Texans DE Will Anderson Jr. breaks down infamous Patrick Mahomes 'flop' in playoff loss
Now, he's telling his side of the story.
In an interview on the Ross Tucker Podcast, Anderson confirmed suspicions that plagued Texans fans in Arrowhead Stadium, stating his hit on MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes during the first quarter was clean.
"I hit his chest, I hit his chest, but I just got to be better," Anderson told Tucker. "Me and my coach and talked about it. We've got to be better just when it comes to how you hit the quarterback and we got to drill it more and stuff like that."
On the second drive of the game, the Texans were trying to force a quick three-and-out. On third-and-8, Anderson brushed over Mahomes' chest as he released the pass, which should have resulted in a punt. Instead, Anderson was flagged with a roughing the passer call, which tacked on 15 yards and placed Kansas City in Houston territory.
"I don't even know if you touched him or not, dude, he snapped his head back like he got whiplash in a car accident going 70 miles an hour," Anderson said.
The hit eventually led to a scoring drive and a 23-14 loss, though it wasn't even the most egregious call of the afternoon. Houston mounted a comeback, bringing the game within one entering the fourth quarter. On another third down, Mahomes scrambled for a first down and began to slide to avoid contact from defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi and linebacker Henry To'oTo'o.
The two Texans ended up colliding with each other, nearly knocking each other out of the game, but officials instead called it an unnecessary roughness penalty, tacking on 15 yards and a first down, which led to the eventual game-winning touchdown pass to tight end Travis Kelce several plays later.
"I think it's for everybody's safety...when these runners are running, quarterbacks are running and for defensive players, how are we fixing the safety on both sides of the ball to make the game safer for everyone," Anderson said. "But like I said: we've got to do a better job defensively of how we are attacking our tackling and stuff like... our head placement. We'll work on it this offseason and get it fixed."
As Anderson put it, officials are looking to protect quarterbacks rather than focusing on proper plays. Everything must come down to an exact science to avoid the flag from the zebras.
"You've got to be perfect in the playoffs," Anderson said.
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Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Ten questions (that don't involve Caitlin Clark) about the WNBA's second half
Welcome to the second half of the WNBA season. Every team but the New York Liberty has completed at least 22 of its 44 games, and the playoffs will be here in the blink of an eye, even in the longest WNBA season in history. There is much to resolve before the 2025 postseason tips off, not including that groin injury to a Fever star that was the talk of the town in Indianapolis. Here are 10 questions for the second half of the season, starting with the top of the league's standings. 1. Who will challenge Napheesa Collier for MVP? Collier continued her months-long dominance with a WNBA record 36 points in the All-Star Game, captaining her team to a victory (which included the first All-Star triple-double in league history, from Skylar Diggins). She is the reigning defensive player of the year, finished second in MVP voting, launched a new league, won MVP of that league and the one-on-one competition, and she is now the heavy favorite to capture one of the few trophies that still elude her. A few familiar faces stand in Collier's way: A'ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart. The winners of five of the last seven MVP trophies are both in the top five in scoring, blocks and win shares. Wilson has been better on the glass for the Las Vegas Aces, while Stewart is leading a winning team, the Liberty. Alyssa Thomas is also making a charge for the award after missing five games with the Phoenix Mercury earlier in the season. The defensive Swiss Army knife also leads the WNBA in assists. The real question isn't so much if any of them will swipe the MVP from Collier, but rather if their team can prevent Collier from getting the coveted finals MVP. The Lynx are still the favorites, but it isn't by a commanding margin. If either the Liberty or the Mercury can bring Emma Meesseman over, the title picture changes considerably. 