Sidney Crosby saw Jakub Voracek’s glove on the ice and wasn’t going to let his opponent pick it up easily.

Crosby pushed the glove away with his stick and reignited a melee in a good Youth Sebastian Aho Jersey , old-fashioned Pittsburgh-Philadelphia playoff game that featured three fights, way more scrums and 158 penalty minutes. When Crosby was asked afterward why he did it, the Penguins captain responded: ”I don’t like them. I don’t like any guy on their team.”

Those were the days.

”It was awesome,” then-Penguins general manager Ray Shero said. ”If you look at it, it was wild. It really was. You had villains on both sides and people that hated each other.”

That was six years ago. Is a rivalry still a rivalry in a league that has made a concerted effort against over-the-top hits and where fighting is truly a rare sight?

NHL executive Colin Campbell once famously said the league sells hate, and at no time is hate more widely bought, sold, distributed and celebrated than during the Stanley Cup playoffs. The NHL’s divisional playoff format was brought back specifically to ignite old rivalries and create new ones, which has been a successful venture even if hate looks different than it did in the days of the ”Broad Street Bullies.” Playoff rivalries are no longer about dropping the gloves or laying out bone-crushing hits.

Teams now play fewer regular-season games against each other and are made up of more skilled players and fewer enforcers. Still, thanks to how tight the league is and the volcanic snowball effect of what a playoff series does to hockey players and coaches, rivalries might have a different look but they have plenty of smoldering intensity.

”Playing against teams with high stakes when there’s a lot on the line – win or go home – that’s how you have rivalries Craig Smith Jersey ,” veteran New Jersey Devils center Brian Boyle said. ”When it’s us or it’s them, that’s how you find those rivalries. The same guys for two weeks, I think that’s how you build them.”

The first round in the Eastern Conference this year already has two old-school rivalries with the Penguins and Flyers meeting in the playoffs for the first time since their epic 2012 showdown, and Boston facing Toronto for the first time since 2013. In the West, Minnesota faces Winnipeg in the first playoff series between the two division rivals, which could heat up fast.

”The best thing about most of them are is the proximity to where they live, the close ones, but I think it needs a good playoff (series) against that individual team to create the rivalry full hand,” Wild coach Bruce Boudreau said. ”Until you play seven games in 14 nights where you learn to hate the opposition.”

Playoff series in back-to-back years made the Penguins and Washington dislike each other plenty, and they’d meet again in the second round if they advance this year. Nashville and Anaheim developed a nontraditional rivalry with intense series the past two playoffs, making that a potentially combustible Western Conference final.

When Predators players think about those Ducks series and other tense ones over the past several years Authentic Brock Nelson Jersey , they know there haven’t been a lot of fights – and they’re not alone. The past four playoffs have included a total of 39 fights. There were 46 fights in the 1978 postseason alone and an incredible 85 in the 1988 playoffs.

”You get the odd scrum that turns into a fight and stuff like that, but there’s not too much fighting left,” Nashville defenseman Ryan Ellis said. ”You probably see the amount of blocked shots go up in the playoffs, the amount of hits – the little things that may not be on the stat sheet is kind of what I guess gets your team through the playoffs. It’s just little things like that that really is the playoff intensity.”

Boyle, who has blocked 113 shots in 106 career playoff games, has seen more fights in blowout games deep into a series than at other times because there’s too much at stake to take a retaliatory penalty.

”A lot of times you see a lot of other guys turn the other cheek in a playoff series,” Boyle said. ”You don’t want something like that to make a difference in a series.”

Making a difference is more about scoring a big goal than leveling a big hit or punching someone in the face. Look at the Penguins’ and Flyers’ rosters now and the likes of Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Phil Kessel, Voracek and Claude Giroux are far more likely to beat someone with a slick shot than their fists.

”I think the game has changed in how it’s being played out there,” Pittsburgh coach Mike Sullivan said. ”I think personnel has changed. But I think rivalries are rivalries. There’s always a heightened emotion associated with the games.”

So much so that retired player and former Penguins coach Ed Olczyk said of Penguins-Flyers Cam Fowler Jersey , ”It only takes one player, one comment from somebody, where all bets are off and that gasoline tank will be ignited fairly quickly.” Crosby recalls more fights between the teams in the past – he was involved in two six years ago in the game he swatted Voracek’s glove away – but doesn’t want to downplay the intensity of this rivalry.

”You never know what can happen,” Crosby said. ”I feel like both teams are always kind of at their best, and there’s always a little bit extra in those games.”

Capitals defenseman John Carlson said he thinks playoff rivalries have gotten worse more because of what players can get away with, the physical toll ga

Having talent on the ice often times attracts聽talent off聽of it. The NHL is home to some of sports brightest stars. Some are young, others, in athlete years, are old 鈥?Imagine working in an occupation where 30 is considered old (or at least bordering on old age). When these stars on ice aren't dazzling with their play on the ice, they can often be seen cozying聽up to their easy on the eyes girlfriends聽and wives. Connor McDavid and Patrik Laine are two of hockey's most prized young jewels. Both, on top of performing miracle works on the ice TJ Brodie Jersey , are doing聽quite well for themselves off of it too! But in saying that, you cannot forget about the guys who came before these young, rising stars.

Veterans such as Mike Fisher, who recently announced his retirement (for a second time 鈥?once more and we're into Brett Favre territory) have also done extremely well for themselves in the game away from the game 鈥?of course referring to聽The Dating Game. Fisher, as most know, is married to country music star, Carrie Underwood. Perhaps the luckiest man in the NHL, Fisher, despite his eroding skills, still has the upper hand on the likes of McDavid and Laine in certain areas.

Here are some younger (and slightly older) NHL stars who are taking care of business in the dating game...

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RENTON Authentic Alexander Radulov Jersey , Wash. (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks have not yet decided whether safety Earl Thomas will be added to the active roster ahead of Sunday’s season opener in Denver.

Coach Pete Carroll said a decision would come Saturday. Carroll wanted to see how Thomas came out of the final day of practice in his first week back with the team following a contentious holdout.

“He had a good week. He was solid all week long,” Carroll said. “He was fired up and studying and working hard at it and he had a good week.”

Thomas held out from Seattle’s offseason program and training camp, only reporting to the team Wednesday. Thomas was seeking a contract extension or a trade while looking to secure his long-term future.

He declined to speak with the media Friday, saying through a team spokesman that his Instagram post about his return stands as his statement. In the post Evgenii Dadonov Jersey Kids , Thomas wrote, “The disrespect has been noted and will not be forgotten.”

The Seahawks could also have a developing situation at cornerback after expected starter Dontae Johnson suffered a groin injury in practice and was listed as questionable.

If Johnson can’t play, Seattle may start rookie Tre Flowers, a converted safety.

“Really Cam Fowler Jersey , he’s done everything right. He’s given himself a great chance,” Carroll said of Flowers. “It’s a great accomplishment just for him to be here right now at this time, playing for us throughout the preseason. I’m fired up for him. He’s ready. It’s not like the first guy we’ve ever started in case he has to start this game. We’ve started some young guys before.”

Seattle also ruled out right guard D.J. Fluker with a hamstring injury. Veteran J.R. Sweezy will get the start.

Carroll did provide a bit of good news for his defense by saying defensive end Dion Jordan would play, although the number of plays may be limited. Jordan missed all of training camp with a lower leg injury and was activated from the physically unable to perform list last weekend when Seattle reached the 53-man roster limit.

Jordan could be a major boost for Seattle’s pass rush Roberto Luongo Jersey , one of the major concerns going into the season. In limited action last season, Jordan had four sacks in the final five games after not playing since the 2014 regular season due to suspensions and injuries.

“Everybody’s really fired up for him. He’s done a marvelous job,” Carroll said. “He’s had a lot of setbacks that he’s had to deal with, and he’s come through and he’s ready to play football.”

Dallas Cowboys tight end Rico Gathers was arrested on a charge of marijuana possession with his roster spot already in question Womens Luke Kunin Jersey , but survived the club's final cuts anyway.

Police in the Dallas suburb of Frisco said the former Baylor basketball player was arrested Friday night for possession of less than 2 ounces of marijuana. Gathers was released on bond Saturday morning.

Gathers hadn't played football since middle school when the Cowboys drafted him in 2016. He showed promise in the preseason last year before a concussion sustained near the end of training camp sidelined him for the season.

The 24-year-old Gathers made the 53-player roster when the Cowboys made the unusual move of keeping four tight ends.

Attorneys for Gathers say their client "apologizes to his teammates and the Cowboys organization for any distraction his arrest may cause as the team prepares to start the season."

