Rookie quarterback Cam Ward’s blunt assessment of the Tennessee Titans last month shed light on the state of the team.
The Titans made their first major decision to change the trajectory of the franchise Monday when they fired head coach Brian Callahan after less than two seasons.
‘After extended conversations with our owner and general manager, we met with Brian Callahan this morning to tell him we are making a change at head coach,” Titans president of football operations Chad Brinker said in a statement. “While we are committed to a patient and strategic plan to build a sustainable, winning football program, we have not demonstrated sufficient growth. Our players, fans, and community deserve a football team that achieves a standard we are not currently meeting, and we are committed to making the hard decisions necessary to reach and maintain that standard.’
Callahan went 4-19 in 23 games as the Titans head coach. One might think parting ways with a head coach after 23 games is premature, but when the No. 1 overall pick and franchise quarterback sounded the alarm after the Week 4 loss, it was only a matter of time before changes would be made in Tennessee.
The Titans are a bad football team. Tennessee has the NFL’s worst total offense (232.3 yards per game), they average the second fewest number of points (13.8) and rank No. 22 in total defense, allowing 343.3 yards per game.
Ward is among a few players on the roster that generate tangible optimism for the future. In Week 5, Ward and the Titans became the first team to overcome a deficit of at least 18 points and win with a rookie starting quarterback since the New York Giants on Sept. 22, 2019. He leads all rookies in passing yards (1,101) and passing yards per game (183).
“Everybody talks about his work ethic, how early he’s there, how late he stays,” franchise legend and Hall of Fame QB Warren Moon told USA TODAY Sports of Ward earlier this season. “He just loves to work. That’s what you want your best player being. You want him to be one of the hardest workers on the team. You want him to be a guy that doesn’t blink. That has tremendous confidence, but he puts in the work to back it up.”
Sure, Ward is experiencing rookie growing pains. He’s completed under 40% of his passes between 10-19 yards and has a 40% success rate on pass attempts beyond 20 yards, per Pro Football Focus. While his 55% overall completion percentage ranks last among starting quarterbacks.
But the Titans haven’t necessarily surrounded Ward with weapons. Does a receiving corps that consist of Calvin Ridley, Elic Ayomanor, Van Jefferson and Tyler Lockett strike fear on opponents? Or tight ends Chig Okonkwo and Gunnar Helm?
Tony Pollard is a solid starting running back, but he’s currently averaging 3.9 yards a carry.
The Titans must do a better job of building around Ward. That starts with whomever they hire as head coach.
The positive news is the Titans have enough resources. Tennessee enters the 2026 season with the most salary cap space in the NFL, per Over The Cap.
The Titans made the correct decision in taking Ward No. 1 overall in the 2025 draft. Now they must do right by the quarterback. The development and success of Ward is contingent upon the Titans’ ability to build around him and implementation of an offensive system that caters to his skill set.
Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.
Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady could be a top candidate for the Titans’ coaching vacancy after Brian Callahan’s firing.
Kliff Kingsbury and Mike McCarthy could also be leading options if the team wants an offensive mind to mold Cam Ward.
If Tennessee is open to going the defensive route, Brian Flores, Vance Joseph and Jesse Minter could be among the potential options.
The Tennessee Titans will have plenty of time to do their homework to find their next coach.
In firing Brian Callahan on Monday, the team pulled the plug on a coaching regime after just 23 games. The results – a 4-19 mark that featured an abundance of errors and little to suggest a turnaround was in store – proved sufficient to warrant the abrupt change in direction. At 1-5, the Titans will be left to play out a season that quickly revealed itself to be nearly devoid of promise, even as No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward took the reins to the offense.
Instead, the focus is decidedly on the future.
Despite the cloud that has hung over the franchise dating back to the final two seasons of Mike Vrabel’s run, there is legitimate reason for optimism. Ward’s struggles have been pervasive as he navigates an offense equipping him with little support, but he’s also demonstrated the playmaking streak that helped propel him to become the top selection this past April. Tennessee is currently on track to have an NFL-high $113.8 million in cap space for 2026, according to Over The Cap, which general manager Mike Borgonzi and president of football operations Chad Brinker could utilize to plug the myriad holes throughout the roster. And with a new stadium set to open in 2027, the organization looks intent on getting off to a solid start as it opens a new era.
But just where does Tennessee turn from here?
Perhaps Ward’s presence creates somewhat of a mandate to turn to an offensively inclined candidate, and it stands to reason that the Titans would want an experienced play-caller after Callahan struggled to balance those duties with his head-coaching responsibilities. But a franchise that has won just 17 games since it earned the No. 1 seed in the 2021 AFC playoffs probably needs to entertain all opportunities for growth, no matter what form they come in.
With that said, here are 10 candidates who could draw the team’s eye as Callahan’s replacement:
Tennessee Titans coaching candidates
Joe Brady, Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator
On resume alone, there might be no more attractive candidate than Brady, who helped Josh Allen ascend to MVP status last season. But his allure extends beyond what he can do for one player. The 36-year-old is renowned for his ability to deploy a highly flexible attack capable of beating opponents in several different forms, with Buffalo entering Monday night’s contest ranked second in rushing yards (154.4 yards per game). As important as honing Ward’s considerable skills is to his development, Brady could also provide substantial assistance by lightening the ask of the talented passer in the early going. Landing Brady, who last season pulled out of the New Orleans Saints’ coaching search, could be difficult given that he might be the most sought-after option at the coordinator level. But he’d make plenty of sense for a Tennessee team desperate to clean up its act.
Kliff Kingsbury, Washington Commanders offensive coordinator
His work in helping Jayden Daniels become the nearly unanimous Offensive Rookie of the Year made him a hot commodity for the near future, but Kingsbury showed no urgency to jump ship after his first year on Dan Quinn’s staff. His offensive acumen and prior experience leading the Arizona Cardinals could make him a considerable draw for the Titans. He’s also shed some concerns about his predictability as a play-caller, instead building a more malleable system catered to Daniels’ strengths. Jumping to Tennessee and working with Ward would require a similar bespoke approach, but Kingsbury seems as though he would be up to the task – if he finds the opportunity enticing enough.
Mike McCarthy, former Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers head coach
The 61-year-old might not be seen as a natural fit for a franchise in need of rejuvenation. But he’s also a proven entity who could prove capable of stabilizing an organization that has repeatedly tripped itself up in recent years while making various pivots. Not only did he notch three consecutive 12-win seasons with the Cowboys from 2021-23, but his offenses also led the league in scoring twice during that span. Brinker rose up the ranks with the Packers and overlapped with McCarthy for a good stretch (2009-18), so there may be some common ground to explore here.
