Extra Points: Flus Bests Belichick, Bears Dominate Three Phases, Brisker's Revenge, MNFields, More
Monday night's beatdown of the Patriots in Foxborough was a statement victory for rookie head coach Matt Eberflus.
Featured Stories
One Timers: Blackhawks Feeling the Good Vibes, Aggressive Penalty Kill, No Goals for Kane, More
What's the deal with the #Blackhawks' wildly good penalty kill this season? How are things going in the locker room, and are we worried about Patrick Kane's lack of scoring?
A Conversation with Joe Maddon
I had the pleasure of chatting with former Chicago Cubs and World Series-winning manager Joe Maddon today. We discussed his exit from Anaheim, roster building in Tampa Bay, finding a balance between feel and analytics in baseball, his future, and more.
Tyler Johnson Ready To Make Up For A Lost Season
Coming off of his first full and healthy offseason in years, Tyler Johnson is feeling great mentally and physically and ready to have a bounce-back season for the Blackhawks.
About Me
Patrick K. Flowers is a Staff Writer at Bleacher Nation where he covers the Chicago sports landscape on a daily basis. Patrick is also a husband and father of two.
How I Work
Patrick is always looking for a story that meshes the box scores in the sports world and the humans that make it all happen. You can expect thoughtful and insightful writing that feels both personal and informative.
Get in Touch
You can get in touch with Patrick via email (patrick.flowers@bleachernation.com) or via the social links at the top of the page.
My Latest Work
Deshaun Watson Would Love to Have DeAndre Hopkins on the Browns, But ... (and Other NFL Bullets)
Memorial Day is in the books, the kids are on summer break, and summer, the unofficial start to summer, is upon us. But more importantly, the NFL opener is just 100 days away. So, football nuts rejoice. Your favorite obsession is 100 days from being in session. Football writers shall also rejoice because we’re in a rare pocket of the offseason where there isn’t much to write about. The Cleveland Browns were one of the teams I picked as a solid potential landing spot for DeAndre Hopkins. Head coa
Remembering Pat Tillman This Memorial Day
The first taste of war that I could remember in my lifetime was Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. September 11, 2001, was the first terrorist attack against the United States in my life to that point.
I was sitting in Mrs. Long’s homeroom period as a sixth-grade student when the towers were struck. My class watched the second plane strike the south tower in real-time, and I’ll never forget that morning. Heck, I’ll never forget that day. The shock. The weirdness. When school was dismissed, parent
I was sitting in Mrs. Long’s homeroom period as a sixth-grade student when the towers were struck. My class watched the second plane strike the south tower in real-time, and I’ll never forget that morning. Heck, I’ll never forget that day. The shock. The weirdness. When school was dismissed, parent
Jimmy Garoppolo and 'Addendum G,' DeAndre Hopkins' Thoughts, CMC's Charity Event, and Other NFL Bullets
In the year 2023, everything comes to light eventually, especially in the NFL world. Remember when Jimmy Garoppolo‘s introductory press conference was delayed at the last minute? The delay was because Garropolo had failed his physical, and the team wanted to significantly rework his contract before they announced him to the media in person.
• According to Pro Football Talk, the Raiders added a waiver and release clause to Garolppolo’s contract. In addition, they moved some 2023 money around to p
• According to Pro Football Talk, the Raiders added a waiver and release clause to Garolppolo’s contract. In addition, they moved some 2023 money around to p
Kenny Pickett's Playbook Inside Stolen Vehicle, Gruden Helps the Saints, and Other NFL Bullets
As if having your car stolen isn’t bad enough, imagine having your NFL playbook inside of the vehicle. Unfortunately, that was the reality for Pittsburgh Steelers’ second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett this week.
“A municipal misdemeanor battery charge is not sufficient,” Zebley said in a statement to The Star. “I’m looking for justice. You can’t shove someone down and walk off like it didn’t happen. Not in real life.”
D’Brickashaw Ferguson played 10 years in the @nfl for the @nyjets Now he’s
“A municipal misdemeanor battery charge is not sufficient,” Zebley said in a statement to The Star. “I’m looking for justice. You can’t shove someone down and walk off like it didn’t happen. Not in real life.”
