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DETROIT, Mich. — The Chicago Bears beat the Detroit Lions,

vallieklein — Sun, 14 Aug 2022 02:20:31 +0000

DETROIT, Mich. The Chicago Bears beat the Detroit Lions, 28-23. But nobody cared.The stunning collapse of Chuck Hughes with 62 seconds to play October 24 and the death le s than an hour later of the Lions' wiry spare wide receiver shocked a crowd of 54,418, plus a regional television audience."I've never seen anything like it," venerable George Halas, owner of the Bears, said in disbelief, even before learning of the death of the 28-year-old Hughes.Hughes was trotting routinely back to the huddle thee player after catching a 32-yard pa s which gave Detorit a first down on Chicago's 36-yard line with 98 seconds to play when he plunged to Eric Weddle Jersey the turf in mid-stride, victim of a coronary thrombosis."I thought he was faking at first," Dr. Richard Thompson, one of the Lions' two team physicians, said of his initial reaction.Doctors Rush Onto FieldDoctors and trainer from both clubs rushed out to attempt to revive Hughes, but their cardiac ma sage and resuscitation attempts were futile. Fifty minutes after the game ended, he was pronounced dead."He seemed all right," said defensive back Bobo Jeter of the Bears. Jeter, Cam Akers Jersey along with safety Garry Layle, had caught Hughes in a hard "pinch" tackle on hi 32-yard reception."He turned around and started for the huddle, then he just fell down," Jeter said. "It seemed so terribly long for anyone to get to him.""I knew him," a sistant coach Jim Ringo said. "We were together in Philadelphia. He was a real nice guy.""The winning is spoiled," middle linebacker Dick Butkus of Chicago said. "I'm not as happy as I'd like to be."The Bears and Lions now both have 4-2 records in the Central Division of the National Football Conference.Ambulance Speeds to SceneDetroit quarterback Greg Landry fired three incomplete pa ses afer connecting with Hughes with 98 seconds to play. His final pa s of the game also fell without being caught and Chicago ran out the clock as the siren screamed on the ambulancewhich was coming to take Hughes to the hospital."It made you realize just how unimportant a silly football game is," said Roy (Friday) Macklem, who is he veteran Lions' equipment manager.Hughes, who Lamarcus Joyner Jersey was drafted fourth by Philadelphia in 1967, was married and had a 23-month-old son. He had 12 brothers and sisters.One of the men who knew Chuck Hughes best, when the late Detroit Lions wide receiver was a 15-pound high school younger, described him as "the Utopia of desire."The 28-year-old Hughes played his prep football at Abilene (Tex.) High School and in college at University of Texas-El Paso, then known as Texas Western College."He was one of the smallest varsity kids we've ever had Brandin Cooks Jersey I don't believe he weighed over 150 pounds," said Chuck Moser, athletic director of the Abilene school. "But he was the Utopia of desire.""Chuck was inelible to play his senior year in high school because he was over-age. But he didn't mi s a single day of practice that season.Earns Praise From DobbsBobby Dobbs, the coach at Texas-El Paso, said Hughes "earned his scholarship because he was a great competitor."Dobbs took over at UTEP in Hughes' senior season."He was just the type for my style of football Brian Allen Jersey ," Dobbs said. "He was part of the trio that helped us gain fame as the 'Flying Miners' along with receiver Bob Wallas and quarterback Billy Stevens."I'll never forget the first game Chuck played for me. He caught more than 300 yards in pa ses that day."Hughes that season went on to snag 8- pa ses for 1,519 yards and 12 touchdowns. In his three varsity years, he caught 162 pa ses for 2,882 yards and 19 touchdowns."He did it all on sheer dedication just one super guy," Dobbs said.

The NFL is a quarterback-driven league and those drivers of

vallieklein — Sun, 14 Aug 2022 02:19:55 +0000

The NFL is a quarterback-driven league and those drivers of the offensive explosion have never been better. The league has a current great balance between established elite QBs and young superstars with dazzling dual-threat skill sets.That's why it remains a fun but also challenging exercise for The Sporting News to rank the starting quarterbacks in the NFL again in 2022.The rules are the same: Past performance carries good weight, but there's more of an emphasis on upside and projections for the upcoming season. Looking to the near future, here's looking forward to more than half the league having special talent at the most important position.While the haves at quarterbacks are loaded, the have-nots have some work to Joonas Donskoi Jersey do to get their pa ser/runner to be considered in the upper echelon. Based on projected starters for '22, here's how TSN stacks them up against each other, 1-32:MORE NFL RANKINGS: | | Coaches | DefenseNFL quarterback rankings 2022 1. Josh Allen, BillsAllen didn't have the most efficient pa sing numbers by most metrics last season, but the jaw-dropping eye test says he has become the position's most dominant all-around force with his big arm and powerful athleticism. He is still putting it all together at age 26 and there's every good reason for him to be the new NFL MVP favorite.2021 key stats: 4,407 pa sing yards, 36 pa sing TDs, 15 INTs, 92.2 pa ser rating, 63.3 completion percentage, 60.7 ESPN QBR, 6.8yards per attempt, 763 rushing yards, 6 rushing TDs2. Patrick Mahomes, ChiefsGoing into his Age 27 season, Mahomes' production and performance floor remains a dream ceiling for most of his contemporaries. He's adjusting to pa sing life without Tyreek Hill along with a change in his coaching staff, but he's right in his prime to carry his pa s Carl Gunnarsson Jersey -first offense in a different way.2021 key stats: 4,839 pa sing yards, 37 pa sing TDs, 13 INTs, 98.5 pa ser rating, 66.3 completion percentage, 62.2 ESPN QBR, 7.4 yards per attempt, 381 rushing yards, 2 rushing TDs3. Aaron Rodgers, PackersRodgers, who turns 39 in December, is a model of super-efficiency after winning NFL MVP back-to-back for the first time in his career. He has brilliantly settled into Matt LaFleur's RPO offense. Rodgers will be undergoing another big adjustment without Davante Adams and with another remixed receiving corps but expect the typical elite play.2021 key stats: 4,115 pa sing yards, 37 pa sing TDs, 4 INTs, 111.9 pa ser rating, 68.9 completion percentage, 69.1 ESPN QBR, 7.8 yards per attempt, 101 rushing yards, 3rushing TDs4. Tom Brady, BuccaneersBrady has lived up to his promise to play through 45 after his brief retirement, realizing he has at least one more special season left in Tampa Bay with which to chase a final Super Bowl ring. He will do it without Bruce Arians, Rob Gronkowski and Antonio Brown, adjusting to big receiving corps changes and mi sing center Ryan Jensen. Brady has been a more prolific GOAT in the end, defying age better than anyone else in NFL history.2021 key stats:5,316 pa sing yards, 43 pa sing TDs, 12INTs, 102.1 pa ser rating, 67.5 completion percentage, 68.1 ESPN QBR, 7.4 yards per attempt5. Justin Herbert, ChargersHerbert's first two fantastic seasons have set a new standard for complete young quarterbacks. He's an accurate and adept aggre sive downfield pa ser while using the right dash Michael Leighton Jersey of incredible size and athleticism. Like Allen, Herbert has a fair chance to win his first MVP soon and join Mahomes, Rodgers and Brady in that exclusive club. Herbert is set up for a monster Year 3 in the second year of the same offense, this time with big team succe s attached to it.2021 key stats:5,014 pa sing yards, 38 pa sing TDs, 15 INTs, 97.7 pa ser rating, 65.9 completion percentage, 65.6 ESPN QBR, 7.5 yards per attempt, 302 rushing yards, 3 rushing TDs (Getty Images) 6. Joe Burrow, BengalsBurrow made everyone forget about the torn ACL that cut short his rookie season by delivering on his No. 1 overall pedigree in Year 2, boosted by reuniting with go-to wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase. He was unleashed in the downfield pa sing game and showed the top-flight arm, accuracy, toughne s and intangibles, all the way through much of the Super Bowl.2021 key stats:4,611 pa sing yards, 34 pa sing TDs, 14 INTs, 108.3 pa ser rating, 70.4 completion percentage, 54.3 ESPN QBR, 8.9 yards per attempt, 118 rushing yards, 2 rushing TDs7. Dak Prescott, CowboysPrescott came back well from his own devastating 2020 injury to live up to his contract extension. He has gotten into a complete groove with Kellen Moore's offense and the Cowboys have adjusted the personnel around him to play even better to his strengths. Dak gives Dallas a Super Bowl-worthy pa ser; it just needs more from the rest of the team to get there.2021 key stats: 4,449pa sing yards, 37 pa sing TDs, 10 INTs, 104.2 pa ser rating, 68.8 completion percentage, 54.6 ESPN QBR, 7.5 yards per attempt, 146 rushing yards, rushing TDNFL POWER Adam Henrique Jersey RANKINGS: 8. Ru sell Wilson, BroncosWilson will turn 34 in November as he meets the challenges of playing out of Seattle for the first time in his career. Wilson handled his first true injury adversity well and remained efficient in line with his career consistency. His age and the newne s of the situation may not bring the same upside, but he definitely gives the Broncos an all-around boost at the position they haven't had in a long time.2021 key stats (with Seahawks): 3,113 pa sing yards, 25 pa sing TDs, 6 INTs, 103.1 pa ser rating, 64.8 completion percentage, 54.7 ESPN QBR, 7.8 yards per attempt, 183 rushing yards, 2 rushing TDs9. Lamar Jackson, RavensJackson took some lumps as a pa ser while mi sing five games last season. B=but there were some concerns around him with the offensive line and traditional running game. The Ravens also made sure to remix the receiving corps to tailor better to him. Jackson looks better and healthier than he has in couple of seasons and should perform more like the MVP he was in 2019 as he plays for his second contract. The rushing is always there. The pa sing is set up to be a top a set again.2021 key stats: 2,882 pa sing yards, 16 pa sing TDs, 13 INTs, 87.0 pa ser rating, 64.4 completions, 50.7 ESPN QBR, 7.5 yards per attempt, 767 rushing yards, 2 rushing TDs10. Matthew Stafford, RamsStafford proved to be perfect fit for Sean McVay's downfield Wayne Simmonds Jersey pa sing game, providing a big arm and execution upgrade over Jared Goff. He tapped into his usual prolific self, balancing out tying for the league lead in interceptions. At 34 with his first Super Bowl ring, he is on the right team to rack up more needed accolades. That can help him make a late Hall of Fame push2021 key stats: 4,886 pa sing yards, 41 pa sing TDs, 17 INTs, 102.9 pa ser rating, 67

