Chargers waive Justin Jackson The Chargers made the signing of Antonio Gates official today Desmond King Jersey , requiring a corresponding release of one of the 53 players on the roster. That player was seventh-round rookie running back Justin Jackson...Jackson was considered by most to be the third running back on the depth chart entering training camp and the preseason process. A draft pick in April, Jackson had a very productive career at Northwestern and when you watch some of his clips from college you understand the intrigue behind what he can bring to the team. In early August, however, Jackson would suffer a hamstring injury which limited his time in the preseason to only seven carries in the fourth game. On the final drive, Jackson had an impressive 16 yard run to set up the game-winning field goal. This type of run is exactly what people were expecting when Jackson was drafted. Despite this impressive run, Detrez Newsome made the most of the opportunity while Jackson was hurt and solidified his spot as the third RB behind Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler. With one spot still available on the practice squad and the potential that Jackson possesses, the hope appears to be that he makes it through waivers to rejoin the team in that capacity. 1: Any time a starting QB goes down, it’s a huge blow for the team. How well was Dalton playing before the injury Cheap Joey Bosa Jersey , and how has Jeff Driskel looked since taking over. Is there any chance (even slim) of a quarterback controversy next year?Dalton started off the season extremely hot. He had all his weapons around him including Tyler Eifert, A.J. Green, Tyler Boyd and John Ross. The Bengals offensive coordinator Bill Lazor, who officially took over this offseason, had even reworked Cincinnati’s offense from the ground up for the first time since Jay Gruden took over in 2011. However, his play dropped off after that, and it hard to blame Dalton entirely for that. It depends on who you ask if there will be a quarterback controversy. The one thing that is for sure is that it won’t be with Jeff Driskel. It will be a matter of if the Bengals decide to draft a quarterback early.As someone who thinks Dalton is a capable quarterback in the NFL, it feels like Dalton and the Bengals could benefit from a fresh start. Although Womens Michael Schofield Jersey , it would be shocking for the team to move on from Dalton if Marvin Lewis is still the coach.2: The Bengals had such a promising start to the season, but are currently on a four game losing streak. What was working at the beginning of the season that has stopped working lately, and what’s gone wrong for the Bengals since then?To an outsider, the instant answer would be injuries, which do play a part. However, for the Bengals to have been competitive this season they would have needed to stay pretty much 100 percent healthy. That just isn’t a reasonable expectation. This team looks like it is poorly coached. Players aren’t being used correctly at times, we keep seeing the same players struggle week after week without a thought of trying to mix things up and the general depth of the team is just poor. The short of it is Mike Brown and Lewis don’t know how to run an NFL team in 2018.3: Marvin Lewis. Is the end of this season finally the end of his reign in Cincinnati, and do you want it to be?After the team re-signed him last season Youth Casey Hayward Jersey , I’m not going to hold my breathe on him getting fired. A far more likely scenario is that he’d decide to retire or walk away himself.At this point I think Mike Brown is the only person who is content with Lewis as the head coach. Any other organization would have fired after the Browns loss (or years ago).4: With AJ Green on IR, some other WRs are going to need to step up. Tyler Boyd has had a fantastic year, but who else should we be looking out for on Sunday? Is it John Ross’ time to shine?John Ross has shown flashes of being a capable wide receiver. It just doesn’t appear this team knows how to use him. It feels like they treat him mostly like a deep threat decoy, but Ross is capable of running a full route tree. Honestly, aside from Boyd the Chargers won’t have much to worry about from the receiver position. Auden Tate should be active with Green out, and he is a big bodied receiver, but he is still learning how to play the position in the NFL.5: I have to ask, just for my own curiosity. How is Vontaze Burfict viewed by Bengals fans? Do you see him as a talented player who just needs to rein it in at times Youth Joe Barksdale Jersey , or do you see it as anything