Vikings QB Kirk Cousins did not have to do much in Minnesota’s 28-12 victory over the Falcons on Sunday, and mainly because the Vikings had a lot of success running the ball. Minnesota finished the game with 172 yards on the ground. Cousins threw the ball only 10 times and would finish the game 8/10 for 98 yards and one touchdown through the air and another on the ground.

However, it’s what happened after his rushing touchdown that had people talking. In the second quarter, Cousins scored a touchdown on a quarterback sneak. Once in the end zone, Cousins did a little dance.

Kirk Cousins doing some sort of dance pic.twitter.com/nElUsihlVh

— Paid man gets bored (@cjzero) September 8, 2019

After the game, Cousins explained his little dance

“That’s kind of an inside joke between me and an old buddy, friend, teammate Tom Compton,” he said on Sunday. “I texted him and said, ‘See if you can find a video of that. I think you’re going to like it.’ I told the guys in the locker room if I scored today, I was going to do it, so they were ready for it. It was just fun, having a good time, enjoying playing.”

Vikings RB Dalvin Cook enjoyed Cousins’ dance routine.

“I was right there with him,” Cook said. “We just do our thing. Kirk is kinda like the football dad on this team. We love seeing him show his personality. It gets the whole team hype.”

Life is good in the NFL when you are winning, and if the Vikings continue to win, expect more dancing from Cousins.

The Killer 3’s and Triplets faced off for the 2019 BIG3 Championship. Coach of the Year Lisa Leslie, MVP Joe Johnson and the Triplets took on a hungry Killer 3’s team featuring Stephen Jackson, Frank Session, Charles Oakley and company.

Triplets, the number one team in the league, continued their hot streak in this one as Joe Johnson, who finished with 28 points, flourished throughout this game. Leading by as many as ten points, Triplets let their lead slip to Killer 3’s late when the score was 41-39. After that point, they’d go on to score nine straight including a game winning three-pointer from none-other than Joe Johnson.

Last week, Johnson, 38, reportedly had a tryout with a few NBA teams, including the 76ers, Bucks, and Nets, and based on his performance in the BIG3, Johnson probably will get another shot in the NBA. Johnson last played in the NBA in 2018 with Houston.

Photo/courtesy: BIG3/Getty Images

 

In the NFL, there are three phases to the game. You have offense, defense, and special teams, and for the Atlanta Falcons, special teams have let them down in the preseason, especially the kicking game.

On Thursday night, in their preseason finale against the Jaguars, the kicking game let the Falcons down again. Giorgio Tavecchio and Blair Walsh both missed field goals last night. For Tavecchio, that was his fifth miss in the preseason.

“We haven’t met the mark,” Falcons head coach Dan Quinn said after the Falcons’ victory over Jacksonville. “We have a lot of faith in Giorgio (Tavecchio) last year after going 5-for-5 when we had him in here after Matt was injured. But we haven’t hit the same mark this year, so that prompted us looking for weeks now and evaluating and that why is Blair (Walsh) came in there as well. That’s part of the process when you don’t make the mark. I wouldn’t say we lost faith, but our first experience with him was an excellent one, and right now we’re not hitting that same stride. That’s what prompted the looking.”

On Friday, the Falcons will be bringing in 44-year-old K Matt Bryant for a workout. Bryant spent last season in Atlanta before getting released by the Falcons back in February. In 2018, Bryant missed only one field goal(20-21).

“He has been someone Thomas (Dimitroff), and I have been talking about for a while,” Quinn said. “We had already scheduled him coming in. For all positions, you want to make sure you’re evaluating the best for your time. Matt is obviously a guy we have great faith and believe in. It will be good to see him tomorrow and get a workout to see where he’s at. That is kind of where we’re at. Like most things, it’s easy to put the cart in front of the horse, but we look forward to having him here, and we’ll have more information as we go through it tomorrow.”

Bryant, who spent ten seasons with the Falcons, missed three games last season with a hamstring injury, and it appears if the 17-year veteran is right, the Falcons will probably sign him. Bryant is dependable, and that is what you want and need from your kicker in the NFL.

Former world champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara will continue his quest to reclaim his spot at the top of the 154-pound division when he takes on Ramon Alvarez for the WBA Super Welterweight title this Saturday night in the main event of FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes from The Armory in Minneapolis.

Televised coverage begins Saturday at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will see Lara in a grudge match against Alvarez, who is the brother of middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez, giving Lara a chance for a measure of revenge against the brother of an opponent he dropped a controversial decision to in 2014.

