The Sacramento Kings’ disappointing preseason is over.

After going 0-5, there was little that stood out. There were a couple of player performances that were intriguing. Rookie Darius Acuff Jr. showed flashes of potential, giving fans excitement for the future. The Ben Simmons resurgence also seems like it might be real.

Then there is Jonathan Mogbo.

Mogbo Already Has the Resume to Earn a Look

Drafted in the 2024 Draft with the first pick in the second round by the Raptors, Jonathan Mogbo has now found himself as a member of the Sacramento Kings on a two-way contract. While he had a notable rookie campaign, he fell out of Toronto’s rotation for the majority of the 2025-26 season. Mogbo played a traditional big-man role: get boards, score inside, play defense.

In this year’s Summer League, Mogbo averaged 11.5 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game, shooting 44% from the field. Similarly, he put up 10.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 2.3 steals per game with 55% efficiency this preseason. Not only does he have his resume from Toronto under his belt, but he is looking pretty great for the Kings so far in offseason play.

Being the headliner of the second round should mean something too, even if the draft class is widely considered a weak one. He was drafted ahead of Kyle Filipowski, Ajay Mitchell, Jaylen Wells, Pelle Larsson, and Cam Spencer, among other quality role players.

Scouts felt good about Mogbo coming out of the University of San Francisco. In his final collegiate season, he averaged 14.2 points, 10.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 0.8 blocks, and 1.6 steals per game on 64% efficiency. While he is a smaller big, he has shown flashes of elite rim protection, including his 5-block performance in Summer League against the Brooklyn Nets.

Sacramento’s Defense Needs What Mogbo Does Best

The 6-foot-8 forward’s most important skill is his ability to get so many blocks at his height. That should earn him minutes alongside Sabonis and Raynaud, neither of whom is a defensive-first player.

The dream fit next to Sabonis has always been a versatile, athletic defender to slide in between him and Keegan Murray. Mogbo may not be the perfect answer for that need. If he can at least develop into a strong rotational piece for Sacramento, the investment in him is more than worth it.

Obviously, if his performances end up being disappointing, the Jonathan Mogbo experiment will not last long. He also could get buried on the bench. Although he plays in a way that is unique to many of Sacramento’s previous players, he could find himself behind Precious Achiuwa, De’Andre Hunter, and Simmons. He’ll have to earn his keep.

The Sacramento Kings get referred to as a dysfunctional organization more often than most other teams. Recently, however, it is undeniable they have been great at finding diamonds in the rough.

The best example of this is Keon Ellis. He was a fan-favorite rotation player for the Kings, who just got a nice payday from the Brooklyn Nets. It also looks like the Kings found another gem in Dylan Cardwell. Jonathan Mogbo could very well be next in line.

A Backup Power Forward Role Is a Win for Both Sides

To break out, a player doesn’t need to add 12 points to his scoring average or become an All-Defensive candidate. Sometimes, becoming a solid role player is sufficient for certain teams and players.

As far as Mogbo and the Kings are concerned, becoming the backup power forward, or at least setting himself up for that role in the future, is more than enough. But is that the most realistic outcome?

Mogbo seems to have the tools and hunger to make this his best season yet. But the hurdles, like a struggle for playing time, are real. Jonathan Mogbo could become a real piece next to Sabonis or Raynaud. He may become one of the top commanders of the second unit. The Kings have done it before with Keon Ellis; Mogbo should also run with his opportunity if one ever appears.

Mogbo is one of the more intriguing players on the Kings’ roster this year. He is turning 25 years old this October. Finding young pieces to put around Acuff is the most important thing for Sacramento right now.

Jonathan Mogbo appears to be a player who could be a key member of this upcoming era of Kings basketball if he keeps up the pace he has been at.

The post Jonathan Mogbo Could Be the Kings’ Next Diamond in the Rough appeared first on The Lead.

Through the first five weeks of the 2026 NFL season, the San Francisco 49ers have looked like the NFL’s hottest team. They remain undefeated at 5-0.

However, through the five victories, there has been a price to pay in order to keep winning. For San Francisco, that has been constant injuries specifically at the wide receiver position.

With Ricky Pearsall, De’Zhuan Stribling, Demarcus Robinson, Jacob Cowing, and now Deebo Samuel all injured, the 49ers can only count on Mike Evans. Even Evans is playing through two broken ribs.

That being said, the NFL’s best current team is in dire need of help at the wide receiver position. With the trade deadline coming up on November 10th, it may be important for them to make a big splash.

The question now is who they target before the deadline.

Jauan Jennings Already Knows the System and Would Come Cheap

If the 49ers wanted to go with the cheapest, safest, and most realistic trade for their team, then Vikings receiver Jauan Jennings is the move.

Before playing with the Minnesota Vikings this season, Jennings spent his whole five-year career with the 49ers. He had a near 1,000-yard season in 2024. Unfortunately for Jennings, he has had a rough start to his stint in Minnesota. He has only two total receptions for nine yards in five games.

A deal could benefit both sides. Minnesota isn’t getting the value they paid for. In addition, the 49ers know exactly how to use him and can bring both important value and depth.

This seems to be the most realistic option for the 49ers. If this trade happens, it would more than likely only cost them a mid-round draft pick. In addition, this would bring their former wide receiver home for a one-year deal, similar to what the 49ers did with Deebo Samuel.

DeMario Douglas Fits Shanahan’s Offense Better Than Anyone Available

Ever since Kyle Shanahan took over as head coach in 2017, he has always looked for a certain type of receiver for his iconic offense to work.  Guys like Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, George Kittle, or Marquise Goodwin are the most notable type of players. They have simply performed the best under this offensive system.

If the 49ers want a scheme fit, DeMario Douglas is the name.

With the Patriots already having three solid options at receiver in A.J. Brown, Romeo Doubs, and Kyle Williams, it seems unlikely that Douglas will get an extension. Therefore, this opens the door for the 49ers.

So far this season, DeMario Douglas only has 13 receptions for 147 yards, which no receiver would be happy about. However, coming to a currently undefeated team could change the overall outcome of his career.

At 5-foot-8 and 185 pounds, Douglas in the slot with Mike Evans on the outside could be a dangerous combination. This is especially true with a quarterback like Brock Purdy throwing to them.

