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  • Jonathan Allen of Alabama Released by Commanders: Roll Call, March 8, 2025

    Jonathan Allen of Alabama Released by Commanders: Roll Call, March 8, 2025

    Jonathan Allen of Alabama Released by Commanders: Roll Call, March 8, 2025

    Your daily update on Alabama Athletics, including full TV coverage
    Sept 29, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (93) plays against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
    Sept 29, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (93) plays against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

    Former Alabama defensive lineman Jonathan Allen was released by the Washington Commanders on Friday. After requesting a trade last week, the Commanders chose a different path to save salary cap space.

    Allen, 30, was selected by Washington as the 17th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft and has been a key figure for the team ever since. A two-time Pro Bowler, Allen ranks 10th on the Commanders’ all-time sack list with 42 and second in franchise history in tackles for loss (60) and quarterback hits (118).

    Allen made the news official through a thank you post on Instagram:

    “It’s never easy to say goodbye,” Allen shared. “This franchise is all I’ve known. It’s been a part of me long before I was drafted here. This place has always felt like home, and I’ve embraced everything about representing the Washington Commanders on and off the field. Through all the highs and lows, I’ll forever be grateful for the chance this team gave me in 2017 as a 22-year-old. Trust me, I’ll never forget that.

    “It’s been the greatest honor of my life to wear ‘Washington’ on my chest for eight years. It’s something special, if you know, you know.

    “Hannah and I have been surrounded by so much love since we moved here. The friends we’ve made have become family, and we’ll cherish these memories forever. Our relationships are everything.

    “To every coach and teammate I’ve had, I’ve given this game everything I have. I’m thankful for everything I’ve learned along the way. I’ll never forget this journey we’ve all shared.

    “All I’ve ever wanted was to WIN here. This fanbase deserves it, this organization deserves it, and last season was just the beginning!

    “With love, Jon Allen”

    Today’s Crimson Tide Schedule:
    Men’s Golf at The Hayt, All Day, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.
    Swimming and Diving at NCAA Zone Championships, All Day, Auburn, Ala.
    Men’s Tennis at Arkansas, 12 p.m. CT, Fayetteville, Ark., Watch

    Did You Know?
    Alabama football is adding Tevin Madison as a defensive backs assistant. Madison, a former Kansas State graduate assistant, previously worked as a defensive backs coach at Illinois State.
    The Detroit Lions currently have four starters from Alabama: running back Jahmyr Gibbs, wide receiver Jameson Williams, cornerback Terrion Arnold, and safety Brian Branch. Alabama 2025 NFL Draft prospects Jalen Milroe, Malachi Moore, Tim Smith, CJ Dippre, Robbie Ouzts, and Que Robinson spoke about the quartet.
    Alabama football will host three high school camps, a kicking camp, and a youth camp this summer. Register for the dates between June 2-21 via this link.
    Alabama football took part in Read Across America at a local elementary school.

    Countdown to the Crimson Tide’s 2025 Football Season Opener:
    175 days

    On This Day in Crimson Tide History:
    March 8, 1982: Over 1,000 people, including many of Paul W. “Bear” Bryant’s former players, attended a $125-a-plate black-tie dinner at the Sheraton Hotel in Washington, D.C., honoring the legendary coach. In a phone call, President Ronald Reagan told Bryant: “The real contribution you have made are the differences you have made in the lives of so many young people.”

    Crimson Tide Quote of the Day:
    “If wanting to win is a fault, as some of my critics seem to insist, then I plead guilty. I like to win. I know no other way. It’s in my blood.”

  • The commanders need to consider the risk-reward balance when it comes to Trey Hendrickson and Myles Garrett

    The commanders need to consider the risk-reward balance when it comes to Trey Hendrickson and Myles Garrett

    Trey Hendrickson is talented, but Myles Garrett is on a different level.

    Trey Hendrickson | Cooper Neill/GettyImages Let’s establish two key points from the start. If the Washington Commanders were to trade for Cincinnati Bengals’ All-Pro defensive end Trey Hendrickson, he would immediately become the best pass rusher they’ve had since Ryan Kerrigan, who never came close to matching Hendrickson’s 35 sacks over the last two seasons.

