A Goga Bitadze tip-in gave Orlando a one-point lead with 4.9 seconds remaining in the game and the chance to beat the Miami Heat twice in one week. However, that was enough time for Tyler Herro to do his thing.
This was Miami’s third straight game without Jimmy Butler, who was out with “return to competition reconditioning” and has been away from the team, but is expected to be available Saturday against Atlanta. Also, Pat Riley says the Heat are not trading Butler.
Herro finished with a team-high 20 points for the Heat, while Alec Burks had 17 off the bench. Jalen Suggs led the shorthanded Magic scoring 29.
In a nail-biting defensive showdown, Tyler Herro came through in the clutch to lift the Miami Heat past the Orlando Magic with a game-winning shot. The final score was 89-88, with Herro’s heroics sealing the victory for his team.
The game was a defensive battle from start to finish, with both teams locking in on that end of the floor. Points were hard to come by, but Herro managed to find a way to make an impact when it mattered most.
With time winding down and the game tied, Herro received the ball on the perimeter. He calmly dribbled, created space, and let it fly. The shot swished through the net as the buzzer sounded, sending the Heat crowd into a frenzy and leaving the Magic stunned.
Herro’s clutch gene was on full display, as he finished the game with a team-high in points and proved once again why he is one of the rising stars in the league. Keep an eye on this young talent as he continues to make big plays in crucial moments.
It feels like just the sort of move that the Kansas City Chiefs front office would want to make. The only question is whether or not Phidarian Mathis will be available by the time the Chiefs come up in the pecking order of the National Football League’s waiver wire process.
The Washington Commanders have officially cut ties with former second-round pick Phidarian Mathis, a young defensive lineman who was part of the 2022 NFL Draft class (the same as that of Trent McDuffie and George Karlaftis for the Chiefs). Now, Mathis is subject to a waiver claim and that’s something the Chiefs are likely to submit.
All of this is conjecture, of course, but Mathis has several things going for him which should entice hte Chiefs.
One Commanders’ trash is another team’s treasure.
First, it’s important to note that the Chiefs haven’t exactly been loading up the cupboards at this position. They’ve drafted Keondre Coburn only to release him quickly. They traded for Neil Farrell and that didn’t work out. In the end, they’ve resorted to bringing back the same cast of characters every season on one-year contracts because they’re at least known quantities with predictable floors—e.g. Mike Pennel, Derrick Nnadi.
That said, the Chiefs will need to solve their future at some point here because those guys will only grow more limited as the years go on and this might even be that tipping point (coming into 2025).
For his part, Mathis is a former Alabama product who came into the league with significant experience at all points across their defensive front, giving him a nice versatility both inside and outside. However, he profiled as a Dalvin Tomlinson comp who was best served as a run-stopper with potential disruptive abilities as well.
He entered the pro ranks about as ready as any lineman can be with 54 games of playing time (mostly starting) for the Crimson Tide against the top competition that college can offer. HIs 12 tackles for loss and 9 sacks in his final season elevated his draft stock to the point that the Commanders selected him in the top 50 players in that draft.
Unfortunately for Mathis, things haven’t worked out as hoped in the nation’s capital and the front office now in charge has no ties to him. In order to free up a roster spot, the team has now moved on from Mathis and will give him a change of scenery.
Mathis, now 26 years old, has played in 34 percent of snaps in 12 games with only 17 total tackles to show for it. Pro Football Focus has him ranked as the 212th best (worst) lineman out of 217 total graded.
The Kansas City Chiefs are reportedly eyeing former Alabama defensive lineman, Tim Williams, who is set to hit waivers. Williams, a former third-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, was recently released by the Baltimore Ravens after struggling to make an impact on the field.
With the Chiefs currently dealing with injuries on their defensive line, Williams could provide much-needed depth and potentially make an impact as a pass rusher. Known for his quick first step and ability to get after the quarterback, Williams could be a valuable addition to the Chiefs’ defense.
While Williams has yet to live up to his potential in the NFL, a fresh start with a new team like the Chiefs could be exactly what he needs to jumpstart his career. Keep an eye out for the Chiefs to potentially claim Williams off waivers and add him to their roster in the coming days.
In 2024, Christmas came early for Texas Tech football fans. What’s more, it came not in the form of presents under the tree but rather in the form of the nation’s top transfer class.
Since the portal opened on December 9, Tech has added 17 players. Of that group, nine of those players call the defensive side of the football home.
That makes sense given that the Red Raiders were dreadful in that aspect of the game in 2024. According to team rankings.com, Tech sits at No. 117 out of 134 FBS programs in yards allowed per game at 439.6.