If a deal happened, most could expect a third- or fourth-round pick being sent New England’s way for DeMario Douglas.

Garrett Wilson Would Be the Biggest Splash but the Highest Price

If San Francisco wants to make the biggest splash in the NFL during the trade deadline, then New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson would be the player to do it for.

Wilson is only 26 years old. He already has 374 receiving yards and three touchdowns this season. Notably, he also has three 1,000-yard seasons in his five-year career.

Wilson has expressed frustration with the Jets’ direction in the past, so getting him out of New York may not be the hard part. The price tag will be.

Not only is it more than likely going to cost multiple draft picks, but the trade package may include a couple players to cover Wilson’s hefty four-year, $130 million deal.

Given that the 49ers have too many injury problems at the receiver position, Garrett Wilson would bring a new, young, and already proven fresh start to the roster and would only help San Francisco stay undefeated in 2026.

The post Three Wide Receiver Trade Targets That Could Help the 49ers appeared first on The Lead.

The San Jose Sharks may have started their 2026-27 campaign at a steady 4-3-0, but the opening two weeks certainly haven’t lacked drama. 

Overtime thrillers, an injury scare and a whole lot of goals allowed have defined the first portion of the Sharks’ slate. 

Team Teal began the season with a bang, outlasting the Panthers for their first opening-night win since 2021, followed by overtime victories against the Kings, Blues and later the Predators. But the Stars, Oilers and Bruins routed them, and through seven games they still don’t have a regulation win to their name. 

Despite the mediocre start, it’s a substantial improvement from how San Jose has welcomed its previous four seasons. The Sharks opened on six, nine, 11, and five-game losing streaks spanning back to 2022, not grabbing their fourth win until November each year. 

But for a current team with a complete roster and postseason aspirations to boot, the start has also left much to be desired. 

Mysterious Injury Sidelines Celebrini

When superstar center and newly-minted captain Macklin Celebrini was scratched after warmups and right before puck drop for San Jose’s first road game on Monday, Oct. 5 in Dallas, Sharks faithful collectively held their breath. 

And the ambiguous nature of his condition, even more vaguely explained than a typically obscure hockey injury, didn’t exactly assuage concerns. 

Inconsistent reporting over when the injury occurred, how long Celebrini has been dealing with it and cryptic messaging about his return added to the mystery.

View this post on Instagram

How the Sharks fared against the Stars only made matters worse. San Jose was thoroughly outplayed from start to finish, lacking the requisite effort, energy and attention to detail needed to hang around a talented Dallas squad. The Sharks looked utterly lost and discombobulated without the Hart Trophy hopeful on the ice, firing a measly 13 shots on goal in their first loss of the season after back-to-back home triumphs. 

However, San Jose quickly turned the page, and its gutsy overtime win over St. Louis three days later was inspiring. While veterans Tyler Toffoli, Jacob Trouba and Darnell Nurse stepped up, there’s no doubt this team still isn’t good enough to sustain high-quality hockey without Celebrini in the lineup. A prime example: The 5-0 no-show versus the Stars. 

Celebrini’s Absence Exposes the Sharks’ Reliance on Him

The 20-year-old sensation’s impact on the offense is immeasurable. As the ultimate engine, San Jose has no other player who can drive offense and sustain pressure against top lines. 

Celebrini returned to action Saturday against Edmonton, but was passive and clearly in discomfort. He didn’t look like himself for the first two periods, and failed to play with the speed, rhythm and aggression he typically oozes. 

He found his footing in the third period and picked up right where he left off three nights later versus Boston, once again being the most dominant player on the ice for the Sharks with two points in the defeat, giving him eight on the season in four contests. 

At the risk of sounding like captain obvious: San Jose is essentially a different, unrecognizable team sans Celebrini. His scoring abilities aside, the Sharks’ supporting cast is better when their captain is out there. Will Smith hasn’t yet proven he can be a reliable offensive threat without his partner in crime, and the rest of the roster has more room to operate when Celebrini attracts most of the opposition’s attention. 

San Jose scored nine goals in the first two games before Celebrini was sidelined, and has drastically struggled to find the back of the net since, potting just four in the three matchups he was out or severely hampered. Celebrini did earn the third star, the team’s lone recipient of a star in the game, in a win against the Predators on Thursday, but he failed to record a point.

The 2025-26 Ted Lindsay Award finalist played in all 82 games last year, and an early preview of life without Celebrini this season wasn’t pretty. Hopefully for the Sharks, it won’t be a reality they have to experience again anytime soon. 

Smith, Askarov Marred by Inconsistent Play

As presumably long-term franchise pillars, the ceilings for Smith and goaltender Yaroslav Askarov are limitless. 

And that’s what makes their erratic play so frustrating. 

Smith made a statement on opening night, appearing to have taken a drastic jump in Year 3. Celebrini’s willingness to battle for the puck may finally be rubbing off on his roommate, as Smith’s physicality, forechecking and play along the boards were truly eye-opening and an encouraging sign. 

View this post on Instagram

His offensive gifts were on full display, but he was also more focused and engaged away from the puck. 

But in the matchups since, much like last season, Smith has had extended stretches where he leaves minimal imprints on games, disappearing for shifts and periods on end, playing like an average forward instead of the emerging star he could be. 

Similarly, Askarov has shown flashes of brilliance between the pipes. At times he’s looked the part of an elite netminder, and at others he’s been shaky and San Jose’s weak link. 

During the opening homestand, while the numbers didn’t jump off the page, Askarov appeared more poised, confident and fundamentally sound than last season. But he since seemed more cautious and hurried, allowing 13 goals with an .817 save percentage. 

Stenberg Is the Real Deal

All things considered, the No. 2 pick in this summer’s draft has been impressive just six games into his NHL career. There will inevitably be growing pains, but Stenberg has not only held his own thus far but has played a significant role in the Sharks’ success. 

In the opener versus Florida, he looked timid and nervous. But once he got over the first-game jitters, Stenberg has picked up confidence, and his play has followed. 

Stenberg’s offensive instincts are top-notch for a player at any age, let alone 19. His neutral zone play is also surprisingly sharp for a rookie. Head coach Ryan Warsofsky already trusts Stenberg to garner a spot on the top power-play unit and make the right decisions in 3-on-3 overtime scenarios — a testament to his maturity and elite hockey IQ. 

