Shedeur Sanders knows his game can get better. He also knows that last year was a new challenge he had to navigate.

“There’s always room for improvement,” Colorado’s star quarterback said. “But it’s just like, I honestly don’t really care about the opinions of people that haven’t really played the game. I really don’t, because it’s like you could tell me, ‘Oh your footwork is bad.’ You get out there and get sacked 50 times and you tell me how you feel. You tell me how your footwork is going to be.

“When hits start adding up, when real pressure gets applied, then some things gotta change and you’ve got to find solutions.”

Leading up to preseason camp, which starts Monday, BuffZone.com has previewed each position group for the CU football team and in this final installment, we look at the quarterbacks.

Sanders was sacked a school-record 52 times last year, tied for the most in the country. Despite that, he set a single-season CU record with 3,230 passing yards and tossed 27 touchdown passes, which was one shy of the record set by Sefo Liufau in 2014. He also posted the best single-season completion percentage (69.3) in CU history and threw just three interceptions in 430 attempts.

Considered one of the top quarterbacks in the country this season and projected as top-five pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Sanders said he has a lot more room to grow.

“In my game, year after year after year, even (future Hall of Famer) Tom Brady would tell you that he always improved in an area,” Sanders said. “You can never be your full potential you could be like. You’re always gonna have room for improvement but I’m nowhere close to my ceiling. That’s the difference when I say me and a lot of players is I’m not close to my ceiling at all. I’ve got a long way to go.”

Certainly, improvement on the offensive line would help Sanders tremendously. The Buffs re-tooled the line in the offseason in an effort to drastically reduce the 56 sacks they allowed last year (backup Ryan Staub was sacked four times).

Going through offseason workouts, Sanders said he believes the offensive and defensive lines are the most improved areas, followed closely, he said, by “myself.”

An improved Sanders could make the Buffs one of the most electric offenses in the Big 12, if not all of college football. The Buffs averaged a modest 28.2 points per game last year, which was just 60th nationally, but CU’s best full-season average since 2016.

After starring at Jackson State for two years before coming to CU, Sanders said he now has a “lay of the land” in playing at the power conference level, and that, alone, should pay off this year.

“We’re in great hands,” he said.

The Buffs hope to be in better shape behind Sanders this year, too.

In 2023, CU’s only backups were a pair of true freshmen and a pair of walk-ons – none of which had ever taken a snap in a Division I game. One of those true freshmen, Staub, returns and he gained some valuable experience last year.

Staub replaced the injured Sanders in CU’s finale at Utah and nearly led the Buffs to an upset. He completed 17-of-24 passes for 195 yards and a touchdown in that game.

In the spring, Staub ran the second-team offense, seemingly securing the No. 2 job behind Sanders. He’ll be pushed in fall camp, however, by a pair of transfers: Walter Taylor III and Destin Wade.

All three have game experience under their belts, giving this group a leg up on last year’s group. Walk-on Colton Allen also returns, while the Buffs added former Bethune-Cookman quarterback Dominiq Ponder this summer. Ponder, a three-star recruit in 2022, appeared in two games last season.

Position: Quarterbacks

Returners with 2023 starts: Shedeur Sanders, 6-foot-2, 215 pounds, Sr. (11 starts); Ryan Staub, 6-1, 200, R-Fr. (1 start).

Other returners: Colton Allen, 6-3, 205, So. (walk-on).

Transfers: Walter Taylor III, 6-5, 235 (Vanderbilt); Destin Wade, 6-3, 225, So. (Kentucky); Dominiq Ponder, 6-5, 185, R-Fr. (Bethune-Cookman; walk-on).

True freshmen: None.

Key losses: None.

PARIS (AP) — The identity of the person who would light the Olympic cauldron for the Paris Games on Friday night (spoiler alert: Marie-José Pérec and Teddy Riner) was up in the air … and so, it turns out, was the cauldron itself: a ring of fire carried by a hot-air balloon.

