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Matthew Paras

mparas@washingtontimes.com

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

Articles by Matthew Paras

Pittsburgh Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey (53) looks on during an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Matt Durisko)

Steelers fall to No. 2 seed in AFC playoff picture

With a 26-15 loss the Buffalo Bills on "Sunday Night Football," the Steelers fell to 11-2 on the year -- dropping them to the No.2 seed in the AFC. In the process, the Kansas City Chiefs became the No. 1 seed, which is important because only one team per conference gets a first-round bye this season.

December 14, 2020
Washington Football Team defensive end Chase Young (99) runs back a fumble recovery for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Chase Young stars in Washington’s win over 49ers

Chase Young had a historic day in Washington's 23-15 win over the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona -- becoming the first player in franchise history to record a fumble return for a touchdown, force a fumble and a sack. Not rookie. Player.

December 13, 2020
FILE - In this Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2020 file photo, Houston Rockets' Russell Westbrook (0) goes up for a shot as Oklahoma City Thunder's Nerlens Noel, right, defends during the second half of an NBA first-round playoff basketball game in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The Houston Rockets have traded Russell Westbrook to the Washington Wizards for John Wall and a future lottery-protected. first-round pick. Both teams announced the trade Wednesday night, Dec. 2, 2020. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)

Russell Westbrook drawing praise for leadership with Wizards

Coach Scott Brooks and Westbrook's teammates say the 32-year-old has, after a week of practice with the team, quickly established himself as a vocal leader -- a reputation that preceded his arrival to Washington and one that the Wizards were eager to see.

December 13, 2020
Washington Football Team running back Antonio Gibson (24) runs the ball past Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 7, 2020, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic) **FILE**

Antonio Gibson out against 49ers

The Washington Football Team ruled out rookie running back Antonio Gibson for Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers with a toe injury.

December 11, 2020
FILE - In this Nov. 11, 2018, file photo, Washington Redskins offensive tackle Trent Williams is shown on the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, in Tampa, Fla. After sitting out last season in a dispute in Washington, seven-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams is excited to start over in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)

Trent Williams not holding grudges as he prepares to face Washington

The hiring of Ron Rivera opened the door -- just a little, just a sliver -- to Trent Williams staying in Washington. The former longtime Redskins left tackle, now settled in and successful in San Francisco, says in the end, though, he wanted a fresh start.

December 10, 2020
Washington Football Team's Montez Sweat (90) is congratulated by teammates after returning a Dallas Cowboys quarterback Andy Dalton interception for a touchdown in the second half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2020. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)

Montez Sweat’s freakish athleticism translating into production

In his second year, Montez Sweat is putting together a season that not only highlights those physical qualities but is also producing at a level that many had hoped when Washington traded back into the first round more than a year ago to grab him.

December 10, 2020
Washington Nationals' Adam Eaton rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins in Washington, Monday, Aug. 24, 2020. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)  **FILE**

Adam Eaton rejoins Chicago White Sox, ending Nationals tenure

Adam Eaton signed a one-year, $7 million deal with the Chicago White Sox -- rejoining the club that traded him to the Nationals in 2016. According to multiple reports, the White Sox also have a team option for Eaton for the following season that's worth $8.5 million.

December 8, 2020
Washington Football Team head coach Ron Rivera talks with linebacker Khaleke Hudson (47) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh, Monday, Dec. 7, 2020. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)  **FILE**

Ron Rivera, Washington seeing real results in culture change

On his way to the team bus, still basking in the glow of Washington's 23-17 upset over the previously undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers, coach Ron Rivera called owner Dan Snyder. As Snyder started to congratulate Rivera for the victory, Rivera interrupted his boss to remind of the date.

December 8, 2020