The Swedish winger notched his first career point against the Kings in his second game, finding Toffoli parked net front on a sweet pass. His first time lighting the lamp, in a loss to Boston, also came on the man advantage, sneaking towards the crease and making his stick available for Celebrini to find him from the right faceoff dot. 

View this post on Instagram

No Third-Period Lead Is Safe

While San Jose twice delivered in overtime in the first two games on winners from Luca Cagnoni and Igor Chernyshov, the Sharks only needed the extra frame to seal the victory because they blew big third-period leads in both tilts, relinquishing three- and two-goal advantages. Not to mention yielding a game-tying goal with less than one second left in regulation to the Nashville Predators on Oct. 15.

And it hasn’t been much better when the game is tied or San Jose is trailing. Opponents outscore the Sharks 12-5 in third periods through the first seven games, and they have yet to win the final frame once. 

As San Jose continues to find and establish its identity as a team, third-period collapses are a trend worth monitoring. If the travails persist, the Sharks have a major problem that curbs their potential.  

Defense and Goal Avoidance Still a Work in Progress

In a half-decade of franchise transition, one painful throughline has persisted: a lot of goals have been scored in San Jose. 

Keeping the puck out of the net has been the Sharks’ Achilles Heel for years, and while goaltending has played a part in the abundance of opponent scoring, lackluster defense has been the primary culprit. 

Over the last four seasons, San Jose has finished dead last in goals allowed per game twice, and third-worst the other two. 

This offseason, general manager Mike Grier added Trouba, Nurse, and Michael Kesselring to the back end in hopes of building a dependable blueline core to make scoring a more difficult venture for opponents. But little has changed so far, with the team currently sitting 25th of 32 teams in goals against. 

The group has been susceptible to numerous careless mistakes and defensive breakdowns, giving up goals in bunches. 

https://www.tiktok.com/@flapanthers/video/7691930996123487502

The Sharks must clean it up fast, or their turnstile defense will sink another lottery-bound squad. 

The post San Jose Sharks’ Mediocre Opening to Season Leaves Plenty to Be Desired appeared first on The Lead.

TE Attack — Darnell Washington and Pat Freiermuth

“I think, selfishly, me and Darnell are the best tight end duo in the NFL,” Pat Freiermuth said. “Anytime we can go out there and utilize our skill sets to the best of our abilities, I think we have a pretty good chance to win the game on offense.”

Freiermuth caught five balls for 44 yards and two touchdowns. The second touchdown was the dagger that clinched the Steelers’ win late in the fourth quarter. Freiermuth has been a consistent and reliable target for Steelers’ quarterbacks since being drafted in 2021.

With Warren and Rodgers being the key focus of the offense’s success, scoring 34 points, Freiermuth’s efforts sort of flew under the radar. The 6-foot-5 tight end is pacing for one of his best professional seasons, with four touchdowns through five weeks, including the two important scores he had against Indianapolis.

Freiermuth has scored seven touchdowns in 2024 and in his rookie year, and is on his way to breaking his record with four through five games.

His partner in crime, Darnell Washington, the Steelers’ monstrous 6’7 tight end, also had an impactful game. While the box score does not do justice, his efforts showed up especially in the blocking aspect. On Warren’s 50-yard touchdown run, Washington did a lot of the work blocking three Colts defenders and literally paving the way for Warren up the middle.

Other than being known for how impossible it is to bring him down with one defender, Washington is a tremendous blocker. He acts as a sixth offensive lineman a majority of the time for Pittsburgh’s rushing attack.

A New Cornerback Duo in Pittsburgh

After trading Joey Porter Jr. over two weeks ago and Jamel Dean going down with injury, the Steelers looked thin at cornerback. Thankfully, Asante Samuel Jr. and Daylen Everette had stepped up in big ways for the Steel Curtain.

Samuel Jr. currently ranks second amongst cornerbacks in pass breakups with five. In Sunday’s win, Daniel Jones targeted Samuel Jr. 11 times. In these 11 passes, he allowed just three catches for 36 yards. He also broke up four passes in this contest. Most importantly, the game was clinched with his questionable, but uncalled, pass breakup on Colts receiver Keenan Allen. No harm, no foul on this one.

He also had a key pass break-up against Colts tight end Tyler Warren, in the endzone early in the fourth quarter. Another PBU came late in the third quarter on a jump ball in the endzone. Both of these deflections came on Colts third downs in or near the red zone.

On the other side of the defense, rookie Daylen Everette has done a solid job replacing Porter Jr. Everette was drafted out of Georgia in the third round of the latest NFL draft. His best play of the day was an incredible recovery on a deep ball that originally froze him. His closeout speed allowed him to get back in the play and make a diving deflection.

The rookie had two pass breakups last Sunday, and four on the season. Everette has a lot to learn, and there will be “rookie mistake[s]” along the way, but his play on Sunday in his first career start was a big factor in the Steelers shutting down Jones and the Colts’ receiving crew.

Germie Bernard Shines in First Start

In his first start, rookie receiver Germie Bernard led the Steelers receiving corps with 80 yards and catches, hauling in six passes from Rodgers. He made a large impact on the game through the air.

Maybe his most important catch of the game came on a 3rd-and-two early in the fourth quarter. Bernard’s ability to get open and improvise his route as Rodgers eluded pressure shows his football IQ is well above his pro experience. This play flipped the Steelers’ field position and led to Freiermuth’s second touchdown.

If the Steelers do not pick up this first down, they punt it back to Indianapolis up just two points, with about 10 minutes remaining.

With Michael Pittman Jr. on IR and Roman Wilson going down with an injury on Sunday, Bernard was primed to step up, and he did just that. As Pittman Jr. and Wilson will miss multiple weeks, Bernard will be the Steelers number two receiver behind DK Metcalf. Rodgers sees the confidence starting to build within the young receiver.

“It’s just confidence. When a young player starts playing with confidence, you see the potential of a player. I thought last week was a good step in the right direction for him,” Rodgers said.

It’s only up from here for the rookie. He likely will get a considerable amount of opportunities in the coming weeks with the injuries. As well as the extra attention Jaylen Warren will start to get from defenses. He seems to be gaining Rodgers’ trust as well, notably after this breakout performance.