Arthur Smith, Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator
He’s another figure who won’t dazzle as a hire, and a reputation for rigidity in executing his scheme might make him somewhat of a strange fit as a potential mentor for Ward. But Smith has proven more malleable than many expected in getting aligned with Aaron Rodgers, and he was firmly on the NFL’s radar for a second try in the head-coaching ranks this past offseason. He certainly knows his way around the building after serving in several capacities as an assistant from 2011-20. In his final season in Nashville as offensive coordinator, he orchestrated a group that finished fourth in scoring and second in total yards, marking the only time since the franchise relocated from Houston that it has finished that high in either category.
Brian Flores, Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator
If Tennessee isn’t set on hiring an offensive mind, he’s probably the first call among the defense-oriented options. Flores occupies a singular space in the coordinator ranks, with his vexing scheme flustering opposing quarterbacks and play-callers alike. After interviewing with the Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars and New York Jets this past offseason, he could be nearing his opportunity for a second shot at a head-coaching role. But his outstanding lawsuit against the NFL could complicate his standing with teams, and he’ll have to answer for his strained relationship with Tua Tagovailoa during his time leading the Miami Dolphins.
Jesse Minter, Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator
Jim Harbaugh’s immediate revival of the Chargers is the stuff that struggling NFL franchises dream of. Recapturing that effect won’t be easy, but it’s understandable why teams might be drawn to Minter to execute a comparable turnaround. Los Angeles allowed the fewest points in 2024, his first year as defensive coordinator at the NFL level, and he looks due to become a staple of the interview circuit this winter.
He’s another candidate who, in addition to his strong ongoing work at the coordinator level, would provide NFL head-coaching experience after his run leading the Broncos from 2017-18. Entering Week 7, Joseph’s current group leads the league with 30 sacks while ranking second in both yards allowed and scoring. In Tennessee, he could help ramp up a pass rush that ranks 27th in pressure rate (29.1%), according to Next Gen Stats, despite the considerable contributions of defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons.
Jeff Hafley, Packers defensive coordinator
At the start of the season, Hafley looked as though he might rocket to the top of several coaching hot boards amid the Packers’ dazzling defensive debut. His stock might have cooled down a bit with Green Bay looking a little more wobbly in recent weeks, but don’t discount him as a potential major player in the upcoming hiring cycle. If the former Boston College coach is willing to let Ward be as aggressive as he asks his defenses to be, this could be a fruitful partnership.
Josh Grizzard, Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator
This is veering into long-shot territory, but don’t rule it out. Grizzard, 35, is in his first year as an NFL offensive coordinator, so experience could prove prohibitive in landing a top job right away. But he’s sure to garner interest if he continues along this trajecory. In taking over for Liam Coen, Grizzard has managed to add his own wrinkles to a Buccaneers attack that ranks sixth in scoring. That’s largely due to him helping Baker Mayfield tap into MVP-caliber play. But he’s also done laudatory work in managing a spate of early-season injuries, including a full-blown reset up front while All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs was out.
The Seahawks’ offense has been one of the more pleasant surprises of the early going. That’s a credit to Kubiak, who was tasked with shaping what amounted to a complete overhaul in philosophy after Ryan Grubb’s pass-happy approach last year clearly wore on head coach Mike Macdonald. The rugged ground game hasn’t materialized, but Kubiak has created an environment in which Sam Darnold can take calculated shots downfield. That no doubt would serve Ward well, especially as the organization figures out how to solve its longstanding problems along the offensive line.
Here’s a quick recap of the crypto landscape for Friday (October 10) as of 9:00 p.m. UTC.
Get the latest insights on Bitcoin, Ether and altcoins, along with a round-up of key cryptocurrency market news.
Bitcoin and Ether price update
Bitcoin (BTC) was priced at US$116,726, a 3.6 percent decrease in 24 hours. Its lowest valuation of the day was US$116,242, and its highest was US$122,359, recorded shortly after trading began on major indexes.
Bitcoin price performance, October 10, 2025.
Chart via TradingView.
Bitcoin has logged a weekly loss of around 5.2 percent.
Key support zones are being tested, which could attract dip buyers, potentially setting the stage for a rebound. However, a sustained break below could invite additional downside before market stability returns.
The week was capped by a sharp selloff as Bitcoin dipped in late Friday trading, triggering over US$850 million in liquidations in 24 hours, with the majority being long positions. A contraction in futures open interest confirms that traders are exiting leveraged positions and further supports the narrative of a healthy market reset.
The immediate focus will be on Bitcoin’s ability to reclaim its US$117,000 to US$120,000 support zone over the weekend. Technical momentum indicators suggest the market remains in a consolidation phase, with volatility compression possibly foreshadowing a large directional move in the coming weeks.
Ether (ETH) was priced at US$3,998.07, an 8 percent decrease in 24 hours. Its lowest valuation of the day was US$3,976.33, and its highest was US$4,386.23.
Altcoin price update
Solana (SOL) was priced at US$205.98, a decrease of 5.8 percent over the last 24 hours. Its lowest valuation of the day was US$204.77, and its highest was US$224.06.
XRP was trading for US$2.68, a decrease of 3.8 percent over the last 24 hours and near its lowest valuation of the day. Its highest was US$2.83.
Today’s crypto news to know
International banks explore stablecoin issuance
A group of leading international banks, including BNP Paribas (EPA:BNP), Bank of America (NYSE:BAC), Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS), Deutsche Bank (NYSE:DB), Citigroup (NYSE:C), UBS Group (NYSE:UBS) and others, has announced a joint exploration into issuing a stablecoin pegged to major G7 fiat currencies.
The initiative seeks to use digital assets to create a stable payment option that boosts competition and efficiency in financial markets, especially cross-border payments. The banks emphasize that they will ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements and adopt best risk management practices.
The project is in its early stages and will involve ongoing coordination with regulators and supervisors across relevant markets. While no specific timeline has been announced, this collaboration signals growing institutional interest in blockchain-based financial innovation.
Kalshi completes Series D funding round, expands internationally
Kalshi completed a Series D funding round of over US$300 million led by Sequoia Capital and Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), with participation by Paradigm, CapitalG, Coinbase Ventures, General Catalyst and Spark Capital.