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Ryan Tannehill dropped back to pass and the pocket quickly collapsed Tobias Rieder Jersey , making it just like old times.

An onrushing end merely waved as he went by because Wednesday’s drills involved no contact, which spared Tannehill a blow. Instead, he scooted away on his reconstructed left knee toward the sideline and encountered a linebacker, who also pulled up at the last moment.

The hits will come soon enough, but for now Tannehill is healthy and optimistic about leading a turnaround by the Miami Dolphins.

He’s practicing this week for the first time since a torn left ACL in training camp ended his 2017 season before it began. A serious injury to the same knee forced him to miss the final four games in 2016, meaning he hasn’t played in nearly 18 months.

”It was a long year, some dark times,” Tannehill said, speaking publicly for the first time since he was hurt last August.

Tannehill has received medical clearance without limitations and isn’t even wearing a knee brace this week, although he plans to wear one in games.

”It’s purely to prevent what started the whole train wreck,” he said.

Tannehill said his return to practice stirred painful memories of watching workouts last year while sitting inside the team complex, his injured leg in a brace and propped on a chair.

”It feels amazing to be back out there,” he said. ”It has been a lot of work to put a helmet back on and step on the grass again. I was just telling the guys, I can remember sitting in the cafeteria looking through the glass like a little kid that’s not allowed to go outside and play.”

Also back were linebacker Raekwon McMillan and cornerback Tony Lippett, both of whom missed the entire 2017 season because of injuries. The entire roster was on hand Jacob Markstrom Jersey , although 35-year-old running back Frank Gore was on the field only briefly and won’t be involved in drills much this spring to keep him healthy.

Tannehill, a starter since his rookie season in 2012, has never played in the postseason. But he and the Dolphins are optimistic he can regain the form he showed in 2016, when he enjoyed the best stretch of his career and helped put the team in playoff contention before his injury.

”I feel like I kind of went on a run there,” Tannehill said. ”I felt like I was finally starting to play really good football, being in command of the offense and understanding what we were trying to accomplish with every play call.”

With Jay Cutler as an emergency replacement for Tannehill, the Dolphins slipped to 6-10 last year. Gase is so confident about Tannehill that they didn’t draft a quarterback last month.

”It’s great to have him back out there,” Gase said. “As long as we don’t have a setback, I feel good. We’re in a good place. I’ve seen him move around just as well as he ever has.”

Newcomer Josh Sitton, a four-time Pro Bowl guard, offered an endorsement of his new QB after just two practices together. Sitton took particular note of one strike Tannehill threw.

”He rolled out after a play action and was running to his left,” Sitton said. ”I thought, `That’s pretty impressive.”’

Tannehill didn’t miss a game in his first four NFL seasons, enduring 212 sacks behind a leaky line without serious injury. He said he’s not worried about his knee holding up, and won’t be thinking about it on the field.

The knee probably won’t be tested with contact until the preseason in August.

”I’m never eager to get hit Niklas Hjalmarsson Jersey ,” Tannehill said with a chuckle. ”I’d be sadistic. But I don’t think about it any different than I would any other season going into a new season. It’s a physical game, and I love that.”

—

David Johnson is back and, he says, better than ever.

The Arizona Cardinals running back, an All-Pro in 2016, missed last season after dislocating his left wrist in the season opener. The wrist is healed and he is a full participant in the team's weight and conditioning program that began this week.

"I'm very motivated," he said Thursday. "It's not really about (showing) the people out there, it's really about myself and coming back for the team, for my teammates, for the coaches. Everything being so new, it's really about coming back and bouncing back and being able to play the sport."

By new, Johnson means the coaching staff. Bruce Arians, who utilized Johnson almost as much as a receiver as a ball carrier, has retired. New coach Steve Wilks brought in Mike McCoy as offensive coordinator. McCoy has talked about designing an offense around the ability of the players.

And that would mean a lot of David Johnson.

Drafted in the third round out of Northern Iowa in 2015, Johnson's multiple abilities as a runner and a receiver were on full display his second season under Arians' wide-open system.

Johnson led the league in yards from scrimmage and touchdowns in 2016 http://www.officialpenguinsproshop.com/authentic-adidas-justin-schultz-jersey , setting an NFL record by topping 100 yards from scrimmage in each of his first 15 games. He probably would have made it 16 had he not injured a knee in the season finale against the Los Angeles Rams.

The 6-foot-1, 225-pound back rushed for 1,239 yards that season and caught 80 passes for 879 yards. The performance earned him All-Pro honors at the flex position.

Because it was his wrist that was hurt in the opener at Detroit, Johnson could still run and do other workouts designed for him by strength and conditioning coach Buddy Morris, who was retained by the new staff. Johnson said he probably is in the best shape of his life.

"We seen David all of last year, seeing him work out, running the field. We thought he could play every Sunday," teammate Patrick Peterson said. "He's always looking good. That guy's a freak of nature. I know he can't wait to get back on the field."

Getting Johnson in the weight room is no problem. Getting him not to overdo it is a challenge.

"He's a freak," Morris said. "I will never, ever take credit for anything David Johnson (does). I have to protect David from David to be honest with you, because he always wants to load the bar with more and more and more weight."

Johnson said he does that sometimes just to see Morris' reaction.

"I've always been a hard lifter in the weight room, ever since high school," Johnson said. "Buddy yesterday was telling me not to put so much on the squat rack, but sometimes I'm hard at listening to what he is saying. I know he has my best interest, but sometimes I feel like I need to put more weight on Bobby Orr Jersey , and I like to get under his skin a little bit because it rattles him and he starts using these huge words that no one understands."

Being hurt, Johnson said, was "a blessing in disguise" because he's been able to spend so much time with his young son. There was no father in the picture when Johnson was growing up.

"That I didn't have a father figure in my life, it really pushed me to do everything I can for him," he said, "be at every milestone, be there for anything that's going on in his life. I've seen the little things, like his teeth growing, him walking, crawling, his laughing, just being there for every little thing that happens in his life. "

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Patriots safety Devin McCourty thinks this offseason will include a more open and meaningful dialogue between NFL players and league officials after a series of player-led demonstrations during the national anthem this season attempted to raise awareness for social issues.

”I think it’s been incredible because when all these issues came up people talked about it being a big distraction. And you look around now Vladimir Sobotka Jersey , you look around and you’ve got it’s like 4 or 5 different guys in the player’s coalition that have done different things and are playing in the Super Bowl,” McCourty said Monday at Super Bowl media night. ”So obviously you can do both. Players have shown throughout the years, whether it be community service work, charities – that you can do more than just play football.”

McCourty was one of several NFL players to engage in protests during the national anthem to draw attention to issues such as police brutality and racial inequality.

NFL owners and executives met with players, who formed a Players Coalition in October before the league’s fall meetings in New York. There also were extensive phone conversations to get an idea of how the league could address the players’ concerns.

In December the NFL agreed to commit $90 million over the next seven years to social justice causes in a three-segment plan that involves league players. The agreement was criticized by some players who disagreed with Eagles safety and founder Malcolm Jenkins choosing to exclude Colin Kaepernick from its meetings, and felt the agreement was a means to stop the anthem protests. But McCourty http://www.officialhockeypanthersshop.com/authentic-adidas-james-reimer-jersey , still a member of the coalition, said he believes the NFL’s overtures are genuine.

He said the leadership from Jenkins, who he will face in Sunday’s Super Bowl, has remained strong.

”I think he’s been incredible just for the fact that he put so much time in,” McCourty said. ”He just had a daughter I think a week ago. He’s still on phone calls, he’s still being leader of the coalition. So it’s been great to me almost for a year now to link on with those guys – him and Anquan (Boldin) Colton Parayko Jersey , what they’ve started.

”I think that for a lot of us it’s just being able to add to it and bring whatever our passions and feeling are to it from what he’s already started. I think sky’s the limit for what the coalition can be.”

McCourty also has an appreciation for the different voices brought into the conversation throughout this season.

He was one of the players originally invited into meetings with owners, and he said Patriots owner Robert Kraft and his son, Patriots president Jonathan Kraft, are still keeping communication lines open.

”We’ve been really fortunate here. Whether it’s me talking to Robert Kraft or Jonathan Kraft -they’re very receptive,” McCourty said. ”They want to be involved. Jonathan came with us to Harvard Law School. It seems like it’s gonna be a really good step. I think it’s been really good to get the NFL involved. Because it’s a huge resource being in the NFL. There’s no reason not to have them involved…It’s bigger than just coming together. It shows what the NFL can be about.”