    The second point is that Hendrickson doesn’t quite measure up to Myles Garrett.

    The “go all in, no matter what it takes” approach that might apply to a cquiring Garrett is not one the Commanders should adopt for Hendrickson, even though he could make a strong impact.

    When the San Francisco 49ers were in a tight spot financially, Adam Peters made a great move by trading for wide receiver Deebo Samuel. The Bengals find themselves in a similar situation. Their priority is retaining core players like Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins, which leaves little space for Hendrickson.

    Timing is crucial here.

    Bengals general manager Duke Tobin had been publicly hopeful of extending Hendrickson, but the moment Maxx Crosby’s contract with the Raiders was announced, Tobin realized that the market for elite defensive ends had shifted. Cincinnati now faces the reality that they might not meet Hendrickson’s financial demands.

    This development is vital for the Commanders or any team looking to trade for Hendrickson. Peters is unlikely to give up the draft capital required for a trade if he views Hendrickson as a short-term solution. That’s not how he operates.

    Peters would want to negotiate a contract extension with Hendrickson to keep him in Washington through 2026 or 2027. Fortunately, Peters has been exceptionally smart during his tenure in D.C., and he’s unlikely to make a poor decision.

    The Commanders face a tough choice between Trey Hendrickson and Myles Garrett this offseason. Washington isn’t in a strong position when it comes to draft capital.

    Paul Dehner Jr. from The Athletic recently outlined what similar players to Hendrickson have cost in recent years. Only one top-tier edge rusher — Bradley Chubb in 2022 — was traded for a first-round pick. That first-rounder was the 29th pick — the same pick Washington holds this year.

    At the time, Chubb was four years younger than Hendrickson. Most top pass rushers, from established veterans like Von Miller and Khalil Mack to younger stars like Brian Burns and Washington’s own Montez Sweat, have been traded for second-round picks.

    Given the Commanders’ strong performance in 2024, their second-round pick doesn’t come until pick No. 61. Unless the market shifts dramatically, that won’t be enough to land Hendrickson. Therefore, Peters may need to be creative.

    He could consider trading away his first-round pick along with other assets to acquire Hendrickson and potentially some late-round picks this year. This trade scenario, suggested by Ben Standig from The Athletic, makes sense.

    Alternatively, Peters could trade back from the first round to gain more draft capital and then use that to secure Hendrickson while replenishing his draft stock.

    The Commanders have emphasized that building through the draft under Peters is their preferred approach. This is how most successful organizations operate, as it’s more efficient and cost-effective than relying on expensive free-agent acquisitions.

    Trading away a first-round pick contradicts this philosophy. During his time with the 49ers, Peters saw firsthand how John Lynch avoided giving up a first-round pick for a young star like Christian McCaffrey, opting instead for multiple high picks.

    While the recent acquisition of Samuel might not have cost much, it did further reduce Washington’s draft resources. The team currently has six picks, only three of which are in the first 200. A trade for Hendrickson would deplete those resources even further, potentially limiting their ability to secure additional picks.

    Then there’s the matter of salary.

    Crosby’s contract is worth three years, $106.5 million, with the majority of it guaranteed. This works out to around $35 million per season, nearly $10 million more than Washington’s highest-paid player, Daron Payne.

    Would Peters be willing to disrupt the team’s salary structure, particularly when it would mean over $50 million invested in two defensive linemen?

    While Hendrickson likely won’t command Crosby-like money — given Crosby’s age and importance to the Raiders — Hendrickson’s representatives will still seek a deal close to that range, and he has no obligation to agree to an extension.

    Financially, despite the appeal, it doesn’t make much sense.

     

  • Manchester United player is set to depart in the summer, with Atletico Madrid nearing an agreement.

    Manchester United player is set to depart in the summer, with Atletico Madrid nearing an agreement.

    Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim looks disheartened after a Premier League match. Reports suggest that winger Alejandro Garnacho is not part of Amorim’s plans and is set to depart in the summer transfer window.

