GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Kyler Murray was driving to the Arizona Cardinals' practice facility Wednesday when he realized that it had been almost exactly two years since he tore the ACL in his right knee in a game against the New England Patriots. Then another thought crossed his mind: It was the Patriots who were coming to town this Sunday for the first time since the injury. “Yeah, it’s a little weird,” Murray said with a wry grin. "I will try not to have that happen again.” The injury on Dec. 12, 2022, cost Murray roughly 11 months of his career, but he has been healthy this season. And now the Cardinals (6-7) are clinging to playoff hopes when they host the Patriots (3-10) on Sunday. Both teams have lost three straight games. The Patriots are coming off their bye week and haven't played since a 25-24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Dec. 1. The Cardinals are trying to move past a brutal 30-18 loss to NFC West rival Seattle which knocked them into a tie for last place in the tightly packed division. Murray is coming off one of his worst games since the injury, throwing two interceptions that each eventually lead to touchdowns for Seattle. It was a rare blemish on an otherwise solid season — he has thrown for 2,862 yards, 15 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Now the Cardinals are pretty much in must-win territory. “For us, all we can do is control what we can control and that’s this weekend,” Murray said. "Today, tomorrow, go out there on Sunday and play good football.” The Cardinals' defense needs a better performance after giving up 409 total yards to Seattle last week, including 176 yards on the ground. Tightening against the run game is particularly important against New England's rookie quarterback Drake Maye, who's averaging 9.1 yards per rush on 38 attempts. The highest rushing average for an NFL quarterback in a single season is 8.5 by Michael Vick in 2006, when he had 123 rushing attempts for 1,039 yards with Atlanta. Maye's far from one-dimensional. He has thrown for at least 220 yards in each of the past three games, improving rapidly. The Patriots took Maye with the No. 3 overall pick out of North Carolina. “Yeah, I think he’s grown since he’s been playing,” coach Jonathan Gannon said. “I think he’s playing probably his best ball right now, probably just because of the experience. So definitely his skillset jumps out. You can see why he was taken so high. He’s a good player and he is ascending.” New England offensive lineman Cole Strange has a new haircut and could make his season debut, possibly at a new position. Strange, who usually sports curly locks, returned from the Patriots’ bye week with a buzz cut. It could coincide with a possible switch to center after he was activated this week, making him eligible to see his first game action since suffering a season-ending knee injury in 2023. A 2022 first-round pick, Strange started 10 games at left guard last season before being placed on injured reserve. Strange has been working at both left guard and center since he returned to practice Nov. 20 and could see his first NFL snaps at the latter position. Longtime Patriots center David Andrews had season-ending shoulder surgery in October. Ben Brown has started the last eight games at center. Murray said the Cardinals can't take the Patriots lightly despite their mediocre record. He compared New England to where Arizona was at last season, when the team was out of the playoff race but playing some good football down the stretch. Murray was particularly complimentary of Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez, saying he was a “big fan.” Both players are Texas natives. “We were kind of in a similar situation as them, then went on the road to Pittsburgh, Philly and (won),” Murray said. "They’re going to come in here and play hard. We understand that and we have to be ready to go.” The Patriots have already been eliminated from playoff contention, but it didn’t stop Maye from spending part of his bye week watching matchups between teams that are still jockeying for postseason position. The reason? He wanted to get a glimpse — even if from afar — of the common traits of the teams still playing meaningful games at this time of the season. “Especially when you haven’t felt it,” Maye said. “I haven’t really experienced a playoff game. You always hear about what it’s been in the past here at the playoff games and the environment here in Gillette ... and watching Tom (Brady) and those guys duke it out. Those runs they had were special. I think you want that feeling and those guys in the locker room, some of them had it. A lot of us young guys haven’t.” Maye hopes it serves as motivation going forward. “I think we’re striving for that and can use these last four games as a challenge and as a step to, ‘Hey, what we have and what we got here on this team and who can help us and who can make some plays?’” he said. AP Sports Writer Kyle Hightower contributed to this story. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

