Sports

Washington Commanders end Baltimore Ravens’ preseason win streak at 24 games

Published

1 year ago

August 22, 2023

Sahara Weekly

Washington Commanders end Baltimore Ravens’ preseason win streak at 24 games

WASHINGTON COMMANDER– The least important winning streak in American professional sports has ended.

Washington Commanders kicker Joey Slye drilled a 49-yard field goal with nine seconds left to give his team a 29-28 victory over the Baltimore Ravens, which entered Monday’s game having won 24 straight preseason games dating back to 2016.

Washington came one yard from tying the game at 28 with four minutes remaining, but Ravens cornerback Kyu Kelly stonewalled Commanders fullback Alex Armah after he caught a pass in the flat from third-string quarterback Jake Fromm to thwart the Commanders’ two-point conversion.

The Ravens, with quarterback Anthony Brown Jr. leading the way, couldn’t run out the clock. Washington faced a 4th-and-11 on their own side of the field with 69 seconds remaining and were bailed out by a pass interference call that kept the drive alive.

Fromm and Kazmeir Allen connected for the final eight yards to bring Slye’s attempt within a manageable range.

“We were just grinding, scrapping, clawing,” Fromm told USA TODAY Sports

With his focus on figuring out where the Ravens’ pressure was coming from, Fromm said he wasn’t thinking much about putting a stake through their streak. But Baltimore head coach John Harbaugh said that those who considered the streak a collection of meaningless victories has it all wrong.

“Because you never played,” Harbaugh said. “You were never out there in a preseason game. You were never fighting for a spot. And then you have the audacity to say that the effort somebody puts in to fight and win a game like that is meaningless.”

There’s no one reason the streak lasted as long as it did, Harbaugh said. It’s a reflection of how the organization practices, holds meetings, develops young players and scouts the collegiate and pro game for depth pieces.

“In the end, it’s about football and the men — and women now — who play the game. It shows you why this game is so great, why it matters so much,” Harbaugh said. “Because it takes those kinds of efforts. It’s a game of courageous people and it’s a game for people who are willing to throw themselves around in tough, awkward situations. Physicality. It takes that kind of grit to play this game, fight like that. Most people who love football love it for that reason right there. They respect what it takes to play the game.”

It was a battle of first-round draft picks during the game’s first drive, with Ravens wideout Zay Flowers (22nd overall) and Commanders cornerback Emmanuel Forbes (16th overall), lining up across from one another. Flowers hauled in his first target for an 11-yard catch, then found plenty of open grass on a play action pass he took 26 yards to the house later in the drive for his first professional touchdown.

Commanders quarterback Sam Howell, named the starter Friday, went 19-for-25 with 188 yards and two touchdowns — both within the final two minutes of the first half. Washington coach Ron Rivera kept his offensive starters in for the game’s first 30 minutes, and not without risk; wide receiver Terry McLaurin grimaced while leaving the field with a toe injury.

“It’s really not a real game,” Howell said, “but at the same time, whatever team you’re on, you want to win.

“It was so much fun to watch and be a part of.”

Ravens tight end Travis Vokolek, an undrafted rookie from Nebraska, caught two touchdowns in the second half.

Baltimore assumed the record for most consecutive preseason victories since 2021, when they won their 20th consecutive game to supplant the 1959-1962 Green Bay Packers (under legendary coach Vince Lombardi) from having the most prolific stretch of preseason dominance.

Monday’s game carried an air of familiarity, as the teams held a pair of joint practices at the Ravens’ facility in Owings Mills, Maryland, last week. The latter practice featured a pair of fights between Washington’s offensive line and the Ravens’ defensive front, and that bad blood carried over.

Related Topics:commanders Featured sports Washington

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Victor Osimhen Ends Year in Style with 2022 Lamborghini Urus Purchase

Published

10 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Victor Osimhen Ends Year in Style with 2022 Lamborghini Urus Purchase

Nigerian football sensation Victor Osimhen has made headlines once again, capping off an impressive year with the acquisition of a 2022 Lamborghini Urus, a luxurious high-performance SUV. This latest addition to his collection reflects Osimhen’s penchant for the finer things in life, solidifying his status as one of football’s most flamboyant stars.

A Taste for Luxury

The announcement of Osimhen’s new car was made by Polanaco Exotic Cars, a prominent automobile company, through its official Instagram account. The post featured a sleek video showcasing the vehicle’s modernized and opulent exterior, highlighting its cutting-edge features and eye-catching design. The accompanying caption read: “Sold, congratulations Victor Osimhen 9.”

The Lamborghini Urus, renowned for its blend of luxury and performance, boasts a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, delivering a staggering 641 horsepower. With a top speed of 190 mph and the ability to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds, the Urus is one of the fastest SUVs in the world.

Private Jet Rumors

This news comes amid reports that Osimhen has also recently acquired a private jet, further cementing his image as a football star who spares no expense in enjoying the rewards of his hard work. While details about the private jet remain unconfirmed, the buzz around these acquisitions has captivated fans and followers alike.

Rising Star and Role Model

Victor Osimhen has had a stellar year both on and off the pitch. The Napoli striker’s exceptional performances have earned him recognition as one of Europe’s top forwards, with numerous accolades and record-breaking achievements to his name. Off the field, his lifestyle choices and philanthropic efforts have made him a role model for many young football enthusiasts.