    The Red Devils are struggling in the Premier League, sitting 15th ahead of their Sunday match against Arsenal. Their results and performances have been worse than under Amorim’s predecessor, Erik ten Hag, leading to questions over whether the Portuguese coach is the right man to lead Man Utd forward.

    Amorim was given just one transfer in the January window, with Patrick Dorgu joining from Lecce to aid the new manager in executing his 3-4-3 formation. It’s clear some players are not ideal under Amorim, and Spanish website Fichajes claims that Garnacho ‘will leave’ Old Trafford in the summer, with the Argentine already having a new destination.

    Garnacho ‘will join’ Spanish club Atletico Madrid after Man Utd decided to part ways with the winger, as he doesn’t fit into Amorim’s plans. The report adds that Man Utd is facing a tough financial situation and aims to balance its books by selling the Argentine for a fee near 50 million euros. This sale would provide the ‘Red Devils’ with more flexibility for future key signings during their rebuild.

    Atletico have ‘secured’ the signing of Garnacho, and Fichajes continues: ‘In Madrid, Garnacho is viewed as the perfect addition to the 4-4-2 formation that Simeone has implemented this season. His ability to break through, pace, and one-on-one skills make him an ideal fit for the Argentine coach, who aims to strengthen the left side of the attack with a young, talented player who has room to develop.

    Garnacho appeared frustrated after being substituted in their 3-2 victory over Ipswich in their latest Premier League match, and former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara believes the Argentine has “lost his patience” with Amorim.

    O’Hara said: “It seems like Alejandro Garnacho has had enough with Ruben Amorim already. His reaction to being subbed off in the first half felt like Garnacho’s breaking point; he seemed to think, ‘I can’t play for this manager anymore.’ We know Amorim had dropped him and Marcus Rashford from the squad a few weeks ago, but it looked like their relationship had been mended – until now! I can’t see Garnacho starting the next game, that’s for sure. I’m a fan of Amorim and his man-management, but Garnacho will not be happy with this at all.”

     

  • Man City have ’10 finals’ to ‘avoid disaster’

    Man City have ’10 finals’ to ‘avoid disaster’

    Manchester City find themselves in unfamiliar territory under Pep Guardiola.
    A 1-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest marked their ninth league loss of the season, matching their highest total for league defeats in a campaign during Guardiola’s tenure.
    For the first time under his leadership, qualification for the Champions League is now at risk.
    This situation would have been unimaginable when City secured their fourth consecutive league title last season.

    While a fifth-place finish could still offer a Champions League opportunity, there is only a five-point gap between fourth-placed City and Fulham in 10th as the season nears its conclusion.

    City’s ‘crisis’ by the numbers

    Manchester City has not failed to secure Champions League qualification since the 2009-10 season.
    They have made it to the tournament without much difficulty in seven out of Guardiola’s eight full seasons at the pp Etihad.
    The only exception came in Guardiola’s first season, when City clinched Champions League qualification on the final day of the 2016-17 campaign by finishing third.
    City’s recent form doesn’t make for pleasant reading.

    • City’s nine Premier League defeats this season equals the most under Guardiola.
    • City have conceded 38 goals in 28 matches this season, more than in seven of their eight full campaigns under Guardiola.
    • City have lost 15 of their last 30 matches across all competitions. The previous 15 defeats before that came over a span of 169 matches.

    Speaking to TNT Sports, former Everton and Swansea defender Ashley Williams summed up the unusual position City now find themselves in.
    “We’re so accustomed to seeing Man City be exceptional, so a season like this feels like a crisis,” said Williams.
    Former City defender Joleon Lescott stated it would be a “disaster” if City failed to reach the Champions League.
    “City still control their own destiny. It would be a catastrophe if they didn’t secure a top-four finish,” he said.

