Three-and-out: Sam Darnold's first start and other Jets-Redskins observations August 16, 2018 Jets rookie QB Sam Darnold made his first start in Thursday's preseason game, one where the Redskins looked like the stronger team.

Aaron Rodgers, Jimmy Graham offer 'fun' preview in Packers' 51-34 romp over Steelers August 17, 2018 Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers started Thursday's exhibition and wasted no time connecting with Jimmy Graham for a touchdown.

John Elway: Colin Kaepernick 'had his chance' with Broncos and 'passed' on contract offer August 16, 2018 John Elway said the Broncos won't be giving Colin Kaepernick a shot after a 2016 trade attempt didn't pan out.

John Elway should be embarrassed over his disingenuous comments about Colin Kaepernick August 16, 2018 When asked if the Broncos would consider Colin Kaepernick, John Elway said, "Colin had his chance." But that offer came in 2016, before the protests.

Ben Roethlisberger's injury scare reminds Steelers how easily their season can swing August 16, 2018 Ben Roethlisberger appears to have avoided a worst-case scenario on a hit that left him in the concussion protocol, but the scare was a key reminder.

Malcolm Jenkins wears 'You aren't listening' t-shirt before Eagles' preseason game August 16, 2018 Malcolm Jenkins clearly doesn't feel his message is being heard, and the Eagles safety put his feelings on display before Thursday's preseason game.

Nick Foles has rough preseason debut for Philadelphia Eagles, leaves game with injury August 16, 2018 Nick Foles had a rough preseason debut for the Philadelphia Eagles against the New England Patriots, leaving the game with a shoulder injury.

Odell Beckham Jr. thought he was going to Detroit Lions in 2014 draft August 16, 2018 New York Giants receiver Odell Beckham Jr. thought the Lions would draft him in 2014. Playing with Calvin Johnson would have been "great opportunity."

Marcus Mariota or Jameis Winston? It's not that complicated August 16, 2018 Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston, the top two picks in the 2015 NFL draft, will face off in a preseason game. But one is clearly ahead of the other.

How Hall of Fame coach Tony Dungy would address NFL players protesting during national anthem August 16, 2018 Hall of Fame coach Tony Dungy says he believes there's a way to give players a voice and make them feel heard on social issues: a larger platform.

NFL training camp power rankings: Eagles have competition in NFC July 30, 2018 As training camps ramp up, the NFL preseason landscape is starting to take shape, and plenty of up-and-coming teams appear ready to push the Eagles and Patriots at the top.

2018 NFL record projections: Will Patriots falter on road to Super Bowl LIII? July 20, 2018 USA TODAY Sports releases it annual NFL record projections, which suggest the Patriots and Seahawks will falter in 2018 on the road to Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta.

Get on the gridiron and join our new Facebook Group, 'The Ruling Off the Field' July 20, 2018 If you're as excited about football season as we are, we've got the perfect spot for you.

Fantasy football: Top 200 overall rankings for the 2018 season August 08, 2018 Here's how the players stack up for the 2018 season, based on a 12-team PPR format.

Fantasy football: Position rankings for the 2018 season August 08, 2018 Here's how the players stack up at each of the major positions in fantasy football.

Joe Hawley retired from NFL. Then he moved into van and hit road in search of new path May 11, 2018 He retired from the NFL. He gave away most of his stuff. Now, former Tampa Bay Bucs offensive lineman Joe Hawley is traveling around the country in a tricked-out van, trying to fill the void that football left behind.

Ranking current NFL players' chances of Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement August 03, 2018 As the Pro Football Hall of Fame inducts its 56th class, it's a good time to ponder which active NFL players will one day be enshrined in Canton. Think Tom Brady makes the cut?

Pro Football Hall of Fame candidates for 2019: Tony Gonzalez, Ed Reed, Champ Bailey seem like locks July 31, 2018 The Pro Football Hall of Fame is inducting eight new members this weekend. Who are the top candidates to be enshrined in 2019? There seem to be three virtual first-ballot locks for Canton next year.

NFL draft grades 2018: Which teams had best, worst classes? April 29, 2018 One team stood above the rest with an A+, while two NFC squads made some seriously questionable choices in the 2018 NFL draft.

2018 NFL schedules for all 32 teams April 19, 2018 Take a look at every NFL team's schedule for the 2018 season, which kicks off on Thursday, Sept. 6 when the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles host the Atlanta Falcons at Lincoln Financial Field.

Five logical trade partners if Raiders wind up dealing Khalil Mack August 13, 2018 It's hard to imagine the Raiders would pull the trigger on a trade for Khalil Mack, but these NFL teams might make sense for the Pro Bowl DE.

NFL preseason's most interesting non-QB position battles: Keep eye on Cowboys WRs August 09, 2018 Beyond the competitions for starting quarterbacks, the NFL will feature a number of intriguing position battles that could shape the 2018 season.

10 highly drafted NFL players facing put-up-or-shut-up 2018 season August 06, 2018 If these once highly regarded players can't turn things around soon, they could end up going down as the latest NFL draft busts.