A new set of positive COVID-19 tests has forced a second con

vallieklein — Sun, 14 Aug 2022 02:19:19 +0000

A new set of positive COVID-19 tests has forced a second consecutiveTitans game to be postponed. Unbeaten Tenne see's home matchup with 4-0 Buffalo, originally scheduled for Sunday, has been tentatively rescheduled forTuesday.The NFL announced the date change along with therescheduling of Sunday's Broncos-Patriots game to Monday evening after a positive test result for New England cornerback Stephon Gilmore.The NFL announced today the following scheduling changes for Week 5: Danny Amendola Men Jersey NFL (@NFL) "These scheduling decisions were made to ensure the health and safety of players, coaches and game day personnel and in consultation with medical experts," .The Tenne sean reported that , bumping the total outbreak to 23 members of the organization (13 players) dating to Sept. 24. The team that tight end MyCole Pruitt and defensive Breon Borders had been added to the team's COVID-19 reserve list.The Titans (3-0) had their Week 4 game against the Steelers postponed after an initial outbreak of the coronavirus within the team. That game was rescheduled for Week 7, and Week 4 became both teams' new bye week.MORE:When will Ereck Flowers Jersey Bills play in Week 5?The Billsare tentativelyscheduled to face the Titans on Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 7 p.m. ET in Nashville. The league used a qualifier in announcing the new date, however: "Should the Buffalo-Tenne see game be played on Tuesday night... ,"a sign that testing needs to go well the next few days for the game to go on.When will Titans play in Week 5?The Titans will host the Bills on Tuesday Zay Jones Women Jersey , Oct. 13, at 7 p.m. ET. The game, if it is played, will air on CBS.Almost two dozen members of the Tenne see organization have tested positive for the virus, according to the Tenne sean, since Sept. 24.Titans under NFL investigationThe Titans' large number of positive testshas led to an NFL investigation into the po sible cause of the outbreak. The Tenne sean reported Sept. 30, a day after Tyron Smith Women Jersey the NFL told the team not to engage in any in-person activities.Amemo from commi sioner Roger Goodell listsforfeits and lo s of draft picks as po sible punishments for teams that force schedule adjustments by not following league protocols, the Tenne sean also reported.Bills vs. Chiefs Week 6game affectedBuffalo was scheduled to hostKansas City on Thursday, Oct. 15, but that game will now be played "later in the weekend," the league said, should the Bills play the Titans on Oct. 13. Fans are angry at the idea of the Bills still having to face the Chiefs in an important AFC game on short rest while the reigning Super Alan Page Men Jersey Bowl champs get extra rest; they're playing the Raiders on Sunday.Material from Stats Perform News was used in this report.

Many professional athletes are the best player their local h

vallieklein — Sun, 14 Aug 2022 02:18:44 +0000

Many profe sional athletes are the best player their local high school has ever seen. Kyler Murray might be the best high school player his home state ever saw.Even growing up in Texas, known for its immense high school football traditions, Murray exuded all of the special qualities that led to him winning a Heisman Trophy and Juwan Johnson Jersey being drafted first overall in the 2019 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals. The speed, the arm talent, the winning. It was all there at Allen High School, north of Dallas.It's always fun to revisit how dominant the NFL's best players were in the days that they had an even wider talent gap to everyone else on the field.This is a look back at Murray's legendary high school football career.MORE: Kyler Murray never lost in high schoolLiterally. Never.Murray went 42-0 in his high school career. In 2015, his high school coach toldSporting News that the record in itself is "."At the next level, I don't see it a bit different, Allen coach Tom Westerberg said. He kind of demands everybody plays at a high level. I think they're going to get a winner whatever program he goes to."And yes, if you're wondering, Murray did win three straight state titles. We'll get to more on those wins a bit later.Kyler Murray's high school stats were as crazy as you'd expectIt's probably true that most NFL players put up insane numbers in high school. It's always worth taking a look at if you want a good Zach Kent Jersey laugh, for example.Murray's numbers at Allen don't disappoint. When you combine his junior and senior season stats, he pa sed for 7,640 yards and 91 touchdowns while running for 2,737 yards and another 42 touchdowns. That means basically all his single-game outputs were crazy, but we can look at a few specifics.Below is a year-by-year breakdown of Murray's high school football stats (all stats via ).Junior yearGP16Pa s yards3,669Pa s TDs46INTs9Comp. %.637Rush Shaq Roland Jersey yards1,328Rush TDs18YPA8.3Senior yearGP16Pa s yards4,715Pa s TDs54INTs7Comp. %.642Rush yards1,498Rush TDs24YPA9.9According to MaxPreps, Murray opened his senior season with a 55-41 win over Guyer. That day, Murray completed 20 of 31 pa ses for 394 yards and three touchdowns while also rushing seven times for 106 yards and another touchdown. Murray's junior season opener against Carroll was crazy, too. He completed 17 of 24 pa ses for 466 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for another 80 yards and two scores on 18 carries.Murray dominated at 'Jerry World'Of Murray's three state titles, the final two were played at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys. Both games drew more than 50,000 fans.As a junior, Murray and Allen beat Pearland in the title game, 63-28. Murray threw for 280 yards, ran for another 188 and scored five total touchdowns. As a senior, Murray's crew won 47-16 against Cypre s Ranch. He again scored five total TDs while pa sing for 316 yards and rushing for 63 more.For those wondering, Murray has played at "Jerry World" since high school. That's where his Oklahoma team beat Texas in 2018, 39-27. Murray only ran for 39 yards that day, but it's because he threw all over the Longhorns to the tune of 379 yards and three John Ross Jersey scores.The best Texas high school football player ever?Sporting News spoke with the managing editor of Dave Campbell's Texas Football,Greg Tepper, in 2015. That publication has covered local football in Texas for more than six decades. Tepper wasn't afraid to put Murray right up near the top of the Texas legends list.If Earl Campbell played in the social media age it would be similar, Tepper . "... I dont feel comfortable saying he is unequivocally the best high school player in Texas high school history. But if somebody else wants to come up and say that I wont argue against it.The Fort Worth Star-Telegram did prior to the 2019 season to see who local players, Aaron Young Jersey coaches and media thought was the best Texas high school football player ever. The leading vote-getter was Johnathan Gray, who went on to play at Texas. As a senior, Gray rushed for 3,891 yards and 65 touchdowns. Murray tied for second place in the voting with the late Cedric Benson, who also went on to play at Texas before playing in the NFL for the Bears, Bengals and Packers.Other notable players who Murray received more votes than in that survey include: Dez Bryant, Earl Campbell, Myles Garrett and Robert Griffin III.