2. Can the Aces figure things out? After having four All-Stars each of the last two seasons, it was strange to see Las Vegas represented by two players in Indianapolis who combined for four points in the game. Neither Wilson nor Jackie Young is really to blame for the Aces' struggles thus far — though Young improving her 3-point shooting (30.3 percent in 2025) would help — but it doesn't change that Las Vegas is falling out of relevance despite rostering arguably the best player in the world. The Aces lost a significant amount of veteran championship experience (players and coaches) in the offseason, including Kelsey Plum, Alysha Clark, Sydney Colson, Natalie Nakase and Tyler Marsh. The only way to avoid that regression was for the title-winning core to play up to its potential, and Chelsea Gray no longer reaches the 'Point Gawd' highs she did two years ago since her foot injury. Las Vegas has already wasted its big trade bullet, so unless Meesseman is on her way to the Aces, maybe this is just who the Aces are: a playoff team … but an early out. 3. How will Cameron Brink's return impact the Sparks? The addition of Plum and the arrival of coach Lynne Roberts have transformed the offense in L.A. After finishing 10th or worse in offensive rating each of the last four seasons, the Sparks sit in sixth at the midseason mark. The problem is the other end, where L.A. provides minimal resistance at the point of attack and in the paint. Brink, the No. 2 pick in the 2024 draft, was a multi-time Pac-12 defensive player of the year and an effective rim protector even in 15 games as a rookie, averaging 2.3 blocks per contest. She is 13 months removed from the ACL tear that cost her most of her first season and has been practicing, though not with contact. The Sparks probably need to be a middle-of-the-pack defensive team to make a playoff run (they're currently 10th in defensive rating), and Brink is their best hope of raising their defensive ceiling. 4. Will Washington pivot toward the future? The Mystics improbably sit in seventh in the standings, one game up on ninth-place Golden State. They have a realistic chance of making the playoffs if they want to, but should they? The front office of general manager Jamila Wideman and president Michael Winger was opportunistic in moving on from veterans (Ariel Atkins and Karlie Samuelson) in the offseason, and they could strike again by moving newly minted All-Star Brittney Sykes. That removal of playmaking and rim pressure would cost Washington wins but help it get into the lottery of another deep class. It's worth noting that the lottery is the top five picks in 2026, and the worst playoff team would pick eighth thanks to the entrances of expansion teams (the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire) into the league. Although its initial moves suggest Washington was planning for a deep reveal and wants to add a top draft pick, perhaps the early success has convinced Winger and company otherwise — that playing meaningful games will help the young core more. Either way, the Mystics hold a lot of cards. 5. Does Dallas reset around Paige Bueckers? The Wings were measured in their public preseason expectations, stating that their goal was to build a culture that prompts players to return rather than win games. It wouldn't be surprising if they started selling off veterans. Arike Ogunbowale is having the least efficient season of her career (40.7 effective field-goal percentage) and would be hard to move in-season on a max contract at the nadir of her value. However, perhaps DiJonai Carrington could fetch a draft asset if she is healthy. Carrington has significant playoff experience and would be an ideal third guard in a postseason rotation. 6. How will the players' union keep its public messaging going? The union took advantage of a unique opportunity at All-Star Weekend to get its members on the same page and perform a collective action. Now, the body of players splinters across the country with just over three months left before the CBA expires. Individual teams wearing 'Pay Us What You Owe Us' shirts won't resonate like the league's best players doing so together in the spotlight. So what comes next? Union president Nneka Ogwumike didn't have a lot of specifics about what that will look like. 'We're going to do what we can to continue to stay intact, engaged,' she said. 'Moving forward, we're just going to have to do our best to talk online, see what we can do as everyone's getting into the depths of their season.' The players have been intentional and creative thus far at engaging the fans in their favor. Perhaps the fans start booing owners or making public appearances for Cathy Engelbert uncomfortable. It would be strange for the CBA noise to die down until the season is over, but the way it will manifest is entirely up in the air. 7. Can Golden State continue its surprising pace? Even after losing three consecutive games heading into the break, the Valkyries are one game behind the eighth spot in the standings. The second-worst 3-point shooting team in the WNBA also welcomes Iliana Rupert, a stretch five who has experience playing with Nakase in Las Vegas, to help resolve one of their issues. Golden State inspires confidence because of its defense, but at what point is there enough film for teams to adapt? The Valkyries would be the first expansion team in league history to make the playoffs, and they have veterans who expect to get there. 