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NFL

White forgot to keep ball from SB game winner

New England Patriots running back James White can’t tell you what happened to the football from the final play of Super Bowl LI.

White scored the winning touchdown in overtime as the Patriots beat the Atlanta Falcons, 34-28. What happened to the ball after that is anyone’s guess, White told “The Dan Patrick Show” on Tuesday.

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“I actually don’t know what I did with it,” White said. “I left it on the ground and started running.”

White is hopeful that an equipment manager grabbed the ball and that it is in the possession of the Patriots.

“I wasn’t thinking in that moment. I was too busy sprinting down the field,” he said.

White said he did keep the football from the first touchdown he scored in the historic comeback. White had 14 receptions for 110 yards and one touchdown and added two rushing touchdowns in the victory.

After the game, his teammates, including MVP Tom Brady, were quick to say he deserved a share of the MVP honor. In years past, the Super Bowl MVP award came with a car. After the Patriots beat the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX, Brady was awarded MVP and gave the truck to Malcolm Butler, who made the game-saving interception in the final seconds.

Brady said he would do the same this year with White — but there is no truck to give. According to an NFL spokesman, a vehicle hasn’t been part of the MVP award for the past two Super Bowls.

White was asked about Brady’s promise of the truck and said, “I haven’t actually received it yet. I don’t know how that works.”

White said, “it’s pretty cool that he’s humble enough to give me the car,” adding that Brady is a “great teammate.”

It is unknown if Brady still plans to give White a vehicle of some kind.

ESPN Patriots reporter Mike Reiss contributed to this report.

NFL

Falcons GM: Extension imminent for Trufant

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Atlanta Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant, who suffered a season-ending pectoral injury in November, will receive a lucrative contract extension at some point in the spring, general manager Thomas Dimitroff told ESPN on Tuesday.

Trufant, the 22nd overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft, is signed through 2017 after the Falcons exercised their fifth-year option for $8,026,000. Taking such a measure, however, doesn’t prevent the sides from negotiating a long-term deal.

“He’s a top-tier corner, no question about it,” Dimitroff said of Trufant. “We believe that he’s going to do some excellent things for us into the future.”

Dimitroff previously voiced intentions to reward MVP candidate Matt Ryan with an extension that could make him the league’s highest-paid player. The GM also reiterated plans to speak with running back Devonta Freeman’s camp about an extension as he approaches the final season of his rookie deal.

“Our focus in free agency is to, again, focus on the guys on our team to get them done first,” Dimitroff said. “It’s probably this year more than any, it’s where our focus is.”

Falcons CB Desmond Trufant, who suffered a season-ending pectoral injury in November, said he’ll be ready by the time OTAs begin in May. Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Dimitroff said the emergence of former second-round pick Jalen Collins in Trufant’s absence hasn’t altered any plans.

“Trufant’s value has not dropped at all,” Dimitroff said. “We are really excited about having Trufant back and [Robert] Alford back and Jalen Collins back and Brian Poole back. And then the other guys who have contributed to us this year in [C.J.] Goodwin and Deji Olatoye. Those guys are a real cool and encouraging group of secondary [players], and the guy who is at the front of that is Trufant.”

Trufant could be line for a contract in the neighborhood of $13 million to $15 million per season, which would put him on par with some of the league’s other top cornerbacks. The Redskins’ Josh Norman makes $15 million per season as part of his five-year, $75 million deal, which included $50 million guaranteed. Trufant also saw fellow cornerback Alford rewarded with a four-year, $38 million extension that included $21 million guaranteed.

Alford was a second-round pick in the same draft class as Trufant.

“I mean, that’s what we work for, right?” Trufant said. “But I’m just focused on being healthy, being a better player and being a better man. Everything else will take care of itself. I’m just letting my agent and all them handle that. When it’s time, it’s time.”

Trufant said he’s midway through the rehab process and hopes to be back on the field in time for organized team activities in May. The Falcons have to forfeit the first three days of those activities for violating NFL/NFLPA rules prohibiting excessive contact during offseason workouts.

“They’ve got a plan for me, the trainers,” Trufant said. “By that time, I’ll definitely be healthy. I’m just focused on that.”

