NFL Week 1 – Top Mississippi Performers
Throughout the history of the National Football League, the state of Mississippi has supplied the league with an enormous amount of talent, and this year seems to be no different. From Week 1 of the 2020 NFL season, here are the top performances by Mississippi players. Jonathan Abram (Las Vegas Raiders – DB) Watching Abram play on Sunday took me back to Mississippi State’s 2017 Spring Game when the sophomore at the time hit a teammate so hard that Dan Mullen was practically forced to call off the scrimmage early. That was the exact moment I knew Jonathan Abram was going to be one of the hardest-hitting defensive backs in the league once he made it there. He proved me right in the Raiders’ opening win over the Carolina Panthers. The second-year Abram finished the contest with 13 tackles and a few big hits. Denico Autry (Indianapolis Colts – DE) In a surprisingly bad opening performance by the Colts, former East Mississippi Community College and Mississippi State standout Denico Autry was one of the few bright spots. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Autry was the Colts’ second-highest graded defender (71.8) in Week 1 as the veteran pass rusher had two sacks, two tackles for a loss, plus two quarterback hurries. Malcolm Brown (Los Angeles Rams – RB) Many analysts thought Clinton native Cam Akers was going to be the lead back for the Rams, who recently decided to step away from a five-year relationship with Todd Gurley, however, it was another Mississippian who shined in the L.A. backfield during Week 1. Malcolm Brown, who originally is from Biloxi, rushed the ball 18 times for 79 yards and two touchdowns. He also caught three passes for 31 yards in the Rams’ 20-17 win over the Dallas Cowboys. Chris Carson (Seattle Seahawks – RB) It was a big day for running backs from the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Like Brown, Chris Carson was also born in Biloxi and played a big role in his team’s Week 1 win. The 2019 Pro Bowler helped the Seahawks take care of the Atlanta Falcons, 38-25, with his contribution of 66 total yards and two touchdowns. While he wasn’t able to necessarily find his groove on the ground, Carson made up for it with six catches for 45 yards. Demario Davis (New Orleans Saints – LB) The night before the season opener, the Saints managed to secure Demario Davis for at least three more years after coming to terms on a $27 million deal with the Brandon native. On Sunday against the Buccaneers, the All-Pro linebacker showed why he’s worth the extension. Davis finished third on the team with six tackles and added a big fourth-quarter sack. What doesn’t always show up on the stat sheet is Davis’ incredible ability to stop the run. Against the Bucs, the Saints defense, marshaled by Davis, allowed just 86 yards on the ground. Elgton Jenkins (Green Bay Packers – OL) The Green Bay Packers’ offensive line, led by Elgton Jenkins, put on a show Sunday versus the Vikings. Jenkins, who had only played one game at right tackle during his time at Mississippi State, began the day protecting Aaron Rodgers’ frontside, but after a couple injuries inside, he made the in-game transition to left guard. Tackle or guard, it didn’t matter for Jenkins as the Clarksdale native did not allow a single pressure all day long. According to PFF, Jenkins was the fifth-highest-graded pass blocker (87.2) from Week 1. Chris Jones (Kansas City Chiefs – DL) During the Chiefs’ Thursday Night Football matchup against the Texans, Chris Jones wasted no time to remind everyone why he’s considered one of the top interior linemen in the NFL. Jones, who finished 2019 with a team-leading nine sacks, had 1.5 sacks and two quarterback hurries in the 34-20 win over Houston. No wonder Kansas City prioritized the re-signing of Jones this past offseason, agreeing to a four-year contract worth $85 million with the former Mississippi State standout. D.K. Metcalf (Seattle Seahawks – WR) In the Seahawks’ win against the Falcons, D.K. Metcalf pulled in four catches for 95 yards, including a 38-yard touchdown on fourth down. With an average of almost 24 yards per catch, Metcalf showcased the big-play ability that we saw all of last year in a rookie season that resulted in 900 receiving yards for the Oxford native. Gardner Minshew, II (Jacksonville Jaguars – QB) After a mass exodus during the 2020 offseason, the Jaguars looked like a shell of the team that was one possession away from a Super Bowl two seasons ago. The departures of Leonard Fourette, Yannick Ngakoue, and Nick Foles had most analysts predicting Jacksonville to be the worst team in the NFL. One thing that I have learned in the last year is not to doubt Gardner Minshew, II. The Brandon native and Washington State product shocked the entire football world with an impressive, out-of-nowhere rookie campaign in 2019, and after watching Sunday’s upset versus a Philip Rivers-led Colts team, I’m convinced that Minshew is the real deal. His final stat line: 19/20 passing (95%), 191 total yards, and three touchdowns. The post NFL Week 1 – Top Mississippi Performers appeared first on News Mississippi.