The latest round brings the company’s valuation to US$5 billion and comes after Kalshi closed a separate US$185 million funding round in June; it was led by Paradigm and also featured Sequoia. The platform also announced an international expansion with an immediate launch in 140 new markets.
“International users can now access the platform via the Kalshi website with an identical product experience to American users,” the company said in a press release.
Prestige Wealth secures funding for digital gold treasury, rebrands as Aurelion
Prestige Wealth (NASDAQ:AURE) announced it has secured approximately US$150 million in financing to establish Nasdaq’s first digital gold treasury focused on Tether Gold, a gold-backed stablecoin issued by Tether. This milestone is part of a broader plan to integrate tokenized gold into the company’s reserve assets. As part of the transition, Prestige Wealth will rebrand itself as Aurelion and start trading under the ticker symbol AURE on October 13.
The financing package consists of a US$100 million private investment in public equity, with Antalpha Platforms as the lead investor, supported by Tether and Kiara Capital. Additionally, there is a US$50 million senior debt facility. Most of these funds will be allocated to acquiring Tether Gold, which will serve as Aurelion Treasury’s reserve asset.
XRP, DOGE, SOL slip as US$2.7 billion flows into Bitcoin ETFs
Major altcoins faced losses on Friday as cryptocurrency traders took profits from Bitcoin’s record-breaking rally, even as spot exchange-traded fund (ETF) demand remained strong.
Solana, XRP, Dogecoin and Cardano each slid up to 3 percent, according to CoinDesk. Despite the retreat, US-listed Bitcoin ETFs drew US$2.72 billion in inflows this week, highlighting resilient institutional appetite.
The ETF surge underscores Bitcoin’s growing role as a “digital safe haven,” especially amid gold’s surge above US$4,000 per ounce. However, a possible pullback to the US$107,000 to US$115,000 range could be imminent ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s October policy meeting.
EU dismisses ECB’s call for new stablecoin rules
The European Commission said Friday that existing crypto regulations under MiCA are adequate to handle stablecoin risks, pushing back on calls from the European Central Bank (ECB) for stricter oversight.
According to Reuters, the ECB had urged Brussels to introduce new safeguards against “multi-issuance” models, where stablecoins minted outside the EU could be treated as interchangeable with those issued within.
Industry groups, including members like Circle Internet Group (NYSE:CRCL), asked the commission to formally clarify that multi-issuance is allowed under current rules. In a statement to Reuters, the commission said MiCA already provides a “robust and proportionate framework,” and that further guidance will be published soon.
The ECB’s main concern is that redemptions from non-EU tokens could drain reserves inside the bloc, posing systemic risks. Stablecoin issuers countered that their reserve structures already mitigate such threats.
Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Perth, Australia (ABN Newswire) – Altech Batteries Limited (ASX:ATC,OTC:ALTHF) (FRA:A3Y) (OTCMKTS:ALTHF) announces a capital raising of $6 million, comprising the issue of 133,333,334 fully paid ordinary shares in the capital of the Company at an issue price of $0.045 per Share. Participants in the placement will also receive free attaching listed options at 1 option for every 2 shares issued with an exercise price of $0.065 and expiry date of 31 October 2028.
Highlights
– Binding Commitments to raise $6 million at an Issue price of $0.045 per share
– Strong foundations set to deliver further trials and sales of UPS batteries, source project finance of CERENERGY(R), complete the 90kWh battery prototype and assess the 4 GWh Giga factory for large scale production
– Funds will be used to further progress a variety of value accretive activities at the CERENERGY(R), AMPower and Silumina AnodesTM Projects
The Shares and Options under the Placement will be issued out of the Company’s available capacity under Listing Rules 7.1. It is proposed that the shares will be issued on 20 October 2025. The options represent a new class of listed security and as such, will require a Prospectus to be issued prior to the options being allotted. Altech is now working on the Prospectus and aims to have it finalised within the coming weeks.
The Placement was jointly managed by Evolution Capital and Alpine Capital. The costs associated with the Placement was a combined 6% fee on all funds raised plus 60,000,000 options. Further details regarding the Placement are set out in the Appendix 3B of today’s date.
The funding establishes balance sheet flexibility for the Company to execute on the following near term `milestones:
– Trials and sales of Altech UPS batteries: Initial sales anticipated of advanced UPS batteries, targeting critical infrastructure customers across Europe, Australia, and the United States.
– Funding Deals: sourcing project finance for the 120 MWh CERENERGY(R) production facility in Germany, supporting large-scale commercial rollout.
– Pilot Plant and Battery Commercialisation News:
o Completion of the larger 90kWh battery prototype for the CERENERGY(R) project.
o Preliminary assessment for establishing a 4 GWh Giga factory for largescale production.
Managing Director Mr Iggy Tan stated ‘We are encouraged by the strong market interest in our current initiatives. This capital raise comes at an exciting time for Altech as it establishes its selling, distribution and installation infrastructure for AMPower produced Altech branded sodium nickel chloride (SNC) batteries and advances the commercialisation of its 120MWh CERENERGY(R) battery project. With the operation of the Silumina Anodes(TM) pilot plant completed and NDAs signed with major US and European car manufacturers, Altech is readying itself to provide commercial samples of the product. A portion of the funds will also be allocated to a preliminary study for a larger 4 GWh battery facility, marking the next significant step towards commercialisation’.
About Altech Batteries Ltd:
Altech Batteries Limited (ASX:ATC,OTC:ALTHF) (FRA:A3Y) is a specialty battery technology company that has a joint venture agreement with world leading German battery institute Fraunhofer IKTS (‘Fraunhofer’) to commercialise the revolutionary CERENERGY(R) Sodium Alumina Solid State (SAS) Battery. CERENERGY(R) batteries are the game-changing alternative to lithium-ion batteries. CERENERGY(R) batteries are fire and explosion-proof; have a life span of more than 15 years and operate in extreme cold and desert climates. The battery technology uses table salt and is lithium-free; cobalt-free; graphite-free; and copper-free, eliminating exposure to critical metal price rises and supply chain concerns.
The joint venture is commercialising its CERENERGY(R) battery, with plans to construct a 100MWh production facility on Altech’s land in Saxony, Germany. The facility intends to produce CERENERGY(R) battery modules to provide grid storage solutions to the market.