D’Brickashaw Ferguson played 10 years in the @nfl for the @nyjets Now he’s
Davante Adams Clears the Air, Baker Gonna Baker, Charlotte Strong, and Other NFL Bullets
Happy Friday! We’ve got a holiday weekend with a beautiful forecast accompanying it. I want to share something with you before we get into the Xs and Os this morning. While scrolling Twitter last night, I came across a call to action for a great cause.
I checked out the CaringBridge page in the GoFundMe, and Charlotte Frank is a fighter. She was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer that primarily affects children. Since November, Charlotte has been fighting, and she recently began a new chemo p
I checked out the CaringBridge page in the GoFundMe, and Charlotte Frank is a fighter. She was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer that primarily affects children. Since November, Charlotte has been fighting, and she recently began a new chemo p
Colts OTAs Check-In: Anthony Richardson's Hot and Cold Day, Minshew's Mentorship, More
Did anyone see the videos on social media of crews changing out the “Welcome to Indiana” signs on the highways leading to Indiana? From a football lens, it makes perfect sense. It’s the start of a new era in Indianapolis. New coach, a new quarterback, and a new plan for the Colts.
With the new era of Colts football, they have a new QB, Anthony Richardson. When Richardson assumes the starting role, no one knows. Rookie Head Coach Shane Steichen split the first-team reps under center between Rich
With the new era of Colts football, they have a new QB, Anthony Richardson. When Richardson assumes the starting role, no one knows. Rookie Head Coach Shane Steichen split the first-team reps under center between Rich
BREAKING: The Cardinals Have Released WR DeAndre Hopkins
The DeAndre Hopkins saga is come to an end this afternoon. According to the team, the Arizona Cardinals have released Hopkins.
The Arizona Cardinals opened up their OTAs on Monday. However, star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins was not in attendance. Hopkins was the subject of trade rumors all offseason. So, that wasn’t all that surprising. However, today’s decision to release Hopkins caught me off guard.
When asked about Hopkins’ absence and his future in Arizona earlier this week, head coach Jo
The Arizona Cardinals opened up their OTAs on Monday. However, star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins was not in attendance. Hopkins was the subject of trade rumors all offseason. So, that wasn’t all that surprising. However, today’s decision to release Hopkins caught me off guard.
When asked about Hopkins’ absence and his future in Arizona earlier this week, head coach Jo
Lions OTAs Check-In: Jameson Williams Speaks, Monty Leaves Early, More
The Detroit Lions stock is at an all-time high (at least, in my lifetime). After winning eight of their final 10 games and narrowly missing the postseason last year, Detroit is riding a strong offseason into some high expectations for 2023 and beyond.
In fact, many have the Lions as the favorites in the NFC North. And even if Detroit doesn’t leapfrog the Vikings, they’ve got a solid chance to snap their postseason drought. But first, Lions head coach Dan Campbell is focused on building his team
In fact, many have the Lions as the favorites in the NFC North. And even if Detroit doesn’t leapfrog the Vikings, they’ve got a solid chance to snap their postseason drought. But first, Lions head coach Dan Campbell is focused on building his team
Best Landing Spots for DeAndre Hopkins and Fantasy Football Implications
In case you missed it, the Arizona Cardinals released wide receiver D’Andre Hopkins this afternoon. The team attempted to trade Hopkins, but after not having success they released the All-Pro wide receiver.
Here’s What You Need to Know
• DeAndre Hopkins will turn turn 31 next month. The former All-Pro wide receiver loved 64 catches for a team-leading 717 yards, and three touchdowns last year.
• In his three seasons in Arizona, Hopkins had 2,696 yards and 17 touchdowns on 221 receptions.
• By re
Here’s What You Need to Know
• DeAndre Hopkins will turn turn 31 next month. The former All-Pro wide receiver loved 64 catches for a team-leading 717 yards, and three touchdowns last year.
• In his three seasons in Arizona, Hopkins had 2,696 yards and 17 touchdowns on 221 receptions.
• By re
Jaguars Sign Kicker Brandon McManus, Waive Riley Patterson
Well, that didn’t take long. Less than 48 hours after the Denver Broncos cut kicker Brandon McManus, he has a new job. The Jacksonville Jaguars have signed the veteran McManus and waived kicker Riley Patterson.