Instead of the usual ground-bound cauldron used at most Summer and Winter Games, the special edition for the Paris Olympics is intended as a tribute to the first ride taken in a hydrogen-filled gas balloon — made in 1783 by two of that balloon’s French inventors.

They departed back then from the Tuileries Garden, which is near the Louvre Museum in the heart of Paris — and where the 2024 Olympic cauldron was lit before appearing to float into the sky.

Created by French designer Mathieu Lehanneur, the cauldron is meant as a symbol of liberty — an element in the national slogan of “Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité.”

The ring is 7 meters in diameter (about 23 feet), and the balloon is 30 meters (about 100 feet) tall and 22 meters (about 72 feet) wide.

By NOAH TRISTER

Associated Press

BALTIMORE — The Orioles bolstered their starting rotation Friday, acquiring right-hander Zach Eflin from the Tampa Bay Rays for three minor-leaguers.

AL East-leading Baltimore is trying for its second straight division title, but the Orioles have had to work around season-ending injuries to starting pitchers Kyle Bradish, John Means and Tyler Wells. The 30-year-old Eflin is 5-7 with a 4.09 ERA.

Baltimore not only could use help in the rotation this year, but also in 2025 — because of those injuries and ace Corbin Burnes’ eligibility for free agency. Eflin is signed through 2025 and due to make $18 million next year.

Tampa Bay will play Baltimore $1 million as part of the deal, covering the amount of the assignment bonus in Eflin’s contract. The Rays obtained outfielder Matthew Etzel, right-hander Jackson Baumeister and utilityman Mac Horvath from Baltimore’s deep farm system.

The Rays signed Hagerty High alum Eflin to a $40 million three-year deal before the 2023 season. He went 16-8 with a 3.50 ERA last year, setting career highs in strikeouts (186) and innings pitched (177 2/3).

Earlier Friday, the Orioles added some help for their bullpen when they acquired reliever Seranthony Domínguez and outfielder Cristian Pache from Philadelphia for outfielder Austin Hays. Their rotation depth was also shaky, however.

Burnes and Grayson Rodriguez have been strong, but journeyman Albert Suarez and rookie Cade Povich have had to make a combined 20 starts, and Baltimore brought up Chayce McDermott to make his big-league debut earlier this week.

The Rays, meanwhile, continue to behave like sellers after dealing outfielder Randy Arozarena to Seattle. Tampa Bay was 52-51 entering play Friday, four games behind a wild-card position. Horvath was ranked as Baltimore’s No. 10 prospect by MLB Pipeline and Baumeister was No. 17.

The Orioles also announced Friday that they designated right-hander Vinny Nittoli for assignment.

To close the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics, Celine Dion, standing under the Eiffel Tower, belted out her first live performance since the French-Canadian singer was diagnosed with stiff person syndrome.

She received a standing ovation at this year’s Grammys when she made a surprise appearance to present the final award. That was the beginning of a comeback, completed tonight.

Dion’s Olympics performance marks her return to performing after years. She was diagnosed with stiff person syndrome in late 2022, causing her to postpone a tour.

The rare neurological disorder causes rigid muscles and painful muscle spasms, which were affecting Dion’s ability to walk and sing. In June, at the premiere of the documentary “I Am: Celine Dion” she told The Associated Press that returning required therapy, “physically, mentally, emotionally, vocally.”

“So that’s why it takes a while. But absolutely why we’re doing this because I’m already a little bit back,” she said.

Garett Bolles wants to be a Bronco for life.

If he didn’t make it clear before, the starting left tackle did so while standing at a podium in front of reporters on a hot Friday afternoon following the first day of training camp at the team’s facility.

Bolles, who was drafted in the first round in 2017, is entering the final year of his four-year, $68 million contract, which he signed in 2020. While there’s a bit of uncertainty about his future after 2024, Bolles told the team that he wants to remain in Denver, where he has established his family and developed deep connections.

“We don’t want to go anywhere else…the ball is in the organization’s court,” Bolles said.

