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Matthew Paras

mparas@washingtontimes.com

Matthew Paras was a digital sports writer for the Washington Times.

Articles by Matthew Paras

Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) runs past Baltimore Ravens players during the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Derrick Henry, Titans stun Ravens in AFC divisional round

The Baltimore Ravens knew the challenge Derrick Henry presented. They were aware of his video-game-like body. They studied the way the Tennessee Titans running back uses his 6-foot-3, 247-pound frame to truck through defenders. But for all the hours spent on how to stop him, Baltimore couldn't do it.

January 11, 2020
Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Michael Pierce, left, celebrates with linebacker Tyus Bowser after recovering a fumble by Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Devlin Hodges during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Gail Burton) ** FILE **

Ravens defense gets back to elite status after poor start to year

As the Ravens prepare for Saturday's AFC Divisional matchup with the Tennessee Titans, Baltimore has an offense and defense each ranked as a top-five unit in the league, according to Football Outsiders' efficiency metrics (DVOA). Baltimore ranks first in offense and fourth in defense. It wasn't always that way.

January 9, 2020
Washington Redskins quarterback Dwayne Haskins takes selfies with fans during the second half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019, in Landover, Md. The Redskins won 19-16. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky) ** FILE **

Ron Rivera not ready to anoint Dwayne Haskins

Ron Rivera isn't the first Redskins coach under owner Dan Snyder to inherit a quarterback situation complicated by expectations, entitlements and front-office concerns.

January 8, 2020
Washington Wizards guard Troy Brown Jr. (6) handles the ball in front of Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Jan. 6, 2020, in Washington. The Wizards won 99-94. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Wizards’ effort, defense have them pulling off improbable

On his way toward the team bus Monday, Boston Celtics coach Brad Stevens ran into his counterpart, Scott Brooks and stopped for a brief chat. He complimented the Wizards coach for the win and raved about how fun Washington is to watch.

January 7, 2020
Washington Wizards guard Gary Payton II, right, and Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown, left, battle for the ball during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Jan. 6, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Wizards lock down on defense to beat Celtics

In one of their best defensive outings of the season, the Wizards prevailed 99-94 over the Boston Celtics at home, holding their opponent to under 100 points for just the third time. Washington is now 3-0 in those games.

January 6, 2020
Washington Capitals center Lars Eller (20), of Denmark, celebrates his game-winning goal in overtime of an NHL hockey game with defenseman John Carlson (74) and right wing T.J. Oshie (77) against the San Jose Sharks, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020, in Washington. The Capitals won 5-4 in overtime. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Capitals pull off comeback over Sharks

In a thrilling win, the Capitals earned a 5-4 overtime win over the San Jose Sharks. In overtime, center Lars Eller scored on a two-on-one to cap off a dramatic rally.

January 5, 2020
Washington Wizards guard Garrison Mathews (24) dribbles the ball next to Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Dec. 30, 2019, in Washington. The Wizards won 123-105. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Garrison Mathews trying to stick as two-way player with Wizards

Garrison Mathews sprinted to the corner and as soon as he got there, his defender was in his face, "hugging" him to prevent the ball from being thrown the Wizards' rookie's way. After just one breakout game, Mathews was officially on the scouting report.

January 2, 2020
Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) shoots as Washington Wizards guard Gary Payton II (20) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Bradley Beal’s return not enough as Wizards blown out against Magic

Even with Bradley Beal's return from a leg injury Wednesday, the under-manned Wizards had one too many defensive lapses and fell 122-101 against the Orlando Magic. Despite Beal's game-high 27 points, the Magic shot 47.4 percent and pulled away in the second half to drop Washington to 10-23.

January 1, 2020