    Manchester City have 10 matches left in their Premier League season. Guardiola says his team must approach every game as a “final,” starting with the visit of Brighton, who are just one point behind City, to the Etihad next Saturday.
    “We have 10 games to qualify,” Guardiola said. “We need to win games to progress and move on to the next one. Every season the Premier League improves. We have 10 finals ahead.”
    “We haven’t won enough games in a row to be safe. We need to do something; it doesn’t happen by itself.”
    City spent over £180m in the January transfer window, signing players like Nico Gonzalez and Omar Marmoush. However, their form has remained inconsistent, with City winning four and losing five of their nine matches since the window closed.
    Former Manchester United captain Rio Ferdinand believes the new signings are struggling due to the team’s instability. “I don’t think they brought in bad players, but they’ve arrived at a time of instability,” Ferdinand told TNT Sports. “You can’t count City out; they have the players and the manager.”

    ‘City need Champions League to attract top players’

    Former England defender Lescott says City must qualify for the Champions League to attract top players this summer.
    “If you want elite players, Manchester City needs Champions League football,” Lescott told TNT Sports. “Top players want Champions League football.”
    Failing to qualify for the Champions League would also harm the club financially. City earned around £90m from their quarter-final exit in the Champions League last season. Their play-off loss to Real Madrid this season means they will earn approximately £28m less, with an estimated £64m windfall this time.
    But missing out on the competition next season would be much more costly.
    Rivals Manchester United recently reported their quarterly results, showing a 12% revenue drop—a £25m loss—after failing to qualify for the Champions League and entering the Europa League instead.
    Missing the Champions League can cost clubs about £100m in lost revenue annually.

    City’s Remaining Premier League Fixtures

    • Man City v Brighton – 15 March
    • Man City v Leicester – 2 April
    • Man Utd v Man City – 6 April
    • Man City v Crystal Palace – 12 April
    • Everton v Man City – 19 April
    • Man City v Aston Villa – 28 April
    • Man City v Wolves – 3 May
    • Southampton v Man City – 10 May
    • Man City v Bournemouth – 18 May
    • Fulham v Man City – 25 May
  • Ipswich Town column: Latest ban for Matheus Cunha at Wolves gives us hope but it’s now about concentrating on ourselves ahead of Premier League resuming at Crystal Palace

    Ipswich Town column: Latest ban for Matheus Cunha at Wolves gives us hope but it’s now about concentrating on ourselves ahead of Premier League resuming at Crystal Palace

    Joey Sadler’s column highlights the mixed emotions Ipswich Town fans are currently experiencing. The team is struggling, and while the FA Cup defeat was disappointing, there’s some optimism following their performance against Forest. The shootout loss was tough, but it showed Ipswich can still compete at a high level.

    Sadler also focuses on the league, noting that despite the gap, plenty of points are still available. The absence of Matheus Cunha from Wolves due to his ban offers a glimmer of hope, providing Ipswich with a chance to make up ground. However, the key takeaway is that Ipswich needs to concentrate on themselves—staying strong and consistent, particularly given their better form away from home.

    In the end, the article conveys cautious optimism, reminding everyone that while things may look bleak, the season isn’t over yet, and Ipswich still has a chance to turn it around as long as they stay focused and keep pushing forward. Sadler encourages both the team and the supporters to remain hopeful.

     

  • Ty Simpson Receives Huge Alabama QB1 Prediction From Josh Pate

    Ty Simpson Receives Huge Alabama QB1 Prediction From Josh Pate

    Kalen DeBoer faces a big decision after Jalen Milroe’s departure from the Alabama Crimson Tide program, as he needs to find the quarterback who will lead the team back to the College Football Playoff. According to Josh Pate, the answer to this dilemma may already be clear.

    The top contenders for the starting quarterback role are Ty Simpson, Keelon Russell, and Austin Mack. While four candidates are in the running, Coach DeBoer is expected to focus on developing Ryan Grubb to get him ready as a potential signal-caller in Tuscaloosa.

    Pate believes that Simpson is the clear frontrunner, even going as far as to suggest that Alabama fans might want to place a bet on him, as reported by CBS Sports.

    “I’ve done some digging… I think Ty Simpson’s the overwhelming favorite to win that starting job,” Pate stated.

    He further emphasized this, comparing the situation to the battle between Jalen Hurts and Blake Barnett. Pate also acknowledged the significance of DeBoer’s previous connection with Austin Mack, whom he recruited while at Washington, but still expressed confidence that Simpson is likely to win the job.