The Cardinals improved to 8-8 in 2020 in the second season w

vallieklein — Sun, 14 Aug 2022 02:18:08 +0000

The Cardinals improved to 8-8 in 2020 in the second season with coach Kliff Kingsbury and quarterback Kyler Murray. The jump from 5-10-1 was impre sive and put Arizona on the brink of an NFC wild-card spot.With that, there will be greater Houston Texans Sleepwear Underwear expectations for the Cardinals to break out when navigating through their 2021 NFL schedule. They got into third place behind the NFC West-winning Seahawks and wild-card Rams, thanks to the fade of the injury-riddled 49ers.What is Arizona's realistic projection for the upcoming season? Here is a complete breakdown of the Cardinals'2021 schedule, including dates, start times and analysis for all 17 games.NFL OFFSEASON 2021: | Arizona Cardinals schedule 2021Here is the Arizona Cardinals' complete schedule for 2021.WeekDateOpponentKickoff timeTV1Sept. 12at Titans1 p.m. ETCBS2Sept. 19vs. Vikings4:05 p.m. ETFox3Sept. 26at Jaguars1 p.m. ETFox4Oct. 3at Rams4:05 p.m. ETFox5Oct. 10vs. 49ers4:25 p.m. ETFox6Oct. 17at Browns4:05 Christian Kirksey Jersey p.m. ETFox7Oct. 24vs. Texans4:25 p.m. ETCBS8Oct. 28 (Thursday)vs. Packers8:20 p.m. ETFox/NFLN/Amazon9Nov. 7at 49ers4:25 p.m. ETFox10Nov. 14vs. Panthers4:05 p.m. ETFox11Nov. 21at Seahawks4:25 p.m. ETFox12BYE---13Dec. 5at Bears1 p.m. ETFox14Dec. 13 (Monday)vs. Rams8:15 p.m. ETESPN15Dec. 19at Lions1 p.m. ETFox16Dec. 25 (Saturday)vs. Colts8:15 p.m. ETNFL Network17Jan. 2at Cowboys1 p.m. ETFox18Jan. 9vs. Seahawks4:25 p.m. ETFoxThe Cardinals have to go through the gauntlet of the division with six of their now 17 games coming against the Seahawks, Rams and 49ers. Outside of the division, the NFC West rotation draws all of the NFC North and AFC South.As a third-place team, the Cardinals also get the Panthers and Cowboys from the NFC. Their extra AFC game is against a strong returning wild-card team, the Browns.MORE Anthony Miller Jersey : Cardinalsstrength of scheduleThe Cardinals are tied with the Titans in having the 13th-toughest schedule in the NFL. Arizona's 2021 opponents went a combined 138- M.J. Stewart Jersey 134 in 2020, for a .507 winning percentage. The Rams and Seahawks have it a little tougher, while the 49ers have it a lot easier.Seattle and Los Angeles give Arizona four games against reigning playoff teams. Green Bay, Chicago, Indianapolis, Tenne see and Cleveland raise that total to a whopping nine.Toughest tests: Division games are always tough on the road. The Cardinals' other daunting away games are at the Browns, Bears, Cowboys and Titans. Arizona doesn't get many breaks at home, either, where Green Bay, Indianapolis and Minnesota are the top non-division visitors.Biggest breaks: The Cardinals getting the Texans and Panthers at home helps. So does getting the Jaguars and Lions on the road. They need DaeSean Hamilton Jersey those games with the brutal slate otherwise.Bottom line: The Cardinals' schedule is harder than it looks because teams such as the 49ers, Cowboys and Vikings all will be better in 2021. Murray and Kingsbury have clicked well together to lead the offense, but the defense is undergoing more transition. There's bound to be some regre sion with more traps,and last season's late fade isn't inspiring.Record prediction: 6-11

The NFL wild-card round is over, with eight teams left in th

vallieklein — Sun, 14 Aug 2022 02:17:32 +0000

The NFL wild-card round is over, with eight teams left in the hunt for a Super Bowl title. The Rams moved on Monday night in the final game of the wild-card round while the Matt Breida Jersey Cardinals went home.It has been a good postseason so far for the favorites, with the only division champion falling in the playoffs being the Cowboys in a narrow defeat to the 49ers on Sunday. Several games delivered blowouts, with the Bills demolishing the Patriots, the Buccaneers running away from the Eagles, the Chiefs blowing out the Steelers and the Rams routing the Cardinasl. The Bengals edged the Raiders with a last-second goal-line interception to deliver Cincinnati its first playoff win since 1991.DIVISIONAL PICKS: | When the NFL is back in action next weekend, all the remaining teams will be back on the field. The Titans and Packers got to rest this weekend and watch the games from home, but will now have to defend their home fields, with Tenne see set to face Cincinnati and Green Bay preparing to play San Francisco. The only team that left Sunday unsure of its opponent was the Buccaneers. They now knows they will face the Rams.Below is a look at the NFL playoff picture heading into the divisional round, including information on matchups and a TV schedule of the games.MORE:NFL playoff bracket 2022 AFCTenne see Titans vs. 4. Cincinnati BengalsKansas City Chiefs vs. 3. Buffalo BillsNFCGreen Bay Packers vs. 6. San Francisco 49ersTampa Bay Buccaneers vs. 4. Los Angeles RamsNFL divisional round matchupsAFC 1. Tenne see Titans vs. 4. Cincinnati BengalsThe Titans will be back in action on Tim Harris Jersey Saturday after resting in the wild-card round, and this time, they'll be playing again with star running back Derrick Henry, who has mi sed much of the season with a fractured foot. He'll face a tough rushing defense in Cincinnati, however, that allowed the fifth-fewest rushing yards to opposing teams during the regular season. And the Titans, who allowed the eighth-most pa sing yards this season, will have to slow down Joe Burrow and the dynamic Bengals' wide receivers.2. Kansas City Chiefs vs. 3. Buffalo BillsThe Bills avenged their defeat to Kansas City in the 2021 AFC Championship Game by taking down the Chiefs 38-20 when the two teams met in Week 5 this season. The Chiefs had no answer for the dual-threat ability of Josh Josh Allen Jersey Allen, who pa sed for 315 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 59 yards and another score. But since that lo s, the Chiefs have gone 11-2, and are clicking on all cylinders after Patrick Mahomes threw five touchdowns against the Steelers in the wild-card win.NFC 1. Green Bay Packers vs. 6. San Francisco 49ersAaron Rodgers has not gotten his team to the Super Bowl since 2010 despite having reached the playoffs eight times since then. Three times during that stretch, it has been the 49ers that has eliminated Green Bay from the postseason. Rodgers has never beaten San Francisco in the playoffs, but for only the second time, the game will be held at Lambeau Field. Can the Packers reach the NFC Championship for the third straight year, or will San Francisco again end Green Bay's title hopes?2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. 4. Los Angeles RamsThe Buccaneers had no problem winning their fifth straight playoff game as they took down the Eagles 31-15. Tampa Bay lost to the Rams 32-24 earlier this season.MORE:NFL playoffschedule: Divisional roundThere will be two games each on Saturday and Sunday, in the mid-afternoon and in the evening.The first day will feature both No. 1 seeds. The Tremaine Edmunds Jersey Titans and Bengals will open the round on CBS before the Harrison Phillips Jersey Packers and 49ers play that evening. The reigning conference champions will each take the field Sunday, starting with Tom Brady and the Buccaneers taking on the Rams. The final game of the weekend will be a 2021 AFC championship rematch between the Chiefs and Bills.Below is the full TV schedule for the divisional round.Saturday, Jan. 22Game Bengals 19, Titans 1649ers 13,Packers 10Sunday, Jan. 23Game Rams 30,Buccaneers 27Chiefs 42,Bills 36NFL playoff bracket, seeds 2022AFCSeed Team Record First-round results 1.Tenne see Titans12-5First-round bye2.Kansas City Chiefs12-5Def. No. 7 Steelers 42-213.Buffalo Bills11-6Def. No. 6 Patriots 47-174.Cincinnati Bengals10-7Def. No. 5 Raiders 26-19NFCSeedTeamRecordFirst-round results1.Green Bay Packers13-4First-round bye2.Tampa Bay Buccaneers13-4Def. No. 7 Eagles 31-154.Los Angeles Rams12-5Def. No. 5 Cardinals 34-116.San Francisco 49ers10-7Def. No. 3 Cowboys 23-17