—

The Denver Broncos selected Michigan tight end Jake Butt in the fifth round of 2017 NFL Draft knowing that the torn ACL Butt sustained in his final college game could essentially amount to a redshirt year for his rookie season.

Butt progressed throughout last season but was never able to get healthy enough to come off injured reserve and contribute. Now a year and a half removed from his injury, Butt is able to finally participate fully in training camp practices with the Broncos.

“I kind of thought about it when I put on the pants. It was like Kevin Shattenkirk Jersey , ‘Man, I haven’t put on the pads in almost two years,'” Butt said, via Pat Graham of the Associated Press. “It was exciting. It felt good out there.”

Butt caught 138 passes for 1,646 yards and 11 touchdowns in his four seasons with the Wolverines. As a senior, he compiled 46 catches for 546 yards and four touchdowns. However Cody Eakin Jersey , Butt injured his knee in an Orange Bowl loss to Florida State, The injury ultimately dropped him from a possible early round pick to the third day of the draft.

Butt was able to take part in Denver’s offseason program, but pads weren’t dusted off until this week.

“I had a year to observe how pro football really works,” Butt said. “Going back to the spring, I really got into the playbook so I can hit the ground running in camp.”

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The Chiefs were awarded tight end Alex Ellis off waivers from the New Orleans Saints and released defensive tackle Stefan Charles as part of a series of roster moves Tuesday.

Kansas City also waived backup running back Akeem Hunt with a failed physical designation; signed rookie free agents Step Durham Authentic Teuvo Teravainen Jersey , Tejan Koroma, Robert McCray, Malik Reaves and Jordan Smallward; and waived Prince Charles Iworah, Devondre Seymour, Brandon Shippen and Nelson Spruce.

The Chiefs have been searching for a blocking tight end to complement Travis Kelce. Ellis made the league as an undrafted free agent with Jacksonville before spending part of last season with the Saints.

Hunt appeared in 15 games last season, primarily as a kick returner, before going on injured reserve with an ankle injury in January. He also had eight carries for 23 yards.

The Toronto Raptors seem to have everything lined up in their favor heading into their postseason matchup against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

They’re rested. The Raptors feel they are ready. They have home-court advantage.

But they’ve been confident before heading into a playoff showdown with James and have come up short – twice.

”Gotta go through the best to get to that trophy,” All-Star guard DeMar DeRozan said. ”Every step of the way we’re going to come across somebody.”

The Raptors open their second-round playoff series at home to James and the Cavs on Tuesday night. Cleveland has eliminated Toronto in two straight postseasons, including the 2016 conference finals and a second-round sweep last year.

This time, however, Toronto is the top-seeded team in the East after a team-record 59-win season. The Raptors have been off since a Game 6 victory over Washington last Friday night finished their first-round series Patrick Marleau Jersey , while James and the Cavs were pushed to the limit in grinding out a Game 7 win over Indiana on Sunday.

That’s a stark contrast to 2016, when Cleveland had eight days of rest before facing a Toronto team that had played consecutive seven-game series. Or last year, when the Cavs got a week off while waiting for Toronto to complete a six-game victory over Milwaukee in the opening round.

”They’re coming off a series where they were banging and bumping for seven games,” Raptors guard Kyle Lowry said. ”I think our energy has been great. I think the days off will definitely have helped us a little bit.”

James, meanwhile, has shouldered a heavy load for the Cavs, scoring 40 or more three times in the first round. He played 43 minutes in Game 7, and was briefly forced off the court in the second half because of leg cramps.

Nevertheless, Raptors coach Dwane Casey expects James to be fully fresh once tip-off time arrives Tuesday.

”I don’t believe he’s tired,” Casey said. ”He’s on a mission. I’m not saying he’s a lying man, but I don’t think he’s tired.”

These Cavs don’t have All-Star guard Kyrie Irving anymore http://www.officialhockeypanthersshop.com/authentic-adidas-james-reimer-jersey , either, while Toronto has flourished with a new emphasis on ball movement and 3-point shooting.

”We have a great opportunity ahead of us to show how good of a team we’ve been,” Lowry said. ”We’re ready.”

DeRozan agreed, saying there’s ”no question” the Raptors are better equipped to face Cleveland than in years past.

”I feel it,” DeRozan said. ”We all have that confidence in ourselves.”

Some other things to watch in the series between the Cavaliers and the Raptors:

BENCH MOB

Lowry and DeRozan started resting before their first-round series with the Wizards was even over. Lowry played 31 minutes in the clincher, and DeRozan 33, as Toronto’s deep bench took over in the fourth quarter. The reserve unit was bolstered by the return of guard Fred VanVleet, who had missed all but three minutes of the first five games because of a sore right shoulder. Pascal Siakam led Toronto’s bench with 11 points in Game 6 as the Raptors outscored Washington 29-14 in the fourth.

”That’s the type of intensity that we need from every quarter, every time we step on the floor,” Siakam said. ”That’s what we want, just being able to wear down our opponent and playing physical.”

HOME SWEET HOME

The Raptors matched Houston with an NBA-leading 34-7 home record during the regular season and won all three home games against Washington in the first round. Toronto’s two wins against Cleveland in the 2016 Eastern Conference Finals came north of the border Youth Chris Wagner Jersey , and its only win in three meetings with the Cavs this season happened at home, a 133-99 win on Jan. 11.

”They’re a very tough team that plays well at home,” Cavaliers forward Kevin Love said. ”They’re another team, like Indiana, that can play a number of different ways. They have bigs that are somewhat unorthodox and can play inside or outside, pick and pop. They have a lot of guards, especially those two guys out front in Lowry and DeRozan, that are going to be very tough to stop.”

FINALS FOUR

Cavs coach Tyronn Lue used four different starting lineups against the Pacers, but the one he went to in Game 7 might stick for a while. Lue started Kyle Korver alongside James, Love, Tristan Thompson and J.R. Smith – the four remaining players from Cleveland’s 2016 championship team. The move was as savvy as it was desperate Michael Del Zotto Jersey , but it worked. Now Lue, who has used 34 starting lineups this season, has something to fall back on if things don’t go as planned against the Raptors.

”We’ve been in situations before,” James said of the Game 7 starters. ”We’ve played big games before so that’s a comfort starting the game.”

BY GEORGE

Back spasms sidelined Cavs guard George Hill for three games against Indiana, but he returned in Game 7 and sparked Cleveland. Hill attacked the rim and finished with 11 points – nine on free throws – and had six rebounds and three assists while playing the final 19 minutes. He gives the Cavs not only another ball handler to take pressure off James, but a dependable veteran who has been through playoff battles with San Antonio and Indiana. The 31-year-old has played in 87 postseason games, starting 75.

”George is a really good player,” Lowry said. ”He’s been doing this a long time. Having a healthy Hill helps them.”

Hill had one of his best games wi Baltimore Ravens Customized Jerseys 

Massachusetts' high court will consider whether the state should get rid of a centuries-old legal principle that erased Aaron Hernandez's murder conviction after the former New England Patriots tight end killed himself.

The Supreme Judicial Court recently announced that it will hear the former NFL star's case and examine the legal principle under which courts typically dismiss the convictions of defendants who die before their direct appeals can be heard.

Hernandez's murder conviction in the killing of Odin Lloyd was dismissed after Hernandez was found hanging in his cell last year.

A single Supreme Judicial Court justice last year denied prosecutors' request to reinstate Hernandez's conviction.

Hernandez was acquitted of killing Daniel de Abreu and Safiro Furtado days before his prison suicide.

A picture on a wall inside the Philadelphia Eagles' practice facility shows players holding the Vince Lombardi Trophy with the words "The New Norm" written across the middle.

Coach Doug Pederson coined the phrase after the team beat the New England Patriots to win its first Super Bowl.

The Eagles finally got a taste of championship success and they want more. Only eight teams in NFL history have repeated as Super Bowl champs Mathieu Perreault Jersey , none since the Patriots did it after the 2004 season.

It's a tough task, but the Eagles are determined to build a dynasty. They won't be underdogs anymore as they were throughout last year's playoffs. Teams are coming for them and they believe they'll be ready for the challenge.

"It's a great opportunity for us this season," Pederson said. "Great motivating factor for us to sort of rip off the dog masks and no longer be the underdog, but now be the hunted. Have the target on our back."

Several key players who missed Philadelphia's playoff run are returning from injuries, including quarterback Carson Wentz Womens Esa Lindell Jersey , nine-time Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters and playmaking linebacker Jordan Hicks. They'll make sure their teammates stay hungry.