Governor gives update as Hurricane Sally shifts east
Hurricane Sally continues to shift with landfall now expected tomorrow morning, east of the Mississippi/Alabama line in the Mobile Bay Area. Governor Tate Reeves provided the latest update on the storm this afternoon, and while the storm’s shift to the east is good news for the state, there is still a threat of catastrophic rainfall and storm surges. “We do continue to believe, regardless of where the eye of the storm hits landfall, that we will see over 15 inches of rain for portions of Jackson County and as much as 10 inches of rain throughout Jackson and George Counties,” Governor Reeves said. The center of Hurricane Sally continues to track toward the AL and FL coast, with the threat for impacts in our portion of Mississippi continuing to decrease. Heavy rainfall may still clip the I-59 corridor over the next couple days and surge remains a threat along the coast. pic.twitter.com/nA8eRfDVGF — NWS Jackson MS (@NWSJacksonMS) September 15, 2020 He also explained that flash flooding potential exists in Harrison, Jackson, George, Greene and Wayne Counties. Clarke County could also see as much as four inches of rain. If you live in low lying areas along the coast, especially in Jackson County, the governor warned that “the time to get out is now.” There are numerous shelters that are currently open. For a list of those shelters, click here. Despite the news that the storm has shifted, Governor Reeves stressed the unpredictably of Sally. “Please do not underestimate the possibilities that exist now, because I will tell you that the range of possibilities from this point forward remain very large— from a direct hit on Mississippi all the way to it ticking even further to the east and maybe not even having significant effects on us with the exception of a lot of rainfall and a lot of water,” he said. He added that it “would not take a lot” over the next 8-12 hours for the storm to tick back west toward Mississippi. Monday, President Trump approved a federal disaster request for 24 Mississippi counties. Watch the governor’s full update below: SuperTalk Mississippi LIVE https://t.co/DcsgONAIIL — SuperTalk Mississippi (@supertalk) September 15, 2020 The post Governor gives update as Hurricane Sally shifts east appeared first on News Mississippi.
Let your voice be heard, make sure you are registered to vote
September is voter registration month and in Mississippi, you have to be registered to vote in the upcoming election by October 5th. This year, the general election takes place on Tuesday, November 3rd with polls open from 7AM to 7 PM. All voters are expected to vote in person unless you have requested to vote absentee. If you are unsure if you are registered to vote, you can click here to check your status. On the ballot for Mississippi this year, you will be voting for a presidential candidate, US Senators, US House of Representatives, along with others. For a sample ballot, click here. Those who request to vote absentee will need to check with their local Circuit Court Clerk’s office to get a ballot. According to the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office, these are the following categories that would allow someone to vote absentee under the state law: Any person who is temporarily residing outside of their county of residence, and the ballot must be mailed to an address outside the county. Any person who has a temporary or permanent physical disability and who, because of such disability, is unable to vote in person without substantial hardship to himself, herself or others, or whose attendance at the voting place could reasonably cause danger to himself, herself or others. For purposes of this paragraph (d), “temporary physical disability” shall include any qualified elector who is under a physician- imposed quarantine due to COVID-19 during the year 2020 or is caring for a dependent who is under a physician-imposed quarantine due to COVID-19 beginning with the effective date of this act and the same being repealed on December 31, 2020. The parent, spouse or dependent of a person with a temporary or permanent physical disability who is hospitalized outside of his or her county of residence or more than fifty (50) miles distant from his or her residence, if the parent, spouse or dependent will be with such person on election day. For purposes of this paragraph (c), “temporary physical disability” shall include any qualified elector who is under a physician-imposed quarantine due to COVID-19 during the year 2020 or is caring for a dependent who is under a physician-imposed quarantine due to COVID-19. Any person who is sixty-five (65) years of age or older. The post Let your voice be heard, make sure you are registered to vote appeared first on News Mississippi.
