Atlanta

It’s early but there is some clear frustration starting to show with the Seattle Seahawks and it has to do with a defense that is underperforming. It’s evident from the head coach.

Marcus Mariota and Geno Smith have been cast off and discarded by other teams in the past. Now, both are trying to prove they are more than just stopgap options for either the Atlanta Falcons or Seattle Seahawks.

The Atlanta Falcons know this is a rebuilding season, but would like to avoid facing another 0-3 start. That means Atlanta needs to find a way to win in Seattle on Sunday against the Seahawks.

Former Seattle Seahawks linebacker Shaquem Griffin, who had his left hand amputated at age 4, announced his retirement from the NFL on Wednesday.

The WNBA playoff race is still very much undecided with just two weeks left in the regular season.

“We control our own destiny,” New York Liberty's Brondello said Monday after practice. “We are just going to take it one game at a time and see where we end up.”

Two clubs playing on Monday night also offer an enticing storyline: Russell Wilson bringing his Broncos to Seattle. The Seahawks traded their longtime quarterback to Denver in the offseason.

New Indianapolis Colts quarterback Matt Ryan is ready for a change. After 14 seasons in Atlanta, Ryan joined his new team Tuesday.

Breanna Stewart and Jewell Loyd have agreed to return to Seattle, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press, under the condition of anonymity because no official announcement has been made.

Anfernee Simons had a career-high 43 points as the Trail Blazers overcame an NBA season-best 56 points by Atlanta’s Trae Young, snapping a four-game losing streak in a 136-131 win over the Hawks.