The Ryan Day and Justin Fields combination flourished in col

vallieklein — Sun, 14 Aug 2022 02:16:56 +0000

The Ryan Day and Justin Fields combination flourished in college. The pair went 20-2 together, losing their only two games in the College Football Playoff to Clemson in the 2019 semifinal and Alabama in the 2020 national championship.Could the two be reunited in the pros? According to CBS Sports' Jason La Confora, the Bears are interested in Day and his agent, Trace Armstrong, in a package deal that would see Day be the next head coach and Armstrong take on a front-office role.La Confora said that Tee Higgins T Shirts Armstrong has discu sed with the organization coming over in a "top management position." Armstrong denied interest in the position on Twitter.MORE: "I have the utmost respect for the Chicago Bears organization, the McCaskey family and Ted Phillips. However, any a sertion that I have engaged in conversations with them about joining the club in any capacity is simply not true," Armstrong wrote in the tweet.I have the utmost respect for the Chicago Bears organization, the McCaskey family and Ted Phillips. However, any a sertion that I have engaged in conversations Mitchell Wilcox Jersey with them about joining the club in any capacity is simply not true. T Armstrong (@TArmstrong93) Armstrong was a former Pro Bowl defensive end, spending six seasons with the Bears from 1989 to 1994 before stints with Miami and Oakland. While in the NFL, he served as the president of the NFL Players A sociation. He has since gone on to work as an agent, representing many of the top names in football, including former Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley, who left following this year for USC. He is also the agent for current Bears head coach Matt Nagy.MORE: Nagy has been on the hot seat all season as the Bears have labored through the 2021 campaign Cincinnati Bengals Men Jersey . He is in the midst of his fourth season with the Bears. His first year, the Bears went 12-4 to win the NFC North, but they have gone 8-8 in back-to-back seasons since then, reaching the playoffs as a wild card team in 2020, but losing in the first round.Day has been at the helm of the Ohio State football program since the start of the 2019 season. Under his coaching, the Buckeyes have gone 33-4, reaching the College Football Playoff and winning the Big Ten in both his first two seasons. The 2021 campaign was the first time his team lost during the regular season, falling Chris Evans Jersey to both Oregon and Michigan during the year.Day was pivotal in recruiting Fields' transfer from Georgia to the Buckeyes, and together, the pair found immense succe s. In Fields' Ohio State career, he completed 68.4 percent of his pa ses for 5,373 yards, 63 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He also rushed 218 times for 867 yards and scored 15 touchdowns.Should Day come to Chicago, he would provide familiarity with Fields' game and could help build the offense around Chicago's 2021 11th overall pick.To pry Day away from Ohio State, however, the Bears would likely have to offer a lofty salary. , Day willmake $7.6 million in 2022, and starting in 2023 Isaiah Prince Jersey , his compensation package will be set by the athletic director and Board of Trustees.

Kyler Murray is the latest QB who was drafted No. 1 overall

vallieklein — Sun, 14 Aug 2022 02:16:21 +0000

Kyler Murray is the latest QB who was drafted No. 1 overall looking for his ma sive second contract in the NFL. He and his agent are pushing to get that deal done sooner rather than a little later.Murray, as the top selection in 2019, got an all-guaranteed four-year rookie contract through the 2023 season. The total value of that before a club option was $35.6 million, for an average annual salary of just fewer than $9 million.Arizona has every intention of keeping Murray as its franchise QB. Following his promising rookie season, Davion Taylor Jersey he has been a worthy NFC Pro Bowler the past two seasons. Coach Kliff Kingsbury and GM Steve Keim both expre sed that in addre sing reporters at the NFL Combine.MORE:That came on the heels of , who stopped just short of demanding that Cardinals' office take care of extending Murray as soon as po sible. It was an unusual move, given every QB of Murray's lofty draft status who has performed well has been rewarded in due time in relation to the ever-rising salaries at the position.Perhaps Murray's camp is getting antsy because of what's happened with Jameis Winston and Baker Mayfield, two of the previous three QBs taken No. 1 overall. The Buccaneers parted ways with Winston in 2020 after picking up his fifth-year option but not extending him further. Mayfield, whom Murray succeeded at Oklahoma, is set to play out his fifth-year in 2022 without an extension from the Browns.But there's also Jared Goff and Carson Wentz, who went 1-2 in the 2016 draft. Before Goff was traded from the Rams to the Lions and Wentz was Ron Jaworski Jersey traded from the Eagles to the Colts in 2021, they broke the bank with second contracts from their original teams in 2019.In the past two offseasons, Patrick Mahomes, Deshaun Watson and Josh Allen also got mega deals on schedule as on-field succe sful first-round picks.There should be confidence from Murray he's next in line for lucrative results. He's even helped by having Lamar Jackson, the other standout from Allen and Mayfield's 2018 cla s, still waiting on his second contract from the Ravens, to provide more parallel pricey parameters soon.Cutting through the added drama, here's breaking down the right value for Murray's of eventual next deal with the Cardinals:Kyler Murray contract projectionBefore thinking about Murray maximizing the market, let's look at the recent contracts of the NFL's highest-paid young quarterbacks.Length:Mahomes got an unprecedented 10-year deal with the Chiefs. Allen is second with his six-year pact with the Bills. A few notable veterans well into their 30s, such as Matt Ryan and Matthew Stafford, are in five-year deals. But Goff, Wentz, Watson and Dak Prescott, all in their late 20s, got four years in their big second contracts.Total value A.J. Brown Jersey : Mahomes and Allen are the outliers here, at $450 and $258 million respectively. Prescott, in the same 2016 draft cla s as Goff and Wentz, is closer to the rest of the top pack at $160 million. Watson and Ryan aren't far behind that total.Guaranteed money: Allen and Prescott, the last two big QB contract winners, raised the bar here with $100 million and $95 million in total guaranteed at signing, respectively. Of the older QBs, Ryan got $94.5 million as part of his latest deal in 2018, two years removed from winning league MVP.Average annual salary: Mahomes, Allen and Prescott are the only members of the $40 million per year club. Watson came up just short at $39 million. There are 10 QBs total who average $30 million or more, with Ryan being the last one on the list.While Mayfield plays it out, the offseason action on Jackson will be most interesting to watch for Murray. A resolution from the Ravens should come in the summer, given Jackson's MVP credentials and not wanting to carry the negotiations into the 11th hour. It would be shocking if Jackson didn't get $40 million-plus per season with at least $100 million guaranteed over four or five years.Jackson is set to earn $23 million in his current club-option in Year 5. As Murray also has made the Pro Bowl early in his career, he's looking at playing at a similar salary number in 2023 without an extension ahead of next year.From the Cardinals, this is the last year Murray is an absolute bargain starting QB. He's earning $5.5 million with a cap hit of $11.4 million. His salary would more than quadruple and he would also count twice Landon Dickerson Jersey as much against the cap in 2023.The Ravens had more reason to wait through Year 4, because Jackson, as the No. 32 overall pick, counted only a paltry $3 million against the cap in 2021. The Cardinals do still have a strong benefit from waiting but so does Murray.Jackson has a more impre sive individual and team resume that Murray. He also didn't go a whole season without playing like Watson just did after getting his deal.The four-year, $160 million deal Prescott signed with the Cowboys seems like the floor for Jackson and therefore a launching point for Murray. For Jackson, four years at $170 million ($42.5 million per season) with more than $100 million guaranteed is ideal.The Cardinals, in a salary cap bind now, need to wait until next year when Murray will most likely have Jackson's contract in place to help figure out exactly how much to be paid. But in the end, paying Murray now would also save them money later.In 2022, four years at $168 million ($42 per season) with between $100 and $110 million guaranteed would be right with Josh Sweat Jersey the market for Murray also exceeding 20 percent of the current league-wide salary cap for teams ($208.2 million). But for Murray in 2023, that can jump up as high as four years at $180 million overall with around $120 million guaranteed.Murray will be sitting a little prettier if he can stay patient. Knowing what Mayfield is going through, there's good reason why he's pushing for long-term security with the Cardinals. Arizona officials, however, aren't prepared to take the bigger cap hit on Murray now, without cutting players that would hurt their chances of winning a lot more with Murray.The Cardinals carried a lot of veteran contracts in 2021 and they were the oldest team in terms of average player age, leading to the tight cap in 2022. They will have much more cap flexibility in 2023, and If Murray has one more ace healthy season, he will easily end up the highest-paid non-Mahomes QB in the league.