MSDH confirms 505 new COVID-19 cases, 28 additional deaths
The Mississippi State Department of Health is reporting 505 new cases of COVID-19. Today’s report brings the state’s total number of cases up to 90,523. With the confirmation of 28 additional deaths, 2,734 Mississippians have now passed away from the virus. The latest hospital data from the MSDH shows that overall hospitalizations remain below 530 and ventilators in use have dropped below 90 for the time in months. As of Monday, the MSDH is able to estimate that 78,971 Mississippians have recovered from COVID-19. ICYMI – On Monday, Governor Tate Reeves announced that he has extended the statewide mask mandate through the end of the month. The order has been slightly amended to allow restaurants, shops and gyms to expand capacity limitations to 75%. Additionally, limitations on social gatherings have been relaxed. When social distancing is possible, gatherings can have up to 20 people indoors and 100 people outdoors. When social distancing isn’t possible, limitations are set at 10 indoors and 50 outdoors. The post MSDH confirms 505 new COVID-19 cases, 28 additional deaths appeared first on News Mississippi.
Shelters open as Hurricane Sally approaches Gulf Coast
With Hurricane Sally expected to bring heavy rainfall and significant storm surges to the Gulf Coast, shelters are beginning to open their doors. While the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency is reminding you to use shelters as a last resort in the COVID-19 era, here is a list of the facilities that are currently open. GEORGE COUNTY: Agricola Safe Room: 3161 Cooks Corner Rd, Lucedale, MS 39452 Bendale Safe Room: 5207 Highway 26 W, Lucedale, MS 39452 HANCOCK COUNTY: Kiln Safe Room: 18324 Hwy 43 Kiln, MS 39556 HARRISON COUNTY: Saucier-Lizana Road Safe Room: 23771 Saucier Lizana Rd. Saucier, MS 39574 County Farm Road Safe Room: 15038 Country Farm Rd. Gulfport, MS 39503 Lobouy Road Safe Room: 9509 Lobouy Rd. Pass Christian, MS 39571 JACKSON COUNTY: East Jackson County Safe Room: 18413 Highway 613 Moss Point, MS 3956 West Jackson County Safe Room: 13000 Walker Rd. Ocean Springs, MS 39564 PEARL RIVER COUNTY: Poplarville Safe Room: 124 Rodeo St. Poplarville, MS 39470 STONE COUNTY: State Medical Needs Shelter: 1640 Coy Avenue Wiggins, MS 39577 State Medical Needs Shelter admission is evaluated based on the following criteria: Those with health or medical conditions who require professional observation or care, Those with chronic conditions who require assistance with daily living activities or skilled nursing care, but do not require hospitalization, Those who need supervised medication dispensing or vital signs readings, Those with physical, mental, or cognitive disabilities who cannot be sheltered in a general population shelter, or Those with other disabilities who cannot be sheltered in a general population shelter. If you enter a shelter, you will be required to wear a mask. The post Shelters open as Hurricane Sally approaches Gulf Coast appeared first on News Mississippi.