Steelers Week 6

The Steelers now head to Tampa Bay to take on the Buccaneers and rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels. Tampa Bay is 1-4, picking up their first win of the season last Thursday against the Dallas Cowboys.

Interesting to note that the 3-2 Steelers have not won a road game yet this season, but have a good opportunity to do so against the rookie QB. All-time, the Steelers are 6-1 on the road versus Tampa Bay and 10-2 overall.

The post Who Were the Unsung Heroes of the Steelers’ Week 5 Win? appeared first on The Lead.

Team’s Biggest Offseason Loss: Not A Player?

This could be a stretch. Looking back on the offseason changes, finding a loss on the Spurs has been difficult. The best phrase to summarize it is “if it’s not broken, then don’t fix it.” The team did not suffer a loss that could impact their game plan going forward. The only notable loss is the departure of Sean Sweeney, the lead assistant coach. Sweeney was hired as the head coach for the Orlando Magic on the brink of the NBA Finals.

This move was inevitable, as Sweeney’s talent was too incredible to remain an assistant coach. Former Bulls head coach Billy Donovan was hired as the new lead assistant coach.

Team’s Biggest Offseason Addition: Tobias Harris

The Spurs didn’t make a lot of noise this offseason; however, many believe Tobias Harris could be a surprisingly beneficial factor for the organization. Needing another power forward, the Spurs signed Harris to a two-year/$31 million deal in July. This signing works for a couple of reasons: he gives the Spurs another solid veteran presence, and he is entering his 16^thseason, with nine of those including playoff experience. Lastly, he’s versatile with his shooting, rebounding, defense, shot creation, and ability to play multiple frontcourt roles—a much-needed signing.

Spurs’ Best-Case Scenario Outcome

The best-case scenario for the Spurs? Becoming the 2026-27 Western Conference Champions, punching their ticket to the NBA Finals, and winning the Championship. That’s the Spurs’ ceiling. Based on offseason moves, media-day conversations, and early training-camp observations, the Spurs are predicted to finish top two in the Western Conference with a 63-19 record. They can do this by building an elite defense, accelerating Harper and Castle’s development, staying healthy, building chemistry, and continuing to develop Wemby into an MVP-style leader.

Spurs’ Worst-Case Scenario Outcome

If injuries hit and become a hindrance, the chemistry loses its spark, this young core fails to develop, or the backcourt struggles to find its identity, this season will take a turn for the worse.

Injuries happen; it’s nearly impossible to avoid. This is considered a nightmare scenario. If any key players miss significant time, the Spurs risk losing consistency, chemistry, and confidence. That’s what teams need to win an NBA Championship.

If the Spurs struggle with consistency, shooting, and decision-making, their near-perfect young core will lose the foundation it built last year. Wemby, Harper, Castle and Bryant have the potential to be legends. So maintaining this core’s development matters.

An interesting note from the Spurs rotation is that they have three star point guards. Fox, Harper, and Castle will compete for the most minutes this season. While it’s a good problem to have, the coaching staff must develop a game plan that maximizes all three players.

Biggest Questions Ahead of the 2026-27 Season

The Spurs’ biggest question ahead of the season is whether they’ll bring the same fire, drive, determination, and confidence that helped them reach the NBA Finals last season. The realization is that the Spurs couldn’t keep the momentum up to win the title. While it stings, it’s time to move on and put the focus on the 2026-27 season. Other teams are even hungrier for the same goal. Rosters have changed, and teams have made adjustments. The Western Conference Champions will need to be ready on night one.

The season kicks off on October 20 against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The post San Antonio Spurs 2026-27 Preseason Preview appeared first on The Lead.

The New York Yankees fell short of their ultimate goal of winning the 2026 World Series, as the Tampa Bay Rays swept them in the American League Division Series. Despite the disappointing finish, the Yankees had plenty of memorable moments throughout the year. From dominant pitching performances and clutch walk-off hits to towering home runs, the team gave fans plenty of reasons to celebrate.

Here are the top ten moments from the Yankees’ 2026 season.

No. 10: Jose Caballero‘s Walk-Off vs. Angels

On April 15, the Yankees hosted the Los Angeles Angels. New York had scored three runs in the first two innings, but struggled to generate much offense afterward. Trailing 4-3 in the bottom of the ninth, New York needed a clutch hit to keep the game alive. With runners on first and second, infielder Jose Caballero delivered, ripping a double into left-center field.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. scored easily from second, while  Austin Wells beat the relay throw home to complete the comeback. The play at the plate was close, but the call was upheld after review, giving the Yankees a dramatic 5-4 victory. Caballero’s walk-off hit secured New York’s second walk-off win of the season and made for a memorable finish at Yankee Stadium.

No. 9: Gerrit Cole‘s Return From Tommy John Surgery

Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole missed the entire 2025 season after having to undergo Tommy John surgery. When healthy, Cole is one of the best starters in all of baseball. New York was certainly happy to have him back in their rotation this season. On May 22 against the Rays, Cole made his long anticipated return to the mound. It marked his first appearance since Game 5 of the 2024 World Series, making his comeback a significant moment for both the pitcher and the Yankees.

The veteran pitcher had a strong 2026 debut. Cole pitched six scoreless innings with two strikeouts, allowing just two hits and three walks. He threw 50 of his 72 pitches for strikes. Although the Yankees ultimately lost the game, Cole’s performance was an encouraging sign after more than a year away from the mound. Seeing their ace back in action was a welcome sight for Yankees fans and an important milestone in his recovery.

No. 8: Aaron Judge’s Walk-Off Home Run vs. Rays

Unfortunately, Aaron Judge endured an injury-plagued 2026 season. A stress fracture to his rib and a calf strain limited the Yankee captain to just 66 games. One of his biggest home runs of the season came on May 24 against the Rays. It was a pitchers duel in the Bronx, as the score was tied at zero entering the ninth inning.

With a runner on first and no outs, Judge stepped up to the plate. The star slugger had gone 11 games without an RBI, so he was due for a big hit. On the first pitch of the at-bat, he lifted a fly ball to right field; It just cleared the short porch for a walk-off two-run home run. This was an important win for New York in the standings.

The Yankees had lost their first four matchups against the Rays. They were trailing in the division and cut Tampa Bay’s lead to four and a half games after this thrilling victory.

