1.
Paul Allen dropped by the first day of Trail Blazers practice on Tuesday. The owner said what you’d expect: He’s excited for the season and eager to see how the team’s new players turn out.
But in listening to Allen, you sense a newfound stability within the organization with a core of veteran players and a coach, GM and president entering their second seasons with the franchise.
“Yes, I think we’ve turned the page and we’re in a new era here,” Allen said. “It’s going to be super interesting, and I hope the fans are as excited as I am.”
2.
Oregon running back De’Anthony Thomas won’t play against Colorado this weekend after emerging from practice wearing a boot on the right ankle he hurt against Cal.
Running backs coach Gary Campbell told reporters on Tuesday that the speedy junior’s return is “not going to happen” Saturday when the No. 2 Ducks fly to Boulder to face the lowly Buffaloes.
No surprise there. Oregon’s second string could probably beat Colorado.
The bigger test comes the following week against Washington. Expect Thomas to play in that one.
3.
The Seahawks had no business winning on Sunday.
But they did, overcoming a 20-3 halftime deficit to knock off Houston in overtime.
Great teams somehow find a way to win games they probably shouldn’t.
The rest of the nation now recognizes Seattle as among the NFL elite. The Chicago Tribune ranked the Seahawks No. 1 in their latest NFL power rankings:
“No surprise CB Richard Sherman’s interception spearheaded the comeback in Houston. The best player for the NFL’s top defense.”