8. Will any players miss games with technical foul accumulation? Last season, Caitlin Clark was one technical foul away from an automatic suspension and required a de-escalation committee to keep her away from referees. This season, Clark's injuries have kept her from playing enough games to rack up fouls, but others are testing the limits. And as the chorus of complaints about officiating grows, it seems likely that there will be enough confrontations between players and referees. Angel Reese is two technicals away from triggering an automatic suspension (the new limit is eight in a 44-game season), and Shakira Austin has accumulated five techs. If Reese is suspended for a game as the Sky fight for a playoff berth, it would open another conversation about the league's reffing, especially since four of her violations were double technicals. 9. Which injury could most impact the playoff picture? Thomas is holding down the fort in Phoenix with Satou Sabally and Kahleah Copper out, while Stewart is performing extraordinary feats in New York with Jonquel Jones out. Neither the Mercury's nor the Liberty's record has suffered in those absences, but keep an eye on Atlanta. Rhyne Howard is scheduled to be evaluated at the end of the month, and in that stretch, the Dream have a doozy of a road trip at Las Vegas, Phoenix (on a back-to-back) and then Minnesota. They also close out the month with another back-to-back that ends in Dallas. Atlanta is neck-and-neck with Seattle for the fourth spot in the standings, and though home court isn't as critical this year in the 1-1-1 first round format, hosting would still be preferable. 10. Where do the 'Stud Budz' go from here? The 'Stud Budz' were the viral stars of All-Star Weekend, with everyone trying to get on their 72-hour stream (or consciously avoiding it). Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman highlighted the league's queer culture in an authentic format that featured everyone from their fellow All-Stars to the commissioner and even spilled some news in the process. The breakfast meeting that resulted in the players' union Saturday night shirts was teased on the stream, as Ogwumike came to wake up the Budz. With the season back, Williams and Hiedeman can't realistically participate in days-long streams, and their casual conversations would feel quaint after their All-Star bender. Whatever format the duo pursues, they have already proven that every type of player in the WNBA is marketable, no matter their sexuality or if they present more feminine or masculine. Maybe that opens a door for younger players who are even more well-versed in optimizing social media. This article originally appeared in The Athletic. Minnesota Lynx, New York Liberty, Seattle Storm, Los Angeles Sparks, Washington Mystics, Atlanta Dream, Chicago Sky, Connecticut Sun, Indiana Fever, Dallas Wings, Las Vegas Aces, Phoenix Mercury, Golden State Valkyries, WNBA 2025 The Athletic Media Company
Boston Globe
an hour ago
- Boston Globe
The Minnesota Lynx won four WNBA championships from 2011-17. Will Napheesa Collier lead them to another this season?
The Lynx pictured Collier being next in a long lineage. 'Knowing that the team was being passed to me in a way that they had kind of primed me for that leadership,' Collier said, 'that just brings a different mind-set where you have to be more aggressive.' In seven seasons, she's done nothing but prove the Lynx right. Advertisement Collier is a five-time All-Star ( NAPHEESA COLLIIIIER 🔥🔥 36 PTS. 9 REB. NEW SCORING RECORD. And your — WNBA (@WNBA) On top of that, as vice president of the Women's National Basketball Players Association, Collier has been instrumental in the players' push for a larger share of revenue in an era of growth and expansion. And she's doing that while also being a co-founder of 'She's gone from 2019, the rookie learning how to lead, to look where she is now,' Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve said. 'Being an entrepreneur with Unrivaled really elevated her, being a part of the [WNBPA] executive committee, representing the entire league as part of a group that is trying to bring the league forward. She has grown so much.' Advertisement The Lynx have made the playoffs in all but one of Collier's seven seasons. (She missed much of the 2022 season while on maternity leave). But that was never the ceiling. 'I think there's been high expectations since I got here,' Collier said at All-Star weekend. 'Even in our 'rebuilding years,' we still had four championships, so there was like residual vengeance from other teams where now they feel like they could beat up on us.' That didn't last long. The Lynx won the Commissioner's Cup last season, then marched to the WNBA Finals, coming within a win of what would have been a record fifth title. This season, they've been a machine, a league-best 20-4. They have the league's best net rating (plus-12.4), and they're dangerous from essentially everywhere on the floor (67.9 percent shooting in the paint, 41.6 from midrange, and 35.1 percent on 3-pointers, all second in the league). Collier is putting together another season worthy of MVP consideration, averaging 23.