopez-68d9b685b38d3b657f0be5b606a316d1">right-handed starter Lucas Giolito</a>, reliever Reynaldo López and infielder Eduardo Escobar along with Cron and Grichuk — in four separate trades since late June.

Trout has been out since July 3 with a broken hand, and third baseman Anthony Rendon was sidelined one day later with a bone bruise after fouling a ball off his shin. Trout and Rendon are making roughly $75 million combined this season.

Ward and veteran infielder Gio Urshela are likely out for the season, while infielder Brandon Drury, rookie catcher Logan O'Hoppe and rookie shortstop Zach Neto have all missed significant time.

Los Angeles is in third place in the AL West, five games behind Texas. The Angels are four games behind Toronto for the final AL wild card, but the Red Sox and Yankees are also between them.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690818854967.jpeg" alt="" />
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                    </figure><p>ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — The Los Angeles Angels reacquired slugger C.J. Cron and outfielder Randal Grichuk in a trade with the Colorado Rockies on Sunday, bolstering their injury-plagued roster with more veteran depth as they fight for a playoff spot.</p><p>Los Angeles sent minor league pitchers Mason Albright and Jake Madden to the Rockies in the deal that brought two former Angels first-round draft picks back to the team. Colorado also is sending $3,701,613 along with Cron and Grichuk, who are in the final years of their contracts before free agency. Cron is owed $2,540,323 in remaining salary and Grichuk $3,161,290, leaving the Angels in effect responsible for $2 million.</p><p>The Angels (55-51) are desperate to end their MLB-worst streaks of seven consecutive losing seasons and eight consecutive non-playoff seasons, but their efforts have been endangered by injuries that have seriously compromised their big league depth.</p><p>Los Angeles has a major league-leading 17 players on its injured lists after outfielder Taylor Ward joined the group Sunday before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/angels-blue-jays-renfroe-bbe95071c888d21ce61432e0dbe0fcda">an extra-inning victory in Toronto</a>. Ward was moved to the 60-day injured list later in the day, effectively ending his regular season, with facial fractures after Toronto's Alek Manoah&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-ward-angels-hit-head-f6d9e274c8e40637904ae6528f903d4c">hit him in the face with a fastball</a>&nbsp;on Saturday.</p><p>The 33-year-old Cron spent his first four major league seasons with Los Angeles, hitting 59 of his 186 career homers before getting traded to Tampa Bay in early 2018 for prospect Luis Rengifo, who is still a valuable contributor to the Angels. Cron is batting .260 with 11 homers and 32 RBIs this season for the Rockies as their power-hitting first baseman.</p><p>Grichuk was selected by the Angels one pick before Mike Trout in the 2009 draft. Los Angeles traded him to St. Louis before he reached the majors and began a 10-year career with the Cardinals, Toronto and Colorado.</p><p>Grichuk is batting .308 with an .861 OPS in 64 games this season for the Rockies. His positional flexibility in the outfield will be valuable for the Angels in the injury absences of Trout, Ward and Jo Adell, leaving Mickey Moniak and Hunter Renfroe as the only healthy outfielders on Los Angeles' 40-man roster.</p><p>Grichuk is making just over $10.3 million this season, while Cron is earning $7.25 million. The moves continue the Rockies' teardown for the final two months of what's almost certain to be their fifth consecutive losing season.</p><p>The 20-year-old Albright is 11-8 with a 5.36 ERA in three seasons in the low minors. The 21-year-old Madden, a fourth-round pick in 2022, is 2-6 with a 5.46 ERA in 14 starts for Low-A Inland Empire this season.</p><p>The Angels have traded a significant amount of minor league talent in recent weeks in their determined effort to make the playoffs during the final season of Shohei Ohtani's contract.</p><p>Los Angeles has acquired six veteran major leaguers — slugger Mike Moustakas,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/angels-white-sox-lucas-giolito-reynaldo-lopez-68d9b685b38d3b657f0be5b606a316d1">right-handed starter Lucas Giolito</a>, reliever Reynaldo López and infielder Eduardo Escobar along with Cron and Grichuk — in four separate trades since late June.</p><p>Trout has been out since July 3 with a broken hand, and third baseman Anthony Rendon was sidelined one day later with a bone bruise after fouling a ball off his shin. Trout and Rendon are making roughly $75 million combined this season.</p><p>Ward and veteran infielder Gio Urshela are likely out for the season, while infielder Brandon Drury, rookie catcher Logan O'Hoppe and rookie shortstop Zach Neto have all missed significant time.</p><p>Los Angeles is in third place in the AL West, five games behind Texas. The Angels are four games behind Toronto for the final AL wild card, but the Red Sox and Yankees are also between them.</p>