    Currently, Simpson is the strong favorite, with odds of -650 to secure the starting quarterback role, though things could change once spring football begins.

     

  • Tide freshman QB says Alabama football’s offense will ‘turn up’ next season

    Tide freshman QB says Alabama football’s offense will ‘turn up’ next season

    Touchdown Alabama
    Alabama football’s freshman quarterback, Keelon Russell, is excited to have Ryan Grubb back in Tuscaloosa as the Crimson Tide’s offensive coordinator.

    Grubb has officially returned to Tuscaloosa after a brief period with the Tide during Kalen DeBoer’s hiring and a year as the Seattle Seahawks’ offensive coordinator. He’s now back working under DeBoer, with whom he spent two years at Washington.

    Russell believes this move will greatly benefit him and Alabama’s offense.

    “What he did with Michael Penix, it’s legendary,” Russell said, according to ON3’s Nick Schultz. “I’m excited…the offense about to be unstoppable this year. We’re about to be great.”

    The Crimson Tide have a quarterback competition underway, and Russell sees this as a chance to make an impact in his first year.

    The five-star recruit is currently an early enrollee with the Tide and participating in Alabama’s off-season program.

     

  • Chelsea player ratings vs Brighton: That is embarrassing! Marc Cucurella and Filip Jorgensen flop big time in humiliating loss as Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku are kept silent by sublime Seagulls

    Chelsea’s Champions League hopes took a major blow as they suffered a 3-0 defeat to Brighton, their second loss to the Seagulls in a week.

    The Blues displayed a lackluster first-half performance, one that fans have grown used to in recent seasons. Though there were brief moments of danger, their attacks lacked direction, and they headed into the break without registering a shot on target.

    Defensively, they were even worse, consistently looking vulnerable. With Brighton you’s attacking quality, it was only a matter of time before they were punished.

    In the 27th minute, Brighton broke the deadlock through a brilliant piece of skill from Kaoru Mitoma. A long clearance from goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen was expertly controlled by Mitoma, who cut inside Trevoh Chalobah and finished past Filip Jorgensen.

    Eleven minutes later, Brighton doubled their lead. Once again, they sliced through Chelsea’s defense, and Georginio Rutter’s deflected cross fell to Danny Welbeck, who set up Yankuba Minteh to score.

    Chelsea showed no sign of a comeback in the second half, offering more of the same uninspired play, allowing Brighton to cruise to victory.

    As expected, Brighton added a third in the 63rd minute. Minteh completed his brace, finishing a pass from Welbeck, who recorded his second assist of the night.

    Chelsea were fortunate not to concede more, with Joel Veltman hitting the post late, and Carlos Baleba and Joao Pedro squandering good opportunities.

    Not long ago, Chelsea were seen as title contenders, but now they are considered outsiders for a top-four finish as their season continues to unravel.

    Player Ratings from the Amex Stadium:

    Goalkeeper & Defence
    Filip Jorgensen (4/10): Failed to meet expectations in his big week as Chelsea’s new No.1, conceding a soft second goal.

    Malo Gusto (6/10): Was involved going forward but struggled defensively against Mitoma.

    Trevoh Chalobah (5/10): Turned inside out for Brighton’s first goal and looked unsettled throughout the match.

    Levi Colwill (6/10): Had a quiet game but remained strong aerially and a threat from set pieces.

    Marc Cucurella (4/10): Struggled immensely, with the South Coast crowd booing him each time he touched the ball.

    Midfield
    Moises Caicedo (5/10): The former Brighton player was subbed early in the second half after a display filled with misplaced passes and late tackles.

    Enzo Fernandez (6/10): One of the few players who can leave the match with his head held high, showing fight and determination in midfield.

    Cole Palmer (5/10): Failed to assert himself and missed an early chance that disrupted Chelsea’s flow.

    Attack
    Noni Madueke (4/10): Showed some bright moments early but was forced off with a hamstring injury before the 20-minute mark.

    Christopher Nkunku (4/10): His impact on the game was minimal, and he was almost invisible throughout.

