Some would argue the National Football League has changed a lot in the past 10 to 15 years.

What a difference a night makes.

From The Associated Press

SANTA CLARA — Don’t be fooled by Alex Smith’s topiary facial hair and happy-go-lucky attitude. The San Francisco 49ers quarterback is getting serious this season.

From The Associated Press

NEW YORK — Greg Maddux was dealt to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the biggest deal before baseball’s non-waiver trade deadline Monday while the Washington Nationals surprised some teams by holding onto Alfonso Soriano.