Source: Altech Batteries Ltd
Contact: Corporate Iggy Tan Managing Director Altech Batteries Limited Tel: +61-8-6168-1555 Email: info@altechgroup.com
Perth, Australia (ABN Newswire) – Locksley Resources Ltd (ASX:LKY,OTC:LKYRF) (FRA:X5L) (OTCMKTS:LKYRF) announces the appointment of Major General (Ret.) Peter J. Lambert to its Advisory Board. Peter brings more than three decades of leadership in intelligence, defense and advanced technology integration, combining a distinguished U.S. Air Force career with senior executive experience in the private sector most notably with General Dynamics Information Technology (‘GDIT’), one of America’s leading defense and technology companies.
HIGHLIGHTS
– Major General (Ret.) Peter J. Lambert appointed to the Locksley Advisory Board, + 30 years leadership in U.S. intelligence, defense and advanced technology integration
– Former Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (‘ISR’) at U.S. Air Force Headquarters
– Senior executive at General Dynamics Information Technology, a leading U.S. defense and aerospace technology company
– Appointment aligns with Locksley’s 100% American mine-to-market vision, leveraging defense grade systems integration, operational intelligence, and secure supply-chain development
– Strengthens Locksley’s leadership in the U.S. race to secure domestic supplies of rare earths and antimony, positioning the Company at the forefront of America’s drive for critical minerals independence
– Advisory focus, strategic capability development, U.S. government and defense engagement and strategic foresight for market and policy resilience
Strategic Appointment of Peter J. Lambert to Advance U.S Critical Minerals Independence
Major General (Ret.) Peter J. Lambert brings more than 30 years of leadership across U.S. intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and national security operations to the Locksley Advisory Board.
A retired U.S Air Force Major General, Peter served as Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance at U.S. Air Force Headquarters, overseeing ISR capabilities across the Air Force and coordinating with U.S. intelligence agencies to enhance mission readiness and strategic insight.
Following his distinguished military service, Peter joined GDIT, where he contributed to the advancement of secure communication, data integration, and intelligence technologies supporting national defence and aerospace innovation. His work at GDIT focuses on aligning complex technical systems with operational needs, experience that directly parallels Locksley’s vision of integrating exploration, processing, and market delivery into one cohesive Mine-to-Market strategy.
Over his career, Peter has held senior appointments with the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), National Security Agency (NSA), and The Joint Staff, developing expertise in system integration, organisational transformation, and multi-domain coordination. He holds a Master’s degree in National Security Affairs, a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and has completed advanced studies in joint command, cyber operations, and strategic foresight. Additionally, he served as a National Defense Fellow at the Atlantic Council of the United States, in Washington, D.C.
Defense Grade Experience to Support Mine-to-Market Execution
Peter Lambert’s appointment brings unique defence grade strategic and operational expertise to Locksley’s mission of developing a vertically integrated, 100% American mineto-market critical minerals business. His experience will be leveraged in several key areas:
1 – Advanced Systems Integration & Intelligence Driven Decision-Making
Drawing on his work at GDIT and the U.S. Air Force, Peter will advise on intelligence based frameworks that enhance operational visibility, project planning, and risk assessment from mine development to market delivery.
His approach to integrating complex systems will help Locksley executives establish bestin-class governance and real-time data flow between exploration, processing, logistics, and customer engagement.
2 – Strategic Capability Development & Organisational Design
As Locksley transitions from exploration to production and downstream operations, Peter’s experience leading large, technically complex organisations will help guide structure, resource planning, and leadership alignment across all workstreams.
3 – Government, Defence, and Industry Engagement
Peter’s extensive network in the U.S. defense national security and defence sectors will support Locksley’s engagement with key government and strategic partners particularly in the context of critical minerals supply chain resilience and domestic industrial capability.
4 – Strategic Foresight & Risk Intelligence
Peter’s background in ISR and scenario planning equips him to help Locksley anticipate market, policy, and geopolitical shifts, ensuring the company remains adaptive and future ready as demand for antimony and rare earth elements accelerates.
‘Peter’s appointment to the Locksley Advisory Board, comes at a pivotal time for the United States as the nation seeks to secure and strengthen its domestic supply of critical minerals.
His exceptional background spanning military intelligence, defence industry leadership, and strategic operations will bring immense value to Locksley as we advance our Mojave Project and broader North American expansion strategy.
Peter’s experience will provide strong stewardship as we continue building a secure, technologically advanced mine-to-market supply chain that aligns with U.S. strategic objectives for critical minerals independence. We are delighted to welcome Peter to the Locksley Advisory Board and look forward to his guidance as we continue to unlock value and deliver on our mission.’
About Locksley Resources Limited:
Locksley Resources Limited (ASX:LKY,OTC:LKYRF) (FRA:X5L) (OTCMKTS:LKYRF) is an ASX listed explorer focused on critical minerals in the United States of America. The Company is actively advancing exploration across two key assets: the Mojave Project in California, targeting rare earth elements (REEs) and antimony. Locksley Resources aims to generate shareholder value through strategic exploration, discovery and development in this highly prospective mineral region.
Mojave Project
Located in the Mojave Desert, California, the Mojave Project comprises over 250 claims across two contiguous prospect areas, namely, the North Block/Northeast Block and the El Campo Prospect. The North Block directly abuts claims held by MP Materials, while El Campo lies along strike of the Mountain Pass Mine and is enveloped by MP Materials’ claims, highlighting the strong geological continuity and exploration potential of the project area.
In addition to rare earths, the Mojave Project hosts the historic ‘Desert Antimony Mine’, which last operated in 1937. Despite the United States currently having no domestic antimony production, demand for the metal remains high due to its essential role in defense systems, semiconductors, and metal alloys. With significant surface sample results, the Desert Mine prospect represents one of the highest-grade known antimony occurrences in the U.S.
Locksley’s North American position is further strengthened by rising geopolitical urgency to diversify supply chains away from China, the global leader in both REE & antimony production. With its maiden drilling program planned, the Mojave Project is uniquely positioned to align with U.S. strategic objectives around critical mineral independence and economic security.
Tottenham Project
Locksley’s Australian portfolio comprises the advanced Tottenham Copper-Gold Project in New South Wales, focused on VMS-style mineralisation
Thousands of U.S.-bound packages shipped by UPS are trapped at hubs across the country, unable to clear the maze of new customs requirements imposed by the Trump administration.
As packages flagged for customs issues pile up in UPS warehouses, the company told NBC News it has begun “disposing of” some shipments.