A visionary’s mission of nation building It is instructive to consider how Quaid’s statements and path he chose resonate in today’s Pakistan This birthday of the Quaid-i-Azam, more than ever before, beckons us to reflect on his dynamic personality and statesmanship. At this point in time, the nation is grappling with myriad challenges in both the political and social domains. As the public feels dejected and demoralised on many fronts, the Quaid, once again, can lead us toward the goal of a prosperous country. Different aspects of the Quaid’s personality-particularly as a leader who united the Muslims of India toward nationhood and then spearheaded the independence movement that culminated in the creation of a new Muslim state-are worth a closer study. It is instructive to consider how the Quaid’s statements and the path he chose resonate in today’s Pakistan. His struggle as the leader of the Muslim League, particularly in confronting the uncompromising attitudes of both Congress and the British, is seen as part of history. However, his messages are often lost in the fog of political expediency and rhetoric. In the past, these were telecast on television more as a ritual and showcased at national events. The strength and significance of the Quaid’s thoughts can be highlighted by the speeches he delivered in the year following independence. Despite his frail health, he toured the country and spoke to a wide cross-section of the public, including businessmen, armed forces personnel, and minorities, addressing various national concerns and interests. The Quaid’s speech at a rally at University Stadium, Lahore, in October 1947, offers an interesting case study. It reflects his vision for nation-building and his caliber as the leader of a new country. To quote the Quaid: “All I require of you now is that every one of us to whom this message reaches must vow to himself and be prepared to sacrifice his all, if necessary, in building up Pakistan as a bulwark of Islam, and as one of the greatest nations whose ideal is peace within and peace without.” These words clearly indicate what the Quaid wanted from the Pakistanis and the role he envisioned in nation-building. He also pointed toward a harmonious society built on peace, both internally and externally. There is much to be read between the lines. Phrases like “prepared to sacrifice,” “building up Pakistan,” “bulwark of Islam,” and “peace within and peace without” stand out as key themes. Later, he said, “Remember that the scrupulous maintenance and enforcement of law and order are the prerequisites of all progress.” While law and order was not a pressing issue at that time, yet the Quaid seemed to be looking far ahead, anticipating a time when law and order would become a significant challenge for the state. The Quaid’s speech also pointed to the civil and political rights of citizens. He said, “The tenets of Islam enjoin every Muslim to give protection to his neighbours and the minorities, regardless of caste and creed.” Here, the Quaid seemed to be foreseeing a time when minorities would face discrimination and problems from the public and their neighbours. He was also referring to the teachings of Islam about neighbours and minorities. The essence of the Quaid’s thoughts highlights the dangers he foresaw in the years ahead-related to law and order, as well as the treatment of minorities. His statements have clear and deep messages for a multiracial, multicultural nation, coming just two months after independence. It was a call for sacrifice, for building a great nation based on justice and tolerance. Having passed through many periods of chaos and turmoil, the nation is now trying to adjust to a stable political order. However, the message seems to have lost significance over time. The prevailing national scene presents a picture that starkly contrasts with what the Quaid had envisioned-attacks on polio teams, dacoit activity in the Kacha area, massive land scams, corruption, and a rising crime wave targeting women and children are all challenging the writ of the state. Questions are being raised about the credibility of the judicial process. In politics, the country is experiencing a polarisation never seen before. Institutions like Parliament have not been able to check the slide toward chaos that seems to have become the new normal. This is not how the Quaid envisaged Pakistan. One reason for the social disharmony and political malaise is that the Quaid’s guidance and instructions have been relegated to history. An important lesson from the Quaid’s role after Independence is how he engaged the nation—the stakeholders. Despite failing health, he held meetings with representatives of minorities, the armed forces, bureaucrats, students, businessmen, besides the politicians, all who had a role in nation building and to whom the Quaid had assigned a role. It is this sense of ‘leadership’ that is missing today, to take all stakeholders on board, and address the challenges. The Quaid’s birthday reminds us of myriad aspects of his personality, particularly his role during the Independence movement. The short time he had after Independence exposes his role as head of a new state, and his role in building up the nation, in the face of daunting challenges. His vision, and vigour, and perseverance can guide us attain the objectives he had set for a progressive and prosperous Pakistan. – The author is a former faculty member at the Quaid-i-Azam University and can be reached at pakirish@yahoo.com.Leading Early Childhood Curriculum Provider Recognized Among Top Growth Companies in Digital Learning & Workforce Skills