NFL

Jerry Rice on Larry Fitzgerald's decision: 'I hope he's at peace with it'

TEMPE, Ariz. — If there’s one player who knows what Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald went through as he pondered his playing future, it’s Jerry Rice.

The Hall of Fame receiver, who sits atop the three major all-time receiving record lists Fitzgerald has scaled throughout his career, played until he was 42 and faced similar decisions — whether to retire or continue playing — during the latter part of his career. But with the aid of hindsight and experience, Rice has one wish for Fitzgerald, who announced Wednesday he’ll return for a 14th season.

“I hope he’s at peace with it,” Rice said.

Jerry Rice said if there is a secret to longevity and productivity in the NFL, Larry Fitzgerald knows it. Grant Halverson/Getty Images

The key for Fitzgerald continuing at the same pace he’s played at recently — he led the NFL in receptions in 2016 — will boil down to one thing, according to Rice: how well Fitzgerald’s body responds.

“This is totally different from, say, a quarterback,” Rice said. “Tom Brady wants to play until he’s 45. He could do that. But as a receiver, it takes more. You’ve still got to be able to run. You’ve still got to be able to have that burst. You’ve got to have that separation. You have to have that endurance. So it’s something I feel Tom Brady can really accomplish, but as a receiver, eventually Father Time is going to catch up with you and say, ‘Hey, no, you’re not like you were (at) 20. You can’t do some of the things you did when you were 20.’”

Rice admitted he was “fighting” his age and his body toward the end of his career.

One of the toughest parts of deciding whether to keep playing, Rice said, is weighing the love of the game and desire to continue against the reality of knowing it’s time to hang it up.

Having worked out with Fitzgerald in the past, Rice said if there is a secret to longevity and productivity in the NFL, Fitzgerald knows it. Comparing the twilight of his career to Fitzgerald’s, Rice said an aging receiver needs to answer two difficult questions if they want to continue playing: Do they still want to play at a very high level? And do they still want to be the guy? Toward the end of Rice’s legendary career, which ended with three teams in two seasons, he was more of a mentor to younger receivers than anything else.

But Fitzgerald’s career isn’t taking the same trajectory as Rice’s, mainly because Fitzgerald could be entering the final year of his career eight years younger than Rice was when retired. Fitzgerald proved last season he still was capable of producing league-leading numbers at age 33. He led the NFL with 107 catches and had more than 1,000 yards for the second straight season.

Fitzgerald also came closer to Rice’s historic records in 2016, finishing the season third on the all-time receptions list with 1,125 (424 behind No. 1 Rice), ninth on the all-time receiving yards list (8,506 behind No. 1 Rice) and eighth on the all-time receiving touchdowns list (93 behind No. 1 Rice).

Fitzgerald has said in the past he doesn’t plan on playing long enough to catch Rice in any of those categories, but it’s possible Fitzgerald could end next season third on the all-time receiving yards list if he turns in another 1,000-yard season and sixth on the all-time receiving touchdowns list if he has 10 touchdown catches.

“Well, my records are not meant to be broken so that’s not going to happen,” Rice said with a laugh. “No, I’m just joking. Watching all of those guys, man, and the numbers that they’re putting up now, it’s a passers league. The ball is in the air, and I know records are meant to be broken.”

But, if next year should be Fitzgerald’s swan song, he’ll accomplish something Rice couldn’t by playing his entire career with one team.

“It doesn’t happen that often,” Rice said. “I think that shows the loyalty of the organization, also Larry in general.

“He’s a great athlete and I have watched him really grow and develop and put up outstanding numbers.”

NFL

Worst 'bad beats' of the 2016-17 NFL season

Rob Nelson of ESPN Stats & Information revisits the worst bad beats from the 2016 NFL season. The games are listed in chronological order.

Note: Closing lines are courtesy of Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook and pick percentages are via Wunderdog sports.

Week 4

Cleveland Browns at Washington Redskins

Closing line: Redskins -7.5

Back in Week 4, the Redskins were still seeking their first cover as a favorite under quarterback Kirk Cousins. Washington was previously 0-6 ATS in those games, having lost outright four times. This game looked to be following that same script, as the Browns led 20-17 entering the final quarter.

Cleveland couldn’t get out of its own way down the stretch and turned it over on three consecutive possessions after taking the lead. Washington took advantage and scored 14 points off those turnovers. The Browns, who led with less than 11 minutes left and outgained the Redskins for the game, still ended up losing by double-digits. Cleveland went on to finish the season 5-11 ATS, tied for the second-worst mark in the NFL.