"The biggest thing is the culture we've created, the team-first mentality, a bunch of unselfish players and the camaraderie we've built," Wentz said. "I don't see why the sky can't be the limit for us going forward again. We have high expectations, the city has high expectations and we love that."

Some things to know about the Eagles Valtteri Filppula Jersey , who open the season Sept. 6 against Atlanta:

INSURANCE POLICY: The Eagles are in a unique position with a backup quarterback who was the Super Bowl MVP. Nick Foles will be under center until doctors clear Wentz to return following surgery to repair a torn ACL and LCL last December. Foles will then return to the sideline without complaining. Foles has no ego, understands his role and is close with Wentz. He didn't demand a trade to go start somewhere else, loves playing for the Eagles and enjoys the city. It's an ideal scenario. Foles played poorly in the preseason 鈥?minus several starters around him 鈥?but he gets a pass after sensational playoff performances.

MORE WEAPONS: Rookie tight end Dallas Goedert, a second-round pick, was impressive in the preseason and joins Pro Bowl tight end Zach Ertz to form matchup nightmares for opposing defenses Henrik Lundqvist Jersey Kids , especially inside the red zone. Versatile running back Darren Sproles returns after missing most of last season, giving the offense another threat coming out of the backfield.

THE UNDERDOGS: An offensive line that features two All-Pros 鈥?right tackle Lane Johnson and center Jason Kelce 鈥?and Pro Bowl right guard Brandon Brooks along with left guard Stefen Wisniewski may have been the best in the league last season and now gets Peters back to protect the quarterback's blind side. Halapoulivaati Vaitai, who was shaky in the preseason, has plenty of experience after filling in for Johnson in 2016 and Peters in 2017.

FRONT FOUR: The addition of three-time Pro Bowl defensive end Michael Bennett and five-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Haloti Ngata strengthens a deep line that was No. 1 against the run last year.

Starting defensive tackle Tim Jernigan is coming off back surgery and it's uncertain when he'll return plus Vinny Curry and Beau Allen moved on.

But Bennett, Ngata and the emergence of second-year pro Derek Barnett should help this unit stay dominant. Fletcher Cox is one of the best interior linemen in the NFL. End Brandon Graham played at a high level and veteran Chris Long showed he had plenty left in the tank.

COVER GUYS: Cornerback is another strength for the defense led by starters Ronald Darby and Jalen Mills. Sidney Jones Phillip Danault Jersey , a 2017 second-round pick who missed nearly the entire season following surgery on his Achilles before the draft, and rookie Avonte Maddox had a strong battle for the nickel spot and provide plenty of depth.

COACHING CHANGES: Offensive coordinator Frank Reich left to become the head coach in Indianapolis and quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo became the offensive coordinator in Minnesota. Mike Groh replaced Reich and Press Taylor took DeFilippo's spot. Both coaches already were part of the team's staff and have familiarity with the system and the players.

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The Denver Broncos selected Michigan tight end Jake Butt in the fifth round of 2017 NFL Draft knowing that the torn ACL Butt sustained in his final college game could essentially amount to a redshirt year for his rookie season.

Butt progressed throughout last season but was never able to get healthy enough to come off injured reserve and contribute. Now a year and a half removed from his injury Danny Etling Jersey , Butt is able to finally participate fully in training camp practices with the Broncos.

“I kind of thought about it when I put on the pants. It was like, ‘Man, I haven’t put on the pads in almost two years Tyeler Davison Jersey ,'” Butt said, via Pat Graham of the Associated Press. “It was exciting. It felt good out there.”

Butt caught 138 passes for 1,646 yards and 11 touchdowns in his four seasons with the Wolverines. As a senior Durham Smythe Jersey , he compiled 46 catches for 546 yards and four touchdowns. However, Butt injured his knee in an Orange Bowl loss to Florida State, The injury ultimately dropped him from a possible early round pick to the third day of the draft.

Butt was able to take part in Denver’s offseason program Landon Collins Jersey , but pads weren’t dusted off until this week.

“I had a year to observe how pro football really works,” Butt said. “Going back to the spring, I really got into the playbook so I can hit the ground running in camp.”

A person with direct knowledge of the move says the Washington Redskins have signed cornerback Orlando Scandrick to a two-year deal worth up to $10 million.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Monday because the team had not announced the deal.

The Dallas Cowboys released Scandrick over the weekend after he made 38 tackles in 11 starts last season. Scandrick started 69 games and appeared in 125 with Dallas since being taken in the fifth round of the 2008 draft.

The 31-year-old gives Washington some insurance at cornerback behind Josh Norman after trading Kendall Fuller to Kansas City in the deal for quarterback Alex Smith. Scandrick will be in the mix with Quinton Dunbar Trae Waynes Jersey , Fabian Moreau and Josh Holsey for playing time.

NFL Network first reported Scandrick signing with the Redskins.

—

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The Steelers survived one week without Le'Veon Bell.

Maybe they can do it again.

Making his first NFL start Bruce Irvin Jersey , James Conner helped Pittsburgh forget that Bell 鈥?the team's disgruntled star running back 鈥?isn't around and may not be back anytime soon.

Conner scored two touchdowns, rushed for 135 yards and added 57 more on five catches as the Steelers escaped Sunday with a 21-21 tie against the Cleveland Browns, who ended their 17-game losing streak without winning.

Conner was more than an adequate fill-in for Bell, who remains separated from the Steelers in an ugly contract dispute.

While his teammates slopped around in the rain at FirstEnergy Stadium, Bell continued his holdout in South Florida as his replacement gave the Steelers hope they'll be able to withstand not having one of their biggest stars.

Conner could be their newest one.

The anti-Bell.

"I'm so tired of Le'Veon," Steelers right guard David DeCastro told reporters. "I'm so tired of it. Let's just worry about the guys that are here. I know you guys have stories to write and what not. I love Le'Veon, but we have to worry about the guys that are here. That's the only people that matter."

Conner scored on a 4-yard run in the second quarter and added a 22-yarder in the fourth as the Steelers opened a 21-7 lead that appeared safe.

However, as Pittsburgh appeared on the verge of putting the Browns away, Conner had his lone blemish on an otherwise stellar day.

Running right, Conner got stripped by Browns end Myles Garrett and his fumble led to the Browns quickly scoring two touchdowns in the final 7:32 to force overtime.

Cleveland had a chance to win it, but linebacker T.J. Watt added a blocked field goal to his four-sack game by getting a hand on Zane Gonzalez's 43-yard field-goal attempt with 9 seconds left.

Bell's messy situation cast a shadow over the Steelers all week, bringing a distraction to a team that usually avoids drama. The stand-off could last for a while, and if it does Kyzir White Jersey , Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin, his staff and the Steelers have to feel better about what Conner can provide.

"He did some really great things," said superstar receiver Antonio Brown. "He ran well and brought great energy all day. I was excited to see him make some plays, not only in the run game, but in the pass game as well."

On a day when quarterback Ben Roethlisberger struggled throwing three interceptions and fumbling twice, Conner was solid and steady.

"Pressure is always there," said Conner, who survived a cancer scare while he was at Pitt. "You're either feeling pressure or applying pressure. I was trying to apply the pressure today. There were no nerves or nothing. Just playing football."

It looked that way. Conner patiently looked for running lanes, taking what Cleveland's defense gave him and never trying to do too much.

The 23-year-old finished with 192 total yards, matching Bell's best game from last season.

"I thought he played well," said Roethlisberger, who struggled from the outset. "Ran hard, caught the ball well. Made plays for us. I'm proud of the way he played for this team."

Conner took it all in stride. Following the game Sammy Watkins Jersey , he casually accepted congratulations while dressing and came across as composed off the field as he was on it.

"It is what I expect," he said of his performance. "It's the mentality of our offense. We feel like we're going to run the ball when we want to run the ball so I know the mentality of those guys up front. I knew the lanes were going to be there. I knew today was going to be a good day on the ground, just not enough to win.

"I have confidence in myself and the guys in front of me blocking, so it's what we expect to do."

Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay has been more cautious than most of his peers in how he has used his starters during the preseason.

The starting offense, save for right guard Jamon Brown, will not play at all in the four exhibition games. The starting defense, save for outside linebacker Samson Ebukam, made a brief appearance in the third preseason game Saturday.

Whether that approach will cause problems once the season starts remains to be seen. It's worked out in at least one respect, as McVay said Monday the Rams are on track to be healthy for their season opener at Oakland on Sept. 10. And players have been happy with McVay's caution, with running back Todd Gurley saying he was living "everyone's dream" by not playing in the preseason.