Brandon McManus has been with the Broncos since 2014 and was the lone remaining member of Denver’s Super Bowl 50 team. The veteran kicker completed 77.8 percent of field goal attempts and hit 25 of 27 extra-point attempts last season. McManus made 223 of 274 field goal attempts with the
Brandon McManus has been with the Broncos since 2014 and was the lone remaining member of Denver’s Super Bowl 50 team. The veteran kicker completed 77.8 percent of field goal attempts and hit 25 of 27 extra-point attempts last season. McManus made 223 of 274 field goal attempts with the
Zaire Franklin Must Read, Patriots Lose OTAs for Rules Violation, and Other NFL Bullets
I won’t do the “I’m getting old” thing because I’m only 33. Still, things are changing in the body, and I don’t like it. I got back out on the golf course yesterday for the first time in a month, and by the 14th hole, my upper back was tightening up on me. By the 17th, I favored it to the point where I had a lazy lapse in mechanics and slammed my driver into the deck on a tee shot, and my right hand was ringing pretty good. Getting old(er) stinks. Anyway, I read a good story this morning while c
Falcons OTAs Check-In: Desmond Ridder Has the Falcons Confidence, Explosive Birds, More
When the Atlanta Falcons take on the Carolina Panthers in Week 1, they’ll be looking to take their first swing at winning a wide-open NFC South. Tom Brady is gone, and the Buccaneers are bad. The Panthers are rebuilding, and the Derek Carr-led Saints don’t scream, “Watch out for us!” On paper, anyway. If Bryce Young starts in Week 1 for the Panthers, we’ll have a QB rematch of the 2021 Cotton Bowl in which Young’s Crimson Tide bested Desmond Ridder’s Cincinnati Bearcats.
It’s still too early to
It’s still too early to
Raiders OTAs Check-In: Jimmy Garoppolo Injury, Josh Jacobs Absent, No OTAs for Tyree Wilson, More
There was some belief that Jimmy Garoppolo may have been able to play if the San Francisco 49ers reached the Super Bowl last season. Garoppolo suffered a foot injury on December 6, paving the way for Brock Purdy to take over in San Francisco. That injury was initially feared to be a Lisfranc fracture. However, the 49ers’ medical staff concluded that the injury was different and didn’t require surgery.
Fast forward five months, and the Raiders — Garoppolo’s new team — sing a different tune. Raid
Fast forward five months, and the Raiders — Garoppolo’s new team — sing a different tune. Raid
Giants OTAs Check-In: Daniel Jones Slings It, Darren Waller's Strong Impression, More
We discussed some OTA happenings from the Jets side of East Rutherford on Wednesday, so we’ll check-in on the other side of the Big Apple football spectrum. We’ll get the Saquon Barkley thing out of the way first.
Barkley was not in camp today, nor will he be for the time benig. As I pointed out in the Raiders check-in earlier today with Josh Jacobs, Barkley Barkley isn’t under contract right now, so he can’t attend any team activities until he either signs his franchise tag tender or agrees to
Barkley was not in camp today, nor will he be for the time benig. As I pointed out in the Raiders check-in earlier today with Josh Jacobs, Barkley Barkley isn’t under contract right now, so he can’t attend any team activities until he either signs his franchise tag tender or agrees to
Jets OTAs Check-In: Aaron Rodgers Injury No Issue, Saleh Talks a Big Game, More
I chuckled at the irony that is life on Tuesday afternoon. While scrolling Twitter, I noticed a story from Pro Football Talk about New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh exuding confidence about the Jets’ chances at being a Super Bowl contender. After came a tweet by ESPN’s Diana Russini pointed out Aaron Rodgers dealing with a lower-body injury that shortened his day.
It’s not that I was laughing at Aaron Rodgers getting hurt, but more so, I was laughing at the reminder of how fragile things ca
It’s not that I was laughing at Aaron Rodgers getting hurt, but more so, I was laughing at the reminder of how fragile things ca
Broncos Cut Brandon McManus, Purdy Cleared to Resume Throwing, Lance Wants to Compete, and Other NFL Bullets
Happy Hump Day! It was an exciting morning in the Flowers household today. Well, for some. My daughter is in her final week of school, so the final countdown is on for her. My son has two more weeks, so he was not excited. But I’ll be on the golf course shortly after these bullets. Because it’s #offseason, and I need some vitamin D. So, let’s get right into it. The Denver Broncos have parted ways with long-time kicker Brandon McManus.