Mississippi State launches ‘Stand-In’ program for 2020 season
Stadium capacity in college football venues across Mississippi remains limited to 25%, but programs continue to find ways to fill the empty seats. Mississippi State has become the latest to announce its cardboard cutout ‘Stand-In’ program for football games and soccer matches. According to MSU Athletics, there are several different options ranging from $30-$150. The deadline to secure your spot in the stands is September 21st. A breakdown of the package options can be seen below: Bulldog Package $30 per cutout at Soccer Present at all home games this season Photo available on Maroon Memories Facebook Physical cutout available for pickup after season (details TBD) Mississippi State Athletics cannot guarantee the condition of your State Stand-In $30 per cutout at Volleyball Present at all home games this season Photo available on Maroon Memories Facebook Physical cutout available for pickup after season (details TBD) Mississippi State Athletics cannot guarantee the condition of your State Stand-In $60 per cutout at Football Present at all home games this season Photo available on Maroon Memories Facebook Physical cutout available for pickup after season (details TBD) Mississippi State Athletics cannot guarantee the condition of your State Stand-In White Package $75 per cutout at Football Entered to win in game week fan giveaways for each home football game this season Present at all home games this season Photo available on Maroon Memories Facebook Physical cutout available for pickup after season (details TBD) Mississippi State Athletics cannot guarantee the condition of your State Stand-In Maroon Package $100 per cutout at Football Entered to be placed in premium location each week there is a home football game (photo of winning cutouts in premium location will be posted on Maroon Memories social media). Postseason group photo of all Maroon Package cutouts on the field at the end of the season emailed and posted on Maroon Memories social media. Entered to win in weekly fan giveaways each week there is a home football game this season Present at all home games this season Photo available on Maroon Memories Facebook Physical cutout available for pickup after season (details TBD) Mississippi State Athletics cannot guarantee the condition of your State Stand-In All-In Package $150 per cutout at Football Signed by Head Coach Mike Leach and shipped to you at the end of the season (Mississippi State Athletics cannot guarantee the condition of your State Stand-In) Entered to be placed in premium location each week there is a home football game (photo of winning cutouts in premium location will be posted on Maroon Memories social media). Postseason group photo of all Maroon Package cutouts on the field at the end of the season emailed and posted on Maroon Memories social media. Entered to win in weekly fan giveaways each week there is a home football game this season Present at all home games this season Photo available on Maroon Memories Facebook Click here for information on how to order your cutout. Don’t worry Ole Miss fans, the Rebels recently launched a similar program if you want your cutout in Vaught Hemingway Stadium this fall. The post Mississippi State launches ‘Stand-In’ program for 2020 season appeared first on News Mississippi.
Weather Outlook for Tuesday, September 15th: Be prepared for heavy rain, floods, high winds
According to the National Weather Service, heavy rainfall and flash flooding will be a threat from Hurricane Sally beginning today and continuing into early Thursday. The highest rainfall amounts will be near areas close to the center of circulation and east. Locations across the Pine Belt and the I-59 corridor could see 6 to 12 inches. Other areas in southeast and east-central Mississippi could see amounts of 4 to 8 inches. The western side of Sally will have a sharp precipitation gradient where some locations may see little rain. Image courtesy of the National Weather Service Strong winds associated with Sally, look to bring some impacts to portions of our forecast area as early as this afternoon. The strongest winds will be across the Pine Belt region and I-59. Other peripheral gusty conditions will exist across southern, central, and east-central Mississippi as well. Downed trees and power outages can be expected in the greatest threat area as Sally moves inland. Secure loose items, and if possible remove dead tree limbs near homes before strong winds develop. Image courtesy of the National Weather Service The post Weather Outlook for Tuesday, September 15th: Be prepared for heavy rain, floods, high winds appeared first on News Mississippi.
Coast casinos, Mississippi Aquarium to close as Hurricane Sally nears
With Hurricane Sally set to make landfall near Biloxi early Wednesday morning, coast attractions, including casinos and the Mississippi Aquarium, are closing down. In an announcement posted to its website, the Mississippi Gaming Commission ordered all 12 of the Gulf Coast casinos to close this afternoon at 4:00 p.m. They will not reopen until given permission by the MGC. The Mississippi Aquarium is taking the proper precautions to protect the animals that call the new attraction home. The aquarium will close for the remainder of the day through Wednesday as storm preparations continue. “We have begun to secure all habitats for the animals that will remain on campus and move some animals to our secure off-site location. Our ride-out team has been diligent in their plans for the storm and are well prepared for any outages that may arise,” the aquarium said in a news release. The 5.8 acre, 80,000 square foot facility opened its doors at the end of August. The post Coast casinos, Mississippi Aquarium to close as Hurricane Sally nears appeared first on News Mississippi.