No. 7: The Yankees’ 13-Run Inning vs. Athletics

The Yankees made history during a late-May matchup against the Athletics. After a quiet start at the plate, New York found itself trailing 3-0 entering the third inning. Captain Judge expressed his frustration with the team’s slow start, saying, “I just felt like we were a little asleep there during the first two innings.” He added, “I expect more out of the guys. I know they expect more out of themselves.”

The Yankees responded in historic fashion. In the top of the third, New York erupted for 13 runs, sending 18 batters to the plate and recording 11 hits and four walks. The first 12 hitters reached base, as the lineup overwhelmed the Athletics’ pitching staff.

The outburst produced several remarkable milestones. The 13 runs were New York’s most in a single inning since 2005, and the Yankees came just one run shy of their franchise record of 14, set in 1920. Even more remarkably, none of their 11 hits left the ballpark. It marked just the fifth time since 1961 that a team scored at least 13 runs in an inning without hitting a home run.

Despite the explosive third inning, the Yankees went scoreless the rest of the game as the Athletics mounted a comeback. New York ultimately held on for a 13-8 victory, making sure its historic offensive outburst was enough to secure the win.

No. 6: Cam Schlittler’s 13 Strikeouts vs. Reds

Cam Schlittler emerged as one of baseball’s top pitchers in 2026, establishing himself as a leading candidate for the American League Cy Young Award. His 1.95 ERA ranked first in the AL, while his 239 strikeouts were tied for second in the league. One of his most dominant performances came against the Cincinnati Reds on June 19.

Schlittler recorded a career-high 13 strikeouts across six scoreless innings, allowing just four hits and issuing no walks. The 25-year-old right-hander became the youngest pitcher in Yankees history to record at least 13 strikeouts without issuing a walk in a game. His outstanding outing also lowered his ERA to 1.71, the lowest by a Yankees pitcher through his first 16 starts since Whitey Ford in 1964.

The performance was another reminder of Schlittler’s dominance throughout the season. The Massachusetts native established himself as an ace in New York’s rotation, and his 13-strikeout outing against Cincinnati stood out as one of the defining pitching performances of his breakout campaign.

No. 5: Luis Garcia Jr. Homers in His Yankees Debut

At the trade deadline, the Yankees acquired first baseman Luis Garcia Jr. from the Washington Nationals to add power to a lineup dealing with injuries to Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton. Garcia wasted little time making an impression. In his first game with New York, the Yankees faced a 6-0 deficit against the St. Louis Cardinals but steadily fought their way back, cutting the lead to one run by the seventh inning.

With two outs and a runner on base in the bottom of the seventh, Garcia stepped to the plate with a chance to give New York the lead. The left-handed hitter delivered, crushing a line drive into the right-center-field bullpen for a go-ahead three-run homer that put the Yankees ahead 7-6.

Although New York ultimately lost the game, Garcia’s debut home run was an immediate highlight. He showed the kind of left-handed power the Yankees hoped to add at the trade deadline, making his first appearance with the team a memorable one.

No. 4: George Lombard Jr‘s. First Career Home Run

With the struggles of Anthony Volpe in 2026, the Yankees had to make a change at shortstop. They called up their top prospect, George Lombard Jr., to take over.  The 21-year-old became the youngest player to start at shortstop for the Yankees since Derek Jeter in 1995. Lombard looked comfortable from the start of his Major League debut. He turned an impressive double play in the second inning. Defensively, he looked just as sharp as he did at the plate.

His biggest moment came in the fifth. In just his second career at-bat, the rookie shortstop launched his first Major League home run. Lombard became the 14th Yankees player to homer in their MLB debut, and the third youngest player in Yankees history to accomplish the feat. “It was a moment, a swing and a day I won’t forget,” he said after the game.

The night was also special for the Lombard family. George’s younger brother, Jacob, homered in his professional debut for the Marlins’ Single-A affiliate. He connected in his second at-bat as well. Between his defensive highlight, historic home run, and his family’s own milestone, Lombard’s debut became a night he and Yankees fans would remember for years to come.

No. 3: Cody Bellinger Sends Boston Home

After winning Game 1 of the American League Wild Card Series, the Yankees entered Game 2 looking to complete the sweep and eliminate their biggest rival. New York held a 2-0 lead before Boston cut the deficit in half with a solo home run. In the bottom of the sixth inning, the Yankees responded. George Lombard Jr., Austin Wells, and Ryan McMahon each drove in a run to give them a 5-1 lead.

Veteran outfielder Cody Bellinger then delivered the knockout blow. With two outs, he launched a three-run home run that sent Yankee Stadium into a frenzy. New York’s lead extended to 8-1. The Yankees went on to win 9-2, completing the sweep and punching their ticket to the American League Division Series.

Eliminating Boston in the postseason made the victory even sweeter. Bellinger’s blast capped a dominant performance by New York. Yankees fans had a moment to celebrate against their fiercest rival.

No. 2: Ben Rice‘s Game 1 Grand Slam

With Aaron Judge sidelined, Ben Rice stepped up as a key force in the Yankees’ offense. The first baseman hit 41 home runs during the regular season. That mark ranked fourth in the American League. He drove in 97 runs, which also ranked fourth in the AL. Rice kept that momentum going in the postseason. He delivered a historic performance in Game 1 against the Boston Red Sox. The Massachusetts native went 4-for-5 with two home runs and six RBIs, accounting for six of New York’s nine runs.

His solo home run in the fifth inning gave the Yankees a 2-0 lead. Rice’s biggest moment came in the eighth, when he crushed a grand slam to extend New York’s advantage to 9-0. That proved to be the final score, as the Yankees dominated their rivals in the series opener. Rice’s grand slam was the 16th by a Yankee in postseason history.

Rice became the first player in MLB history to hit multiple home runs and account for every extra-base hit for his team in a postseason game. With six RBIs and a pair of home runs, the young slugger put the Yankees’ offense on his shoulders and set the tone for their playoff matchup against Boston.

