Sports
Cowboys look to change fortunes against surging Falcons
Oct 27, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images A pair of NFC teams trending in opposite directions will meet in Atlanta on Sunday, when the Falcons host the Dallas Cowboys.
Atlanta (5-3) is arguably at its highest point as a franchise since 2017, which was the last year the Falcons had a winning season and appeared in the postseason. The Falcons have won four of their last five games, with each victory coming against NFC South divisional opponents.
If Atlanta has struggled to do one thing this season, it’s win at home. The Falcons have won all three of their road games but are 2-3 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the setting for Sunday afternoon’s game.
Atlanta will host Dallas for the first time in six seasons with a chance to extend its best start since beginning 6-3 in 2016 — the year the Falcons won the NFC.
So far, Atlanta can point to its offensive firepower as a reason for its success. Under a new-look offense, the Falcons’ 24.3 points per game have jumped from last year’s 18.9. Atlanta has eclipsed the 30-point total in three games this year, a mark it failed to meet a single time in 2023.
First-year head coach Raheem Morris and quarterback Kirk Cousins have brought excitement back to an Atlanta franchise that was badly in need of a shot in the arm. Cousins’ 2,106 passing yards rank third in the NFL and his 14 touchdowns through the air are tied for fifth.
Cousins has shown an ability to spread the wealth, as the Falcons have five players with at least 29 receptions, with Drake London leading the way at 48.
“With the amount of playmakers we have, when you talk about Drake, (Darnell) Mooney, Bijan (Robinson), Tyler (Allgeier), (Kyle) Pitts, you think at the end of the game, somebody’s not going to be happy,” Morris said. “But what’s been happening is the ball has been moving around really nicely of late. I’m really inspired by our style of play and it all starts with our quarterback.”
It’s a different story in Dallas.
The Cowboys (3-4) have dropped two in a row and are 2 1/2 games behind the NFC East-leading Washington Commanders. The first of those two losses was a 47-9 drubbing at home to the Detroit Lions on Oct. 13.
The Cowboys, in jeopardy of missing the playoffs for the first time since 2020, have struggled mightily under first-year defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer. They allow the second-most points in the league (28.3 per game) and the most rushing yards (154.6, tied with the Carolina Panthers).
The problems extend to the offensive side of the ball for Dallas, as the 74.1 rushing yards per game rank last, as well.
Sunday’s 30-24 loss at San Francisco marked quarterback Dak Prescott’s third straight two-interception game and fourth this season. The turnover battle has been unkind to Dallas, and it’s an area head coach Mike McCarthy vows to right.
“Every series on offense needs to end in a kick, whether it’s a field goal, an extra point or a punt,” McCarthy said. “We cannot, and will not, continue to play with the giveaways. We’re minus-eight right now (in the turnover margin) as a football team. That’s the No. 1 focal point of a complementary team. … I’m about winning. Everybody’s got a job to do and it’s to win.”
On the injury front, Atlanta offensive lineman Chris Lindstrom (knee) and defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (ankle) didn’t practice Wednesday, while linebackers Troy Andersen (knee) and Kaden Elliss (knee) were limited. Safety Justin Simmons (hamstring) and center Drew Dalman (ankle) were also limited.
For Dallas, star linebacker Micah Parsons (ankle) has been out the last three weeks and didn’t practice Wednesday. Cornerback Trevon Diggs (calf) also missed practice, but the team did activate corner DaRon Bland (foot) from the IR. Bland led the NFL with nine interceptions last season and set an NFL record with five pick-sixes. Bland hasn’t played this year due to a stress fracture suffered in training camp.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Hannah Green wins her 2nd HSBC Women's World Championship
Aug 21, 2025; Mississauga, Ontario, CAN; Hannah Green plays her tee shot at the third hole during first round play at the CPKC Women’s Open golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images Australia’s Hannah Green held off Auston Kim on Sunday to win the HSBC Women’s World Championship in Singapore for the second time.