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists, scoring from all three levels, while being a top-10 rebounder and top-five rim protector (1.6 blocks per game). 'She is so graceful, no matter what the movement is,' Reeve said. 'Even when she's trash talking. It's very graceful when you look at it. I don't have that in just a half of my pinkie, the level of grace that she has.' Advertisement And with the Lynx hunting another title — their first in the Collier era — nothing has changed, including the expectations. 'I feel like we're back more in that top-dog spot,' Collier said. 'I don't really feel like that ever went away. So it feels natural to the Lynx, and I think they always embrace it. When there's a target on your back, it means you're good and people want to be where you are. So, that's a good place to be.' Appointment viewing Atlanta Dream at Las Vegas Aces, Tuesday, 10 p.m.: The Aces, hanging on to the eighth spot in the standings, are trying to shake off an underwhelming first half. They get a chance to make up some ground against the Dream, who are two games ahead in the standings. Phoenix Mercury at New York Liberty, Friday, 7:30 p.m.: Expect a shootout between the top two 3-point-shooting teams in the league. Both teams average 10 threes per game. Seattle Storm at Washington Mystics, Saturday, 7:30 p.m.: Earlier this month, the Storm blew a 10-point, fourth-quarter lead to the Mystics. Now that Mystics rookies Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron are All-Stars, it's hard to imagine they'll sneak up on anyone in the second half. Julian Benbow can be reached at
Indianapolis Star
an hour ago
- Indianapolis Star
Doyel: Readers have strong thoughts on WNBA All-Star game, lovely memories of Bob Hammel
The 2025 WNBA All-Star game in Indianapolis, the most hyped All-Star game in WNBA history, didn't have Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark but did have pregame T-shirts worn by players on both teams. And that combination dominated the discourse around the event. All of it says a lot about where this league – and that game – is headed. I said a lot on the topic. Readers in my IndyStar text message group had their say. It's the crux of the Mailbagg™. To get involved, come be part of the text group. I receive every text from every reader. You? You'll get only what I send out, maybe 4-5 texts a week, generally the first look at my latest work and occasional peeks behind the curtain at the way I do this job. More than 2,700 have signed up. Join us! There's a link below any of my online columns. Doyel: All-Star game dominated by pregame T-shirts? Says a lot about where WNBA is headed From: Doug W. I've been told to get more money you need to show profit put better show on floor and people will come. Look, the All-Star Game was what it was – depressing – but WNBA players (like those in the NBA, MLB, NFL and NHL) are paid for their work in the real games, not this one. And WNBA players put a tremendous show on the floor. Re-live Caitlin Clark's rookie season with our commemorative book From: Julie S. You are so right about last night's WNBA All star Game! So boring. Skylar Diggins should have been MVP because she was one of very few who was hustling/ playing – and had 15 assists and the first triple-double. I get it, players don't want to risk getting hurt – or tired – by playing hard in an exhibition. Will fans continue to pay big money to watch in person? From: More from Julie S. Bravo Indy organizers, Gainbridge Fieldhouse workers, sponsors, police and fans. I am so proud! And yes, pay them! These women are way overdue and deserve it. Amen to every bit of this, Julie. From: Allan S. I watched the first quarter. When no one even contested the 4-point shot, I turned it off. Not sure you could hear it on TV, but the AT&T jingle played every time a player hit one from the 4-point logo. That's some impressive marketing there. From: Ron G. From a retired United Auto Worker member: Pay them! In solidarity! Love. This. Ron. From: Mark P. Morning! So, I WANT to celebrate Colts QB Anthony Richardson being cleared for throwing drills in time for training camp. Yayy! But the big question is: Has he learned anything about protecting himself in the heat of the game? If not, he'll be back on Injured Reserve. Is protecting yourself teachable to a quarterback? Andrew Luck never learned that skill, nor the good sense that you need for it. We'll see what he's learned – or decided – about protecting himself. Only game action will tell us that. He was drafted as high as he was because of his next-level athletic ability. You show that ability when tacklers converge, which is also when you risk injury. Tough line to navigate. Almost nobody can do it well. From: Cathy R. I've thought for a while now that Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell is a great interview. I was having a text conversation with friends during a recent game. Subject: "If you won lunch with a Fever