The first two kickoffs under the NFL’s radical new rule were both returned a yard farther than the old touchback.

Former teammates and coaches paid tribute to former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Dwayne Haskins during an emotional memorial service a little less than two weeks after the 24-year-old was killed on a South Florida highway.

Washington Football Team's Alex Smith plays during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Philadelphia. Alex Smith is the biggest reason Washington became the first team in the Super Bowl era to start 2-7 and make the playoffs. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton, File)If the Alex Smith story becomes a movie, Alex Smith doesn't want to see it. “When Alex Smith plays quarterback, they’re a heck of a football team,” Tampa Bay coach Bruce Arians said. "They’re an extremely well-coached team, a ton of talent on that defensive front, but Alex Smith is really the key to everything.”How is that possible?

Haskins' failed second chance coupled with a special teams blunder and defensive miscues added up to Washington blowing its first chance to clinch the NFC East by losing to the Carolina Panthers 20-13 on Sunday. With Christian McCaffrey out again, Curtis Samuel had five catches for 106 yards and was the Panthers' leading rusher with 52 yards on seven carries. 2 pick forced Bridgewater to fumble on a sack in Washington territory early in the third quarter to prevent Carolina from putting up even more points. Washington: Played without top WR Terry McLaurin, who couldn't keep gutting through a nagging ankle injury. Washington: Gets another chance to win the NFC East next Sunday at Philadelphia.

WASHINGTON – New York Giants wide receiver Golden Tate won’t play Sunday at Washington in the aftermath of seemingly calling out quarterback Daniel Jones and the coaching staff. Tate did not travel Saturday with the Giants for the game. “He’s made a lot of plays over these last couple of years, and I certainly have a lot of trust in him as a player,” Jones said. Tate has been targeted 29 times this season, making 22 catches for 226 yards and two touchdowns in seven games. Washington on Saturday activated receiver Steven Sims off injured reserve, a big boost to its passing game.

Washington (1-1) finally scored a touchdown with 12:20 left in the fourth quarter when Dwayne Haskins hit Terry McLaurin for a 24-yard score. The Cardinals' revamped defense had a big day, holding Washington scoreless until Dustin Hopkins hit a 24-yard field goal late in the third quarter. Murray's pass into coverage was picked off by Landon Collins, giving Washington great field position at the Arizona 19. He was completely alone in the back of the end zone on third down and Murray hit him for the 4-yard score to make it 7-0. ... Washington right guard Brandon Scherff (knee) was hurt just before halftime and gingerly walked off the field with the help of medical staff.

Smith was hospitalized for almost a month after the incident, had the leg stabilized with a giant brace and knew he had a long road ahead in rehab. Lying in the hospital bed and in the ensuing months after, Smith doubted his ability to return, especially as a player in his mid-30s. I was really excited for him," said New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, who used to train with Smith in San Diego. The two have had conversations about this comeback path, and Rivera told Smith: The biggest thing is, you have to be able to protect yourself. Once he progresses to full, 11-on-11 football practice, the biggest hurdle remaining is him getting hit really hit like he was by Kareem Jackson and J.J. Watt on Nov. 18, 2018.