No. 1: Schlittler Dominates the Sox Once Again

Cam Schlittler has repeatedly delivered on the postseason stage against his hometown team. In the 2025 Wild Card Series, he got the start in a win or go home Game 3. With the season on the line, Schlittler delivered. He dominated Boston’s lineup, going eight scoreless innings with 12 strikeouts. The hard throwing righty allowed just five hits and did not walk anyone. Schlittler became the first pitcher in MLB history to throw eight-plus scoreless innings with 12-plus strikeouts and no walks in a postseason game.

This season, he got the ball in Game 1 of the Wild Card series. Just like last year, Schlittler shut down the Red Sox in the postseason. The Yankee ace delivered six and a third scoreless innings with ten strikeouts. His 117 pitches thrown were a career high. It was another historical performance for the young starter.

Schlittler became just the fourth pitcher in MLB postseason history to record two 10-strikeout games before turning 26. His dominance against the Red Sox has extended beyond October. In six career starts against the Sox, he’s allowed just two earned runs. Schlittler’s 0.47 ERA is the lowest by a pitcher in his first six career starts against the Red Sox, including playoffs, since earned runs became official (1913).

The Yankees made a statement with their Game 1 victory, and Schlittler was at the center of it. By dominating Boston in consecutive postseasons, the young right-hander cemented his place as one of New York’s most important players and delivered the defining moment of the Yankees’ 2026 season.

The post Ranking the Yankees’ Top 10 Moments From 2026 Season appeared first on The Lead.

In a year of high expectations, the Cincinnati Reds fell well short of their goals.

Finishing last in the NL Central and 13 games from a wild-card spot, it was a lost season in Cincinnati.  After a promising start to the season, the year that started great turned into a year to forget.

But if there’s one thing to remember about the Reds’ 2026 campaign, it’s the performance of Elly De La Cruz.

With all the disappointment surrounding the Reds this year, De La Cruz was everything but that. The fourth-year shortstop showed the entire league that he is the real deal. He had previously shown glimpses of superstardom, but consistency on both sides of the plate and on defense had been the lingering question.

With an impressive 2026 campaign from De La Cruz, he answered those questions in a big way.

De La Cruz Set Career Highs Across the Board

The 2026 season has been the best season of De La Cruz’s young career. Completing his fourth season in Cincinnati, the switch-hitter set career highs across the board. De La Cruz’s slash line of .283/.365/.515 is the best he’s ever produced.

Even after missing three weeks with a hamstring injury, the two-time All-Star didn’t show signs of slowing down. He picked up right where he left off and only got better as the season progressed.

His biggest achievement this year came towards the end of the season. De La Cruz became the fourth Red ever to record a 30-home-run and a 30-stolen-base year. Capturing his 30th base also made him the eighth player ever to swipe 30 bases in their first four seasons. Although the 30 stolen bases are the lowest he’s collected in a season, the 30 home runs mark the most of his career.

Just when the Reds thought they’d seen the best of De La Cruz this season, he put on a clinic in the final month of the season. Despite facing the toughest schedule of any team in September, the shortstop rose to the occasion. He hit .348, batting in 19 runs, stealing six bases, scoring 18 runs, and collecting 15 extra-base hits.

This impressive month earned De La Cruz his first-ever NL Player of the Month award. To top it off, he led the league in total WAR for September, also recording the second-most home runs and total bases.

The Right Side of the Plate Is No Longer a Weakness

One of the biggest question marks surrounding De La Cruz as a hitter has been his ability to hit left-handed pitching. Stepping up to the right side of the dish against southpaws has been a weakness of his game. In his first three seasons, he struggled as a right-handed batter. Batting lefty has always been more comfortable for him. This season, he took a giant step forward on the right side of the batter’s box.

To compare his three previous seasons against lefties, De La Cruz hit .184 with a .494 OPS in 2023, .224 with a .661 OPS in 2024, and .236 with a .618 OPS in 2025. This season, he ended with a .325 average and an OPS of .990. The 24-year-old finally took the step up he needed to reach superstar status.

Now that he has found his groove on the other side, he has the chance to become an elite offensive weapon. At one point during his NL Player of the Month campaign, he led all of MLB in batting average, slugging percentage, and OPS.

Only Bobby Witt Jr.’s Glove Keeps This Debate Alive

De La Cruz has been one of the most exciting players to watch at his position. Since bursting on the scene in 2023, the shortstop has collected several highlight plays.

Standing at 6-foot-6, he’s one of the tallest players to ever play the position. His athleticism at that height allows him to make plays that no other shortstop can accomplish. With the second-highest arm strength at his position this year, he set a new record for the fastest tracked assist by an infielder in the Statcast era this year.

De La Cruz is nominated for the Hank Aaron Award and is on the ballot for the 2026 All-MLB team. The only other shortstops to be considered for both honors this year are CJ Abrams and Bobby Witt Jr. De La Cruz has both of them beat when it comes to offensive production. He has set himself up to be a front-runner for the Silver Slugger Award.

De La Cruz leads both Abrams and Witt in hits, batting average, on-base percentage, slugging, OPS, and OPS+, while trailing only Abrams in home runs and RBIs. His 5.6 bWAR is second-best of the three. When looking at his offensive value, he leads them both with a WAR of 6.4. This number is also the third highest in baseball.

De La Cruz’s defense also took a step in the right direction this year. He is in the 91st percentile in Outs Above Average (OAA) and the 75th percentile in Fielding Run Value (FRV). Last year, he ranked in the 22nd percentile in OAA and the 50th percentile in FRV. Although he’s well behind two-time first-team All-MLB Witt Jr., these improvements are a step in the right direction.

If he can continue to improve his play on the defensive side, there will be no argument for who the best shortstop in baseball is.

The post Elly De La Cruz Entered Superstar Status in 2026 appeared first on The Lead.

On Sunday Night, the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers will meet for the 41st time.

Two of the NFL’s most esteemed franchises meeting in the bright lights is a win for all involved—players, fans, and executives alike.

Stars will be on full display. Stands will be packed. Discourse will be at an all-time high, with two rowdy fanbases at each other’s throats all week.

Outside the North, there is no team Green Bay fans hate more than Dallas. The inverse is true, too.

All of this is what makes Green Bay-Dallas the best out-of-division rivalry in football, hands down.

These Two Know Each Other Better Than Most Divisional Rivals

The strongest rivalries between two teams usually have a deeply rooted history, and the two teams involved know each other like the back of their own hand.