 In addition, Lara has enlisted the help of his first professional trainer, Ismael Salas, as he now lives and trains in Las Vegas. Here is what Lara had to say about this upcoming matchup, training camp and more:

On this training camp:

 “Everything is going great out here in Las Vegas as I wrap up camp for my title fight. The sparring partners really pushed me to my limits, and I know mentally that I’m fully prepared for this fight. Everything…my timing, my stamina, my mental fortitude, it’s all on point right now.”

 On his fight against Ramon Alvarez:

 “This will be a good fight for the fans because I know Ramon Alvarez is coming with everything he’s got.  I know he’ll be looking to end all controversy about me getting robbed when I fought his brother Canelo. Everyone knows I won that fight, so I’m going to take it out on Ramon. He’s had plenty of time to prepare for this bout, as I did, so we will both be performing at our very best. Stylistically, I feel I have the advantages. I’m going into this fight with the mindset to dominate and score a knockout.”

 On training with Ismael Salas:

 “Training with Salas has brought back some good memories as he was my coach when I first turned professional. We are working on a lot of fundamentals with a few twists. Salas and I have sharpened up all my tools and I’m taking this fight very seriously. We have a great game plan in place.”

On fighting for the vacant WBA Super Welterweight title:

“I going to reclaim my status as the best fighter in the super welterweight division. Winning the WBA world title on Saturday will be the biggest step yet in getting back there. After I win this belt, I’m going to defend it against all the top contenders and champions they put in front of me.”

On fighting in the main event on FOX and FOX Deportes:

“FOX is a huge outlet for boxing and I love fighting on their network. Knowing that there will be millions of viewers tuning in is a tremendous blessing to everyone who fights on FOX. I’m excited to showcase my skills on a tremendous platform that’s bringing boxing to so many fans all over the country..”

Photo/courtesy: Stephanie Trapp

Philadelphia Eagles DE Daeshon Hall has been a revelation for the team this summer.  In two preseason games, Hall, who was selected in the third round by the Carolina Panthers in the 2017 NFL Draft, is the NFL preseason leader in sacks(3.0), and last Thursday against the Jaguars, Hall had two sacks and a forced fumble.

The Eagles are deep at the defensive end position, with guys like Brandon Graham, Derek Barnett, and Vinny Curry, but Hall is doing whatever he can to make a mark on this team.

“I’m just trying to control my controllables and do what I can to make this team or make another team,” Hall said after the Eagles’ win over Jacksonville last Thursday. “I’m working hard; we’ve got a great group of D-ends, everybody works hard, and everybody plays hard. I feel like I’m getting better because I’m getting pushed by this group of D-ends.”

The 24-year-old Hall was an outside linebacker when he was with the Houston Texans last season. When the Eagles signed Hall off the Texans’ practice squad late in the 2018 season, he had to transition back to defensive end, which he played in college at Texas A&M, and at this point, Eagles DC Jim Schwartz sees a player who is comfortable at the defensive end position.

“He got to us midway through last year, and he was in the transition of going from outside linebacker to 4-3 defensive end,” Schwartz said on Monday. “He had been asked to lose weight in Houston, but he was gaining weight here, so he was a little bit of a work in progress there. But he’s come back, had a really good spring, and he’s stacked a good training camp on top of that. He has good speed, he’s long, he fits our stuff that way, and he’s really been tough. He plays physical football for us, and that’s what we are looking for.”

Because of the play of defensive ends, fourth-round pick Shareef Miller and second-year player Josh Sweat, it might be tough for Hall to make the team, but if he continues to play well, he should get an opportunity somewhere in the NFL.

Devin Haney can take a giant leap towards World title glory when he faces fellow unbeaten star Zaur Abdullaev in a final eliminator for the WBC World Lightweight title on Friday September 13 at the Hulu Theater in Madison Square Garden, New York, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.

Haney (22-0 14 KOs) made an electrifying debut with Matchroom Boxing USA and DAZN in May, destroying Antonio Moran with a KO of the year contender in the seventh round of their clash in Maryland. The 20 year old fights in the Big Apple for the first time in his career and the Las Vegas native, ranked #2 with the WBC, hits Manhattan for his biggest fight yet in association with DHP Promotions and Titov Boxing.

Abdullaev (11-0 7 KOs) is ranked #3 with the WBC having landed the Silver Lightweight strap in just his ninth pro outing in April 2018, and the highly rated and dangerous Russian registered his 11^th pro win and seventh inside the distance in February, stopping Humberto Martinez in Ekaterinburg, and now fights outside his homeland for the first time in his career.

The WBC crown will be in the hands of either Vasiliy Lomachenko or Luke Campbell MBE when the clash at The O2 in London on August 31, with Haney and Abdullaev keenly observing that clash from their training camps become locking horns on September 13.