The 2022 USFL regular season is nearing its completion, with

vallieklein — Sun, 14 Aug 2022 02:15:45 +0000

The 2022 USFL regular season is nearing its completion, with two games left, including this weekends games, before the playoffs begin later this month. Week 8 in the USFL should be exciting as four teams are looking to clinch either playoff spots or division titles.The first game to kick off Week 8 will Jalen Ramsey Jersey be on Friday night between the Maulers (1-6) and Generals (6-1). New Jersey escaped with a 20-13 win over the Bandits last week, which helped them clinch a playoff berth.The best game of the week will take place Saturday afternoon between the Breakers (5-2) and Stallions (7-0). Both teams have something to play for, as Birmingham can clinch the South division title with a win against New Orleans. The Breakers can punch their spot in the playoffs with a win and lo s by the Bandits on Sunday.Below well give our advice for Week 8 USFL against the spread/moneyline picks .USFL Best Bets: Advice, picks for Week 8Maulers vs. Generals (-9). The Maulers have been competitive with Vad Lee under center over the past couple of weeks. Pittsburgh was a double-digit underdog (+12.5) to the undefeated Stallions and kept it competitive deep into the second half before the Stallions ground game picked up steam.Pittsburgh now Kurt Warner Jersey enters this weeks game against one of the leagues best teams in New Jersey, who played well last week, with Luis Perez getting the start. Perez completed 19-of-25 pa ses for 174 yards and a touchdown. It will be interesting to see if head coach Mike Riley goes with Perez on Friday night or DeAndre Johnson (probable with an ankle injury).The Generals won the last meeting between these two teams in Week 4, 21-13. New Jersey should cover as they have the best rushing attack in the league (165.9 yards per game) and will be able to exploit the Maulers run defense (138.6 ypg allowed, third-worst in the USFL).Breakers (+3) vs. Stallions. The Breakers had to go to overtime to defeat the Panthers last weekend but got the job done and are in a prime position to clinch a playoff spot.It wont be easy, Eric Dickerson Jersey however, as the Stallions are the last remaining undefeated team in the league and play solid football on both sides. When these two division rivals played each other in Week 3, the Stallions won 22-13.If the Breakers want to keep it close and pull off the upset, theyll need quarterback Kyle Sloter to be on his A-game. Sloter completed 26-of-47 pa ses for 241 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception in Week 3. The Breakers had three turnovers, which was the deciding factor in that game. New Orleans defense will loom large in this matchup and should be able to keep it close enough for the offense to make some plays. Another bet to consider is the UNDER (44.5 total points), as both teams ranked second and third in scoring defense.Stars (-5.5) vs. Panthers. The Panthers looked better on offense last weekend with Josh Love under center against the Breakers. He kept the chains moving and didnt turn the ball over.He will be challenged this week by the Stars, who have won two straight games and have their eyes set on clinching a playoff spot. The Stars rushing attack has been the story as they ran for 152 and 197 yards over the last two weeks. This type of game comes down to which offense you trust more. Right now, you have to like how the Stars are playing down the stretch under head coach Bart Andrus.Gamblers (+5) vs. Bandits. Neither the Gamblers nor the Tutu Atwell Jersey Bandits looked great last week in their respective games, but they have a chance to wipe the slate clean in Nick Scott Jersey Week 8. When these two squads faced off in Week 3, the Bandits won 27-26. Tampa Bay quarterback Jordan Taamu completed 21-of-36 pa ses for 255 yards and a touchdown.Head coach Todd Haley will hope Taamu rebounds from an average outing last week and leads his team to a win. The Gamblers might have a new quarterback starting as Clayton Thorson was recently placed on IR, with Kenji Bahar next in line to start. Last week, Bahar replaced an injured Thorson and completed 10-of-13 pa ses for 101 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.Bahar gives the Gamblers a mobile option at QB, which should open up things for running back Mark Thompson. Houston should get the cover due to their defense, which is tied for first in interceptions (9) and has a star at linebacker in Donald Payne.

Other teams might be looking at Gang Green with envy.With th

vallieklein — Sun, 14 Aug 2022 02:15:09 +0000

Other teams might be looking at Gang Julian Love Jersey Green with envy.With the NFL Draft getting underway on April 28, the Jets are one of several teams loaded with a pair of first-round picks. While it's painful to have to pick so high once again, Jets fans should also find it rea suring to know that they have lots of darts to throw at the board come the 2022 NFL Draft.MORE: With an extra first-rounder coming from the Seahawks as part of the Jamal Adams deal from 2020, the Jets pick at No. 4 overall (their own pick) and No. 10 overall (Seattle's). They also have picks 35 and 38 in the second round, as well as pick No. 69, for a nice package of selections inside the top 100.With a myriad of holes acro s the roster, the Jets have a number of directions they could go to use their pair of first-round picks to try and FlexSeal the roster holes shut.Here's how Joe Douglas, Robert Saleh and Co. could work the board on April 28:Combination 1No. 4:Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, OregonNo. 10:Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio StateGeneral manager Joe Douglas did a lot of work this offseason to make sure the Jets didn't have to draft out of need in the first or second rounds. They won't have to reach for prospects to fill needs in the first round. That said, they still have plenty of needs to addre s, and this is the best-case scenario for them in the first round.If the board breaks their way, they'll be able to land one of the top pa s rushers in the draft at No. 4 with Kayvon Thibodeaux. The narrative surrounding Thibodeaux's interviewing and a potential fall during the draft feels like more smoke than fire, as he was one of the nation's most well-regarded edge defenders prior to the 2021 season.At No. 10, the Jets get a top wideout target for Zach Wilson, with Garrett Wilson out of Ohio State. Wilson fits the offense ideally, though New York probably won't go wrong with any one of Wilson, Drake London or Jameson Williams at No. 10.MORE:Combination 2No. 4:Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC StateNo. 10:Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner, CB, CincinnatiThe Jets are likely looking Kadarius Toney T Shirts at Mekhi Becton's third season as something of a make-or-break year for him: Joe Douglas isn't one to take offensive line i sues lightly, and Becton's overall somewhat unknown status entering Year 3 in a pivotal season for Zach Wilson means they might want to shore up the line as best they can.While Becton still has a year of great tape under his belt, a freak injury in Year 2 (and lots of minor injuries that robbed him of snaps in Year 1) means the Jets still have something of a question mark at left tackle. Taking Ekwonu at No. 4 is a high-priced insurance policy at the minimum. At maximum, should Becton pan out and play well in 2022, then the Jets Harry Carson Jersey will have bookend tackles for the foreseeable future.The Jets had the NFL's worst defense in 2021, something that Robert Saleh likely had many a sleeple s night over. While New York inked DJ Reed to a deal this offseason, questions as to whether or not Bryce Hall or Brandin Echols are capable, pure No. 2 starting talents opposite of Reed are going to be asked. In this scenario, the Jets don't wait until the 2022 season to answer those questions, instead getting one of the draft's top CB prospects in Cincy's Sauce Gardner.2022 MOCK DRAFT WITH TRADES:Combination 3No. 4:Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio StateNo. 10:Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE, Florida StateZach Wilson's development is not a secondary task for the Jets. After swinging and mi sing on franchise pa sers in the last decade, they can't afford to let Wilson fall prey to the same organizational faults that doomed Sam Darnold. Taking Garrett New York Giants Home Office Wilson, one of the 2022 draft's best wide receiver prospects, at No. 4 ensures that the Jets get the playmaker they need on the outside opposite of Elijah Moore without having to wait for who might be available at 10.With how deep this draft is at edge rusher, taking an EDGE who isn't Aidan Hutchinson or Kayvon Thibodeaux isn't the worst thing in the world. Johnson is a polished run defender at minimum, and should he continue to grow his pa s rush attack, there's a good chance that he could be an under-the-radar steal in this year's first round.Combination 4No. 4:Travon Walker, EDGE, GeorgiaNo. 10:Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSUConsider this a "high ceiling" draft combo; This year, with a draft lighter on top-tier talent, it might not be a bad idea to spring for the prospects who have the most potential, rather than the highest floor.Travon Walker's stock has risen throughout the pre-draft proce s, and with good reason. While the sack numbers weren't all there in college, Walker has freakish athleticism and explosivene s for him to translate at the next level: His 9.99 Relative Athletic Score (RAS) gives him comps of Myles Garrett and Jevon Kearse. He's also very versatile and would fit anywhere along the line.Stingley is a little bit more of a gamble with the No. 10 pick. While many consider him to be the best overall cornerback in this year's draft, the fact remains that he's dealt with a bevy of injuries during his college career. Tape above all else, but there's questions as to whether or not that freshman year tape from 2019 will hold up in 2022.Combination 5No. 4:Evan Neal, OT, AlabamaNo. 10:Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre DameThere's a chance that Evan Neal could fall after all, there's no telling how the top three picks will pan out and much like the Ekwonu pick, this is made with equal parts insurance policy and protection for their franchise QB in mind.At the back end, at No. 10, is Notre Dame's Kyle Hamilton. Hamilton's 40-yard dash time turned some people off, but he's still considered the be the best safety prospect in years regardle s of pro day testing.Selecting a safety in the top 10 of a draft that has a decent amount of late-first- and second-round talents at the position might be questionable, but people don't throw around "generational" for no reason.Check out Kadarius Toney Jersey the Sporting News 2022 NFL Mock Draft, brought to you by SN's lead NFL Writer Vinnie Iyer.