McVay seemingly felt so comfortable about the strength of his team that he made an unprompted reference to defensive tackle Aaron Donald's ongoing holdout.

"We're right on track with guys like (linebacker) Mark Barron that we have talked about. Everybody else we anticipate that we're kind of projecting as a starter is ready to go. Obviously, the big question is will 99 (Donald) be a part of that thing or not? But we're in a good place right now. Certainly we've got a lot of work to do in the meantime," McVay said.

The Rams, who are seeking to defend their first NFC West title since 2003 Vinny Curry Jersey , will continue to hold out starters and key reserves for their preseason finale at New Orleans on Thursday.

McVay put defensive lineman Dominique Easley and outside linebacker Matt Longacre in that group. Easley did not play last season because of a torn ACL in his right knee, and Longacre missed most of training camp because of a biceps injury after undergoing back surgery last season.

Both Easley and Longacre are expected to play major roles this season with the Rams still unsettled on the edge opposite Ekubam in their 3-4 defense. McVay was glad to see both get on the field against Houston because it was a milestone in their recoveries.

"It was good for both those players to get some snaps, and now we'll implement a program that we feel like is going to be sustainable throughout the course of the season, but we won't expect to see them this week," McVay said.

Tight end Gerald Everett, who sustained the most notable injury of training camp when he hurt his shoulder, is in line to play against the Raiders. McVay said Everett is running routes again, and the second-year South Alabama product was able to maintain his conditioning despite being in a sling for several weeks.

The only lingering question in terms of health is the status of outside linebacker Ogbonnia Okoronkwo. McVay said the fifth-round pick from Oklahoma is likely to start the season on the physically-unable-to-perform list after sustaining a foot injury during offseason workouts that required surgery. Starting the season with that designation would prevent Okoronkwo from practicing or playing for the first six weeks.

"I would say not anything that he can control, but I think just the way the foot has responded hasn't been ideal. It doesn't have anything to do with the way that he has worked," McVay said.

Without major injury concerns, McVay has been able to focus on how to construct the 53-man roster and the 46-man game day roster. Putting together contingency plans in case of injury during the regular season is also a priority for McVay, whether that comes from the composition of the practice squad or from identifying players that could return as free agents.

"Unfortunately, like we've talked about K.J. Wright Jersey , injuries are an inevitable part of this thing and we've always got to have those contingency plans in place, but we feel good about a lot of the spots right now," McVay said.

While the Rams look to have their starting lineups set, McVay said many of his conversations with general manager Les Snead at this time of year center on players around the league that could be cut by other teams and how they might fit in.

"If they end up hitting the waiver wire, do they give us an upgrade or do we feel good about the spots? And, fortunately, most of the spots and situations and positions that we're in, we feel good about the guys that we have in our building," McVay said. "Hopefully we'll stay healthy and be able to work with those guys."

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Shin-Soo Choo didn’t play Saturday night for the Texas Rangers because of a sore right quad Jerome Baker Jersey , putting on hold his majors-best 41-game streak of reaching base.

Choo said before the 13-4 win over the Chicago White Sox that he has been dealing with quad soreness for at least 10 days, and that it had really bothered him the last couple of days.

”I don’t want to make it worse,” Choo said. ”I don’t think it’s serious.”

The outfielder/designated hitter said he had an MRI earlier Saturday to find out for sure what he was feeling in his upper leg.

Choo had a leadoff walk in the first inning of an 11-3 win Friday night to extend his career-best on-base streak and match the longest in the majors this season. He later hit one of the Rangers’ five home runs for a 12-game hitting streak that is the longest active streak in the majors.

”He’s battled with a tight quad and I felt like it was just an opportunity to get him off his legs Tyeler Davison Jersey , give him a day,” manager Jeff Banister said. ”He’s played through it for a while, so we’ll see how he feels.”

Banister hadn’t ruled out using Choo in a pinch-hitting role Donald Trump Jersey , and Choo had said he was willing if needed. The three-game series wraps up Sunday before the Rangers have a day off Monday.

”I know I have the streak going on, but my body and staying healthy is more important,” Choo said. ”And winning games is more important than records.”

Choo’s on-base streak is the longest for the Rangers since Otis Nixon’s 44-gamer in 1995; Julio Franco set the team record by reaching in 46 consecutive games in 1993. Choo matched Philadelphia’s Odubel Herrera for the longest in the majors this season. Herrera James Hurst Jersey , a former Rangers minor leaguer, reached base in the first 41 games for the Phillies this year.

In his 41-game streak, Choo has reached base 90 times. He has hit .333 (52 of 156) with 38 walks.

—

The Seattle Seahawks have signed former San Francisco cornerback Dontae Johnson to help with the depth in their overhauled secondary.

Johnson has a chance to step in as a starter immediately since Richard Sherman was cut and signed with the 49ers this offseason. The Seahawks are set with Shaquill Griffin at one cornerback spot but the other will be open to competition heading into Seattle's offseason program and training camp.

Johnson started all 16 games last season for San Francisco and finished with 77 tackles Emmanuel Lamur Jersey , seven passes defensed and one interception. Last year was the first time Johnson was a full-time starter after starting just six games in his first three seasons with San Francisco. Johnson was a fourth-round pick by the 49ers in 2014 out of North Carolina State.

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MIAMI DOLPHINS (6-10)

New faces: S Minkah Fitzpatrick Jack Tatum Jersey , G Josh Sitton, DE Robert Quinn, WR Danny Amendola, WR Albert Wilson, C Daniel Kilgore, TE Mike Gesicki, RB Frank Gore, RB Kalen Ballage Nathan Peterman Jersey , QB Brock Osweiler, DT Kendall Langford.

Key losses: DT Ndamukong Suh, WR Jarvis Landry, C Mike Pouncey, G Jermon Bushrod, K Cody Parkey, QB Jay Cutler, QB Matt Moore Durham Smythe Jersey , TE Julius Thomas, LB Lawrence Timmons.

Strengths: With addition of Sitton, OL could be best QB Ryan Tannehill has played behind, which helps chances of keeping him healthy. NFL active rushing leader Gore seems ageless at 35, and he and Kenyan Drake form potentially potent tandem at RB. Quinn and Cameron Wake lead deep group at DE that should be able to generate formidable pass rush.

Weaknesses: Doubts about durability of Tannehill, who returns after being sidelined since December 2016 because of two injuries to left knee. If he goes down again, unappealing options as replacement are Osweiler or David Fales. With Landry gone, there's no clear No. 1 receiver. Suh's departure left big hole at DT Kelvin Benjamin Jersey , and with inexperienced LB corps, run defense is major concern. Ditto CB spot opposite emerging star Xavien Howard. Miami will rely on rookie placekicker.

Fantasy Players To Watch: Gesicki is poor blocker, but Dolphins will try to hide that deficiency because he's rangy target and much-needed red- zone threat. Wilson played slot with Chiefs but will be used in multiple ways by Dolphins and should help make up for departure of Landry.

Vegas Says: Super Bowl 130-1. Over/under wins 6.5.

Expectations: If coach Adam Gase regains magic touch from surprising 2016 run to playoffs, and if Tannehill, Gore and Amendola stay healthy, and if run defense is improved without Suh, and if first-year starters Fitzpatrick, Gesicki and MLB Raekwon McMillan blossom into stars ... Dolphins could finish above .500. If none of those things happen Joe Barksdale Jersey , debate can begin regarding who they'll take with first overall pick in 2019 draft.

Federal authorities say they have intercepted a shipment of 108 phony replica Super Bowl rings representing many past champion teams, including the Philadelphia Eagles.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials say the rings were found in an express consignment parcel that arrived June 18 from Hong Kong marked as alloy rings.

Trade enforcement officers noted "poor craftsmanship" and detained the rings to verify their authenticity with the National Football League, the trademark holder.

Customs officials say the NFL confirmed that the rings were phony. Officials say an authorized replica of a Super Bowl ring can cost $10,000 but counterfeit ones are offered on the internet for $25.

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NASHVILLE Ricardo Allen Jersey , Tenn. (AP) — The Tennessee Titans have lost their three-time Pro Bowl tight end at least for a big chunk of the season.

Quarterback Marcus Mariota is being evaluated after hurting his throwing arm, and two-time Pro Bowl left tackle Taylor Lewan is in the concussion protocol.

And that’s just the latest injuries for the Titans.

Now Tennessee has to see who’s healthy enough for the home opener Sunday against AFC South rival Houston (0-1) and adapt accordingly.

“What we’re going to do every week is try to figure out what gives us the best chance to win, personnel wise, who we have available, maybe who we’re playing obviously,” rookie coach Mike Vrabel said Monday.