The Cowboys and Packers have met almost as much as some divisional opponents, and there is no shortage of history between the two. As previously mentioned, the two have met 40 times (Packers lead the series 22-17-1). Their 16 meetings since 2000 are some of the most among out-of-division opponents.

Regarding the postseason, their nine meetings are only second all time to 49ers-Packers (10 times).

The Classics Keep Coming

As for their history, where to begin?

Their most recent meeting ended in a tie, the only one in the history of the series. Before that, Dallas made history as the first No. 2 seed to get bounced against a No. 7 seed in an embarrassment against Green Bay.

Going back about a decade, the two engaged in two titanic playoff clashes with thrilling endings. In 2016, a rookie Dak Prescott announced himself to the world with a performance for the ages, but it wasn’t enough to get past the Pack that day. And in 2014, the two slugged it out again in the infamous “Dez Caught It” play.

For those really about their history, the infamous “Ice Bowl” was played between these two. Bart Starr led a game-winning touchdown drive in deathly conditions to take the Packers to Super Bowl II.

The heartstoppers usually go the way of Green Bay. Dallas had an edge early on in the rivalry, but Green Bay haven’t lost to them in 10 years. However one decides to look at it, these two absolutely check two of the biggest boxes needed to make a rivalry legit.

Few Rivalries Can Match This Level of Star Power

Another key aspect of a rivalry is the star power involved.

Good thing for the viewing public, Cowboys-Packers pack a punch in the star power department.

These two have been blessed with it from the minute they became franchises. Bart Starr, Vince Lombardi, Brett Favre, Reggie White, Aaron Rodgers—that’s a list of Hall of Fame Packer talent that have all made a stamp in this meeting. That list is rivaled by very few franchises.

However, the Cowboys are a part of that few. Roger Staubach, Drew Pearson, Tony Dorsett, and the aforementioned trio of the 90s coached by Jimmy Johnson. That’s before mentioning guys like Dez Bryant and Jason Witten, too.

Then, you come to modern day. Dak Prescott and Jordan Love are two of the best quarterbacks in football. Prescott drops back and throws to CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, the most lethal wideout duo in the business. Finally, despite not suiting up for this game, Micah Parsons‘ name and voice has been all over this game.

The Two Biggest Brands in Football

Not only are the players box office. So too are the teams themselves.

The Packers are one of the most recognizable brands in all of sports. Everyone has images of that iconic green and gold outfit burned into their memories, and even the most casual sports fan can pick out the Packers uniform off the street.

Their influence knows no bounds. From their cathedral in Lambeau Field to having the Super Bowl trophy named after their most successful head coach, the Packers have their fingerprints all over the sporting landscape.

Once again, however, what the Packers can do, the Cowboys do bigger. If Green Bay is one of the most recognizable brands in all of sports, Dallas is in the running for the most recognizable. There are Cowboys fans at every corner of the globe.

AT&T Stadium is in itself a marvel, hosting everything from Super Bowls to World Cups. The Cowboys are almost always the talk of a major sports complex, no matter the quality of play.

When these two meet on Sunday Night, star power matched by few will be on display. The game will be adding on to an already rich history, and two loud and passionate fanbases will be scrapping for bragging rights.

This year’s meeting carries stakes beyond the rivalry. Dallas enters at 2-3, desperate to stay afloat after a deflating loss to Tampa Bay. Green Bay is 3-2 and riding a two-game winning streak after dismantling their other primary rival, the Chicago Bears, 31-7.

For the Cowboys, a loss at Lambeau — where they’re 2-10 all time — could put them in a serious hole. For the Packers, a win would be their third straight and keep them in the NFC North hunt behind the undefeated Vikings.

Sunday night should be another classic in the best out-of-division rivalry in football.

The post Cowboys-Packers, the Greatest Out-Of-Division Rivalry appeared first on The Lead.

If not for Greg Rousseau’s blocked field goal, the conversation about the Bills’ Week 5 win looks very different.

Buffalo rolls out an offense that’s tied for the league lead with 32.8 points per game. On the other hand, the defense has been terrible, allowing 28.2 points per game, which ranks fifth-worst in the NFL. Besides the defensive line holding their own, there aren’t many positives to take away so far.

While things have been tough for Buffalo on defense, there is good news. They have a few options in-house that could make big differences the rest of the season. With a mix of both veterans and rookies, it leaves an interesting discussion to be had.

Jalon Kilgore Has the Size and Versatility the Secondary Needs

Jalon Kilgore, a fifth-round pick this past draft, was immediately met with a lot of intrigue from Bills fans. He was drafted to fill a position where Buffalo lacked depth. Outside of Cole Bishop and C.J. Gardner-Johnson, the options at safety still don’t look great.

The Bills’ secondary as a whole has struggled so far this season, which is where Kilgore can help. The South Carolina product brings versatility the defense is missing after Taron Johnson was traded to the Raiders. 

While Kilgore’s main position is safety, he excels at playing all over the field. Whether he’s at safety or filling in at nickel corner for an injured Dee Alford, he should play. What capacity he plays in isn’t the issue; it’s the fact that he needs to be on the field.

With injuries piling up in the secondary, now is the best time for the Bills to see what they have with Kilgore. If they can find a way to have him play a “big nickel” role (or a third safety in a 4-2-5 scheme), there’s no doubt that he can make a difference.

At 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds, he has the size to play anywhere effectively. Coverage skills will come with time, but in the big nickel role, he can use his size in the box. He’s not afraid to step up in run support and make a play, something he showed regularly at South Carolina.

At this point, Buffalo’s defense has been so bad that they have nothing to lose by playing Kilgore. The team can only run practice squad players out there over him for so long.

There’s no reason Kilgore shouldn’t at least get a look. He’s a talented football player, so his chance should come sooner rather than later.

Kaleb Elarms-Orr Deserves Snaps Over Dorian Williams in Coverage

Kaleb Elarms-Orr is another rookie from the Bills’ 2026 draft class. The former Cal and TCU linebacker was selected in the fourth round. During the preseason, he gained a lot of attention and even made a push to start opposite Terrel Bernard.

Ultimately, the other starting linebacker ended up being Dorian Williams, but Elarms-Orr has still seen some playing time. 

After three-plus years, Williams is who he is. He has always played well in run defense, but struggles in coverage. It’s at the point where it can’t get any worse.

