Sports
Will the Kansas City Chiefs remain undefeated? Here’s the answer: it doesn’t matter
With nine games left on the schedule, the Kansas City Chiefs face the query: Can they remain undefeated?
Here’s the answer: it doesn’t matter.
There is little question that NFL observers are considering whether the only undefeated team in the league will finish the regular season with an ideal record. But Kansas City (8-0) stays focused on pursuing an unprecedented third straight Super Bowl championship.
For the Chiefs, the regular season is just a method to an end.
As the Chiefs prepare for Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos, they’ve overcome serious injuries en path to posting the best record in the league. In fact, including postseason games, the Chiefs have won 14 in a row over two seasons.
And they are usually not surprised.
“We’re a really good football team,” superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes recently told reporters. “No matter what is required that day, the guys will rise to the challenge and play. If it’s defense, if it’s offense, if it’s special teams and each individual in those situations, they will step up. None of us care about statistics, we care about victories.
“We (had) seasons where we had great numbers and didn’t win the Super Bowl. And in seasons like last year (when) you don’t necessarily have great stats, but you win the Super Bowl (and) you still feel a lot better. … No matter what, we will find a way to win the football game. It comes down to experience and the great culture we have built here.”
Last season, the Chiefs became the first team since the New England Patriots in 2004 and 2005 to win back-to-back Super Bowl championships. Trying to interrupt latest ground in the Super Bowl era, the Chiefs got off to a sensational start, sparking interest in whether or not they could grow to be the second team in NFL history to complete the season, including the playoffs, undefeated. In the 1972-73 season, the Miami Dolphins went 17-0.
In the 2007/08 season, it seemed that the New England Patriots couldn’t be stopped. They went 16-0 in the regular season, won two AFC playoff games and were heavily favored to beat the New York Giants in the Super Bowl. On at the present time, nevertheless, the Giants were higher. Despite going 18-1, the Patriots didn’t get the victory they most wanted.
The Golden State Warriors began the 2015-16 NBA season 24-0, setting a brand new record for the best start at the highest level of basketball. The Warriors’ historic begin to this season became the springboard for an additional single-season NBA accomplishment: an overall record of 73-9.
Ultimately, nevertheless, the team is best known for failing to defend the NBA title and being the only team in NBA Finals history to blow a 3-1 series. As it turned out, the Warriors’ season was meaningless due to the way it ended.
Kansas City hopes to avoid the same fate.
Nevertheless, Chiefs’ early season streak is impressive, especially given the injuries they’ve overcome. Among their starters, they lost wide receiver Hollywood Brown in the preseason, running back Isiah Pacheco in Week 2, receiver Rashee Rice in Week 4 and cornerback Jaylen Watson in Week 7.
Much to go coach Andy Reid’s delight, the Chiefs just keep playing.
“Those games were close. Many of them. So I’m happy with the guys for taking part in for 4 quarters and sticking together throughout that period,” Reid said. “We can improve in all facets, including me. We’re just working in the same direction now and it’s essential to see if we are able to improve as time goes on.
The addition of All-Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins helped to realize this goal.
Recently acquired in a trade from the Tennessee Titans, Hopkins quickly strengthened the receiving corps devastated by injuries. Hopkins had eight receptions for 86 yards and two touchdowns in Monday’s 30-24 additional time victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
According to the Chiefs, Hopkins has slot in well.
“His hands are phenomenal,” Kansas City offensive coordinator Matt Nagy said. “The experience that he has and that comes with it is trust. He played in lots of matches. He understands and has seen many various defenses. It’s precious.
“Whether it’s zone or man (coverage), he’s a superb route runner. You see it on tape. … You see his confidence and pride. That confidence can really permeate and you are feeling it with other players.
Mahomes can attest to that. He established a fast rapport with Hopkins, whom the Chiefs acquired with the ultimate goal in mind fairly than attempting to finish the regular season with an unblemished record.
“We continue to give him more and more opportunities to make plays,” Mahomes said. “We move him around and let him do what he excels at, which is catching the ball, winning one-on-ones and getting open in coverage.
“It’s just going to assist the whole offense, not only him, but it’s going to assist the other guys get open. Of course, given the big game he had last game, I’m sure they’ll be paying more attention to him this week.
When you play for the Chiefs, attracting attention comes with the job. And even when the Chiefs finish the regular season with a poor record, the highlight shall be on them at the biggest moment of the yr in the NFL.
