By JOSH HELLER
Staff Writer
1. Chancellor Returns to Action
Following a two-game holdout, Kam Chancellor finally made his return to the Seattle Seahawks.
Chancellor held out the first two games of the season. Both games were losses: one to the Rams and one to the Packers. The Seahawks defense gave up a combined 61 points. Chancellor, thought of as one of the best safeties in the NFL, will bring his eight career interceptions to a struggling Seahawks defense, as they look to get back into the NFC West race, competing against teams like the Arizona Cardinals and St. Louis Rams in their division.
Chancellor will be a welcome addition to the Legion of Boom, whose members include Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas. Chancellor returns to action without the new contract he was holding out for. The Seahawks said they would not budge on a contract, following the recent re-signings of Bobby Wagner and Russell Wilson.
2. Bennett Bought Out by T-Wolves
The former first-overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers has had his big-time struggles. Now, Anthony Bennett’s a free agent.
In 2012-13, Cleveland finished 24-58, and the Cavaliers were rewarded with the first-overall pick. Bennett was the favorite to go number one, coming off of a great freshman season at UNLV.
Bennett went number one to Cleveland, while Victor Oladipo went second to Orlando. Other big names to go later in the draft were Michael Carter-Williams to Philadelphia at number 11, Giannis Antetokounmpo to Milwaukee at number 15, and Rudy Gobert to Denver (traded to Utah) way down at number 27.
Bennett’s NBA career has been rough, to say the least. In 2013-14, his first and only season in Cleveland, Bennett played 52 games where he averaged 12.8 minutes, 4.2 points, and 3.0 rebounds over the season.
Following the disappointing rookie season, Cleveland sent Bennett in a package to Minnesota in exchange for Kevin Love. Things didn’t get much better with a change of scenery in Minnesota, as Bennett played in 57 games, averaging 15.7 minutes, 5.2 points, and 3.8 rebounds per game. It looked as though things were not looking up for Bennett, and he was not getting much playing time for the Timberwolves, so the two sides agreed to a buyout agreement.
Bennett has had big problems trying to live up to the reputation of a number-one pick, let alone getting consistent playing time. Hopefully the Canadian can get things back on track before it is too late.
3. Romo, Bryant Out for Extended Periods
It’s every Cowboys fan’s worst nightmare: the team’s dynamic duo will be sidelined for quite some time.
In week one, Dez Bryant broke a bone in his foot in a 27-26 last-second win over the New York Giants. Bryant will require surgery, as well as a screw to hold the bone in place. The timetable for Bryant’s return should be four to six weeks. The Cowboys will now need to rely on Cole Beasley, Jason Witten and Terrance Williams in the passing game in Bryant’s absence.
Not only is Dallas’ best receiver out, but so is their gunslinger. In their 20-10 win over the Philadelphia Eagles in week two, Romo was tackled hard to the ground by linebacker Jordan Hicks.
Not only did Romo fumble on the play, but he was brought to the ground with so much force, that it broke his left collarbone. Following the injury, the Cowboys placed Romo on the short-term IR. This means that Romo can return to action in eight weeks. In his absence, the Cowboys have Brandon Weeden, and they also traded for Bills’ quarterback Matt Cassel this past week. Head coach Jason Garrett has said that Weeden will be the Cowboys’ starter in Romo’s absence.
With all of the Cowboys’ injuries, they no longer look like the favorites in an otherwise weak NFC East. Washington is very inconsistent, the Giants have some issues on defense, and the Eagles college-offense has not done as well as previously thought.
All of a sudden, the NFC East is wide open once again.
4. Manziel Loses Starting Job
After just one week, Johnny Manziel lost his starting job.
Following an injury to Josh McCown in week one’s loss to the Jets, Manziel was chosen as the starter for week two, and possibly onward.
In week two, Manziel threw for 172 yards and two touchdowns. Not a performance for the record books, but it got the job done, as the Browns beat the Titans 28-14, thanks in large part to Travis Benjamin’s three total touchdowns. McCown passed the concussion protocol after the game, and despite the win with Manziel, coach Mike Pettine turned to McCown in week three.
The Browns have been the laughingstock of the NFL for some time now, and their quarterback issues just add to this. Many experts agree that Manziel is the quarterback to go with the rest of the way, but the Browns coaching staff doesn’t think he is ready for that responsibility as of yet.
Hopefully, after a long history of off-the-field issues, Manziel can turn it around on the field.
5. Durant, Melo Cleared for Training Camp
Two of the best American basketballers are now medically cleared for the upcoming season. Following a foot injury in the preseason, Kevin Durant suited up for only 27 games last season, before re-injuring his foot toward the end of the season. Durant has been thought of by many as the second-best small forward, behind LeBron, and many felt robbed of him last season.
Another great small forward in the league has also been cleared, as Carmelo Anthony has overcome his knee injury, which forced him to sit out 42 games last season. Anthony’s absence was a big contributor to the Knicks’ failure last season, so his return is great for Knicks fans.
American basketball fans will get two big stars back this season, and everyone is hoping they are able to stay healthy.