The argument to play Elarms-Orr over Williams is similar to the argument for Jalon Kilgore. The only way from here is up. Even if Elarms-Orr finds the field on pass coverage snaps, it could make a significant difference for the defense.

While it’s easy to blame players for the defensive mishaps, some blame needs to fall on the coaching staff too. After five weeks, Joe Brady and Jim Leonhard should have a better idea of their players’ strengths and weaknesses.

Just because a player starts for the defense doesn’t mean they have to play every snap. A situation like the Bills are in now could call for a rotation of players at the linebacker position.

This could put Elarms-Orr and Williams in better positions to succeed. Clearly, something needs to change, and this would be the easiest in-house solution.

Shaq Thompson Was Starting Playoff Games Last Year and Can’t Get a Call-Up

Another interesting option the Bills have in-house to solve their defensive woes is Shaq Thompson.

The former Carolina Panther played 12 games and started in six for Buffalo last season. His play might not have been at the level it used to be, but he stabilized a struggling defense.

After going the entire offseason without signing elsewhere, the team decided to bring him back on the practice squad. Thompson has been sitting there all season, waiting for another opportunity to crack the roster.

Brandon Beane and Joe Brady know what they’re getting with Thompson, which makes his absence more confusing. If the team doesn’t want to play rookies like Kilgore or Elarms-Orr, that’s understandable.

The problem is, at this point, what do Bernard and Williams offer the defense that Thompson can’t? Thompson was starting playoff games for the team last year, and now he can’t even get a game-day call-up.

This is the perfect in-house solution for the Bills if they want to add a veteran presence to the defense. It also gives the rookie options an opportunity to sit a little bit longer and develop.

Many have tried to give the defense the benefit of the doubt, but time is running out. Changes need to be made. The reality for the team is that they don’t have the cap space to make a big move. They’re going to have to find something from within, and Shaq Thompson could be that.

https://Twitter.com/NFL/status/1974997957314543864?s=20

The Bills Don’t Have the Cap Space to Buy a Fix

Buffalo has $4.7 million in cap space. That’s not nearly enough for a significant trade deadline acquisition. If they’re going to make a move, it has to be for someone on a cheap deal.

At that point, their best bet is to look for the solutions internally first. Between Jalon Kilgore, Kaleb Elarms-Orr, and Shaq Thompson, they have options. These players allow them to make changes to the struggling secondary and linebacker corps.

The one thing the team has on their side right now is time. With the trade deadline approaching after Week 9, they can make some internal changes. If they don’t work out, then they can pivot to someone on the trade market.

The team can’t sit on their hands and continue to watch a bad defense. Even with a quarterback like Josh Allen, it’s not every year that they lead the league in points per game.

The sense of urgency should start right now for the Bills. Changes need to be made before it’s too late.

The post Three In-House Options That Could Save the Bills’ Defense appeared first on The Lead.

41-year-old Alex Ovechkin announced on Instagram that his 22-year career will be coming to an end following the conclusion of the 2026-2027 season.

View this post on Instagram

Currently, the Great 8 sits as the All-Time Leading Goal Scorer for the NHL with 930 goals in 1578 games. Other NHL records he holds are the most 40-goal seasons (14 seasons), game-winning goals (141 goals), and has won the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy more than anyone (nine times). 

Spending all 22-years with the Washington Capitals, Ovechkin also holds records for the club as well. He’s the leading points-getter with 1,688 points, single-postseason goals with 15, and the most goals in a single season with 65 in 2007-08.

Ovi’s Impact On-Ice

Ovechkin joined the league in the 2005-06 season, scoring 52 goals, and racking up 106 points in 81 games. An impressive stat line for a rookie to bring life back to the NHL following a lockout.  

The 2004-05 season was cancelled following an unresolved labor lockout between the Players’ Association (NHLPA) and team owners after their collective bargaining agreement (CBA) expired. 

The fans were hungry for hockey again, and Ovechkin kept them fed. With Sidney Crosby joining the mix the following the season, the NHL started a new era and started gaining its popularity back. 

Looking at home attendance numbers for the Capitals, the highest pre-Ovi season was 2001-02 with 17,341 people coming to games. Once Ovi came along, it took a few seasons to get the numbers back up but once they did, it exceeded their previous record.

The 2014-15 season now holds the highest attended year with 19,099. The numbers have been more steady between 17k-18k, which is impressive considering the attendance records pre-Ovi. 

Ovechkin’s Impact Off-Ice

It’s not just attendance where you see the impact Ovechkin has made on the DMV area, but also through charities and youth hockey growth. It’s been deemed the “Ovechkin Effect.”

Since Ovechkin’s rookie season, registration for youth and adult hockey leagues in the Potomac Valley Region, had a 73% increase since 2005 to the present. Majority of that increase comes from men’s leagues. However, participation from women have gone from 425 to 994 in the same time frame, according to USA Hockey figures. 

Alexandria Briggs-Blake, president of the Tucker Road Parent Organization, said “In my opinion, true greatness is measured by impact. It’s where someone stands apart, and that’s Ovi.” 

Not only in the increase of participation by the money raised for charities. While Ovechkin was chasing Wayne Gretzky’s Goal Record, he partnered with Hockey Fights Cancer and the V Foundation for Cancer Research to donate an amount equal to his goal total for the remainder of his career. 

Ovechkin cares about his community and gives back in multiple ways. His difference is prevalent through the kids and adults he’s interacted with or helped through his donations. The DMV area will forever appreciate Alex Ovechkin.

Caps Without Their Captain

The 2027-2028 season will be the first time since the 2003-04 season that the Capitals will be without Ovechkin. And while the team and community will miss him, there is a bright future ahead for the team. 

With veterans like Tom Wilson, Dylan Strome, Jacob Chychrun, and rising stars like Ryan Leonard, Cole Hutson, Ilya Protas, the team is in good hands. Currently the teams average age is 28.32, which is 15th in the league. This year, the Capitals are one of the biggest and quickest teams in the league. 

It’ll take some time to get used to hockey without Ovechkin, but you can still expect the Capitals to be an exciting team to watch.

The post Alex Ovechkin Singlehandedly Reformed Hockey in DMV Area appeared first on The Lead.