Presley: AT&T may have misused federal dollars
Through the Connect America Fund (CAF), AT&T was granted over $283 million in order to expand broadband in Mississippi, but is the cellular giant actually using those dollars to do that? Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley isn’t yet convinced. On Friday, Presley went to Twitter to share a digital copy of the subpoena that was served to AT&T after the company “purposefully ignored and rebuffed questions” looking into how the federal dollars were used. The following subpoena was served on @ATT this morning. They have purposefully ignored and rebuffed questions long enough. Our authority to ask these questions is clear and our duty to protect USF funds is one I take seriously. You can’t take $283M and rebuff regulators. pic.twitter.com/Q9458rI5Ti — Brandon Presley (@PresleyPSC) September 11, 2020 “You’ve got people who have filed complaints with us that say that they’re paying for a certain megabit speed of internet service, and when they check it consistently, it’s not performing as it should,” Presley said in a Monday morning interview. “That’s money that’s out there, and we’re just asking them to prove that they did with the money what they said they were going to do with it.” The CAF was created by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 2015, and under it, providers are required to supply users, who lack internet, with access to infrastructure capable of providing 10/1 Mbps fixed broadband. Even though AT&T President of Mississippi Operations Mayo Flynt claims that 133,000 rural homes have been reached via the CAF money, Presley’s office has received an unusual influx in customer complaints, which makes him wonder how many the telecommunications company has received itself. “I have had over 50 people in 24 hours contact my office to say that they had issues with the service,” he explained. “They said that they had completed it to 133,000 locations in the state. Mr. Flynt testified that before the Senate committee in May…and if that is, in fact, the case, tell us those numbers. Tell us how many people have filed a complaint.” Due to AT&T’s refusal to supply those numbers to Presley, the longtime commissioner felt that he had no choice but to file a subpoena and try to attain answers. “I asked [for documentation] over ten days ago and was told by the company, in two separate emails, that they would not provide that. From there, they gave me no choice as to issue a subpoena to get that information, because we have a right to know that.” Whether Presley is correct in his suspicions or not, we should soon find out. The post Presley: AT&T may have misused federal dollars appeared first on News Mississippi.
Governor amends, extends statewide ‘Safe Return’ order
The statewide mask mandate has been extended through the remainder of September with a few alterations. Originally set to expire this morning, Governor Reeves signed the extension of the order requiring masks to be worn in schools and in public on Sunday night. As for the changes included in the latest iteration of the order, capacity limits have been increased for restaurants, shops and bars. Restaurants can increase capacity limitations from 50 to 75%. Increased individual party size from six to ten when tables can be spaced out by six feet. Other private sector entities, such as retail shops and gyms, can increase capacity from 50-70%. Earlier today, the Mississippi State Department of Health reported 145 new cases, continuing the downward trend in the state. Governor Reeves explained that Mississippi’s 7-day average has dropped to approximately 412 new cases— a 65% decline since the state’s peak in late June. “We were able to do that at a time when we reopened K-12 schools, at a time when we reopened community colleges, at a time when we reopened our institutions of higher learning, at a time when the vast majority of private sector entities, while they may have had limited restrictions on them, they were operational. They were operational. They were functional. Our economy is functioning, but because of the efforts of the people of this state, we are making progress. Not only from an economic standpoint but also from the standpoint of reducing the amount of virus that is in our local communities,” Governor Reeves said. The governor did not mention any alterations to the limitations on social gatherings — 10 people indoors and 20 outdoors. The post Governor amends, extends statewide ‘Safe Return’ order appeared first on News Mississippi.