NoneASHEVILLE, N.C. (AP) — Fletcher Abee's 25 points helped UNC Asheville defeat Saint Andrews 120-64 on Saturday. Abee shot 8 for 12 (6 for 10 from 3-point range) and 3 of 3 from the free-throw line for the Bulldogs (4-4). Connor Dubsky scored 20 points while going 6 of 12 from the floor, including 5 for 11 from 3-point range, and 3 for 4 from the line. Jordan Marsh had 14 points and finished 6 of 10 from the field. The Knights were led by Escamilla Mateu, who posted 17 points, seven rebounds and two steals. Ma'Nas Drummond added 14 points for Saint Andrews (NC). Caleb Brown finished with 13 points and two steals. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .NEW ALBANY, Ohio, Dec. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Commercial Vehicle Group (the "Company” or "CVG”) (NASDAQ: CVGI), a diversified industrial products and services company, today announced that its Board of Directors (the "Board”) has elected Jeffrey S. Niew (58 years old) as an independent director to the Board, effective December 16, 2024. Mr. Niew is the President & CEO (since 2013) of Knowles Corporation, a global market leader of highly engineered solutions utilizing semiconductors and electronic components technologies across a wide array of products and end markets. He was formerly the Vice President of Dover Corporation and President and CEO (from 2011 to February 2014) of Dover Communication Technologies. In 2014, Mr. Niew led the spin-off of Knowles from its previous owner Dover Corporation to a NSYE publicly traded company. Mr. Niew joined Knowles Electronics LLC in 2000, and became Chief Operating Officer in 2007, President in 2008 and President and CEO in 2010. Prior to joining Knowles Electronics, Mr. Niew was employed by Littelfuse, Inc. (from 1995 to 2000) where he held various positions in product management, sales and engineering in the Electronic Products group, and by Hewlett-Packard Company (from 1988 to 1994) where he served in various engineering and product management roles in the Optoelectronics Group. Other Board Experience: Mr. Niew is a member of the Advisory Board of the University of Illinois College of Engineering. He holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Illinois at Chicago. "My fellow Board members and I are delighted to welcome Jeffrey to the Board," said Robert Griffin, Chair of the Board of Directors. "His extensive experience with multi-unit operations across regions, as well as his current role leading a large, dispersed organization will be tremendous assets to our Board." "Being elected to the CVG Board of Directors is a significant honor,” said Mr. Niew. "I am excited to work alongside the Board's distinguished leaders to help guide the Company into the future.” Mr. Niew will stand for re-election at the Company's 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. About CVG At CVG, we deliver real solutions to complex design, engineering and manufacturing problems while creating positive change for our customers, industries, and communities we serve. Information about the Company and its products is available on the internet at www.cvgrp.com . Investor Relations Contact: Ross Collins or Stephen Poe Alpha IR Group [email protected] Media Contact: Patrick Woolford, Director, Communications [email protected] A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6c44c9f1-1c16-438a-a90e-d3402c36e5b9

Las Vegas Raiders' Crosby Rejects Tanking Rumors Amidst Rough SeasonINDIANAPOLIS – It’s been four weeks since Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen announced the postseason was the franchise’s top priority and veteran Joe Flacco would take over as the starting quarterback. The Colts (5-7) have won just a single game since, and 22-year-old Anthony Richardson has been reinstated as the starter. Indianapolis has lost plenty of ground in the playoff chase over the last month, but it’s still got a chance to make a run. The Colts enter the week in ninth place in the AFC, two games behind the Denver Broncos (7-5) for the seventh and final postseason berth. That’s not great math for Indianapolis, and there is little to no margin for error, but with the teeth of the schedule in the rearview mirror, there is hope. The Colts play just one team with a winning record over their final five games. That’s a Dec. 15 date against the Broncos that could ultimately seal the team’s playoff fate. The stretch run begins Sunday on the road against the New England Patriots (3-9) with the bye week to follow. The final three games are at home against the Tennessee Titans (3-8), at the New York Giants (2-9) and at home against the Jacksonville Jaguars (2-9). “I think, right now, where we’re at in the season, with everything set ahead of us, still being in that picture, one game on the road against New England going into the bye, we’ve got a chance to catch our breath and regroup for the last, final run,” linebacker Zaire Franklin said. “I think we’re