Frustrated UPS customers describe waiting for weeks and trying to make sense of scores of conflicting tracking updates from the world’s largest courier.
“I’ve never seen anything like this before,” Matthew Wasserbach, brokerage manager of Express Customs Clearance, said of the UPS backlog. “It’s totally unprecedented.”
Wasserbach’s New York City-based shipping services firm helps clients move shipments through customs. He said the company has seen a spike in inquiries for help with UPS customs clearance.
A Boeing 747 operated by UPS on the tarmac at Louisville International Airport in Kentucky during a winter storm on Feb. 3, 2022.Luke Sharrett / Bloomberg via Getty Images file
More than two dozen people who are waiting for their UPS packages explained the circumstances of their shipments to NBC News.
They described shipments of tea, telescopes, luxury glassware, musical instruments and more — some worth tens of thousands of dollars — all in limbo or perhaps gone.
Others have deep sentimental value: notebooks, diplomas and even engagement rings.
The frustration has exploded online, with customers sharing horror stories on Reddit of missing skin care products, art and collectibles.
They are confused and angry, and they want answers.
“It’s almost impossible to get through to anybody to figure out what is happening,” said Ashley Freberg, who said she is missing several boxes she shipped via UPS from England in September.
“Are my packages actually being destroyed or not?”
Freberg’s boxes of journals, records and books were shipped on Sept. 18, according to tracking documents she shared with NBC News.
Over the next two weeks, she received two separate notifications from UPS that her personal mementos had not cleared customs and as a result had been “disposed of” by UPS.
Then, on Oct. 1, a UPS tracking update appeared for her packages, saying they were on the way. The tracking updates Freberg showed NBC News for that shipment revealed it was the most recent update she had received.
UPS transport jets wait to be loaded with packages at UPS Worldport in Louisville, Ky., on April 27, 2021.Timothy D. Easley / AP file
While sentimental value is impossible to measure, other customers fear they will not be able to recover financially if their goods were destroyed.
Tea importer Lauren Purvis of Portland, Oregon, said five shipments from Japan, mostly containing matcha green tea and collectively worth more than $127,000, were all sent via UPS over the last few weeks and arrived at UPS’ international package processing hub in Louisville, Kentucky. Purvis has yet to receive any of the shipments, only a flurry of conflicting tracking updates from UPS.
A series of notifications for one shipment, which she shared with NBC News, said that the shipment had not cleared customs and that UPS had disposed of it.
But a subsequent tracking update said the shipment had cleared customs and was on the way.
“We know how to properly document and pay for our packages,” Purvis said. “There should be zero reason that a properly documented and paid-for package would be set to be disposed of.”
At least a half-dozen people described an emotional seesaw they were put through by weeks of contradictory UPS tracking updates about their shipments. The updates, they said, compounded the stress of not knowing what had really happened to their possessions.
A UPS Boeing 767 aircraft taxis at San Diego International Airport, in San Diego, Calif., August 15, 2025.Kevin Carter / Getty Images file
AJ, a Boston man who asked that NBC News use only his initials to protect his privacy, said he shipped a package from Japan via UPS on Sept. 12 including Japanese language books, a pillow and a backpack.
After it sat in Louisville for nearly two weeks, AJ got a tracking update on Sept. 26, one of several that he shared with NBC News. “We’re sorry, your package did not clear customs and has been removed from the UPS network. Per customs guidelines, it has been destroyed. Please contact the sender for more information,” it read.
UPS tracking updates for a package shipped from Japan to the United States.Obtained by NBC News
Three days later, on Sept. 29, he received another, and this one read: “On the Way. Import Scan, Louisville, KY, United States.” For a moment, it appeared as though AJ’s shipment might have been found.
But less than 24 hours after his hopes were raised, another tracking update arrived: “We’re sorry,” it began. It was the same notice that his package had “been destroyed” that he had received on the 26th.
Two minutes later, he got his final update: “Unable to Deliver. Package cannot clear due to customs delay or missing info. Attempt to contact sender made. Package has been disposed of.”
International shipping was thrown into chaos after the long-standing “de minimis” tariff exemption for low-value packages ended on Aug. 29.
Packages with values of $800 or less, which were previously allowed to enter the United States duty-free, are now subject to a range of tariffs and fees.
They include hundreds of country-specific rates, or President Donald Trump’s so-called reciprocal tariffs, as well as new levies on certain products and materials.
President Donald Trump holds a chart as he speaks about reciprocal tariffs at a ‘Make America Wealthy Again’ event at the White House on April 2.Brendan Smialowski / AFP – Getty Images file
The result is that international shipping to the United States today is far more complex and costly than it was even two months ago.
The sweeping changes have caught private individuals and veteran exporters alike in a customs conundrum.
It is difficult to know the exact number of the packages that are stuck in UPS customs purgatory. Shipping companies guard their delivery data closely.
UPS reported to investors that in 2023, its international service delivered around 3.2 million packages per day.
This week, the company told NBC News that it is clearing more than 90% of the packages it handles through customs on the first day.
The rest of the packages, or less than 10%, require more time to clear customs and need to be held until they do. That could easily mean that thousands of UPS packages every day are not clearing customs on their first try.
In a statement to NBC News, UPS said it is doing its best to get all packages to their destinations while abiding by the new customs requirements.
“Because of changes to U.S. import regulations, we are seeing many packages that are unable to clear customs due to missing or incomplete information about the shipment required for customs clearance,” it said.
UPS said it makes several attempts to get any missing information and clear delayed shipments, contacting shippers three times.
“In cases where we cannot obtain the necessary information to clear the package, there are two options,” it said.
“First, the package can be returned to the original shipper at their expense. Second, if the customer does not respond and the package cannot be cleared for delivery, disposing of the shipment is in compliance with U.S. customs regulations. We continue to work to bridge the gap of understanding tied to the new requirements and, as always, remain committed to serving our customers.”
A conveyor belt carries envelopes and small packages past UPS workers to their destinations at Worldport on Nov. 20, 2015.Patrick Semansky / AP, file
NBC News asked UPS precisely what it does with packages when it tells customers their shipments have been unable to clear customs and have been “disposed of.” It would not say.
On Sept. 27, a shipper in Stockholm received a formal notification from UPS that two packages her glassware company sent to the United States — which failed to clear customs — would be destroyed.
