Atlanta’s Jones inks mega extension
The Atlanta Falcons agreed to a five-year, $71.25 million contract extension with Julio Jones yesterday that compares favorably with recent deals paid to other top wide receivers.
The deal, which keeps Jones in Atlanta through the 2020 season, includes guarantees of $47.5 million. His average salary during the contract is $14.25 million. Jones was set to earn about $10 million this year, the last season of a four-year deal.
Jones set career highs with 104 catches and a franchiserecord 1,593 yards receiving last season.
Fitz, Jets top Giants
Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick threw two touchdown passes and Antonio Cromartie scored on a 59yard interception return in the waning seconds of the first half as the Jets took a 28-18 win against the Giants in East Rutherford, N.J. . . .
Buffalo Bills quarterback EJ Manuel made his case to reclaim the starting job by going 7-of-8 for 170 yards and two touchdowns in a 43-19 preseason win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Orchard Park, N.Y. But the Bills lost receiver Marquise Goodwin, who is out indefinitely after breaking his ribs late in the first half.
In his Steelers debut, Michael Vick hit Martavis Bryant for a 63-yard completion on his first snap from scrimmage after taking the reins from 3starter Ben Roethlisberger in the first quarter. He finished 4-of-5 for 116 yards and was sacked once in two series. . . .
Ryan Tannehill threw for 145 yards in less than a half working behind a makeshift offensive line, after center Mike Pouncey left with a knee injury, and the host Miami Dolphins beat the Atlanta Falcons, 13-9. While Tannehill wasn’t touched, counterpart Matt Ryan was sacked three times. . . .
Andrew Luck threw his first touchdown pass of the preseason, a 32-yarder to Andre Johnson, helping the Indianapolis Colts get off to a fast start in a 24-14 victory against the host St. Louis Rams.
Quarterback Andy Dalton scored on a 1-yard keeper that completed Cincinnati’s opening drive against the visiting Chicago Bears last night, then left the game with a sore neck after he had players pile on top of him on the play. Dalton was an encouraging 6-for-6 passing on the TD march in the hosts’ eventual 21-10 victory. . . .
Crazy in Baltimore
Kirk Cousins filled in capably for injured quarterback Robert Griffin III, throwing for 190 yards and a fluke touchdown as the Washington Redskins beat the host Baltimore Ravens, 31-13.
With Griffin sidelined by a concussion, Cousins was 20-of-27 for 190 yards and an interception to help the Redskins take a 14-13 halftime lead. Colt McCoy started the third quarter for Washington and produced TDs on his first two drives, finishing 10-of-12 for 95 yards.
Tempers flared late in the first quarter after Washington’s Keenan Robinson slammed receiver Kamar Aiken to the turf, headfirst, following a 13-yard completion. Several players began shoving each other, most notably Ravens receiver Steve Smith and Redskins cornerback Chris Culliver, both of whom were ejected.
Ravens coach John Harbaugh ran across the field, and before turning back he cursed out Redskins coach Jay Gruden. ...
Tony Romo threw two touchdown passes even as Dez Bryant again sat out for the Dallas Cowboys, who lost 28-14 to the visiting Minnesota Vikings.
Teddy Bridgewater completed all seven of his passes for 76 yards and one score for the Vikes. . . .
The Packers lost wideout Randall Cobb to a shoulder injury, while Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford threw three TD passes in Philadelphia’s 39-26 win at Green Bay. . . .
Needham’s Steven Hauschka kicked a 60-yard field goal with 16 seconds left to give the Seattle Seahawks a 16-15 victory at the San Diego Chargers.