Sports
Meet Zoe Matthews, the youngest Black American in the NWSL
Houston Dash midfielder Zoe Matthews, who turned 17 in May, is making her mark in skilled soccer.
On October 11, Matthews made history as the youngest player to ever sign with the Houston Dash and the youngest Black American to hitch the National Women’s Soccer League. Per week later, on October 18, she wore the number 27 jersey for her debut against Seattle Reign FC.
Matthews began her soccer profession by kicking flat basketballs against the wall of her family’s garage. As she progressed through youth soccer leagues, she took her talents to the international arena.
At the age of 15, she was called as much as play for the Jamaica senior national team. She was also a member of the United States Women’s Under-16 National Team that won the 2023 Mondial Montaigu soccer tournament in France and currently plays for the United States Under-19 National Team preparing for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
Her achievements at such a young age attracted the attention of scouts across the country. She eventually committed to LSU before deciding to show skilled and signing with the Houston Dash.
“At this age, not everyone can say they’re a professional athlete and I think that’s really amazing, you know, for the Black community and the soccer community in general,” Matthews said. “I think it’s a big deal for women’s sports… I think it’s really special and really important.”
Matthews grew up in a family deeply rooted in sports. Her uncle, Odell James, played as a degree guard and free safety at Baylor University, and her great-grandfather, a member of the Jamaica national team, played with reggae artist Bob Marley.
Matthews attributes much of his success to his family’s unwavering support. She said that love is the driving force behind her achievements.
“They have been here my entire journey and have sacrificed so much,” Matthews said. “I think what’s really important is that they’re still there and they love me and care about me every day.”
Matthews tries to keep up a balance between youth and life as an expert athlete. To stay grounded, he prioritizes family and faith, counting on family members for support and guidance as he transitions into his skilled profession.
“You can go wherever you wish. You just should have dreams,” Matthews said. “He (God) has given me every little thing, so I give Him this glory. And you understand, I just hope that I can encourage younger generations on my platform.
Matthews draws inspiration from legendary athletes who’ve shaped the game, corresponding to her favorite player and top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr FC. Matthews said athletes like him motivate her to never quit.
“The person I admire the most, especially in women’s soccer, is (former U.S. women’s national team member) Carli Lloyd,” Matthews said. “I think she’s an incredible player, especially off the field. “Her work goes unnoticed, but I think the things she has done are exceptional.”
“I just want to be someone that people can look up to and see that hey, she works hard. She doesn’t come from much, but she’s made a name for herself and I want to make my family proud,” Matthews said. “I think it’s really important to be one of the first young African-Americans to go pro and just show other generations that it’s possible.”
Hoping to depart a legacy that reaches far beyond this field, he aspires to pursue a profession in business law or criminal justice. Matthews hopes to create a positive environment with access to resources for all young athletes.
“Zoe has the opportunity to be a pioneer in this regard… but at the same time show the next generation, hey, you can do this too,” Jason Matthews said. “It’s not nearly your speed and athleticism. You are technical, you’re smart, you’re capable. ”
Holding dual citizenship in Jamaica and the United States, Matthews is eligible to represent the United States or Jamaica at the senior national team level. Although she has not yet decided which national team she is going to represent, one thing is for certain – her goal is to develop into one among the best players in the world.
“That’s what I strive for. This is everything I have worked for my whole life,” Matthews said.
Edvaldo Pedro, Matthews’ former coach at Allegiance Academy, where he’s athletic director, has seen Matthews’ growth and commitment firsthand. She believes that her relentless determination has led her to a pivotal moment in her profession.
“Coaching Zoe was a fantastic experience. She has a fantastic personality, is disciplined, responsible and has an incredible work ethic. If he keeps the right people around him, he can develop into one among the best players ever,” said Pedro.
The Matthews family is greater than willing to support her in this endeavor.
“The expectation is that hey, we will exhaust everything to support you and your dreams… I don’t care what it is, whatever it is, just work to be the best at it,” Jason Matthews said. “You put in all your effort and all your time, and we will support you as much as we can.”
“I’m just excited to see what the Lord allows to happen next and I know that without a doubt, whatever it is, I will be in the stands or from the sidelines cheering her on as her biggest fan,” said Angie Matthews.
Sports
NBC Sports will debut “Growing Up: The JuJu Watkins Documentary Series” later this month.