in a special, unique position to where – why not go on a run? Why not us? I’ve done it before. “To be honest with you, I hate that I’m always in this position, but I’ve been there before, and I think the reality of the situation is that it just takes one. It just takes one play. It just takes one game. It just takes one to get the ball rolling, to get this momentum shifted, to get that energy back and get it rolling and get into the dance. Because I think, at the end of the day, as long as you get into the dance, that’s all that matters.” Franklin was a rookie in 2018 when Indianapolis went 10-1 down the stretch to overcome a 1-5 start and sneak into the postseason with the final berth. The 2021 Colts went 6-1 in November and December to get to 9-6 and position themselves for a playoff spot before losing their final two games in January. And Indianapolis won four straight to end November and begin December last year, enabling itself to force a winner-takes-all battle against the Houston Texans in the regular-season finale. The Colts went 1-3 in November this year, but they have a chance to turn things around in the final full month of the regular season. “Obviously, these last five games will be big,” Steichen said. “Right now we’ve got to take it one day at a time, one meeting at a time, one practice at a time, one game at a time to get to where we want to be at the end of the year. But we know this is a huge week for us coming up before the bye. So the fundamentals, the details, the attention to details, are going to be huge going into this week and then coming back after the bye. Get some guys back hopefully, be ready to roll for that four-game stretch.” If Indianapolis’ fortunes are to turn around again, it will need to begin with the offense. The Colts rank 21st in the 32-team NFL with an average of 20.2 points per game and are 17th in rushing offense and 24th in the passing game. Center Tanor Bortolini (concussion) and wide receiver Josh Downs (shoulder) are among the players in danger of missing the trip to New England, increasing the degree of difficulty for a struggling unit. But improvement in situational details could go a long way toward fixing what fails the offense. Indianapolis ranks 23rd with a 36% conversion rate on third down, and it’s 24th with a 52.8% touchdown rate in the red zone. Those numbers are the keys to finishing drives and putting more points on the scoreboard. “We just need to take advantage of our scoring opportunities, and we need to come away with seven (points) instead of three because we got down there – we just couldn't finish,” wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. said, referring specifically to last week’s 24-6 loss against the Detroit Lions in which the Colts twice failed to reach the end zone from inside the visitors’ 20-yard line. “If we start putting up sevens instead of threes, then you don't know what happens, right? The score is a lot closer and football is football and momentum is king, and who knows?”

He was at the centre of a remarkable will he, won't he transfer during 2024 and now Manchester United's teenage goal machine could be thinking about making a big international change. Chido Obi-Martin, was spotted donning his old England under-16s kit during a Christmas training session as he keeps working on his game. The 17 year old made two appearances for the Young Lions in a UEFA development tournament in Cyprus last March. He came on as a second-half substitute in matches against Scotland and the hosts, both of which England won 3-0. The thing is, he has since switched allegiances to play for Denmark - having previously played three times for the Danes at Under-16 level in October 2022 before linking up with the Young Lions. He has since gone on to take his tally of caps for Denmark to 29, having been born in Glostrup, a suburb of Copenhagen. Obi-Marin has a Danish mother and a Nigerian father, making him eligible to represent Nigeria at international level too. Nevertheless, in a Christmas Eve training session, Martin wore the No.23 England shirt he had worn back at the UEFA tournament. He duly posed for a photo after the session with coaches Garry Richards, Kudus Oyenuga, and West Ham United under-18s player Chukwumeka Obi - and of course the snap made its way to Instagram . Could it be a hint that he is pondering an international U-turn? He doesn't have to make a decision until he plays competitive matches for a senior national team. However, in a chat with Danish newspaper Bold in March, he expressed his desire to play for his country of birth. Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football . We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Amazon's Prime Video is broadcasting the Premier League Boxing Day round of fixtures on December 26-27. Each match can be streamed free with an Amazon Prime subscription or by signing up for an Amazon Prime 30-day free trial .A visionary’s mission of nation building It is instructive to consider how Quaid’s statements and path he chose resonate in today’s Pakistan This birthday of the Quaid-i-Azam, more than ever before, beckons us to reflect on his dynamic personality and statesmanship. At this point in time, the nation is grappling with myriad challenges in both the political and social domains. As the public feels dejected and demoralised on many fronts, the Quaid, once again, can lead us toward the goal of a prosperous country. Different aspects of the Quaid’s personality-particularly as a leader who united the Muslims of India toward nationhood and then spearheaded the independence movement that culminated in the creation of a new Muslim state-are worth a closer study. It is instructive to consider how the Quaid’s statements and the path he chose resonate in today’s Pakistan. His struggle as the leader of the Muslim League, particularly in confronting the uncompromising attitudes of both Congress and the British, is seen as part of history. However, his messages are often lost in the fog of political expediency and rhetoric. In the past, these were telecast on television more as a ritual and showcased at national events. The strength and significance of the Quaid’s thoughts can be highlighted by the speeches he delivered in the year following independence. Despite his frail health, he toured the country and spoke to a wide cross-section of the public, including businessmen, armed forces personnel, and minorities, addressing various national concerns and interests. The Quaid’s speech at a rally at University Stadium, Lahore, in October 1947, offers an interesting case study. It reflects his vision for nation-building and his caliber as the leader of a new country. To quote the Quaid: “All I require of you now is that every one of us to whom this message reaches must vow to himself and be prepared to sacrifice his all, if necessary, in building up Pakistan as a bulwark of Islam, and as one of the greatest nations whose ideal is peace within and peace without.” These words clearly indicate what the Quaid wanted from the Pakistanis and the role he envisioned in nation-building. He also pointed toward a harmonious society built on peace, both internally and externally. There is much to be read between the lines. Phrases like “prepared to sacrifice,” “building up Pakistan,” “bulwark of Islam,” and “peace within and peace without” stand out as key themes. Later, he said, “Remember that the scrupulous maintenance and enforcement of law and order are the prerequisites of all progress.” While law and order was not a pressing issue at that time, yet the Quaid seemed to be looking far ahead, anticipating a time when law and order would become a significant challenge for the state. The Quaid’s speech also pointed to the civil and political rights of citizens. He said, “The tenets of Islam enjoin every Muslim to give protection to his neighbours and the minorities, regardless of caste and creed.” Here, the Quaid seemed to be foreseeing a time when minorities would face discrimination and problems from the public and their neighbours. He was also referring to the teachings of Islam about neighbours and minorities. The essence of the Quaid’s thoughts highlights the dangers he foresaw in the years ahead-related to law and order, as well as the treatment of minorities. His statements have clear and deep messages for a multiracial, multicultural nation, coming just two months after independence. It was a call for sacrifice, for building a great nation based on justice and tolerance. Having passed through many periods of chaos and turmoil, the nation is now trying to adjust to a stable political order. However, the message seems to have lost significance over time. The prevailing national scene presents a picture that starkly contrasts with what the Quaid had envisioned-attacks on polio teams, dacoit activity in the Kacha area, massive land scams, corruption, and a rising crime wave targeting women and children are all challenging the writ of the state. Questions are being raised about the credibility of the judicial process. In politics, the country is experiencing a polarisation never seen before. Institutions like Parliament have not been able to check the slide toward chaos that seems to have become the new normal. This is not how the Quaid envisaged Pakistan. One reason for the social disharmony and political malaise is that the Quaid’s guidance and instructions have been relegated to history. An important lesson from the Quaid’s role after Independence is how he engaged the nation—the stakeholders. Despite failing health, he held meetings with representatives of minorities, the armed forces, bureaucrats, students, businessmen, besides the politicians, all who had a role in nation building and to whom the Quaid had assigned a role. It is this sense of ‘leadership’ that is missing today, to take all stakeholders on board, and address the challenges. The Quaid’s birthday reminds us of myriad aspects of his personality, particularly his role during the Independence movement. The short time he had after Independence exposes his role as head of a new state, and his role in building up the nation, in the face of daunting challenges. His vision, and vigour, and perseverance can guide us attain the objectives he had set for a progressive and prosperous Pakistan. – The author is a former faculty member at the Quaid-i-Azam University and can be reached at pakirish@yahoo.com.