This story, by Bob St. John, first appeared in the January 2

vallieklein — Sun, 14 Aug 2022 02:14:33 +0000

This story, by Bob St. John, first appeared in the January 22, 1972, i sue of The Sporting Todd Gurley II Jersey News, under the headline Staubach Proves Himself as NFCs Best, after Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach was named TSNs NFC Player of the Year for the 1971 NFL season. Dallas was a week away from defeating the Dolphins, 24-3, for its first Super Bowl victory. Staubach was named MVP of the game.DALLAS, Tex. Since Roger Staubach entered profe sional football, the coveted Heisman Trophy has been cast aside in his home. It has been used ... in a way. His three small daughters play with it as a kind of hobby horse."Well," reasoned Roger before the season started, "it is big and the man on it is slanted so the kids are always riding it or sitting on it."But I don't have any of my college trophies on display. I'm not going to display them until I've proved myself in profe sional football. I want to prove myself with the best."The place of the Heisman Trophy, the Maxwell Trophy and other college awards has improved in the Roger Staubach household This was the season that Staubach, the 29-year-old, third-year quarterback, proved himself with the best. He led profe sional football, both conferences, in pa sing, received all-NFC recognition, won the Bert Bell Award, which is the pro equivalent of the Maxwell Trophy, and now he has been named The Sporting News NFC Player of the Year.His children won't be able to ride on the prize that comes with the designation. He will receive from The Sporting News a Bulova Accutron Mark II wrist watch, suitably engraved. He will also receive a handsome trophy, presented on an annual basis, jointly by the makers of Marlboro cigarettes and The Sporting News.A year ago, Staubach rode the bench while Craig Morton performed as best he could with a severely injured right elbow that would require surgery when the season ended.TSN ARCHIVES: Staubach knew his arm was all right. He knew he could do the job. But Coach Tom Landry believed Morton's experience was more Deion Jones Jersey valuable than Staubach's tremendous ability. So Roger watched while the Cowboy defense swept the team to the Super Bowl, a game lost to Baltimore due to the ineptne s of the offense."I couldn't stand it," Staubach once said. "Craig was hurt and people kept saying quarterback was a weak spot on the Cowboys. It wasn't fair. I wanted them to say quarterback was a strong position. I wanted to be in there and show them."Before this season started, Staubach talked with Landry and indicated he'd just as soon be somewhere else if he wasn't given an even shot at the No. 1 quarterback spot. Landry gave him his shot and, finally, after Morton and Staubach had divided time for most of seven games, Landry said Roger would be No. 1 from now on or until injury drove Lee Smith Jersey them apart.TSN ARCHIVES: Most of the offensive players I knew seemed to lean slightly toward Morton's experience. The defensive players seemed to want Staubach. Landry was in the middle. But he had to make a decision to give his team a rallying pointRoger was it. Dallas stood 4-3 when Landry made his decision. The Cowboys haven't lost since, taking nine straight games, including playoff victories over Minnesota and San Francisco, to make the Super Bowl for the second straight year. Fact is, Dallas never has lost a game that Staubach started and finished. Personally, he stands 13-0 under these circumstances in his three years with Dallas.It was a very important decision for Coach Landry to pick a No. 1 quarterback, said Roger. He had to make it. But if hed gone the other way and picked Craig, I think we'd still be where we are now.People dont give Craig credit. Hes made a tremendous comeback and now his arms as good as ever. He had the right shoulder operation after 1969 and then the elbow operation before this season. If Id had two operations concerning my throwing arm, Id be a cook on a Navy ship somewhere right now.TSN ARCHIVES: Staubach made somewhat of an amazing comeback himself. Nobody has spent four years in service, returned to pro football and carved out a niche for himself. Nobody doubted Rogers ability when he left the Naval Academy in 1963. But everybody figured that his football career was over when he went right into his four-year commitment to the Navy. Dallas, on a hope, drafted him as a future in the 10th round. He finally reported as a 27-year-old rookie in 1969.Roger worked harder than anybody I can remember right from the first. I remember writing after his first training camp that I would hate to have a guy like Roger Staubach after my job because he'd be working while you were sleeping or playing. He is just unbelievably dedicated, talented, persistent and, of course, a fine athlete."Roger Staubach is a man that you can't ever tell he can't do something," Cowboy tight end Mike Ditka mentioned before the season started.Dedicated PerformerNobody is more dedicated. Staubach's idea of breaking training is putting whipped cream on his pie.Originally, the fallacy in his throwing was a slow delivery. But when this was pointed out to him after last season, he corrected it."Now," said Cowboy special a sistant Ermal Allen, who grades and scouts all players in the NFL, "Roger has one of the quickest deliveries in the league."Staubach threw fewer interceptions (four) than anybody in football last season. After he became the No. 1 quarterback, he had a string of 134 without an interception in 173 attempts, which is phenomenal.A big key is his scrambling. If he doesn' Chris Lindstrom Jersey t think he can get the ball to a receiver, he won't try to force it. Rather, he'll take Tajae Sharpe Jersey off running, Landry, who once hated scrambling, has learned to live with Roger the Dodger.It was Staubach's 29-yard run for a touchdown that gave the Cowboys a 13-0 victory over chief rival Washington this season."He does what he has to do," said Landry, "and he does it well. No, we have no plays where Roger is supposed to run. He runs enough without any plays."Room for Improvement"Staubach's an excellent runner," mentioned San Francisco defensive end Cedrick Hardman. "He's niftier than Greg Landry."Roger says he wants to cut down his scrambling. He's sald the same thing for three straight years. He has other ideas, including calling his own plays, which Landry did this senson."I've got a lot of improving to do," said Roger. "I don't have complete control of the offense which I want to have by calling the plays. But I gue s I can't call them. I'm lucky having the smartest man in football doing it for me."But I know I'm not a complete quarterback. These awards are nice, but I know I got them because of circumstances. I'm a quarterback with the best team. So they're more team awards than individual ones."Staubach is confident, modest, good. He should be on the back of breakfast cereal boxes. It turned out to be a great coup when Dallas used that 10th-round droft cho