“We’ll be flexible enough to use any personnel that we think will help us win. I don’t think we can commit to anything right now.”

The Titans already are down starting right tackle Jack Conklin, who was inactive against Miami as he recovers from a torn left ACL repaired in January.

On defense, starting linebacker Derrick Morgan played only 14 snaps in the Titans’ 27-20 loss in Miami as the Titans work the veteran back in after a preseason injury.

Tennessee’s top two draft picks also are linebackers, and Rashaan Evans and Harold Landry both missed the opener with injuries.

Add to that the Titans are recovering from the league’s longest game since the NFL/AFL merger in 1970 because of two lightning delays that made the matchup in Miami last 7 hours, 8 minutes from the opening kickoff to the final second ticked off.

Morgan said it wasn’t easy warming up, cooling down again and again, but thinks the Titans learned some mental toughness from the day that wouldn’t end.

“Hopefully it never happens again and we never have to play football for eight hours straight,” Morgan said.

Mariota is being evaluated after he lost sensation in his right hand after the game from his injured right elbow. He was intercepted twice — both after taking a hit from Dolphins defensive lineman William Hayes following a handoff. Vrabel said they’re hopeful of getting a good report back on Mariota’s arm needing everybody that’s healthy and available.

Blaine Gabbert Melvin Ingram Jersey , signed this offseason, replaced Mariota and threw for 117 yards with an interception. The Titans do have rookie Logan Woodside on the practice squad, but will wait for a report on Mariota before deciding whether to add another quarterback.

Vrabel did say he told defensive coordinator Dean Pees to take note of how officials are handling quarterbacks carrying out a fake on a run-pass option.

“If that’s legal, then we have to do it the same exact way,” Vrabel said.

Lewan was resting Monday. Asked about Dolphins lineman Andre Branch’s hit, Vrabel said it probably wasn’t dirty even if the coach thinks his left tackle “absolutely” was targeted.

The Titans put tight end Delanie Walker on injured reserve Monday and the tight end will have surgery on his right ankle in the next few days. Walker came into the season with the most catches in the NFL by a tight end between 2013 and 2017. He also has been Mariota’s favorite target, leading the team in receptions in two of the past three years.

Vrabel said the Titans will evaluate Walker’s potential to return this season after surgery. Jonnu Smith, a third-round pick out of Florida International in 2017, has 19 receptions and will be the first expected to fill in for Walker. Smith had talked to Walker and said the veteran was in good spirits.

“It is some big shoes to fill,” Smith said.

The journey from the tiny African nation of Togo to the Cologne Crocodiles of the German Football League to the Arizona Cardinals is a very long one.

Now, still learning English, Moubarak Djeri is trying to navigate the tough and often complicated world of the NFL and prove he belongs.

”This experience is really big,” he said after the Cardinals went through a voluntary workout Thursday. ”That was like a dream for me to be here. Now to see how it’s working James Develin Jersey , how you’ve got to work hard to make the team and be in the season, it’s a really big experience.”

The 6-foot-3, 275-pound defensive end came to Arizona on a tryout basis but showed enough ability to sign a contract and earn a spot as one of the 90 players going through offseason drills.

Djeri speaks four languages – German, French, his mother’s native tongue of Kotokoli and ”just a little English.” He has been in the United States for three months.

”My English was not that good before I came here,” Djeri said. ”I just started learning better the time I was here, like speaking with my other teammates, watching movies. On the field, the coach is speaking English and you just keep understanding what they say.”

One of his best new friends is teammate Praise Martin-Oguike, also a defensive end, who was born in Nigeria and moved to the United States at age 10.

”The language barrier, he might not get the communications sometime,” Martin-Oguike said. ”It’s very difficult.”

There are other challenges. Martin-Oguike helped Djeri set up a bank account with a debit card to facilitate the automatic deposit of his paycheck. He showed him how to use an Uber app on his phone.

And he provides lots of on-the-job encouragement.

”If I have bad practices Chris Godwin Jersey , I just think about it and get myself really mad,” Djeri said. ”Praise says don’t think too much about it. Keep going, next play. Tomorrow you’re going to get better. It’s something to motivate me.”

Djeri was born in Lome, the capital city of Togo, a small west African nation sandwiched between Ghana and Benin. One of six children, Djeri is part of a very large extended family. He has 27 aunts and uncles.

At age 11, he moved with his family to Germany and in his late teens, he became interested in American-style football, first joining the Cologne junior team and then advancing to the senior team.

Combined, he played just four years of football. But Cologne assistant coach David Odenthal saw something special in Djeri and put together a highlight tape that eventually caught the attention of the Cardinals. He was one of many tryout players, but one of the few that made the initial cut to become an undrafted rookie.

At 22, he has a long way to go to master the game he loves.

”He’s still learning the game,” coach Steve Wilks said. ”He’s just got to continue to get better Alex Mack Jersey , keep putting the time in.”

The time required is so much different than what he had to do in Germany, Djeri said. He said players in Germany thought they knew what it takes to play in the NFL, but it’s much different once it’s experienced up close.

”To have it and to feel it is way different than you think,” he said. ”You’ve got to be every time on point. We’re done now with the practice. We do our lift in 30 minutes. After that, we’ve got meetings again. After that, you go to the hotel and you study and after that you’ve got to sleep to be ready for tomorrow.”

Djeri sees how the odds must be against him.

”I just ask why are they going to get someone from Europe if they’ve got a lot of guys from college,” he said. ”They’ve got a lot of guys with four years’ experience of college football. This is the difficulty to be here.”

But he is giving it his all.

”This is what I want to do every day,” he said. ”After the practice you feel like your body is sore but this is what you want to do. That’s why it don’t matter how you feel, you’ve got to keep at it every day to get better.”

—

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With Patriots quarterback Tom Brady Chris Conte Jersey , it’s fairly clear that something is bothering him. It’s still not clear what it is, or how it will affect his preparations for 2018.

With Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, there’s less mystery. And while he may not be present for Organized Team Activities as of Monday, a source with knowledge of the situation says that Gronkowski will be present at some point.

Gronkowski made it clear that last month, after weeks of uncertainty, that he’s committed for 2018. And a revised contract could soon be coming.

Possibly, Gronkowski will show up for OTAs once he gets that adjusted deal.

As to Brady, it’s unclear what it would take to make him happy and to get him to show up for OTAs. And if you hope to plug your fingers in your ears and cry “not listening” or simply shout “fake news!,” the truth is that Organized Team Activities have become the centerpiece of the offseason program, where important work gets done in advance of the work to be done in training camp. If Brady’s not there, he will be behind when he reports.

Whether he’s sufficiently skilled to overcome that isn’t the issue. His teammates (especially the new ones) need to commence the process of working with him. And the coaching staff will surely be less stressed about that adjustment if/when Brady is there.

Yes Lane Taylor Jersey , the workouts are voluntary. But quarterbacks occupy a different position as a practical matter, making them part player, part coach. If the quarterback isn’t all in, it becomes harder to get the most out of the team.

But this blurb is about Gronkowski. He’ll be there at some point, regardless of whether Brady joins him.

Derrick Johnson's tenure with the Kansas City Chiefs is coming to an end.

The franchise's career tackles leader and a four-time Pro Bowl selection, Johnson will become a free agent when his contract expires at the start of the new league year March 14. He intends to keep playing, it just won't be in the familiar red, yellow and white of the Chiefs.

"I love Kansas City and this fan base. They've always had my back," Johnson said in a statement put out by the Chiefs, who made the rare decision to announce publicly that Johnson would not be returning.

That in itself speaks volumes to how much Johnson has meant to the organization.

"I'm grateful I had the opportunity to spend 13 years in a place I love," he said. "I plan on playing for several more years because I love the game so much Dustin Colquitt Jersey , but I look forward to retiring as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs when my career is over."

Johnson was the Chiefs' first-round pick in 2005, though his career got off to a rocky start. At one point early on, he found himself riding the bench, and was even labeled a bust.

But Johnson eventually earned his starting job back, and went on to appear in 182 games with 169 starts. He piled up 1,262 tackles to easily shatter the franchise record, had 27陆 sacks and picked off 14 passes, returning four of them for touchdowns.

He had a career-best 179 tackles in 2011, when he was voted the Chiefs' team MVP.

"Few players in recent history have meant more to the Chiefs franchise and the Kansas City community than Derrick Johnson," Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt said.

"His tireless work ethic and passion for the game made him one of the most productive defensive players to ever wear a Chiefs uniform and one of the most respected players both in our locker room and around the league.