“We are sorry, but due to these circumstances and the perishable nature of the contents, we are now required to proceed with destruction of the shipment in accordance with regulatory guidelines,” UPS told Anni Cernea in an email she shared with NBC News.
The email continued, “There is no need to contact our call center for further information or to attempt to clear this shipment.”
Cernea said, “It’s just outrageous that they can dispose of products like this without approval from either the sender or recipient.”
From now on, Cernea said, she plans to ship her products via UPS rival FedEx.
Cernea’s decision to switch carriers hints at the worst-case scenario for UPS, which is that people could abandon the company. It is a potential crisis for the roughly $70 billion company.
The company’s stock price is already down more than 30% this year, which analysts attribute to a mix of tariffs, competition and shifting shopping habits.
As she awaits her missing journals and diplomas from England, Freberg is looking ahead to the biggest shipping months of the year.
“I can’t even imagine how bad the holidays are going to be, because that’s a time where loads of people are shipping stuff overseas,” she said.
“If it doesn’t get solved soon, I can only see it becoming an even bigger issue.”
Forte Minerals Corp. (‘Forte’ or the ‘Company’) ( CSE: CUAU ) ( OTCQB: FOMNF ) ( Frankfurt: 2OA ) is pleased to announce that the Board of Directors has appointed Patrick Evans as an Independent Director and Chairman of the Board.
Mr. Evans brings over 25 years of senior mining executive leadership experience, specializing in mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, and the development of world-class assets across four continents. He currently serves as Chairman of Pan Global Resources Inc.
Mr. Evans’s career includes leading multiple public companies to successful exits and significant value creation. He previously served as CEO of Dominion Diamond Mines and Mountain Province Diamonds Inc. He led the sale of several companies, including Norsemont Mining Inc. (acquired by Hudbay Minerals), Weda Bay Minerals Inc. (acquired by Eramet S.A.), and Southern Platinum (acquired by Lonmin PLC).
Mr. Evans holds degrees in arts and science from the University of Cape Town and previously served as South Africa’s Consul-General to Canada (1994–1998). His industry leadership has been recognized with both the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada’s Viola R. MacMillan Award and the Association for Mineral Exploration’s Hugo Dummett Award .
The Board is confident that Mr. Evans’s proven track record in mergers, acquisitions, capital markets, and advancing complex multinational operations will directly support Forte as it develops its copper and gold projects in Peru. His appointment significantly enhances the Board’s independence and corporate governance oversight.
As the Independent Chairman, Mr. Evans will oversee Forte’s Board and ensure that management decisions align with the interests of shareholders and the Company’s long-term strategic objectives.
Patrick Elliott , President and CEO of Forte, stated, ‘ The appointment of Patrick Evans represents a transformational addition to Forte Minerals’ Board of Directors. As one of the most accomplished executives in the global mining industry, Mr. Evans brings a distinguished record of leading high-growth companies through major transactions, capital market success, and the development of tier-one mineral assets. His strategic insight and leadership will be instrumental as Forte advances its high-quality copper and gold portfolio in Peru and continues to unlock substantial long-term value for shareholders ‘.
Mr. Evans added, ‘Forte Minerals has built an exceptional portfolio of exploration projects in one of the world’s premier mining jurisdictions. I am excited to collaborate with the Board and management team to unlock the full potential of these assets and drive meaningful growth and value creation for all stakeholders.’
Forte Minerals would also like to extend its sincere gratitude to Mr. Doug Turnbull, P.Geo., who has resigned from the Board of Directors. Mr. Turnbull has served as an Independent Director and Chair of the Compensation Committee since 2010.
Over his fourteen years of dedicated service, Mr. Turnbull has been an integral part of Forte’s growth and governance, bringing more than 30 years of global exploration experience and thoughtful leadership to the Board. His geological expertise and steady guidance have helped shape the Company’s strategic direction from its early stages to its current milestones.
Mr. Turnbull is stepping down on excellent terms to pursue a new opportunity with VBKOM, an engineering company based in South Africa.
The Board and management wish to thank him for his longstanding commitment, professionalism, and contribution to Forte’s success, and wish him continued achievement in his new role.
Corporate Update: Option Grants
In connection with his appointment to the Board of Directors and as Independent Chair of the Company, Mr. Patrick Evans was granted 500,000 stock options. Each option is exercisable for 5 years to acquire one common share of the Company at a price of C$0.78 per share, consistent with the exercise price granted to other directors in recent stock option issuances.
The Company also granted an aggregate of 2,250,000 stock options to directors, officers, and consultants pursuant to its existing stock option plan.
In total, 2,750,000 stock options were granted. All Options are exercisable at $0.78 per share for a period of five years, subject to the terms of the plan and applicable regulatory approvals.
ABOUT Forte Minerals CORP.
Forte Minerals Corp. is an exploration company with a strong portfolio of high-quality copper (Cu) and gold (Au) assets in Peru. Through a strategic partnership with GlobeTrotters Resources Perú S.A.C. , the Company gains access to a rich pipeline of historically drilled, high-impact targets across premier Andean mineral belts. The Company is committed to responsible resource development that generates long-term value for shareholders, communities, and partners.
On behalf of Forte Minerals CORP.
(signed) ‘ Patrick Elliott’ Patrick Elliott, MSc, MBA, PGeo President & Chief Executive Officer
Forte Minerals Corp. info@forteminerals.co m www.forteminerals.com
For further information, please contact: Investor Inquiries Kevin Guichon, IR & Capital Markets E: kguichon@forteminerals.com C: (604) 612-9976
Media Contact Anna Dalaire, VP Corporate Development E: adalaire@forteminerals.com T: (604) 983-8847
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Certain statements included in this press release constitute forward-looking information or statements (collectively, ‘forward-looking statements’), including those identified by the expressions ‘anticipate’, ‘believe’, ‘plan’, ‘estimate’, ‘expect’, ‘intend’, ‘may’, ‘should’ and similar expressions to the extent they relate to the Company or its management. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts but reflect current expectations regarding future results or events. This press release contains forward looking statements relating to the intended use of proceeds of the Strategic Placement. These forward-looking statements and information reflect management’s current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company with respect to the matter described in this press release. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, which are based on current expectations as of the date of this release and subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Additional information about these assumptions and risks and uncertainties is contained under ‘Risk Factors and Uncertainties’ in the Company’s latest management’s discussion and analysis, which is available under the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca, and in other filings that the Company has made and may make with applicable securities authorities in the future.
Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions which are difficult to predict. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include the continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by such statements. Although such statements are based on management’s reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that the statements will prove to be accurate or that management’s expectations or estimates of future developments, circumstances or results will materialize. The Company assumes no responsibility to update or revise forward-looking information or statements to reflect new events or circumstances unless required by law. Readers should not place undue reliance on the Company’s forward-looking statements.
Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange (the ‘CSE’) nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d4b54275-2dff-445f-bc54-06bb0775c8e5
Here’s a quick recap of the crypto landscape for Monday (October 13) as of 9:00 a.m. UTC.
Get the latest insights on Bitcoin, Ether and altcoins, along with a round-up of key cryptocurrency market news.
Bitcoin and Ether price update
Bitcoin (BTC) and major cryptocurrencies rebounded at the start of the week, regaining ground after a sharp October 10 selloff triggered by US President Donald Trump’s renewed tariff threats against China. The correction, which wiped out billions in leveraged positions, marked one of the largest single-day liquidations in crypto trading history.
Bitcoin price performance, October 13, 2025.
Chart via TradingView.
Bitcoin has climbed 2.2 percent in the past 24 hours to trade above US$114,200; the coin plunged below US$109,000 late on October 10 after setting a record high near US$126,200 earlier last week.
The weekend rebound followed Trump’s more conciliatory Truth Social post on October 12, where he wrote:
“Don’t worry about China, it will all be fine! Highly respected President Xi just had a bad moment. He doesn’t want Depression for his country, and neither do I. The U.S.A. wants to help China, not hurt it!!!”
Data from CoinGlass reveals over 1.6 million trades were liquidated on October 10, amounting to more than US$19 billion in forced sales across the crypto market. Other reports place the figure at roughly US$20 billion, the largest single-day liquidation in crypto history, as leveraged long positions on Bitcoin and Ether were rapidly unwound.
The event also saw major altcoins like XRP, Dogecoin and Cardano slump by as much as 30 percent, deepening what traders have described as a “cascade of leveraged liquidations.”
According to Bitcoin researcher Axel Adler Jr., the October 10 shock “changed the regime to moderately bearish,” though market structure indicators suggest the downturn has yet to reach capitulation levels.
Adler also notes that the Bitcoin Bull-Bear Structure Index dropped by 8 percent, and a further decline to -15 percent would “signal continued bearish pressure and the risk of retesting local lows.”
Bitcoin dominance in the crypto market now stands at 56.01 percent.
Ether (ETH) was trading at US$4,105.84 as of the time of this writing. Its lowest valuation on Monday was US$3,802.06, and its highest was US$4,196.98.
Altcoin price update
Solana (SOL) was priced at US$199.11, an increase of 5.8 percent over the last 24 hours and its highest valuation of the day. Its lowest valuation on Monday was US$179.
XRP was trading for US$2.57, up by 6.8 percent over the last 24 hours. Its lowest valuation of the day was US$2.37, and its highest was US$2.64.
ETF data and derivatives trends
The Fear & Greed Index currently reads 40, climbing back to neutral territory after crashing to ‘fear’ last week.
Last week, the cumulative net flows for spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) were predominantly positive despite the sudden crash on the tail end. According to data from the week of October 6 to October 12, spot Bitcoin ETFs had inflows on four days, with October 10 being the outlier at US$4.5 million in outflows. The inflows were led by BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (NASDAQ:IBIT) and the Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (BATS:FBTC).
Cumulative total inflows for spot Bitcoin ETFs stood at US$62.77 billion as of October 10.
Today’s crypto news to know
Crypto funds log US$3.17 billion in inflows despite tariff turmoil
Digital asset investment products saw US$3.17 billion in inflows last week, shrugging off the volatility sparked by renewed US-China tariff tensions. According to CoinShares, Bitcoin accounted for $2.67 billion of that total, underscoring its dominance in institutional portfolios as exchange-traded product volumes hit a record US$53 billion.
US spot Bitcoin ETFs alone attracted US$2.71 billion, even as major cryptocurrencies corrected midweek. October 10’s minor US$159 million outflow suggests investors were largely unfazed by short-term market shocks.
Furthermore, year-to-date inflows have reached a record US$48.7 billion, already surpassing 2024’s full-year total, which analysts say is indicative of a resilient capital rotation into crypto.
House of Doge to list on Nasdaq
In a bid to bring Dogecoin deeper into traditional finance, House of Doge — the corporate arm of the Dogecoin Foundation — announced plans to debut on the Nasdaq via a reverse merger with Brag House Holdings (NASDAQ:TBH).
CEO Marco Margiotta said the listing will help fund new payment and yield infrastructure for Dogecoin, including a pending spot ETF with 21Shares and a treasury product already trading on the NYSE. Backers include Elon Musk’s attorney Alex Spiro, former Texas Governor Rick Perry and members of the Steinbrenner family.
Margiotta said being public will accelerate Dogecoin’s integration into retail payments and cultural sectors like sports, where the firm plans to launch tokenized fan initiatives.
Dogecoin rose more than 10 percent following the announcement. The deal is expected to close in early 2026.
Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Sixteen days ago, everything was going well for James Franklin, with his Penn State football team at 3-0, No. 2 in the country and with a seemingly clear path back to the College Football Playoff, where a shot at a long-awaited national championship loomed.
Now, he’s out of a job.
With his team riding a three-game losing streak, Franklin was fired by the Nittany Lions on Sunday, Oct. 12, with the university confirming the stunning news.
The move came one day after Penn State lost at home 22-21 to Northwestern, dropping it to 3-3 and with no wins against Power Four conference opponents.
The two most recent defeats in that run were particularly damning for a talented and experienced team that was No. 3 in the preseason US LBM Coaches Poll. After a double-overtime loss to Oregon on Sept. 27, Penn State came up short against two of the worst teams in the Big Ten, UCLA and Northwestern, in back-to-back weeks.
According to a financial term sheet he signed in 2022, which was obtained by the USA TODAY Network, Franklin is owed $49.7 million for being fired without cause.
Franklin was in his 12th season at the school. Over that time, he went 104-45, which included appearances in the Rose Bowl, Cotton Bowl, Fiesta Bowl and Peach Bowl. Last season, the Nittany Lions advanced to the semifinals of the playoff, where it fell 27-24 to eventual national runner-up Notre Dame.
Associate head coach Terry Smith will serve as Penn State’s interim head coach.