more nefarious?Before this season, he was seen as a talented guy who liked to toe the line. He has crossed it a few times with the ankle twisting and things of that nature. However, a lot of what the national media blows some of his stuff up just because it is Burfict.This year he has looked like a shell of himself. We don’t know if it is still him dealing with his hip injury, but he just looks two steps slower than he ever has. I don’t think fans would be that upset to see him go at this point. He isn’t a bad guy to have on your team though.Bonus Question (if you’re up for it!): Could we get a score prediction?You can expect very little resistance from this Cincinnati team. They can’t move the ball on offense or stop anyone on defense. Chargers 41 Bengals 13. Custom Los Angeles Chargers Jerseys
Chargers announce practice squad signings The Chargers have officially announced a portion of their practice squad of players they had in-house. The players the Chargers cut yesterday http://www.chargerscheapshops.com/cheap-authentic-virgil-green-jersey , passed through waivers and were signed to the practice squad so far are:WR Dylan Cantrell LB D’Juan HinesDL Steven RichardsonDE Patrick AfriyieS A.J. Hendy WR Andre Patton OL Trent ScottAnother player who has a shot to make it to the practice squad is quarterback Cardale Jones who was kept on the initial 53 man roster but cut this morning to make room for players the Chargers tried to claim off waivers. Here’s what GM Tom Telesco had to say about Cardale Jones:There is also another player that wasn’t on the Chargers roster but the team has claimed but not officially announced. It’s Tight End Thomas Duarte:Check back to see who the rest of the players are that are going to complete the Chargers practice squad. After losing 22-10 at home to the Baltimore Ravens, the Los Angeles Chargers have opened as 3-point road underdogs for the Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs. Somewhat surprisingly http://www.chargerscheapshops.com/cheap-authentic-russell-okung-jersey , the early money seems to be on the Chargers.Perhaps people were impressed by the Chargers’ week 17 road win against the Denver Broncos or they think the Cleveland Browns showed how to beat the Ravens’ defense even in defeat. Or maybe people are simply noticing that the Chargers won all four rematches they played this year. Either way, this matchup is being treated as essentially a pick-em with the entirety of the line coming from the Ravens’ home field advantage.The over/under for the game is set at 42 or 41.5 depending on your source http://www.chargerscheapshops.com/cheap-authentic-mike-pouncey-jersey , so the bookmakers are anticipating a relatively lower scoring game which seems reasonable given the 32-point total from their prior head-to-head matchup. If anything, that seems a little high given the relative quality of the two offenses and defenses involved. www.nflshopoutlet.com/jacksonville-jaguars
Merry Monday Youth Harrison Smith Jersey , everyone!I hope everyone had a great weekend. I made the best of my Sunday with nothing locked into the schedule, I missed watching the Vikes, but I got a lot of outside work done. We’re in winterizing mode here in North Dakota, so it’s time to bring out the snowblower up for its annual oil change and whatever else needs to be adjusted or replaced. The snow will be here soon, I don’t like to be caught off-guard. I mowed the lawn, and I don’t see more than one more being necessary for 2018.I’m sure you’ve all seen the statement that Everson Griffen released late last week. If not, it’ll be linked below. It’s very encouraging to see that whatever issue he has is being addressed, and it sounds like he’ll be back, both as a football player and as a person. I think that the team handled this extremely well, respecting Griffen’s privacy while showing genuine concern for him. Hats off to the Vikings front office, and especially to Mike Zimmer. You can see the amount of care he has for his players, and that it’s genuine. He’s been through some rough times in life, having lost his wife, and walking through those types of trials will definitely alter one’s perspective and help to get priorities in the correct order. Let’s hope this bit of news will help the team’s defense to get back on track. They’ve not played like the dominant defense they can be. Coverage has been sub-par, and it’s not just a player or two who is struggling, it’s the entire unit, which tells me it’s either schematic (which I doubt Youth Anthony Barr Jersey , there’s no scheme telling Rhodes to hold on to receivers) or something that’s