player, who would you choose?" I said Kelsey, because I think she would be interesting to talk with. Thanks for highlighting her in your article. Some players prefer to talk less than others. Some players talk better than others. Kelsey Mitchell is both. Doyel: No Caitlin Clark? More time chatting with WNBA All-Star Kelsey Mitchell Longtime Bloomington sports editor Bob Hammel is the most talented and influential sports writer in Indiana history. I visited with him recently while he was in hospice care, just visiting a friend, and came out of there determined to write an appreciation of Hammel. I wanted to give him his flowers while he was still around to receive them. That column posted June 30. So glad I wrote it when I did. He died 19 days later. Doyel: Wasn't able to call Bob Hammel a mentor. But I did call him friend. From: Rick Hammel, on July 20 Gregg – good morning. Just wanted to let you know that Dad passed away last night. My family is deeply appreciative of the wonderful article wrote about dad last month – it remains a wonderful tribute. Just very grateful you had a wonderful conversation with him prior to his passing. Thank you again, dear friend. Love this family. Met Bob at an IU game in 2014 and met his son, Rick, here on the text group. I feel very fortunate in both cases. From: Vince F. My uncle sent this to some family members after he received the news about Bob Hammel's passing. I thought you might find it interesting to read: He was my first cousin and four years older than me. My family lived 1¼ miles west of Clear Creek School – and Bob's family lived just across the road from CC spent his high school summers at our house more days than not. My dad would leave a list of things for us boys to do on the farm while he was at the factory all day. Clean the calf pens, mow the hay field, whatever he could think of. Bob would show up on his bike mid-morning, and we would attack those chores with vigor. Done by 1 p.m. The rest of our day was ours for softball, basketball, climbing to the top of the barn to kill pigeons with brooms, ride our bikes to go swimming in Clear Creek between our house and school, stuff like that. When it was too wet or hot we had an indoor baseball game and played with marbles. Played hundreds of those games over the years. Bob kept score of every game in a scorebook all those years. He posted our stats. Bob was the Chicago White Sox, I was the Boston Red Sox, my brother Pudge the Yankees and my brother Dal the Cleveland Indians. It is a great memory from my mid-school years: Bob, In junior high, was keeping stats on all of our marble players. Great way to grow up. Thank you Vince. Please tell your uncle this is about four steps beyond amazing. From: Bill W. Just wanted to say THANKS for your column on Huntington native Bob Hammel, the Herald Press sports editor for years and a legend up here. The old-timers tell the story that after Friday night Huntington Vikings basketball games in the 1960s, coach Bob Straight and Hammel would meet at Nick's Kitchen – a local downtown diner – in the back corner booth w/coffee and Hammel would interview the Vikings coach about the previous night's game. When the interview started there was normally just a sparse crowd, but by the time it was coming to a close, Nick's was packed (SRO!) and everyone was 'leaning in' to hear Coach Straight's thoughts. What a WONDERFUL era of high school basketball! What a wonderful memory to share. Thank you Bill. From: Douglas S. Was there really a King Edward of Wessex in ancient England fighting the Danes Um. From: Kerry D. H,,64th h9u Pull yourself together, Kerry. I'm still trying to decipher Douglas' question about King Edward. From: Kerry D. Hh Just googled Douglas' question, and got this from AI. When AI ends the world someday, I sure will miss these easy (and questionably accurate) Internet searches: King Edward the Elder (reigned 899-924), son of Alfred the Great, played a crucial role in pushing back against Danish incursions in England, particularly in the eastern Midlands and East Anglia. He achieved this through a combination of military victories and strategic fortification building, ultimately expanding his rule over a larger portion of England than his father. From: Bob M. Your work has been an acquired taste for me, but I now read and enjoy your column on a regular basis. I don't always agree with your take – for example, your defense of Greg Lansing when my ISU Sycamores were clearly seeking the upgrade they eventually got in Josh Schertz) – but I truly believe your opinions come from a good, positive place. I don't know you personally, but you seem like a good and sincere person, and that puts you head-and-shoulders above most. So … thanks for the great sports coverage you provide, and I wish you all the best in your upcoming nuptials. One of the nicest notes ever. Thank you Bob. Find IndyStar columnist Gregg Doyel on Threads, or on BlueSky and Twitter at @GreggDoyelStar, or at Subscribe to the free weekly Doyel on Demand newsletter.