How did it to a point few people, if any, could have realistically envisioned as recently as last month?
Here’s a closer look at why Penn State fired Franklin:
Why did Penn State fire James Franklin?
By almost any measurement, Franklin is one of the greatest coaches in the history of Penn State, the kind of program where such a designation really means something.
His 104 wins are tied with Rip Engle for the second-most in Nittany Lions history, behind only Joe Paterno, the FBS career victories leader. Under Franklin, a program that was still reeling from the Jerry Sandusky child sex abuse scandal was rebuilt into a national power. Franklin helped guide Penn State to a Big Ten championship in 2016, five New Year’s Six Bowl appearances and, perhaps most notably, a run to the playoff semifinals last season. He recruited extremely well, stocking the Nittany Lions with talented rosters that featured future NFL standouts like Saquon Barkley and Micah Parsons, among others.
For all Franklin accomplished, he had shortcomings that were eventually too glaring for university leadership to ignore.
Franklin’s teams regularly struggled to beat the best opponents on their schedule in the kinds of games that define seasons and coaching tenures. With a 30-24 loss to Oregon on Sept. 27, Franklin fell to 4-21 against top-10 teams at Penn State.
Those woes were most pronounced against Ohio State, a team that frequently stood as the Nittany Lions’ biggest obstacle in its quest to make the playoff and win a national championship under Franklin. Franklin ended his tenure at Penn State with just a 1-10 record against the Buckeyes, which included eight consecutive losses. The Nittany Lions’ last win against Ohio State came in Oct. 2016, in the final months of the Obama administration.
While Franklin’s teams perpetually came up short in their biggest games, they usually made up for it by consistently winning the overwhelming majority of the rest of its games, a tendency that allowed Penn State to win at least 10 games in six of its final eight full seasons under Franklin. With losses to UCLA and Northwestern, though, even that small bit of comfort was shattered.
“Penn State owes an enormous amount of gratitude to Coach Franklin who rebuilt our football program into a national power,” Penn State athletic director Patrick Kraft said in a statement following Franklin’s firing. “He won a Big Ten championship, led us to seven New Year’s Six bowl games and a College Football Playoff appearance last year. However, we hold our athletics programs to the highest of standards, and we believe this is the right moment for new leadership at the helm of our football program to advance us toward Big Ten and national championships.”
This season, the Nittany Lions were one of a small handful of favorites to win a national title. They, at last, had playoff experience to fall back on, having nearly made the championship game earlier this year. They brought back many of their key players, from quarterback Drew Allar to the dynamic running back tandem of Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen. They were aggressive in the transfer portal to address what had been an inadequate wide receivers room, bringing in Devonte Ross (Troy), Trebor Pena (Syracuse) and Kyron Hudson (USC). After defensive coordinator Tom Allen left for the same position at Clemson, they snagged Jim Knowles, arguably the best defensive mind in the sport, away from Ohio State days after he helped lead the Buckeyes to a national title.
With the losses to UCLA and Northwestern, though, what was set up to be a dream season quickly turned into a nightmare.
James Franklin buyout
Franklin’s exit won’t come cheaply for his former employer.
According to a financial term sheet he signed in 2022, which was obtained by the USA TODAY Network, Franklin is owed $49.7 million for being fired without cause.
The buyout is the second-largest in college football history, behind only the record-$76 million Texas A&M owed Jimbo Fisher when the school fired him in 2023. The sum that Franklin is owed is more than double the previous second-highest buyout at the FBS level (the $21.45 million Auburn had to pay Gus Malzahn after it fired him in 2020).
James Franklin record
Franklin went 104-45 in his time at Penn State, including a 65-37 mark in Big Ten play.
Prior to his arrival in State College, Franklin was the head coach for three seasons at Vanderbilt, where he guided a previously woeful Commodores program to a 24-15 record and three bowl appearances. His time at Vanderbilt brings his total record as a head coach to 128-60.
Rico Dowdle ran for 183 yards in the Panthers’ win over the Cowboys, the running back’s former team.
Dowdle’s 239 yards from scrimmage set a Panthers single-game franchise record.
Javonte Williams, Dowdle’s replacement in Dallas, ran for just 29 yards on 13 carries.
Maybe the Dallas Cowboys should have heeded Rico Dowdle’s warning.
After a career day in a win over the Miami Dolphins last week, the Carolina Panthers running back immediately set his sights on the upcoming matchup with his former team, telling the Cowboys they needed to ‘buckle up’ in preparation. On Sunday, Dowdle backed up the talk, rumbling for 183 yards on a personal-high 30 carries to power a 30-27 win.
‘They wasn’t buckled up,’ Dowdle said in a postgame news conference.
With four catches for 56 yards, Dowdle became just the seventh player since 1970 – and the first since Dalvin Cook in 2020 – to have consecutive games with 225-plus yards from scrimmage. No other undrafted player has achieved the feat.
The sixth-year back, who signed a one-year deal with the Panthers this offseason after the Cowboys decided to move in a different direction with their ground game, also set the single-game franchise record for yards from scrimmage with 239.
Dowdle was a punishing presence throughout the day, never breaking a run longer than 15 yards. But his steady presence helped the Panthers rack up 14 first downs via the ground and tie the team’s highest scoring output this season.
‘Just looked like the same guy (as) last week,’ Panthers coach Dave Canales said. ‘Ran with violence, had a plan, man on a mission. (He) wants to make yards.’
Dowdle set the tone last week by issuing a warning of sorts.
“They gotta buckle up,’ Dowdle said after beating the Dolphins. ‘I think they know, for sure. I’ve been there for five years. They didn’t keep me there for five years for no reason.’
While Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer indulged the remarks by saying his defenders would ‘bring our seat belts,’ some players met the remarks with confusion.
‘Man, he got to back it up. I’m not much into talking.,’ Cowboys defensive tackle Kenny Clark said last week in response. ‘They ain’t play nobody like us. We ain’t play them, so he’ll watch the film and see what he’s playing against. … Yeah, he can be emotional. I know he was coming off a 200-yard game, so he’s probably feeling really good. Yeah, it’s going to be a battle in the trenches for sure. (The) trenches are going to win this game.’
Sure enough, they did. Javonte Williams, whom the Cowboys signed this offseason to take over as Dowdle’s replacement as the lead option in the backfield, ran for just 29 yards on 13 carries.
The win elevated Carolina to 3-3, marking the first time that the franchise has been at least .500 since Week 10 in 2021.