College basketball phenom JuJu Watkins will appear in a six-episode docuseries debuting on NBC and the Peacock network. NBC Sports announced.
The first two episodes of On will air on Saturday, November 23 at 3 p.m. ET/noon PT on NBC and Peacock. Watkins became the all-time leading freshman in Division I scoring with 920 points.
Additionally, during her rookie season on the University of Southern California, she took the Trojans to the Elite Eight for the primary time in 30 years.
More stories for JuJu Watkins, who becomes the primary female college hockey player to star in and executive produce her own show.
“On the Rise: JuJu Watkins” premieres November 23 and explores how @USCWBB The star’s strong ties to her Watts family and community fuel her tenacious… pic.twitter.com/0iX9Kibsln
— Conference room (@conferenceroom) November 11, 2024
The series is created with UNIINTERRUPTED, 4.4. Forty Media and PGR. The documentary will deal with the basketball player’s life on and off the court, in addition to her family and friends.
“JuJu has the potential to set the standard for excellence on and off the field, and it is amazing to see her begin to maximize the opportunities in front of her with strategy and expertise, even at such a young age,” KLUTCH Sports Group founder and CEO Rich Paweł said in a written statement. “This docuseries chronicles her incredible journey to this point, highlighting her extraordinary talent, unwavering work ethic and the vital role her community plays in her success.”
The series will debut before No. 3 USC’s game against No. 6 Notre Dame on Nov. 23 at 4 p.m. Documentaries and games will be available on NBC and Peacock.
The remaining episodes will be released exclusively on Peacock for the rest of the season and might be viewed on the NBC Sports FAST channel, which is out there on Peacock and all major FAST channel distributors.
Recently, Watkins reportedly signed “the richest footwear endorsement deals in women’s basketball.”
Sports
Fear of God Athletics enters the amateur basketball portal thanks to cooperation with Overtime Elite
In collaboration with Adidas, dressmaker and founder of Fear of God Athletics Jerry Lorenzo has officially entered recent territory. Fear of God Athletics might be represented as the eighth team in the Atlanta Overtime Elite (OTE) youth basketball league.
According to a press release, Team Athletics might be equipped with performance uniforms and footwear designed by Fear of God Athletics throughout the 2024-25 season, representing, as the label puts it, “a commitment to the next generation of athletes.” It all began off victorious when the team defeated consecutive champions OTE City Reapers 97-90 at the OTE Arena, debuting on November 8 in recent uniforms and shoes.
“Giving back and being an example of what is possible for young men and women in the next generation is fueled by the fear of God,” said Lorenzo, son of former MLB player, coach and manager Jerry Manuel, during a fireplace chat with the former NBA player Matt Barnes at the partnership announcement event on November 7. “I grew up in a sports family. My dad did well in the big leagues. Now he works with Major League Baseball to bring top (African-American) talent back to baseball. It’s simply in our family to give back to the youth.”
“Jerry’s values and morals and what he stands for are consistent with what we are about in our program,” says Fear of God Athletics coach Cilk McSweeney, who joins the team after coaching Calvary Christian Academy in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, for 12 years, he said.
The collaboration comes just weeks before the December release of the Adidas x Fear of God II Basketball, Fear of God’s first true performance sneaker. The shoe has already appeared in NBA games, as has Los Angeles Lakers guard Gabe Vincent I wore it in lots of games this season.
The recent model is a continuation of the Adidas x Fear of God I model, which premiered in December 2023. Similarly, the Fear of God I model, worn by the players, was presented basketball teams from the University of Indiana and the University of Miamibut just for one game. Fear of God and Overtime Elite’s partnership is meant to be long-term and construct on the latter’s mission to equip basketball players ages 16-20 with the resources they need to take their talents to the next level through non-traditional pathways that emphasize academic acceleration and economic strengthening.
“Connecting with (Fear of God) provides greater exposure to our league and it is a common cause for them,” said Damien Wilkins, general manager and head of basketball at OTE. His role includes connecting the league with brands and providing players with exposure. “I also think it’s great for our players as well, as Fear of God is certainly popular with this age group. All our boys wear it anyway, so it made sense.
“I am very excited about the possibilities that can come from being a part of this relationship” – Shon Abaev, Fear of God Athletics senior point guard, currently ranked No. 29 on the ESPN 100 2025 highschool recruits listhe said. “I’ve already worn Fear of God and Essentials. I’m grateful to be able to wear the (Fear Of God Athletics) shoes on the court.”
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