Across the league, there have been players skipping practices due to their contract situation. San Francisco left tackle Trent Williams, New York Jets edge rusher Haason Reddick and Dallas wide receiver CeeDee Lamb are all holding out of training camp as they look for a new deal.

Even though Bolles has a cap hit of $20 million this fall, he doesn’t have any guaranteed money. But that hasn’t stopped him from participating in Denver’s offseason program or being present at camp.

“This team counts on me,” Bolles said. “Anytime we have voluntary (workouts) or team meetings, I want to be the first one there. I love this city (and) organization.”

The Broncos have made a strong investment in their offensive line since 2023. Right tackle Mike McGlinchey (five years, $87.5 million) and left guard Ben Powers (four years, $51.5 million) signed lucrative deals last offseason. This week, right guard Quinn Meinerz signed on the dotted line for a four-year extension worth up to $80 million.

Bolles hopes to be the next offensive lineman to receive a deal from Denver. At the same time, he understands he can’t focus on the uncontrollable. Bolles mentioned that he has a “unique” relationship with head coach Sean Payton, who has told him to focus on performing at a high level on the football field and taking care of his family.

“I can focus on those things, just like I did in 2020 (when) it worked out good for me,” Bolles said.

Bolles, 32, mentioned that his body is fresh, jokingly saying that he feels like a 25-year-old. He played in all 17 games last season after starting in only five in 2022 due to injury. When Bolles looks at the 49ers’ Williams, who was named first-team All-Pro by the Associated Press at 35, he believes he has more years left in the tank.

“I’m the strongest and fastest I’ve been,” he said.

Bolles has protected 13 starting quarterbacks during his time in Denver. With the possibility of the number increasing to 14 in Week 1, he remains confident that the team is moving in the right direction.

He said he’s developed a good relationship with rookie Bo Nix, Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson. And no matter who lines up under center against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1, he’s going to do his best to provide protection on the left side.

“It’s my job to keep their jerseys fresh,” he said.

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Garett Bolles wants to be a Bronco for life.

If he didn’t make it clear before, the starting left tackle did so while standing at a podium in front of reporters on a hot Friday afternoon following the first day of training camp at the team’s facility.

Bolles, who was drafted in the first round in 2017, is entering the final year of his four-year, $68 million contract, which he signed in 2020. While there’s a bit of uncertainty about his future after 2024, Bolles told the team that he wants to remain in Denver, where he has established his family and developed deep connections.

“We don’t want to go anywhere else…the ball is in the organization’s court,” Bolles said.

Across the league, there have been players skipping practices due to their contract situation. San Francisco left tackle Trent Williams, New York Jets edge rusher Haason Reddick and Dallas wide receiver CeeDee Lamb are all holding out of training camp as they look for a new deal.

Even though Bolles has a cap hit of $20 million this fall, he doesn’t have any guaranteed money. But that hasn’t stopped him from participating in Denver’s offseason program or being present at camp.

“This team counts on me,” Bolles said. “Anytime we have voluntary (workouts) or team meetings, I want to be the first one there. I love this city (and) organization.”

The Broncos have made a strong investment in their offensive line since 2023. Right tackle Mike McGlinchey (five years, $87.5 million) and left guard Ben Powers (four years, $51.5 million) signed lucrative deals last offseason. This week, right guard Quinn Meinerz signed on the dotted line for a four-year extension worth up to $80 million.

Bolles hopes to be the next offensive lineman to receive a deal from Denver. At the same time, he understands he can’t focus on the uncontrollable. Bolles mentioned that he has a “unique” relationship with head coach Sean Payton, who has told him to focus on performing at a high level on the football field and taking care of his family.

“I can focus on those things, just like I did in 2020 (when) it worked out good for me,” Bolles said.

Bolles, 32, mentioned that his body is fresh, jokingly saying that he feels like a 25-year-old. He played in all 17 games last season after starting in only five in 2022 due to injury. When Bolles looks at the 49ers’ Williams, who was named first-team All-Pro by the Associated Press at 35, he believes he has more years left in the tank.