“It always feels good when I get the official date,” said Haney. “I stay in the gym because I’m a dog and I love to fight. I want the world to see me rise to my competition. The better they are the better I am. I’m fighting an undefeated fighter at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden.

“New York fans are some of the most loyal fans in sports and I’m looking forward to really putting on a show for them. Abdullaev likes to apply pressure and I expect nothing less on September 13. I’ve seen him fight and he’s a hungry fighter, there’s no doubt he is my toughest opponent to date. This fight is one step away from a World title fight so we both have a lot on the line.

“Abdullaev doesn’t have a big name, but he’s ranked #3 for a reason, and I’m not ducking him or anyone else that stands in my way. I’m blessed to have tremendous support from DAZN and Eddie Hearn. With this partnership I have an opportunity to fight the best in the world. I encourage everyone in NYC to buy their tickets or get the DAZN App and watch my growth into the next superstar in boxing. This fight is going to be lit!”

“I’m delighted that the fight is happening,” said Abdullaev. “I was panicking when I saw some posts from Haney on social media that nobody wants to fight him at 135-pounds and he might have to move up in weight. I kept biting my nails and really wanted to get engaged but been told to stay patient. Allah the gracious has delivered this fight and now its reality.

WBA and IBF World Super-Bantamweight champion Daniel Roman leads a stacked undercard in a mouth-watering chief-support bout as he takes on lethal WBA mandatory challenger Murodjon Akhmadaliev. Roman (27-2-1 10 KOs) unified his WBA crown with the IBF strap of Irishman TJ Doheny in a fight of the year contender at home in Los Angeles in April, a fifth World title win on the bounce a fourth inside 14 months for the 29 year old.

Roman’s fifth defense of his WBA crown pits him against dangerous Uzbek talent Akhmadaliev (6-0 5 KOs) – the highly decorated amateur has looked fearsome in ending five of his six pro outings to date inside the distance, with the 25 year old’s last win coming on the same LA bill as Roman’s dust-up with Doheny. Roman vs. Akhmadaliev is brought to you in association with Thompson Boxing and World of Boxing.

“Anyone that knows me understands that I’m a real fighter,” said Roman. “I’ll fight anyone they put in front of me. Akhmadaliev is hungry, but so am I. It wasn’t that long ago [2017] when I challenged for the WBA title so we’re not going to give it up. I’m here to fight and defend the WBA belt once more. I have two belts [WBA and IBF], but I want more. My goal is to get all of them so by no means am I overlooking Akhmadaliev. He has that amateur pedigree, can punch with power and likes to come forward. The second you underestimate someone, that’s when bad things happen. I’ll be ready for whatever he brings.

“As a unified champion, I understand that I have a target on my back. That’s why I’ve been in the gym, staying sharp like I always do. There’s no time to relax and look back at what I’ve done because my work isn’t finished.”

“Danny is among the most committed and disciplined World champions out there,” said Ken Thompson, president of Thompson Boxing Promotions. “He relishes challenges and at this point in his career, he only wants the toughest and biggest fights. Akhmadaliev is a young and dangerous opponent, but Danny has all the tools to continue his reign as the best talent in the division. We’re confident that he’ll deliver another excellent performance and retain his WBA title for the fifth time.”

“I am very glad that Daniel Roman took this fight,” said Akhmadaliev. “I know that we are both warriors and this will be a real war! Don’t miss this fight!”

“We have been waiting for this fight for some time,” said Vadim Kornilov from World of Boxing. “I believe with the will, character, and power of both of these guys, this fight will be a fight of the year candidate.”

There’s more World title action on the bill as record-breaking seven-weight World champion Amanda Serrano challenges WBO World Featherweight champion Heather Hardy in an all-Brooklyn affair, brought to you by DiBella Entertainment in association with Matchroom Boxing USA.

Serrano (36-1-1 27 KOs) conquered her seventh weight class at the Hulu Theater in title in January when the Puerto Rican destroyed Eva Voraberger inside the opening round to claim the vacant WBO Super-Flyweight title.

Serrano held the WBO Featherweight strap in 2016 before vacating it then her sister Cindy picked it up later that year. Hardy (22-0 4 KOs) was next in line to win the vacant title in October in a rematch against Shelley Vincent in the Hulu Theater. Hardy put boxing on hold to return to MMA in June with an outing at Bellator 222 at Madison Square Garden but returns to boxing to go head-to-head with her fellow Brooklynite.

“We found out in February that as a super-champion Amanda could call out any champion in any weight division and she would be the next defense — and she chose me. I didn’t get this far in the boxing game to not know how it works, they’re hyping up a big fight between her and Katie Taylor and this is the second of Amanda’s three-fight deal.