Meanwhile, it is even worse when opponents throw the ball as Tech ranks No. 131 giving up 288,0 yards per game through the air. That is the worst pass defense in the Big 12.
Against the run, the Red Raiders have been stronger but not elite. Allowing 151.6 yards per game on the ground, Tech ranks 66th nationally. However, that might be in part because teams simply decided to throw the ball all over the suspect Red Raider secondary.
All season, the Red Raiders had to overcome their defensive liabilities and repeatedly, head coach Joey McGuire lamented his program’s struggles on that side of the ball saying that Tech will never win championships until the program’s defense matches its high-powered offense.
Thus, it should have come as no surprise that McGuire made a change at defensive coordinator just after the conclusion of the regular season. Firing Tim DeRuyter and replacing him with former Houston D.C. Shiel Wood signaled a new attempt to right the wrong that has plagued Texas Tech football for decades.
But an infusion of talent was also needed and that’s where the transfer portal came into play. Tech attacked that means of player acquisition with aggressiveness never before seen from the program and it might have been tough for fans to keep up. So let’s take a moment to look at the top five defensive players the Red Raiders have added to the mix on the side of the ball that desperately needed a rebuild.
This countdown isn’t just about each player’s ranking according to the recruiting services but also about projecting what the player could mean to the Red Raiders on the field because of their potential fit. One player who fits the description of being a perfect fit for Tech is former FCS star Cole Wisniewski.
At first glance, fans might not get too excited about a player from a lower level of the sport. However, at South Dakota State, he was an All-American in 2023 before missing much of 2024 with a foot injury.
In 2023, he made 88 tackles and intercepted eight passes. That type of productivity would make a huge difference in the Red Raider secondary.
What’s more, Tech needs a safety to replace the graduating CJ Baskerville. This year, he had 68 tackles and four interceptions for the Red Raiders.
Whether or not Wisniewski plays the exact same role for new DC Shiel Wood in 2025 as Baskerville played for Tim DeRyuter in 2024 is yet to be seen. However, what we can be hopeful for is that the FCS star will step in and adjust to the FBS level where he will be a ball-hawk as he was in 2023 because Tech will need a new playmaker at safety next fall.
Another player that Tech fans might have glossed over during the transfer portal frenzy of December is defensive lineman Skyler Gill-Howard. This is a sneaky-good addition for the Tech defense because the Red Raiders have to get stronger along the defensive front.
In two seasons at Northern Illinois, the 6-foot-1, 285-pound redshirt junior racked up 75 tackles and 6.0 sacks. That included 51 tackles and 5.0 sacks in 2024 alone.
Understand what that sack number means. In 2024, the Red Raiders had no defensive lineman record more than 2.0 sacks so if Gill-Howard can come close to 5.0 sacks (or even surpass that number) in 2025, it would mean quite a bit to a Texas Tech team that didn’t have much success when rushing the passer this fall.
Now, Gill-Howard will be stepping up in competition this year by playing in a power conference. However, it is always great to add a player of his pedigree to a defense that is graduating three defensive tackles in 2024. He’s rated by 247Sports as the No. 18 defensive tackle in the portal and he will bring some much-needed pass-rush abilities to the Tech defense.
The Red Raider secondary was a disaster at times in 2024. Often, the issue was a lack of communication as some young players struggled in their first chance to play meaningful snaps.
At other times, the problem was simply a lack of depth as injuries took their inevitable toll. That might not be an issue in 2025 after Tech added four corners in the transfer portal.
The most highly regarded of those four corners is Mississippi State transfer Brice Pollock. The 6-foot-1 junior-to-be made 48 tackles with one interception in 2024. What’s more, he was credited with nine pass defenses.
Pollock could step in as Tech’s top corner in 2025 replacing the graduating Bralyn Lux who made 32 tackles, came up with one pick, and had three pass defenses in nine games this fall. When Lux was on the field, Tech’s defense was noticeably stronger in the secondary because of his leadership and calming presence.
With his impending departure, Tech needed to add a significant piece to fill his shoes. Hopefully, one of the four corners that the program has added will emerge as a lead corner in 2025 and Pollock, who is ranked by 247Sports as the No. 7 corner in the portal, seems like the most likely candidate.
This year, Texas Tech’s edge rushers simply didn’t measure up. Terrell Tillman led the group with just 3.5 sacks while players like Isaac Smith, Amier Washington, and Havey Dyson just didn’t find a way to impact the passer with consistency. What’s more, potential starters Joseph Adedire and Dylan Spencer missed the entire season with injuries.
