Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Fewer preseason games is another challenge for NFL coaches

By Rob Maaddi Jul. 02, 2020 07:18 PM EDT
Fewer preseason games following an offseason without on-field workouts creates more challenges for new coaches, players who changed teams and rookies. ...

FILE - In this Dec. 8, 2019, file photo, Cleveland Browns center JC Tretter walks off the field after an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Cleveland. NFLPA president JC Tretter warned players they have to "fight for necessary COVID-19 protections" and Malcolm Jenkins said "football is nonessential." With training camp less than a month away, some players are speaking out about concerns over playing football during a pandemic while others are ignoring medical advice and holding workouts with teammates. (AP Photo/David Richard, File)
NFL players raise concerns on playing, others ignore advice

By Rob Maaddi Jul. 01, 2020 04:12 PM EDT

FILE - In this Sept. 8, 2016, file photo, Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) celebrates a touchdown pass against the Denver Broncos during the first half of an NFL football game, in Denver. The New England Patriots have reached an agreement with free-agent quarterback Cam Newton, bringing in the 2015 NFL Most Valuable Player to help the team move on from three-time MVP Tom Brady, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press. The one-year deal is worth up to $7.5 million with incentives, the person said, speaking on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss it publicly. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney)
Patriots hope winning still in fashion for new QB Newton

By Jimmy Golen Jun. 29, 2020 07:19 PM EDT

FILE - In this Sept. 8, 2016, file photo, Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) celebrates a touchdown pass against the Denver Broncos during the first half of an NFL football game, in Denver. The New England Patriots have reached an agreement with free-agent quarterback Cam Newton, bringing in the 2015 NFL Most Valuable Player to help the team move on from three-time MVP Tom Brady, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press. The one-year deal is worth up to $7.5 million with incentives, the person said, speaking on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss it publicly. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney)
Panthers-Broncos 9/8/2016

Jun. 29, 2020 03:26 PM EDT

FILE - In this Sept. 12, 2019, file photo, Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton warms up prior to the team's NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Charlotte, N.C. The New England Patriots have reached an agreement with free-agent quarterback Newton, bringing in the 2015 NFL Most Valuable Player to help the team move on from three-time MVP Tom Brady, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn, File)
AP source: Patriots sign QB Cam Newton to replace Tom Brady

By Jimmy Golen Jun. 28, 2020 09:14 PM EDT

FILE - In this Dec. 15, 2019, file photo, New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick stands on the sideline during the second half of the team's NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Cincinnati. The Patriots have been fined $1.1 million by the NFL for inappropriately filming the Cincinnati Bengals’ sideline during a game last season. On Sunday, June 28, 2020, the league also took away a third-round pick in the 2021 draft. “I personally have never viewed any video footage at all, anything that those production people have done, other than what’s shown on public television or something like that,” Belichick said in December. (AP Photo/Gary Landers, File)
Pats fined $1.1M, lose pick for filming game last season

By Simmi Buttar Jun. 28, 2020 09:08 PM EDT

FILE - In this Thursday, Aug. 15, 2019 file photo, Houston Texans running back Karan Higdon (31) carries the ball during a joint NFL training camp football practice with the Detroit Lions in Houston. The NFL still plans to hold training camps on time beginning in late July, though contingency plans are in place. Hours after the league canceled the Hall of Fame game that kicks off the preseason, the 32 team owners on Thursday, June 25, 2020 were updated on a variety of issues, many dealing with working through the coronavirus pandemic. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)
NFL training camps still on original schedule for late July

By Barry Wilner Jun. 25, 2020 02:31 PM EDT

Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL football quarterback Tom Brady, far right, is seen along with other players during a private workout Tuesday, June 23, 2020, at Berkeley Preparatory School in Tampa, Fla. (Chris Urso/Tampa Bay Times via AP)
Brady continues group workouts despite NFLPA recommendation

Jun. 23, 2020 03:31 PM EDT

Leicester's manager Brendan Rodgers talks to the team during the English Premier League soccer match between Watford and Leicester CITY at the Vicarage Road Stadium in Watford, England, Saturday, June 20, 2020. (Michael Regan/Pool via AP)
The Latest: NFLPA advises halt to private workouts together

By The Associated Press Jun. 20, 2020 02:03 PM EDT

FILE - In this July 29, 2019, file photo, Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo watches a drill during NFL football training camp in St. Joseph, Mo. When the coronavirus pandemic forced everyone indoors — away from their everyday environments — creativity was the key. To working. To keeping in touch. And, for those making their living playing on football fields, to thinking up ways to bond as teammates. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
NFL teams went high-tech for team bonding this offseason

By Dennis Waszak Jr. Jun. 19, 2020 11:20 AM EDT

FILE - In this Oct. 31, 2019, file photo, Baylor defensive coordinator Phil Snow walks the sideline in an NCAA college football game against West Virginia in Waco, Texas. Carolina Panthers new defensive coordinator Phil Snow has a monumental task ahead of him, returning the once proud Carolina defense to among the best in the league without retired linebacker Luke Kuechly. Carolina's defense is coming off a season in which they allowed 29.4 points per game, the second-most in the league. (AP Photo/Jerry Larson, File)
Snow faces huge task restoring once-proud Panthers defense