“I’m the strongest and fastest I’ve been,” he said.

Bolles has protected 13 starting quarterbacks during his time in Denver. With the possibility of the number increasing to 14 in Week 1, he remains confident that the team is moving in the right direction.

He said he’s developed a good relationship with rookie Bo Nix, Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson. And no matter who lines up under center against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1, he’s going to do his best to provide protection on the left side.

“It’s my job to keep their jerseys fresh,” he said.

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MIAMI GARDENS — Tua wins.

And, by proxy, so do the Miami Dolphins.

Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa agreed to terms with the team Friday on a reported four-year, $212 million contract extension with $167 million guaranteed.

Now, finally, the Dolphins can focus on getting better on the field.

That wasn’t going to happen with Tua not practicing.

No way.

This offense wasn’t going to get better without Tua.

Fans didn’t see the Dolphins’ offense in training camp without Tua. Thursday’s practice was closed to the public.

I saw the practice.

It wasn’t terrible. Backup quarterback Mike White was fairly sharp.

But Thursday’s practice surely wasn’t what you wanted to see from a team with Super Bowl aspirations.

In fact, it might have underscored the importance of getting a contract extension finished.

Thursday’s practice might have been a catalyst for finalizing this deal.

I like White and third-team quarterback Skylar Thompson (I don’t know Gavin Hardison, the undrafted rookie from Texas-El Paso). 

But White and Thompson aren’t Tagovailoa.

They don’t direct the offense as smoothly or efficiently.

They can’t make the split-second reads, they don’t have the uncanny anticipation, and they can’t make the accurate throws.

Consequently, the Dolphins’ offense definitely didn’t get better Thursday, the first day Tua sat out an entire training camp practice due to his contract extension dispute.

The Dolphins’ offense might have gotten marginally better Wednesday, the first day Tua only had partial training camp practice participation. 

But the offense definitely showed improvement Friday when Tagovailoa returned to practice for the entire session.

Heck, the offense was humming at a high level Friday.

Players were fired up.

You could see it.

You could almost feel it.

They love Tua.

They respect Tua.

They respond to Tua, who wears No. 1 as his uniform number.

“You love all of your quarterbacks,” linebacker Anthony Walker said after Friday’s practice, “but it’s a different feeling when ‘1’ is in there and I think the guys feel that.”

You want more?

Listen to cornerback Kendall Fuller.

“He’s impressive,” Fuller said. “He’s always looking impressive on Sundays, but it’s different once you get to see somebody on a day-to-day basis, just their mental, how they process information, how he processes defenses. You can just tell his intent with every snap that he takes. So it’s been fun to see him, learn from him and watch him compete.”

Offensive lineman Liam Eichenberg shared similar praise.

“It was great,” he said. “It was good having him out there. You kinda feel the energy and hear everything that’s going on.”

Tua is now running with the big boys financially.

With an average annual value (AAV) of the contract extension at $53 million a year, he got his bag and then some.

It’s the biggest contract in Dolphins franchise history.

It’s the eighth-highest amount of guaranteed money in NFL history, and it makes Tua the league’s third-highest paid quarterback according to AAV behind Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow and Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence, who are at $55 million apiece.

Does this contract extension put more pressure on Tua to win a Super Bowl?

Or even win a playoff game?

I’m not sure that’s the expectation among Dolphins fans. It’s a hope, but not necessarily an expectation.

I think a certain number of Dolphins fans understand only one team can win the Super Bowl every year. And they understand pro sports, at the end of the day, is an entertainment business.

So as long as the Dolphins are entertaining and in the running to get to the Super Bowl, that’s good enough.

I don’t think the 2024 season is the year in which Dolphins fans, while watching the highest-paid QB-WR-WR trio in NFL history, demand huge things from their team. 

I think the 2024 season is a time for Dolphins fans to enjoy the good times.

After a sometimes contentious negotiation, Tua is under contract for the next five years.

Happy days are here again.