Green, the 2024 champion, balanced three birdies and three bogeys on an eventful back nine to finish with a 3-under 69 and a final score of 14-under at Sentosa Golf Club. The 2019 Women’s PGA Championship winner tapped in for bogey at the 18th for her seventh LPGA Tour title.
“When I did win Singapore two years ago, I went on to win two other tournaments that season and pretty much had my best season on tour,” said Green, 29. “So having a win so early in the season gives me a bit more flexibility with the tournaments that I can play. So I’m hoping that this puts me in good stead for the rest of the year.”
Green was at 16-under after birdies at the first, 11th and 13th holes and an eagle at the par-5 eighth hole. Her birdie at the par-3 15th helped her survive a bogey-bogey finish.
“I knew that I had enough of a lead to be able to get away with making mistakes coming down the stretch. But I think 15 was the real turning point,” she said.
First- and second-round leader Kim nearly chased down her first title, matching the low round of the day with a 67 to finish one shot behind Green in the 72-hole, no-cut tournament.
Kim carded six birdies and an eagle at No. 8, but a bogey at the par-3 15th proved costly for the 25-year-old American.
“Overall, I think it was a really solid week,” Kim said. “A great way to start the year. I hit a lot of bad shots but I also hit a lot of good ones, and it was really confidence boosting. I hit all these bad shots, and I didn’t feel like I had anything chose to my A game, but I was still able it pull off a result like this and play some really solid golf.”
Australia’s Minjee Lee (72 on Sunday), Angel Yin (71) and France’s Pauline Roussin-Bouchard (68) tied for third place at 11-under with South Korea’s Haeran Ryu (72) another shot back in solo sixth.
World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand finished with a 73 and tied for 31st at 2-under, one shot behind defending champion Lydia Ko (72) of New Zealand.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Cards extend manager Oliver Marmol through '28 season
Feb 22, 2026; West Palm Beach, Florida, USA; St. Louis Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol (37) looks on from inside the dugout against the Houston Astros during the fifth inning at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images St. Louis Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol received a two-year contract extension through the 2028 season, the team announced Sunday.
Financial terms were not disclosed by the team, which holds an option for the 2029 season.
“As I’ve gotten to know Oli, I’ve seen someone who cares about this organization and knows what has made the Cardinals special over time — and who understands that for us to get where we need to go, we must compete relentlessly to set new standards in everything that we do,” president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom said.
“He is invested in the progress of our young core and is unafraid to challenge himself and to help those around him grow. I am energized to continue working with him towards the on-field success that we expect and that our fans deserve.”
Marmol, 39, has guided the Cardinals to a 325-323 record during his four seasons as the skipper. He led St. Louis to the National League Central title in 2022 before the team fell in the wild-card series to the Philadelphia Phillies.
Last season, the Cardinals posted a 78-84 record to finish in fourth place in the NL Central.
Marmol was a coach with St. Louis from 2017-21 under previous managers Mike Shildt and Mike Matheny.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Tyler Reif treated for heat exhaustion after Trucks race
Oct 31, 2025; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Truck Series driver Tyler Reif (41) during the NASCAR Truck Series Championship race at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series rookie Tyler Reif was treated for heat exhaustion after Saturday night’s street race in St. Petersburg, Fla.
Reif, 18, was transported to an area medical facility after finishing 16th in the race in the No. 42 Niece Motorsports Chevrolet. He was later released.
“Tyler and his family would like to express their gratitude to the NASCAR officials, track medical workers and the local medical facility staff for their care,” Niece Motorsports said in a release.
Reif made his debut in the NASCAR Craftsman Trucks Series in 2025. Saturday’s race was just his third on the circuit, including a 17th-place finish at Atlanta on Feb. 21.
–Field Level Media
Hannah Green wins her 2nd HSBC Women's World Championship
Cards extend manager Oliver Marmol through '28 season