By Steve Reed Jun. 17, 2020 05:58 PM EDT

FILE - In this May 19, 2020, file photo, Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL football quarterback Tom Brady runs across the field at Berkeley Preparatory School in Tampa, Fla. With coaches and players scattered and team facilities shut by the NFL because of the COVID-19 pandemic, video meetings helped the league act as if business continued as usual. “Walking through and practicing is the best way to teach,” Tampa Bay coach Bruce Arians said. “So those are valuable reps missed. I don’t know how we’ll make them up. Hopefully we’ll get some extra time in practice in camp; a few extra days would help." (Chris Urso/Tampa Bay Times via AP, File)
Coaches, players make best of NFL's 1st virtual offseason

By Teresa M. Walker Jun. 16, 2020 12:57 PM EDT

FILE - In this Dec. 12, 2018, file photo, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell speaks during a news conference in Irving, Texas. Coaches will be allowed to return to NFL team facilities beginning Friday as the league continues preparation for training camps and its season. Commissioner Roger Goodell told the 32 clubs on Thursday, June 4, 2020, that coaching staffs may from team complexes starting Friday. (AP Photo/LM Otero, File)
Column: Goodell's mea culpa is a good start - and no more

By Jim Litke Jun. 08, 2020 07:06 PM EDT

FILE - In this Oct. 17, 2004, file photo, San Diego Chargers wide receiver Reche Caldwell (82) is taken off the field during first half play against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. Caldwell, the former University of Florida and NFL receiver, was fatally shot Saturday, June 6, 2020, in his hometown. Caldwell's mother, Deborah, did not return phone messages left by The Associated Press on Sunday, but confirmed her son's death to the Tampa Bay Times. (AP Photo/John Amis, File)
Former Florida, NFL star Reche Caldwell fatally shot

Jun. 07, 2020 08:45 PM EDT

FILE - In this Aug. 6, 2019, file photo, Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21), left, and Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald talk during an NFL football training camp practice at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Peterson believes the team can be among the NFL's elite this fall. Peterson is in the final year of a five-year contract and hopes to stay with the Cardinals for the remainder of his career. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)
Cardinals' Peterson to those who doubt him: "Wait and see"

By David Brandt May. 28, 2020 05:11 PM EDT

FILE - In this Jan. 24, 2016, file photo, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, left, and Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning speak to one another following the NFL football AFC championship game in Denver. The next match involving Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson involves a $10 million donation for COVID-19 relief efforts, along with plenty of bragging rights in a star-powered foursome May 24 at Medalist Golf Club. Turner Sports announced more details Thursday, May 7, 2020, for “The Match: Champions for Charity,” a televised match between Woods and Peyton Manning against Mickelson and Tom Brady. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)
Out of the Woods: Tiger emerges for TV match with Lefty, QBs

By Doug Ferguson May. 23, 2020 02:23 PM EDT

FILE - In this Feb. 5, 2017, file photo, New England Patriots' Tom Brady raises the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the Atlanta Falcons in overtime at the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game in Houston. Brady’s journey to each of his nine Super Bowls with the New England Patriots will be the subject of an ESPN series released in 2021. Entitled “The Man in the Arena: Tom Brady,” the nine-episode series will include a look from Brady’s perspective at the six NFL titles and three Super Bowl defeats he was a part of. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings, File)
New England bishop takes tongue-in-cheek shot at Tom Brady

May. 22, 2020 02:57 PM EDT

NFL QBs holding passing sessions minus bonding activities

By Rob Maaddi May. 22, 2020 02:35 PM EDT
Some NFL quarterbacks are still finding ways to hold throwing sessions with receivers during the coronavirus pandemic, though things look much different. ...

FILE - In this Oct. 20, 2019, file photo, Buffalo Bills running back Frank Gore runs against the Miami Dolphins in the second half of an NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y. Gore just turned 37, absolutely ancient by NFL running back standards. Entering his first season with the Jets, Gore is feeling fresh and ready to help carry the load with Le'Veon Bell in New York's backfield. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus, File)
Age-defying Gore still running, excited to help Jets win

By Dennis Waszak Jr. May. 21, 2020 06:16 PM EDT

FILE - In this Feb. 5, 2012, file photo, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady reacts after New York Giants linebacker Chase Blackburn intercepted Brady's pass intended for tight end Rob Gronkowski during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game in Indianapolis. Brady’s journey to each of his nine Super Bowls with the New England Patriots will be the subject of an ESPN series released in 2021. Entitled “The Man in the Arena: Tom Brady,” the nine-episode series will include a look from Brady’s perspective at the six NFL titles and three Super Bowl defeats he was a part of. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)
Brady's Super Bowl journeys to be part of 2021 ESPN series

By Barry Wilner May. 21, 2020 01:00 PM EDT