"Over the last 13 seasons, Derrick represented himself and the Chiefs organization with integrity and class Bradley McDougald Jersey , and he will always be a part of our Chiefs family."

Johnson piled up his impressive stats despite missing part of two seasons with ruptured Achilles tendons. He returned from the first one as good as ever, earning his most recent Pro Bowl trip in 2015, but the second seemed to finally take a step out of his legs this past season.

He slowly lost playing time to younger teammates in the middle of the Kansas City defense.

"I'm grateful I had the opportunity to coach a player like Derrick," Chiefs coach Andy Reid said in a statement. "He's a passionate football player and a natural leader. I value the amount of quality work he put in every day for us, including teaching our younger players what it means to be a pro.

"I think he will make an incredible coach when he is done playing the game, if he chooses."

The Chiefs have been trying to get younger the past couple of seasons, particularly on defense, and Johnson is unlikely to be the last veteran to go. Fellow linebacker Tamba Hali has been dealing with bad knees for years, and the Chiefs are expected to release him in the coming weeks.

Johnson signed a three-year, $21 million contract extension in 2016, but he had restructured the deal a year ago to help the Chiefs free up salary cap space. In doing so Will Dissly Jersey , he voided the final year, and that made it simple for the Chiefs to move on.

His loss will be felt not only on the field, but in the locker room and community. Johnson often served as a team spokesman, always showing up at his locker to speak with reporters regardless of whether the team was winning or losing. And the role he played in mentoring young players, such as linebackers Reggie Ragland and Ukeme Eligwe, should help the organization for years to come.

"Letting go of a player like Derrick is particularly tough because of how much respect I have for him as a player and a person," Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said. "He's had a tremendous career in Kansas City and we wish him nothing but the best moving forward."

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All-Pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald is not attending the Los Angeles Rams' mandatory minicamp while he continues his lengthy quest for a lucrative new contract.

Donald wasn't on the field with his teammates for the Rams' first minicamp workout Tuesday Deion Sanders Jersey , and he wasn't at their training complex for their off-field commitments Monday, either. The NFL Defensive Player of the Year also skipped the Rams' voluntary workout program over the previous two months.

"He's in a good place," Rams coach Sean McVay said Tuesday. "Would we want him to be here? Yeah, we'd love to have Aaron here. But it's kind of the same where it's been. We're just focusing on the guys that are here, but we're always in constant dialogue with Aaron and his group, and would like to come to a solution. When that's going to happen, it's hard to say."

Donald is home in Pittsburgh during the Rams' offseason work for the second straight year, but he reported to last season's mandatory minicamp to avoid a potential fine. This year, Donald doesn't appear to be concerned about losing money by missing minicamp while he strives to become one of the NFL's highest-paid players.

The defending NFC West champion Rams haven't indicated whether they intend to fine Donald for missing the camp, but his absence wasn't a surprise. The team could fine him more than $84,000 for missing this camp Devonta Freeman Jersey , but it waived much larger fines incurred by Donald last year when he skipped the entirety of training camp.

"When I spoke with him last week, I said, 'If there's not a solution to this by next week, will you be here?'" McVay said. "He said, 'I'm going to stay back at home, continue training.'"

Donald is due to make nearly $6.9 million this season in the fifth year of his rookie contract. The team agrees he deserves a raise after turning in four dominant seasons as the cornerstone of the Rams' defense, yet the Rams and Donald's representatives still haven't made a deal after many months of talking.

The 27-year-old Donald doesn't have extensive leverage in the negotiation because the Rams theoretically could keep him for another three seasons through 2021 under a franchise tag. Neither side has disclosed their contract proposals, but Donald is widely thought to be seeking a contract big enough to make him one of the top-paid players at any position, with a salary comparable to the wages of the NFL's better quarterbacks.

The Rams have managed to maintain a positive relationship with Donald even after he skipped training camp and the entire preseason schedule last summer. He reported to the team shortly before the regular season began, missing the first game.

The four-time Pro Bowl selection also skipped most of the Rams' offseason program and organized team activities last year. Although he showed up for last season's mandatory minicamp, he didn't participate in the team drills Peyton Barber Jersey , instead doing individual work and staying on the sidelines.

Donald is expected to be the foundation of a standout defensive line alongside Rams newcomer Ndamukong Suh, who agreed to a one-year, $14 million deal in the offseason.

Donald is missing several weeks of work with the Rams' revamped defense, which also added star cornerbacks Aqib Talib and Marcus Peters while losing three veteran leaders: Trumaine Johnson, Robert Quinn and captain Alec Ogletree.

The new Rams don't seem worried about missing these chances to build chemistry while establishing new leaders in the locker room.

"He's the MVP, so we know what he's going to do when he gets here," Talib said. "Everybody is just going to be themselves. If you're a leader, it's going to happen naturally. Nobody has to go out of their way to be a leader, go out of their way to hoorah and just yell stuff out. Everybody will just be themselves."

NOTES: Donald is the only player unaccounted for at minicamp, McVay confirmed. ... McVay is canceling Thursday's scheduled practice and taking his team on a tour of the franchise's under-construction stadium in Inglewood, California. The Rams and the Los Angeles Chargers will open the multibillion-dollar Hollywood Park stadium complex in 2020.

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell still hasn't signed a long-term contract Lee Roy Selmon Jersey , and he seems to be willing to go great lengths if the front office doesn't step up with an offer that pleases the three-time Pro Bowler.Appearing on SiriusXM Radio, ESPN's Adam Schefter (h/t Ross Tucker), reported that Bell could be willing to sit out the first half of 2018 " if he doesn't get a long term deal done," because "the goal at that point would be to hit 2019 free agency healthy, not rack up another 400 touches."Bell is by far the most dominant and complete running back in the NFL, as he, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and star wide receiver Antonio Brown have formed the best offensive trio in the league. But Bell and the Steelers front office have often butted heads, as they continue to struggle in finding middle ground on a long-term contract.Bell would either play 2018 under the $14.5 million franchise tag, or else he could decide to hold out. The Steelers offense doesn't run the same engine without Bell, so he holds the leverage here as the front office tries to work on a deal that will entice him enough. The 26-year-old rushed for over 1,000 yards in 2014 Kerry Wynn Jersey , 2016 and 2017, (he was limited to six games in 2015) and even racked up over 600 receiving yards in those seasons as well. No running back in the NFL can change a game as quickly as Bell, so it's easy to understand why he's willing to hold out until he gets paid top dollar.Pittsburgh's championship window is only open for so many more years, as Roethlisberger (now 36) and Brown (30), have just a handful of prime years left. With the AFC having more parity in 2018 and beyond, the Steelers have to try and keep the core together. As such, signing Bell long-term may be their only option. Adidas Vincent Trocheck Jersey 

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Kirk Cousins took the third-and-5 shotgun snap with 3 minutes left and Minnesota holding an eight-point lead.

He decided to run for it.

The San Francisco defense converged as Cousins crossed his 40-yard line Matt Judon Jersey , so the most expensive player in Vikings history lowered his head as he tried to power his way past the first-down marker.

Cousins took a shoulder to the back from 49ers linebacker Elijah Lee as he tumbled to the turf and came up just short, a dangerous way for a franchise quarterback to try to move the chains, but his determination to experience victory in his Vikings debut on Sunday afternoon was not to be reasoned with.

“Hey, when the game’s on the line, we’re trying to get the first down. Go for it,” coach Mike Zimmer said. “I’m all in.”

Cousins passed for two touchdowns and the Vikings forced four turnovers, fueling a 24-16 win over the 49ers in the season opener that stuck Jimmy Garoppolo with his first loss in eight games as an NFL starting quarterback .

The Vikings actually kept that late drive alive by a 49ers neutral zone infraction penalty on fourth-and-1, before punting four plays later. Harrison Smith’s interception, the third by the Vikings against Garoppolo in the second half, sealed the game with 1:35 remaining.

Asked afterward about that head-first hustle, Cousins acknowledged the risk of such a play and said he might have been better served with a stutter-step or some kind of move to try to make Lee miss.

“We had played too hard at that point to just slide early and give up on that,” Cousins said.

Cousins completed 20 of 36 passes for 244 yards without a turnover. He faced plenty of pressure, highlighted by DeForest Buckner and his 2½ sacks Howie Long Jersey , and there were a handful of awkward-looking plays produced by the Vikings. Cousins was right on target at just the right times , though, delivering several clutch throws in traffic including the scoring passes to Stefon Diggs in the second quarter and Kyle Rudolph in the third quarter.