“It will be my first time competing as an underdog even as the current world champion but I’m excited as hell. Everyone knows I have the balls for it. I grew up with a tough mamma, trust me – nobody scares me.”

“I’m very excited to be back in the ring and excited to be fighting Heather Hardy,” said Serrano. “Heather is 22-0 for a reason, she always finds a way to win. We’ve sparred in the past and I’ve never had an easy day with her.

“So many of the other champions vacated their belts to avoid fighting me but Heather is a true world champion who will not give up her belt.

“We know each other well and I’m honored to fight her for her World title. It’s nothing personal, just business for two girls from Brooklyn in the ring.”

“On Friday, September 13, seven-division world champion Amanda ‘The Real Deal’ Serrano will attempt to wrest the WBO Featherweight title from undefeated champion Heather ‘The Heat’ Hardy in what promises to be an explosive matchup,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Neither Hardy nor Serrano have ever been in a bad fight, both Brooklynites have passionate fan bases and are tremendous ambassadors for women’s boxing. This is a must-win fight for both boxers and will steal the show.”

The Heavyweight landscape remains a hot one and there’s a great 50-50 clash on the card as Michael Hunter challenges Sergey Kuzmin for the WBA Intercontinental title. Hunter (17-1 12 KOs) holds the International strap with the WBA having KO’d Alexander Ustinov in Monte Carlo in November and defended that with a second round KO of Fabio Maldonado in Maryland in May. The 31 year old is rapidly rising in the rankings and can take a huge leap towards World title action with a win but faces a crunch challenge in the form of Kuzmin (15-0 11 KOs).

The unbeaten Russian puts the strap he won at Wembley Stadium in London in September against David Price and first saw off LaRon Mitchell and then Joey Dawejko in successful Stateside defenses. With Kuzmin ranked #5 and Hunter #8 with the WBA, the victor in New York will be knocking on the door for a title shot, raising the stakes in this pick’em match-up, in association with World of Boxing.

“I’m excited to be fighting Sergey,” said Hunter. “I know that this is not going to be an easy fight, but I am definitely up for the challenge and I want to show people that I am the best in the division.”

“I have worked very hard for this opportunity,” said Kuzmin. “I am here to win this fight and go after the World title. It doesn’t matter to me whether this fight is in the USA or in Russia, I am very confident in my victory. I know my opponent very well, he’s a good boxer, but only one of us is going to be victorious.”

“This is a fight between two top ten prospects, both hold regional titles,” said Vadim Kornilov of World of Boxing. “This fight will hopefully be an eliminator for the World championship mandatory.”

When Jaguars CB Jalen Ramey arrived at training camp, it was not your typical arrival, and here is why. Ramsey, 24, wants a new contract, and In April, Jacksonville exercised the fifth-year option on Ramsey’s contract, which means he will be under contract until 2020. Ramsey is scheduled to make $3.6 million in 2019.

The fourth-year corner said the following during OTAs back in June about his contract:

“As far as I know, I’ve been let know that I will not be getting a contract extension. I will not be getting a contract extension this year,” Ramsey said. “You all take that however you may want to take that, but I’m excited to be … As long as I’m a part of this organization, as long as I’m part of Duval County, I’m going to give the city and the players all I’ve got.”

Well, on Wednesday, here is how Ramsey arrived at training camp:

RT @barstoolsports: Jalen Ramsey showed up to training camp in the back of a Brinks truck 💰💰💰pic.twitter.com/7szCqO8zSO @udubtrailblazer

— R.Ramey (@NoLamey) July 24, 2019

Today, Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone addressed Ramsey and the armored truck:

“Yeah, I think that—of course. I was like, ‘Those Adidas people know how to market.’ You know what I’m saying? That’s the one thing, I mean you do something and everyone else talks about it, it’s good,” Mattone said. “But I’ll say this, and this happens a lot, what people see on the outside, they’re going to form an opinion. But I can tell you, as soon as he crosses into our building, it’s all about doing what’s best for the team and doing everything from that nature.

“So again, I look at this profession now as it’s a business, you know what I’m saying? They have agents, they have marketing people, they have so many things that go on that you’re not going to micromanage the business part of their lives from that sense, but as long as that player shows – and Jalen’s done a good job of coming in here, communicating with his coaches all through the year, working hard, in great shape, ready to go, and he talks about team in here. That’s what my concern is. What happens on the outside—as long as our players are good husbands, good fathers or giving back to the community and I can do anything to help them, that’s what my concern is. The other stuff, again, it’s become part of it.”

Ramsey recently signed with Adidas after starting his career with NIKE and Team Jordan.

Hate him or love him, Ramsey knows how to have fun, and he knows how to send a message. We’ll see how well the Jaguars receive the message as the season goes on.