• One of my favorite things about Twitter is when players bre
• One of my favorite things about Twitter is when players bre
Austin Ekeler Staying in Los Angeles on Reworked Contract
After an offseason of speculation that included a trade request, Austin Ekeler is staying in Los Angeles. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Ekeler and the Chargers have agreed to a reworked contract to make it happen.
In March, Ekeler requested permission to seek a trade. A day later, he was granted permission by the Chargers, according to reports.
Ekeler is heading into the final year of his contract and was due to make $6.25 million this season. Ekeler was looking for a new deal with the Ch
In March, Ekeler requested permission to seek a trade. A day later, he was granted permission by the Chargers, according to reports.
Ekeler is heading into the final year of his contract and was due to make $6.25 million this season. Ekeler was looking for a new deal with the Ch
Green Bay Gets the 2025 NFL Draft, Super Bowl LX Heading to Levi's Stadium, TNF Flex, Emergency QB, and Other NFL Bullets
The NFL made some headlines on Monday afternoon. Among a few items of note is that the 2025 NFL Draft will be held in Green Bay. I was in the pool with the kids when the league decided to have a late afternoon news dump from the owner’s meetings in Minneapolis. Thankfully Luis was on it.
• The Packers will become the third NFC North team to host the NFL Draft. The Lions have the 2024 NFL Draft. And, of course, the Bears hosted the NFL Draft in 2015 and 2016. Since leaving the Radio City Music Ha
• The Packers will become the third NFC North team to host the NFL Draft. The Lions have the 2024 NFL Draft. And, of course, the Bears hosted the NFL Draft in 2015 and 2016. Since leaving the Radio City Music Ha
NFL Rookies Weigh-In: Jersey Swaps, Rule Changes, No Cold Weather Games, More
The newest members of the NFL got to wear their new jerseys last weekend in Los Angeles. On Saturday morning, 45 players from the NFL’s 2023 rookie class participated in the Rookie Premiere event at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Athletic’s Jourdan Rodrigue attended and put together an entertaining column.
Rodrigue’s ‘Rookie Survey’ column asked rookies various questions like, who would have gotten their vote for MVP last year, who they’re most excited to swap jerseys with this season,
Rodrigue’s ‘Rookie Survey’ column asked rookies various questions like, who would have gotten their vote for MVP last year, who they’re most excited to swap jerseys with this season,
Washington Commanders Sale: “We’d Like to See it Get Done ... But, We’re Not There Yet"
Thursday Night Football flexing (link), host cities for marquee NFL events (link), and rule changes (link) weren’t the only things discussed in Minnesota on Monday. The pending sale of the Washington Commanders to the Josh Harris group was also on the agenda. And according to Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay, the deal is nearly finalized. However, it’s not quite at the goal line just yet: “We’d like to see it get done. But, we’re not there yet,”
According to The Athletic’s Ben Standig, the le
According to The Athletic’s Ben Standig, the le
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Interviews and Original Reporting
Blackhawks 5, Kraken 4 -- Three Stars, Key Takeaways
Tyler Johnson pots a pair as the Blackhawks come from behind to beat the Seattle Kraken.
A Conversation with Joe Maddon
I had the pleasure of chatting with former Chicago Cubs and World Series-winning manager Joe Maddon today. We discussed his exit from Anaheim, roster building in Tampa Bay, finding a balance between feel and analytics in baseball, his future, and more.
Andreas Athanasiou Wants to Play the Blackhawks Right Out of the Top Pick in the Draft
Andreas Athanasiou and I discuss his role with the Blackhawks, playing with Patrick Kane, and defying expectations this season.
Tyler Johnson Ready To Make Up For A Lost Season
Coming off of his first full and healthy offseason in years, Tyler Johnson is feeling great mentally and physically and ready to have a bounce-back season for the Blackhawks.
Let's Chat
Got a tip? A story idea? Want to collaborate, or have a question? Don't hesitate to reach out!
Email: patrick.flowers@bleachernation.com