Social Media Frenzy

Fans and admirers have taken to social media to celebrate Osimhen’s success, praising his achievements and sharing their excitement over his latest purchase. The Instagram post by Polanaco Exotic Cars quickly went viral, with thousands of likes and comments congratulating the football star.

Conclusion

Victor Osimhen’s acquisition of a 2022 Lamborghini Urus is a testament to his hard work, talent, and success. As he continues to shine on the football stage, his growing collection of luxury assets reflects a life well-lived and a career on the rise. Football fans around the world eagerly await what the new year holds for this extraordinary athlete.

Sports

Oleksandr Usyk Defeats Tyson Fury Again, Solidifies Legacy Among Boxing Greats

Published

3 days ago

December 22, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Oleksandr Usyk Defeats Tyson Fury Again, Solidifies Legacy Among Boxing Greats

Ukrainian boxing sensation Oleksandr Usyk retained his heavyweight championship titles and cemented his place in boxing history with a unanimous decision victory over Britain’s Tyson Fury in their rematch on Saturday night.

The judges scored the bout 116-112 in Usyk’s favor across the board, marking his second consecutive win over Fury. This victory extended Usyk’s flawless professional record to 23-0, with 14 knockouts, adding another chapter to a career already highlighted by Olympic gold and an undisputed cruiserweight championship.

A Masterclass Performance

Usyk, 37, showcased his signature precision and relentless pace, repeatedly catching Fury with clean left hooks and dominating the latter stages of the fight. Fury, at 6ft 9in (206cm) and weighing a career-high 281 pounds, attempted to impose his physicality but was unable to break Usyk’s composure.

The fight, held in Saudi Arabia, saw Usyk wearing traditional Cossack attire during his entrance, while Fury entered the arena dressed in a festive Santa-inspired robe to Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You.”

The early rounds were competitive, with Fury landing powerful jabs and body shots. However, Usyk’s endurance and tactical brilliance began to shine in the middle rounds. The Ukrainian landed sharp combinations and dictated the tempo, including a stunning uppercut in the final round that left little doubt about the outcome.

“I thought I’ve won both fights,” Fury said post-match, sporting a bruised right eye. “But I’ll always believe until the day I die that I won that fight.”

A Legacy Sealed

Usyk’s victory solidified his standing as one of the greatest heavyweights in history. Already the first undisputed heavyweight of the four-belt era, Usyk joins the ranks of legends like Muhammad Ali, Joe Louis, and Mike Tyson.

The bout, reported to have a prize purse of $190 million, also underscored Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in global sports. Usyk, who served briefly as a soldier during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, celebrated his victory by hoisting a symbolic sabre belonging to Ukrainian nationalist hero Ivan Mazepa.

Fury’s Uncertain Future

The defeat leaves Fury’s future in doubt. Once unbeaten across 35 fights, Fury now stands at 34-2-1. His attempt to reclaim glory after a brief retirement in 2022 has been marred by back-to-back losses to Usyk.

Usyk, on the other hand, continues to add to his already remarkable resume, leaving fans and critics alike in awe of his technical skill, resilience, and determination. As the heavyweight division looks ahead, Usyk’s reign appears unshakable, and his place among boxing’s all-time greats is firmly secured.

Sports

Lille Netted Just €7M from Osimhen’s €70M Napoli Move, Club President Reveals”

Published

6 days ago

December 19, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Lille Netted Just €7M from Osimhen’s €70M Napoli Move, Club President Reveals”

Lille’s financial gain from Victor Osimhen’s high-profile 2020 transfer to Napoli was far less than expected, with the French club earning only €7 million despite the deal being valued at over €70 million. The shocking revelation was made by Lille’s President, Olivier Letang, who explained that the €7 million figure was the net result after factoring in the purchase price of Osimhen, four Napoli players who never played for Lille, and various intermediary fees and commissions.

“The net amount, after accounting for the player’s purchase, four players valued at €20 million who never featured for us, as well as intermediaries and commissions, was around €7 million,” Letang told L’Equipe TV.

This disclosure comes amid ongoing investigations by both Italian and French authorities into the circumstances surrounding the transfer, though Napoli has been cleared of any wrongdoing. Napoli’s legal team highlighted the club’s clean record, with lawyer Mattia Grassani emphasizing that the club had been acquitted after facing scrutiny from multiple judicial levels.

Letang, who took over as Lille’s President months after Osimhen’s departure, has now shed light on the intricate financial details behind the deal that saw Osimhen move to Italy. The striker’s move to Napoli would become a pivotal moment in his career, propelling him to stardom and helping Napoli secure their first Serie A title in 33 years.

Born in the tough environment of Lagos’ Olusosun community, Osimhen’s rise to prominence began at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup, where he won the Golden Boot with a record-breaking 10 goals. After stints at Wolfsburg in Germany and Charleroi in Belgium, Osimhen’s impressive performances at Lille led to his transfer to Napoli, where he went on to score 76 goals in 133 appearances. In 2023, he helped Napoli end their long wait for the Serie A title, earning the Serie A Golden Boot and breaking records, including becoming the highest-scoring African in Serie A history.

Currently on loan at Turkish giants Galatasaray, Osimhen has continued his impressive form, with 10 goals and five assists in just 14 appearances. Though contracted to Napoli until 2026, his future remains uncertain, as his contract includes clauses that could facilitate a permanent departure either in January or the summer. The details of his transfer and the shifting dynamics between player and club add another layer to the complex and ongoing saga of Osimhen’s career.