Tua Tagovailoa has already missed four games for the Dolphin

vallieklein — Sun, 14 Aug 2022 02:13:57 +0000

Tua Tagovailoa has already mi sed four games for Steve Young Jersey the Dolphins this season and it sounds like he's in danger of mi sing a fifth.The second-year starter for the Dolphins is dealing with a finger injury in his throwing hand. It's not serious, and he logged limited practice all week.While the Dolphins wouldn't rule Tagovailoa out for the game too early, they didn't sound optimistic that he would be able to play. He is considered a game-time decision going into Miami's "Thursday Night Football" game against the Ravens.So, what exactly is going on with Tua Tagovailoa? Here's what to know about his injury and potential return to the Dolphins.START' EM, SIT 'EM: What is Tua Tagovailoa's injury?Tagovailoa is dealing with a small break in his left middle finger. That kept him out of action in Week 9 despite being a limited participant.Hes tough. He tried to go, of Tagovailoa after the Dolphins' 17-9 win over the Texans. It really Arik Armstead Jersey just became about how far could he throw? Would he be able to make all the throws we needed him to make? We thought it was enough to put him in the backup role and we felt like that was the best thing for the team. We wouldve had to change some things offensively if he had to go in.The Dolphins are calling Tagovailoa a game-time decision again in Week 10 because of the injury. As NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe explained, Tagovailoa's i sue was le s about pain and more about his ability to grip the ball."The one thing to watch is the grip," . "He Ray Ray McCloud Jersey 's not in pain. He's in some discomfort with his grip. The grip affects your ball security, your ability to throw the ball deep, your ability to throw the ball to every single route.Tagovailoa is a lefthanded quarterback, so the fracture being in his throwing hand adds significance. That's part of the reason that Wolfe said he expects Jacoby Bri sett to start once again for the Dolphins.MORE: How long is Tua Tagovailoa out?It doesn't sound like Tagovailoa is going to be out long beyond Week 10 if he mi ses another start at all. The fact that he was rendered a game-time decision once again is a good sign for Miami, and perhaps if they weren't on a short week, he would have been able to start in Week 10.In all, Tagovailoa's injury sounds likea mild one. It seems like Miami is just beingcautious with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.WEEK 10NFL PICKS: | Why Tua Tagovailoa might be active for Dolphins despite injuryWeirdly enough, Tagovailoa didn't start for the Dolphins last week but he was active for the game. He Dwight Clark Jersey served as the backup and emergency option behind Jacoby Bri sett.Why did the Dolphins do that? It was because they had only two quarterbacks on their active roster and they didn't call up their third-string quarterback Jake Dolegala from the practice squad before the game.It's also worth noting that Dolegala has only been with the Dolphins since Oct. 27, so he has minimal experience in the system. Miami signed him to replace former third-string quarterback Reid Sinnett, who was claimed off waivers from the Dolphins on Oct. 25.If the Dolphins are confident enough in Dolegala Reuben Foster Jersey to roll with him as a backup, he could be called up if Tua isn't ready to go. If not though, then Tagovailoa may serve as the emergency quarterback once again even if his grip strength isn't all there.

Baker Mayfield has had a rough start to his third NFL season

vallieklein — Sun, 14 Aug 2022 02:13:21 +0000

Baker Mayfield has had a rough start to his third NFL season after being selected No. 1 overall in the 2018draft. If the Brownsquarterback continues his poor play post-sophomore slump, Cleveland might be prompted to look for his replacement in 2021.There's no doubt that the Ravens' Lamar Jackson the league's reigning MVP has been the best first-round QB from 2018 and is in line for a mega second contractin the stratosphere of the Chiefs' and the Texans' .Beyond Jackson (No. 32 overall), theBills' Josh Allen (No. 7 overall)is well positioned to remain his team's franchise quarterback. Josh Rosen (No. 10 overall) is already on his third team, the Buccaneers, trying to hang to his NFL career.That leaves Mayfield and Sam Darnold (No. 3) in the same boat somewhere in between. Each has shown flashes of promise through multiple offenses, but neither has solidified his long-term status.With Mahomes and Watson, their teamshad easy decisionsto lock those quarterbacks into their Derrick Henry Jersey futures. Given those quarterbackswent in the first round only a year earlier than Mayfield,the clock is ticking on Cleveland making the call on him.MORE: Baker Mayfield contract detailsMayfield signed a four-year, all-guaranteed rookie deal in 2018 for $32.862 million. That averages to $8.17 million annually. He has earned about $24.3 million of it so far going into this season.With each year, his cap hit has steadily grown. For 2020, Mayfield iscosting the team $9 million. Next year that number goes a up a little more to $10.569 million.The Browns had to be committed to Mayfield for a third year despite his major struggles last season. Had they cut him this year, it would have cost them $19.312 million in dead money with $10.3 million in extra cap burden.The club has the fifth-year option on Mayfield for 2022, but there's a way to get out of his contract before then. With his 2021 cap hit NFL Tennessee Titans Jersey set at $10.569 million, the dead money drops to $10.399 million, setting up $170,000 in cap relief.The Browns did splurge in free agency this offseason, adding right tackle Jack Conkin and tight end Austin Hooper. They also gave new contracts to defensive end Myles Garrett, the first overall pick in 2017, and running back Kareem Hunt.They still project be around $30 million under the cap next year and are bound to consider some veteran cuts to free up more space. So should the Brownsfeel they have seen enough of Mayfield to think he's not the answer, it is po sible for them tomove on from as early as next year.MORE: What does Baker Mayfield need to do to earn his next contract with the Browns?Mayfield needs to prove he can build on his impre sive rookie season and not continue to regre s. Mayfield's opening performance against Baltimore didn't inspire, as he had some of the same i sues of 2019.He struggled with his reads and accuracy. He once again felt unsettled in the pocket, expecting pre Matthias Farley Jersey sure, instead of trusting his improved pa s protection. Despite the Browns running the ball effectively with Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, Mayfield continued to hurt himself by not helping himself well with play-action.Mayfield did look sleeker and stronger after his playing shape let him down last season. He also felt comfortable again operating the short-to-intermediate pa sing game, channeling his rookie succe s.Under new coach Kevin Stefanski, Mayfield was adjusting to developments in the offense made to lift him. At the same time, he showed some of the bad habits he developed last season under his former offensive-minded head coach, Freddie Kitchens.Mayfield is the definition of a young QB caught in the cro sroads. If he can raise his pa singefficiency back up into the 90s to lead the Browns to more than six victories, that would show real growth and improvement, putting him back on the trajectory to see a second deal. If he keeps taking sacks he shouldn't and make some unforced errors, the Browns will have an ample sample Daniel Munyer Jersey size to know that 2019 was the norm and 2018 was the fluke, not the other way around.MORE: What are the Browns' options to replace Baker Mayfield in 2021?If Mayfield keeps on playing poorly to the point Cleveland would want to move on, that also will mean the team is headed to another high draft pick. as high as the top 10 again.At least three QBs willgo in the first round in 2021 Clemson's Trevor Lawrence, Ohio State's Justin Fields and North Dakota State's Trey Lance. Depending on the needs of who's picking ahead of them, however, Lawrence, Fields and Lance all might be gone if the Browns aren't bad enough with Mayfield. But there is bound to another QB jump into the first-round mix, such as Minnesota's Tanner Morgan, Iowa State's Brock Purdy or Miami's D'Eriq King.Dak Prescott is the headliner pending free agent for now, but he's not leaving the Cowboys. For a bridge, the Browns could look at one of two Colts, Philp Rivers or Jacoby Bri sett, vs. Trevon Coley Jersey considering former Brown Tyrod Taylor or well-traveled Ryan Fitzpatrick.The Bears also haven't committed to Mitchell Trubisky. There could be some mild interest in the 2017 first-round mate of Watson and Mahomes because of him growing up near Cleveland. There's also Mayfield's backup, Case Keenum, who's signed through 2022. On the same level, there is the Browns'former Bengals rival, Andy Dalton, currently Prescott's backup.The two wlld cards to watch with the Browns are two other No. 1 overall QBs, Cam Newton and Jameis Winston. Between the draft and free agency, there wouldbe several options with upside for either the short or long-term to succeed Mayfleld if needed.Mayfield will never be confused with Johnny Manziel in Browns QB draft lore because Manziel had off-field i sues that kept him from even getting into Year 3 with the team. But unle s he turns thing around fast, Cleveland can quickly file Mayfieldunder Tim Couch, Brady Quinn and Brandon Weeden and once again start over at the game's most important position.