Final score: Redskins 31, Browns 20 (Redskins cover)

Week 8

Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys

Closing line: Cowboys -5

This would be the third straight Sunday Night Football game that went to overtime, with every game resulting in a bad beat for bettors. But none were worse than this one.

The Eagles took a 23-13 lead early in the fourth quarter, and those who took the underdog were feeling great. After all, if you factor in the spread, the Eagles were up 15. After forcing a three-and-out, Philadelphia had the ball but Wendell Smallwood fumbled on the first play of the drive to give it back to Dallas. It all went downhill for the Eagles after that. The Cowboys scored the next 10 points to send the game to overtime. Dallas won the toss and marched right down the field, capping off the drive with a Jason Witten 5-yard touchdown catch to win by six.

Final score: Cowboys 29, Eagles 23 in OT (Cowboys cover)

Week 11

Chicago Bears at New York Giants

Closing line: Over/under 41.5

After opening at 47.5, the over/under for this game moved all the way down to 41.5 by kickoff. Heavy winds were expected at Metlife Stadium, and that turned out to be a huge factor in this one.

Playing without key offensive starters in Alshon Jeffery and Kyle Long, the Bears started strong, scoring on their first three possessions. Chicago led 16-9 at halftime with the total on pace to go over. In the second half, the Giants scored touchdowns on their first two possessions and took a 22-16 lead with 6:49 left in third quarter. But the game ended on a 21:49 scoring drought, with bettors who took the over falling 3.5 points short of cashing their tickets. A big reason was the kicking struggles — Robbie Gould and Connor Barth combined to miss three extra points and a field goal.

Final score: Giants 22, Bears 16 (Total goes under)

Week 12

Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys

Closing line: Over/under 53

This wasn’t the greatest Thanksgiving for those who took the under.

After a scoreless third quarter, the Cowboys led 17-6 — 30 points shy of the closing total of 53. On the first play of the fourth quarter, Kirk Cousins hooked up with Jordan Reed for a 5-yard touchdown, marking the start of a wild final 15 minutes. The teams continued to exchange touchdowns throughout the quarter, and those who bet the spread were also on the edge of their seats — the Cowboys closed as a 5.5-point favorite. Trailing 31-19 at the two-minute warning, Cousins found Reed for another score to send the total over. The teams combined for five touchdowns in the final 15 minutes, as the 34 points ended up tied for fourth-highest scoring fourth quarter in 2016.

Final score: Cowboys 31, Redskins 26 (Total goes over)

Week 17

New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons

Closing line: Falcons -7.5

The Falcons came into this game with plenty of motivation — a win and they would lock up the NFC’s No. 2 seed.

The eventual conference champions came out on fire and led 35-13 at halftime. That lead grew to 38-13 after three quarters, with those on Atlanta -7.5 looking like they had themselves a winning bet. But the Saints finished strong, scoring the game’s final 19 points, capped off by a Drew Brees to Travaris Cadet 3-yard touchdown. With the backdoor cover, New Orleans finished with the second-best ATS mark in the NFL at 11-5. As for the Falcons, it wouldn’t be the last time they were outscored 19-0 in a fourth quarter …

Final score: Falcons 38, Saints 32 (Saints cover)

Super Bowl LI

New England Patriots vs. Atlanta Falcons

Closing line: Patriots -3, Over/under 57

No game gets more action on it than the Super Bowl, and for most of the night, the winning sides appeared to be Atlanta and the under.

But that’s why they play 60 minutes, or in this case, even more than that.

The Falcons led 28-3 with just over 17 minutes left and it looked like they would be the 12th Super Bowl underdog to cover in the last 16 years. But as everyone has seen by now, the Patriots overcame a 25-point deficit and forced the first overtime in Super Bowl history. As mentioned above, it marked the second time in four games that Atlanta was outscored exactly 19-0 in the fourth quarter. In overtime, New England won the toss and James White’s third touchdown of the night ended the game. White’s score gave those on the Falcons and/or the under a bad beat that will live with them all offseason.

Final score: Patriots 34, Falcons 28 (Patriots cover and game goes over)

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