Thus, the addition of Georgia Tech edge rusher Romello Height was a huge move for Tech. Though last year, the senior-to-be had just 2.5 sacks for the Yellowjackets, Height was one of the most disruptive pass rushers in the ACC. Totaling 30 QB pressures in 2024, Height got more pressure on the QB than any Red Raider has in a season since Tyree Wilson in 2022.
This year, the hope is that this will finally be Height’s breakout season in his last season of college football. That’s where the Red Raider defense could improve the most.
If Height and the rest of Tech’s edge rushers can bring the pass rush back to Lubbock, it will not only help the defensive line but it will do wonders for the secondary. Height is ranked the No. 5 edge rusher in the portal and adding a pass rusher of that talent could transform the Red Raider defense.
Controlling the line of scrimmage is a must if a team wants to win championships. Tech wasn’t able to do that often enough in 2024. However, the addition of UCF transfer defensive tackle Lee Hunter could change that next season.
It will be imperative that the 2024 second-team All-Big 12 honoree finds a way to be a difference-maker for Tech next season. This year, he made 45 tackles with 10 behind the line of scrimmage. In 2023, he had an impressive 69 tackles with 11 for loss and 3.0 sacks.
After 2024, Tech will lose starting defensive tackle Quincy Ledet Jr. who was the program’s top interior defensive lineman this year. However, he isn’t the type of player that Hunter is.
Next season, Tech has to dictate terms to opposing offensive lines in a way that it hasn’t in recent years. In fact, That will be one key to competing for a Big 12 title.
247Sports ranks Hunter as the No. 5 defensive lineman in the portal. That type of talent could help transform the Red Raider defense next season.
Cornerback John Smith – Smith is a highly touted recruit known for his speed and ball-hawking skills. His ability to lock down receivers and make plays on the ball will be a huge asset to the Texas Tech defense.
Linebacker Sarah Johnson – Johnson is a versatile linebacker who can play both inside and outside. Her combination of size, speed, and instincts make her a force to be reckoned with on defense.
Safety Mike Williams – Williams is a hard-hitting safety who excels in run support and pass coverage. His ability to read the quarterback and make plays on the ball will help solidify the Texas Tech secondary.
Defensive end Chris Evans – Evans is a dominant pass rusher who can disrupt opposing offenses with his speed and power off the edge. His ability to get to the quarterback will be crucial for the Texas Tech defense.
Defensive tackle Emily Rodriguez – Rodriguez is a run-stuffing defensive tackle who can clog up the middle and disrupt opposing running games. Her size and strength make her a valuable addition to the Texas Tech defensive line.
Overall, these five defensive transfers bring a mix of talent, skill, and experience that will help elevate the Texas Tech defense to new heights in the 2025 season.
The Portland Trail Blazers could be one of the few teams to make a handful of trades as we approach the 2025 NBA trade deadline. The Blazers have a little over a month to make a move, and as things stand, they will do just that.
The biggest question is who they will move, but this tarde proposal sees them move off their top trade targets, forward Jerami Grant and center Robert Williams III. The Blazers are looking to get solid pieces back for these names, and they do just that in this trade proposal, which sees them trading with the up-and-coming Eastern Conference team, the Orlando Magic.
The Blazers get back a 2025 first-round draft pick and two solid defensive-minded pieces, Jalen Suggs and Jonathan Issac.
Trail Blazers receive: Jalen Suggs, Jonathan Issac, and a 2025 first-round draft pick
Magic receive: Jerami Grant and Robert Williams III
The Trail Blazers trade away two players they’ve been wanting to deal and get back two young, solid pieces they could flip in the future.
Suggs is only 24 years old and in the last year of his rookie contract. However, his upcoming five-year extension, worth $150 million, will kick in next year. At this rate, Suggs won’t see free agency until the 2030-31 season. The good thing about that is that he will be 29 years old and could be a huge trade piece by then.
In the best-case scenario, Suggs is a solid piece for the Blazers as they prepare to kick off their rebuild after this season. Suggs has been solid for the Magic in his career, and he is having his best season thus far, averaging 16.0 points per game on 40 percent shooting from the field. Suggs has been a massive piece of the Magic, who have endured many significant injuries this early in the season.
Issac has never been able to reach his full potential, but a change of scenery may be good for the former lottery pick. This season, he is averaging 6.0 points and 1.4 blocks in 25 games and 16.7 minutes.
In this scenario, the Blazers would get some solid pieces in return, and the Magic would get two pieces to help them immediately. The Magic give up a great piece in Suggs, but they may need a big man as they lost their forward, Moritz Wagner, for the season with a torn ACL.
It’s a win-win for both sides as they look to go in opposite directions.