    Pedro Neto (6/10): Worked hard but lacked the end product to get Chelsea back into the game.

    Subs & Manager
    Jadon Sancho (4/10): Frustrated fans after failing to make any impact after coming on in the first half.

    Reece James (6/10): Entered the game too late to make a difference, but put in a solid performance.

    Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (5/10): Another underwhelming cameo that fits the pattern of his Chelsea career.

    Tyrique George (6/10): Surprisingly one of Chelsea’s standout players, showing liveliness throughout the match.

    Enzo Maresca (5/10): Will face criticism for making changes when the game was effectively over, and the pressure mounts on him due to Chelsea’s poor results.

  • Ryan Grubb wants defenses to feel ‘threatened’ by the different ways Alabama can attack

    Ryan Grubb wants defenses to feel ‘threatened’ by the different ways Alabama can attack

    Grubb arrives in Tuscaloosa with the chance to help Kalen DeBoer maintain the high level of success Alabama football has sustained for over a decade. As a seasoned college offensive coordinator, he aims to seize this opportunity by creating a dynamic and explosive offense.

    “We should be able to stretch the field,” Grubb said. “We should finish runs and block with force in a way that showcases the offense we envision—one that makes defenses fear the ball being thrown downfield. We want teams to know that if they don’t play two-high (defense), and give us the chance, if they overload the box, we’ll take advantage with deep throws. On the other hand, when they deploy a shell coverage, respecting the passing game, we need to be able to dominate in the run game, and that’s a goal we definitely have.”

    The Alabama fanbase will see Grubb’s take on the Tide’s offense for the first time this spring.

     

  • Aston Villa vs Ipswich Town injury news: eight ruled out three doubtful for Premier League clash

    Aston Villa vs Ipswich Town injury news: eight ruled out three doubtful for Premier League clash

    My ugh ç  ambitions, and Ipswich’s survival hopes in a dismal weekend for the Tractor Boys which saw them fall to a costly 2-1 loss against basement side Southampton.

    The Villans will hope to be back to their best against Ipswich this weekend and could hand debuts to loanees Marcus Rashford and Marcos Asensio. Meanwhile, Jaden Philogene, whose return to Emery’s team was short-lived, will have a huge point to prove on his return to Villa Park.

    However, both managers also have their fair share of injury issues to deal with this weekend. Ahead of kick-off, we take a look at the injury situation of both teams.

    Ipswich Town injury news
    Ipswich Town are without long-term absentees Wesley Burns and Chiedozie Ogbene until the end of the season. Christian Walton is out until April with a groin problem while Conor Chaplin is still yet to return to training after picking up a knee injury.

     

    Marquee summer signing Sammie Szmodics has struggled with an ankle injury in recent weeks and faces a late fitness test ahead of the trip to Villa Park. Kieran McKenna explained: “I don’t know if it’s a recurrence, but it’s the same ankle, so the chances are it’s probably linked. That’s a big blow, no doubt about it. We’ll keep our fingers crossed.”

    Aston Villa injury news
    Ross Barkley, who has missed the last five matches with a calf injury, is due to return to full training this week but is unlikely to be ready to start on Saturday. Key defender Ezri Konsa was withdrawn before the 30 minute mark against Spurs after beating the ground in frustration after picking up an injury. He is still being assessed along with experienced centre-back partner Tyrone Mings, who picked up a small knee injury in January.

    Polish international wing-back Matty Cash, meanwhile, was sidelined for “three to four weeks”, in Emery’s words, by an unknown muscle injury at the end of January. He is expected to miss the upcoming games against Ipswich and Liverpool.

    Spanish international Pau Torres, who was a stalwart last term, remains on the sidelines as he continues his rehab from an ankle injury. Early March remains the nearest possible return date for the 28-year-old.

    Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins suffered a groin injury during the recent 2-0 league defeat to Wolves and it appears that he is still feeling the effects. The England international didn’t train last week, according to Emery, and it is not yet clear when he will be back on the turf at Bodymoor Heath. He is ac doubt heading into the game against Ipswich, with both Donyell Malen and Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio being potential alternatives in the number nine role.
    .