“That’s NFL football. I think that if you’re not really accurate and you don’t have that confidence to let it rip, you’re going to be holding the ball and getting sacked, you’re going to be spraying it everywhere,” Cousins said. “If you’re waiting for guys to be open, you’re going to be waiting a long time.”

Cousins, who signed a three-year, $84 million, fully guaranteed contract with the Vikings this spring, clearly savored his first regular season contest at U.S. Bank Stadium, where the Vikings are 15-3, including the playoffs since it opened. The last player to emerge from the tunnel during pregame introductions Steve Grogan Jersey , Cousins said the honor was undeserved and should have been reserved for Diggs, wide receiver Adam Thielen, left tackle Riley Reiff or running back Dalvin Cook.

“It’s just an example of the team welcoming me with open arms, and I’m so grateful for this opportunity that I’ve been given,” Cousins said, “and I just want to make good on it with every chance I get.”

Here are some other key angles that emerged from the game:

GETTING TO GAROPPOLO: Garoppolo finished 15 for 33 for 261 yards and a touchdown pass to rookie Dante Pettis late in the third quarter, but the Vikings sacked him three times. Mike Hughes returned the first pick 28 yards for a score.

“There’s not one word to put on it. We went against a very good defense, and we all didn’t play as good as we could,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said. “Lots of quarterbacks struggle against that defense. Jimmy did some good things, but by no means was he perfect.”

COMEBACK COMPLETE: Cook had 16 carries for 40 yards and six catches for 55 yards, a productive return to live action after tearing the ACL in his left knee about 11 months earlier. He lost a fumble at the San Francisco 29 after spinning and muscling his way through a crowd of defenders for a 15-yard gain.

Cook declared his knee and body fit for a full season, but his mind was also on his family. His uncle and childhood confidant, Anthony Jones Ryan Tannehill Jersey , a running back for Florida International University, was wounded in a drive-by shooting in Miami on Thursday. Cook’s grandmother raised him and Jones, her son.

“Just going out there, competing, playing my heart out, that’s what he wanted,” Cook said.

KITTLE’S DROP: Garoppolo and the 49ers had their hands full against the league’s leading defense of 2017, losing wide receiver Marquise Goodwin to a first-quarter quadriceps injury and two right guards to foot injuries. They had success rolling Garoppolo out on misdirection plays, and tight end George Kittle was the biggest beneficiary with five catches for 90 yards.

The one he didn’t make stood out. Wide open up the seam, Kittle had what would’ve been a 30-yard completion fall off his fingers at midfield. The third-down interception by Hughes came on the next play to give the Vikings a 17-3 lead.

“It didn’t end the way we wanted,” Kittle said, “but I feel like we definitely had some momentum going and if we can do that we’ll be a pretty good offense.”

DEFENSE DIGS IN: The 49ers gave Garoppolo an opportunity with three straight three-and-out possessions by the Vikings in the fourth quarter. Rookie Fred Warner, starting at middle linebacker with Reuben Foster suspended Ronnie Lott Jersey , led the team with 12 tackles, including one for loss. He also had one quarterback hurry, one pass breakup and the forced fumble on Cook.

“Middle linebacker is one of the toughest positions to come in as a rookie and play and be effective,” said cornerback Richard Sherman, who made his 49ers debut. “I think he d

Linebacker Arthur Moats went for a visit with the Cardinals on Wednesday and he’ll be staying around Arizona for a while.

PFT has learned, via a league source, that Moats has agreed to a one-year deal with the team.

Moats played in 14 games as a reserve for the Steelers last season and recorded eight tackles. He played in every game for the Steelers over the previous three seasons and spent the first four years of his career with the Bills.

Moats has 16.5 sacks over the course of his career and he’ll likely be trying for a rotational role off the bench in Arizona this season.

The Cardinals also met with Moats’ Steelers teammate Mike Mitchell on Wednesday, but there’s no word yet about whether he’ll be joining Moats in the desert this season.

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Tight end Temarrick Hemingway and linebacker Ejuan Price are among the players waived by the Los Angeles Rams in their final roster cutdown.

Backup running backs Justin Davis and John Kelly made the defending NFC West champions' roster Saturday.

Cornerback Sam Shields also made the roster. He hasn't played in the NFL since early in the 2016 season due to concussions.

Hemingway was a sixth-round pick in 2016 Raekwon McMillan Jersey , while Price was a seventh-rounder last season.

Davis kept a roster spot despite struggling with injuries in camp. Kelly, a rookie from Tennessee, shined in his absence.

The Rams have just three backup offensive linemen on their roster for the season opener. Starting right guard Jamon Brown is suspended for the first two games.

Jon Cooper’s Tampa Bay Lightning won Game 4 of the Eastern Conference final despite going the equivalent of more than a period without a shot on goal.

They won despite falling behind about 4 1/2 minutes into the game.

They won despite being called for three penalties – one right after the other – late in the first period, allowing Alex Ovechkin and the rest of the Washington Capitals’ prolific power play to get all that time to operate.

And they did it, mainly, thanks to Andrei Vasilevskiy, who made 36 saves and kept things close until Alex Killorn scored the tiebreaker with about 8 minutes left, lifting Tampa Bay to a 4-2 victory over Washington on Thursday night, evening the series at two games apiece.

”When you don’t have your `A’ game Daniel Sorensen Jersey , you need your goalie to have his `A’ game,” Cooper said. ”And he sure did.”

Now the Lightning will host Game 5 on Saturday night, with Game 6 back in Washington on Monday.

The road team has won every game in the series so far.

”It’s pretty bizarre,” said Steven Stamkos, who took a puck of the face during the morning skate, then went out and scored a power-play goal that gave Tampa Bay a 2-1 lead after the first period. ”We’ve got to find a way to win one at home.”

The Capitals might be thinking the very same thing. After all, they fell to 3-5 in the nation’s capital this postseason, while they are 7-1 in away games.

On Thursday, they even got booed – yes Aaron Rodgers Jersey , a smattering of jeers rang out in the team’s first conference final in 20 years – late in the first period after failing to convert any of the trio of man-advantage chances.

That stretch was part of a chunk of nearly 21 full minutes of game time – the last 10:41 of the first period, followed by the initial 10:11 of the second – during which Tampa Bay never putt a single official shot on net.

”Our guys were gassed. That’s a lot of stress. Mental stress. The same guys are on the ice the whole time. Other guys aren’t playing,” Cooper said. ”You kind of lose your whole rhythm.”

And so it was vital that Vasilevskiy played just like the Vezina Trophy finalist he is.

He was spectacular at times, including stops against Chandler Stephenson on a breakaway and Nicklas Backstrom – who returned after missing four games with an injured right hand – from the doorstep in the second period. In the third, Vasilevskiy used his left glove to swat away a try from Brett Connolly.

Following one flubbed chance, Ovechkin threw his head back and looked up, the very picture of disappointment.

After allowing 10 goals in Games 1 and 2, Vasilevskiy has given up a total of four in Games 3 and 4.

”He didn’t play great in the first two. He played well in the second two. It’s our job to make him look like the goalie from the first two games,” Washington forward Tom Wilson said. ”We’ll make it hard on him.”

Capitals goalie Braden Holtby didn’t get a chance to make nearly as many saves P.J. Williams Jersey , given the shot discrepancy: Washington ended up with 38 to Tampa Bay’s 20. And Holtby allowed goals on two of the first five shots he faced, to Brayden Point and to Stamkos. Anthony Cirelli added an empty-netter with a second left.

The go-ahead goal came thanks to a defensive breakdown, when Killorn was left pretty much alone and scored 6 seconds after a Tampa Bay power play expired, putting in a pass from Ondrej Palat.

”Tonight was so important,” Killorn said. ”Going down 3-1 in a series is tremendously different from 2-2.”

After his score, Killorn said, ”We played our best hockey.”

That’s true.

Washington’s goals had come from Evgeny Kuznetsov – off an assist by Ovechkin – in the second period, and defenseman Dmitry Orlov in the early going. But late, the Capitals could not get the tying goal in Patrick Willis Jersey , even after pulling Holtby with a little more than 2 minutes to go so they could play 6-on-5.

”Of course,” Ovechkin said, ”it’s a missed opportunity.”

NOTES: Stamkos has one power-play goal in each game of the series. … The Lightning have produced 11 power-play goals over their last nine games, with at least one in each. … Lars Eller was whistled for both of Washington’s penalties and has five in the past two games. ”That was way too many,” Capitals coach Barry Trotz said. … Kuznetsov’s 21 points equaled Ovechkin (2009) for the most by a Capitals player in one postseason.

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