AFC training camps: Patrick Mahomes, Tyrod Taylor among pivotal players to watch July 26, 2018 Patrick Mahomes might be the most intriguing QB to step into a starting role this season, but there are plenty of other AFC players who should create a buzz in training camps.

NFC training camps: Saquon Barkley, Kirk Cousins headline pivotal players to watch July 26, 2018 No rookie is generating more summer buzz than Giants RB Saquon Barkley, but there are plenty of other NFC players (and some coaches) who should cause a stir in training camps.

NFL players, coaches protecting skin on every given sun day August 17, 2018 Blocks and screens: NFL players and coaches protecting skin in different ways on every given sun day

Aaron Rodgers throws TD pass, Packers top Steelers 51-34 August 16, 2018 Aaron Rodgers connected with tight end Jimmy Graham for a touchdown in the quarterback's preseason debut, and the Green Bay Packers beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 51-34

Brady, Patriots beat Eagles 37-20 in Super Bowl rematch August 16, 2018 Tom Brady moved the New England Patriots with ease in their Super Bowl rematch against penalty-prone Eagles

Brady sharp in preseason debut as Patriots top Eagles 37-20 August 16, 2018 NFL Preseason Capsules

Jets' Darnold looks like rookie in 15-13 loss to Redskins August 16, 2018 Sam Darnold threw an interception and showed some of the growing pains of a rookie quarterback in his first preseason start for the New York Jets, who lost to the Washington Redskins 15-13 on a last-second field goal

Browns, Bryant meet as sides try to see if there's a future August 16, 2018 Dez Bryant meets with Browns, who may sign former Pro Bowl wide receiver

JuJu Smith-Schuster celebrated TD by doing the Lambeau Leap August 16, 2018 JuJu Smith-Schuster is just having so much fun.

Fantasy football studs, duds and sleepers August 16, 2018 SportsPulse: Trysta Krick and USA TODAY Sports’ fantasy football expert Steve Gardner give you their studs, duds and sleepers for the 2018 season.

Foles leaves preseason game with shoulder strain August 16, 2018 Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles left Thursday's exhibition game against the New England Patriots with a shoulder strain

Defenses steal the show in Jaguars-Vikings practices August 16, 2018 Defenses steal the show in Jaguars-Vikings practices, joining conference runners-up from last season

Eagles fan trolled Patriots with plane banner August 16, 2018 Eagles fans are having so much fun trolling the Patriots.

Why Leonard Fournette has $100 sealed in his pads August 16, 2018 Leonard Fournette has $100 sealed in his pads.

3 Eagles stay off field for anthem before Super Bowl rematch August 16, 2018 Philadelphia Eagles defensive backs Malcolm Jenkins and De'Vante Bausby remained in the tunnel during the national anthem before their Super Bowl rematch against the New England Patriots

Rookie Sam Darnold starts at QB for Jets at Redskins August 16, 2018 Rookie Sam Darnold is starting at quarterback for the New York Jets in their preseason game at the Washington Redskins

Colts defense remains work in progress as Ravens game looms August 16, 2018 Al Woods hears about the murmurs coming from anxious Indianapolis Colts' fans about the team's defense.

Browns' Taylor faces Bills; Mayfield-Allen spicy subplots August 16, 2018 Browns' Tyrod Taylor faces old team in Bills as Baker Mayfield-Josh Allen serve as spicy subplots

Titans, Saints use new ways to keep NFL players cool in camp August 16, 2018 Keeping football players cool during the sweltering days of training camp is critical. The Titans and Saints have new equipment to cool down players during practice, improving both safety and the workouts.

Tony Dungy: The best way to protest is not three minutes before national anthem August 16, 2018 Tony Dungy gives his advice on a better way for NFL players to protest and his thoughts on whether Colin Kaepernick will play in the NFL again.

Bears QB Trubisky getting on same page with Robinson, Burton August 16, 2018 The Chicago Bears are hoping quarterback Mitchell Trubisky can quickly develop a rhythm with receiver Allen Robinson and tight end Trey Burton

NFL player suspensions for 2018 season August 15, 2018

No. 1 NFL draft picks since 1985 April 27, 2018

NFL player arrests database December 14, 2016 USA TODAY Sports' complete database of all the arrests since 2000.

Saquon Barkley: Detroit Lions' Kerryon Johnson 'a heck of a back' August 16, 2018 Saquon Barkley, who ran for 43 yards on four carries in his preseason debut last week, is not expected to play Friday vs. the Detroit Lions

Why Jermaine Kearse is so important to NY Jets' offense and the development of Sam Darnold August 16, 2018 Jermaine Kearse, now in his second year with the Jets, has emerged as one of the most vocal and influential leaders in the locker room.

Titans' Corey Davis shines, when he's on the field August 16, 2018 Wide receiver Corey Davis was the Titans' brightest performer at Wednesday's practice at Saint Thomas Sports Park.

Every NFL team's most critical person for 2018 August 16, 2018 Here is every NFL team's most critical player, coach or front office person heading into the 2018 season.

Best of the 2018 NFL preseason August 16, 2018

NFL cheerleaders in 2018 season August 16, 2018

NFL training camp power rankings July 30, 2018

2018 Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony August 04, 2018