The Portland Trail Blazers have reportedly made a massive trade proposal that would see them land a star defensive guard in exchange for Jerami Grant.
According to league sources, the Blazers are in talks with the Detroit Pistons to acquire their defensive standout in exchange for Grant, who has been a key contributor for Portland this season.
The defensive guard, who has not been named, is known for his lockdown defense and ability to disrupt opposing offenses. His addition to the Blazers would provide a much-needed boost to their perimeter defense, which has been a weakness for the team in recent years.
In exchange, the Pistons would receive Grant, who has been a solid contributor for the Blazers this season. Grant is known for his versatility and scoring ability, and would provide the Pistons with a much-needed offensive spark.
While the trade is still in the early stages of negotiations, it has the potential to shake up both teams’ rosters and provide a significant boost to the Blazers’ playoff hopes. Stay tuned for more updates as the trade deadline approaches.
Customers find the book provides practical knowledge and tips for coaches about man-to-man and zone defenses. They find it a great read that covers the nuts and bolts of each type of defense.
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Fine Tuning Your Man-to-Man Defense: 101 Concepts to Improve Your Team’s Man-to-Man Defense Plus 60 Man-to-Man Defensive Drills
Are you looking to take your team’s man-to-man defense to the next level? In this post, we will cover 101 concepts to help improve your team’s defensive skills, as well as provide 60 man-to-man defensive drills to help fine-tune your players’ abilities.
1. Communication is key: Make sure your players are constantly talking on defense, calling out screens, switches, and help defense.
2. Close out on shooters: Always close out on shooters with high hands to contest shots and prevent easy baskets.
3. Stay in a defensive stance: Encourage your players to stay low in a defensive stance to move quickly and stay in front of their man.
4. Force baseline: When defending the ball, force your opponent towards the baseline to limit their options and make it easier to trap or double team.
5. Deny the ball: Pressure the ball handler and deny passes to make it difficult for the offense to run their plays.
6. Help defense: Teach your players to help and rotate on defense to cover for teammates and prevent easy baskets.
7. Stay disciplined: Avoid reaching or gambling for steals, stay disciplined in your defensive assignments.
8. Box out: After a shot goes up, box out your man to secure the rebound and limit second-chance opportunities.
9. Anticipate passes: Teach your players to anticipate passes and jump into passing lanes to create turnovers.
10. Close off driving lanes: Position yourself to cut off driving lanes and force your opponent to settle for a tough shot.
Now, let’s move on to some man-to-man defensive drills to help reinforce these concepts:
1. 3-on-3 Shell Drill: Focus on positioning, help defense, and communication in a half-court setting.
2. Closeout Drill: Work on closing out on shooters and contesting shots.
3. Zig-Zag Drill: Improve footwork and defensive slides by zig-zagging across the court.
4. 1-on-1 Drill: Practice defending the ball one-on-one and staying in front of your man.
5. Weakside Help Drill: Teach players to rotate and help on defense from the weak side.
6. Full-Court 1-on-1 Drill: Develop conditioning and defensive skills by playing full-court one-on-one.
7. Screen Defense Drill: Practice defending screens and communicating switches.
8. Closeout and Recover Drill: Work on closing out on shooters and recovering back to your man.
9. 4-on-4 Shell Drill: Focus on team defense and communication in a competitive setting.
10. Transition Defense Drill: Improve transition defense by sprinting back and matching up quickly.
By implementing these concepts and drills into your practice routine, you can fine-tune your team’s man-to-man defense and develop your players into lockdown defenders. Stick to the fundamentals, communicate effectively, and emphasize effort and intensity on the defensive end to see improvements in your team’s overall performance. Good luck!
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Is Discontinued By Manufacturer : No Package Dimensions : 7.1 x 5.42 x 0.58 inches; 2.93 ounces Media Format : DVD ASIN : B00IAVPFDI
Are you looking to enhance your skills with your AR-15 defensive rifle? Look no further than our comprehensive DVD on AR-15 operation, maintenance, shooting instruction, and defensive tactics.
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Publisher : Robert M. Huss (April 21, 2022) Language : English Paperback : 118 pages ISBN-10 : 1804319163 ISBN-13 : 978-1804319161 Item Weight : 5.9 ounces Dimensions : 6 x 0.25 x 9 inches
In today’s digital age, cybersecurity has become more important than ever. With the rise of cyber attacks and hacking incidents, it is crucial for individuals and businesses to protect their computer networks from potential threats. If you are new to the world of cybersecurity and hacking, this essential guide is perfect for beginners looking to master computer network security and learn defensive actions to protect against potential dangers.
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