The Rams got on the board first in Super Bowl 56, and they c

vallieklein — Sun, 14 Aug 2022 02:12:45 +0000

The Rams got on the board first in Super Bowl 56, and they can partly thank the Bengals for their score.Cincinnati gifted Los Angeles great field position before the Rams' second drive of the game. The Bengals had the ball at the Rams' 49-yard line and were facing a third-and-1 on their first drive when Samaje Perine was stuffed for no gain on a carry up the Jack Lambert Jersey middle.SUPER BOWL 56: Coach Zac Taylor decided that the Bengals would go for it on the ensuing fourth-and-1. Cincinnati was not able to convert as Joe Burrow's pa s to Ja'Marr Chase was knocked down by Rams linebacker Ernest Jones.Rams get the 4TH DOWN STOP. : on NBC: NFL (@NFL) The Bengals' play call can be questioned, as they pa sed out of the shotgun in a short-yardage situation. That said, two receivers were open on the play, Troy Polamalu Jersey Tee Higgins and Samaje Perine. Burrow just didn't see them.IYER: Further, the decision to go for it wasn't nece sarily a bad one. Per NFL's Next Gen Stats, the Bengals' decision increased their win probability by 2 percentage points.The decision to go for it on 4th-and-1 from the Rams 49-yard line was the optimal Cody White Jersey call according to the NGS Decision Guide. Win % if GO: 27% (69% conversion rate) Win % if Punt: 25% Recommendation: GO FOR IT (by 1.9%) | Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) Of course, it was still early in the game and the Bengals' defense had allowed just 1 total yard on the Rams' first drive, so nobody would have batted an eye had Cincinnati elected to punt.MORE: But it didn't, and the Rams were able to march down the field with relative ease Pittsburgh Steelers Golf Sporting Goods after getting the ball back. The drive culminated with a 17-yard Matthew Stafford touchdown pa s to Odell Beckham Jr.OBJ'S FIRST CATCH IS A TOUCHDOWN. : on NBC: NFL (@NFL) That gave the Rams an early 7-0 lead and a key advantage. The team that scores first in the Super Bowl is 37-18 in the previous 55 games. Related Articles Odell Beckham Jr. is 'on standby' for the birth of his first child on Super Bowl Sunday Rams' Odell Tre Norwood Jersey Beckham Jr. says Von Miller, Jalen Ramsey called him 'every day' to bring him to Los Angeles

When the Ravens fell to 6-4 after their overtime loss to th

vallieklein — Sun, 14 Aug 2022 02:12:09 +0000

When the Ravens fell to 6-4 after their overtimelo s to the Titans in Week 11, there was real concern about whetherthey would mi s the AFC playoffs, a season after going 14-2 as the AFC's top seed. The corequestion at the time was "What's wrong with Lamar Jackson?"No one is asking that about Baltimore's reigningNFL MVP quarterback anymore, as the team prepares for a rematch in Tenne see in Sunday's wild-card matchup (1:05 p.m. ET, ABC Mackensie Alexander Jersey /ESPN). Jackson is still looking for his first win in the NFL playoffs and must face the opponent who also eliminated the Ravens 28-12 in last year's divisionalround.Since that regular-season rematch, the Ravens haven't lost a game with Jackson. Since Jackson mi sed Week 12's lo s at Pittsburgh while battling COVID-19, he's come back to lead them on a dazzling five-game winning streak with excellent momentum going into his third career playoff game.Jackson's performance against the Titans in Week 11 was his last bad one. Over the past five games, Jackson has a completion percentage of 67.0 and a pa ser rating of 115.8. He's averaged 8.1 yards per pa s attempt. He's also averaged 86 rushing yards per game with 15 total TDs.MORE NFL PLAYOFFS: | | Last season, during his MVP campaign, Jackson had a completion percentage of 66.1 and a pa ser rating of 113.3 while averaging 7.8 yards per attempt. He averaged 80.4 yards rushing per game. His current numbers say he's playing at or betterthan that level now.So what explains Jackson breaking out of his slump? For one, he's simply been more accurate as a pa ser and has showed more decisive juice as a runner. He's back to being Jordan Berry Jersey confident and aggre sive in his dynamic athletic skill set, vs. being tentative. Defenses have done their best to adjust to the Ravens' unique style of offense under Greg Roman and Jackson was challenged to raise his game.There's good reason that Jackson wasn't put on autopilot from the get-to to repeat his elite play from 2019. The Ravens lost one big piece of their offensive line in guard Marshal Yanda to retirement, and then saw left tackle Ronnie Ben Ellefson Jersey Stanley go down with an ankle injury in Week 8. The young wide receivers, led by Marquise "Hollywood" Browndidn't make a big jump early and the traditional running game didn't start out as dominant as it was wire-to-wire in 2019.Jackson seemed to come back refocused after his one-game absence. The time off allowed him to what he needed to do better to lift the offense back up. In turn, Roman and the Ravens deserve plenty of credit for making some good changes around him. Part of has been settling on the strongest offensive line continuity without Stanley and Yanda. It took a while for Orlando Brown Jr. to adjust playing on the left side to replace Stanley, but flipping him was smart, as veteran D.J. Fluker has been sturdy at right tackle. Both Patrick Merkari and short-term rookie injury replacement Trystan Colon-Castillo have shored up center. Ben Powers, who made his first start in that Titans game, has been the right guy to take over right guard for Yanda.With the Ravens feeling stronger up front, Roman has called more designed runs for Jackson inside to keep defenses off balance, as he's still capable of turning the corner for big runs, too. The Ravensalso have worked to become le s predictable about when they pa s and how they pa s, knowing the play-action package needs to be a bigger threat on early downswhen defenses are geared most to stopping Jackson and their rushing attack.With those concepts, second-year first-rounder Marquise Brown and rest of the wide receivers per the not-so subtle request of "Hollywood" himself have gotten more involved. Since the Titans game, Brown has caught 26 of 41 targets for 332 yards and 6 TDs in 6 games. Fellow starter Miles Boykin has only 5 receptions Xavier Woods Jersey in the past 5games, but 3 went for critical TDs. Tight end Mark Andrews remains his go-toforce, but Jackson has done a better job of spreading the ball around in key situations.RAVENS vs. TITANS PICKS:| No move has been bigger to boost Jackson, however, than the Ravens' decision to fade Mark Ingram inthe backfield and let rookie J.K. Dobbins and third-year man Gus Edwards take over. That complementary duo has delivered an ideal 1-2 punch withmuch younger legs, leading to optimizing power and explosivene s in the rushing attack.During the five-game winning streak, Dobbins and Edwards have rolled through defenses. Dobbins has turned 62 carries into 425 yards and 6 TDs, averaging 85 yards per game and 6.9 yards per carry. Edwards has turned 50 carries into 337 yards and 2 TDs, averaging 67.4 yards per game and 6.7 yards per carry. Ingram had to see le s work, after he dropped from 5.0 yards per carry to 4.2 this season.The Titans had trouble with many aspects of the Ravens' offensein Week 11, before everything came together and Jackson and everything else got Randy Moss Hoodies Sweatshirts hot again.The Titans' defense isn't capable of pulling what it did in last year's playoffs, either.The complete, best version of Jackson has yet to show up in the postseason. With a little help from his Ravens' coaches and teammates, Jackson is in a different kind of groove this time. Getting through a midseason obstacle has made him only stronger for the playoffs.