mentally taking them off of their game. Maybe this will be what it takes to give them the lift they need. We’ll see on Sunday.Around the DN since our last open thread:Dan Persons shared the statement that Everson Griffen released via the Vikings.Quite a few Vikings team records are in danger of being broken by Cousins and Thielen, per Chris.Chris has the Stock Market Report: Rams.TCO Stadium hosted its first high school football game, per a fanpost from Chris.Vikings news from other sources and news from around the league:Catch up on all the week four scores and highlights, courtesy of NFL.com.From Vikings.com, hear Mike Zimmer address the media after Thursday’s game, also see Kirk Cousins’ media address, and there’s lots of other traffic to view in the media vault.From NFL.com, Earl Thomas suffered a leg fracture yesterday. This is an illustration of why I have no problem with players wanting to get paid or lock in some long-term guaranteed money. Thomas wanted a long deal, didn’t get one, now his career could be over. These guys are always potentially one play away from being forced into retirement, better get paid while you can.We come to our media selection:At 1-2-1, I’m guessing lots of Vikings fans are taking the approach suggested by the legend, Merle Haggard. This is one of my favorite singers of all-time, I got to see him live in Tacoma Washington in 1995, and I vaguely recall parts of that evening. Enjoy!Again, we all know the rules, but in case someone is new:No discussion of politics or religionNo feeding of the trollsThis isn’t a male version of The View Youth Kirk Cousins Jersey , so leave the gender hatred at the doorKeep the bad language to a minimum (using the spoiler tags, if you must)Speaking of which, if discussing a newer show or movie, please use spoiler tagsNo pictures that could get someone fired or in serious trouble with their employerIf you can’t disagree in a civil manner, feel free to go awayWhile navigating the open thread, just assume it’s sarcasmWith that, the beer light is on and the bar is open. Belly up and tie one on. Don’t forget to tip your waitress, and try the head cheese. The Minnesota Vikings and the Los Angeles Rams face off tonight and we’ve had a bit of a short turnaround and a lot of bad news come down the pike since the purple were last on the field. . .well, including the last time the purple were on the field. . .but now it’s time to attempt to focus on the business of football.This is a primetime contest, so the coverage is going to be a little bit different. With that, let’s get into all of the details right here.Television InfoThis year, Thursday Night Football is on the FOX Network, which is KSTP-9 in the Twin Cities. For everyone outside of the Twin Cities. . .do you have a TV? Do you have a FOX affiliate? Okay, because that’s what channel the game will be on. It will also be on the NFL Network, if that’s your preference. Kickoff time is scheduled for 7:20 PM Central time, and the play-by-play will be handled by Joe Buck and Troy Aikman. . .if you want it to be.For all of our friends in the United Kingdom, you can find this one on Sky Sports http://www.thevikingsfootballauthentic.com/sheldon-richardson-jersey-authentic , more specifically on both Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Main Event. Kickoff time for this one is scheduled for 1:20 AM Friday morning UK time.For our men and women in uniform overseas, the American Forces Network will be showing this one live and. . .well, you might want to make sure you’ve got some coffee available. Coverage on AFN Sports starts at 0100Z on Friday morning. That’s a kickoff time of 0200L for folks in Central Europe, 0430L for everyone in Afghanistan, and 0900L for fans in Japan and Korea.Radio InfoIf you’re not going to be anywhere near a television for this one, you’ll be able to hear the call from Paul Allen and Pete Bercich on the Vikings Radio Network. That link goes to a list of Vikings Radio Network affiliates across the Upper Midwest. See if yours will be carrying the game. There are a couple of other places you can find it online as well, including the TuneIn radio service as well as the KFAN site (if you’re on a desktop or laptop computer only. . .it won’t work on phones or tablets).For those that have satellite radio (which, I’ll admit, has been a life saver for me the last two weeks as I’ve been traveling), you can find the Vikings Radio Network feed on Sirius Channel 81 or XM Channel 226. There will also be a more “neutral” feed from Westwood One on SiriusXM NFL Radio, Channel 88. If you’re using the SiriusXM Online App, the Vikings’ permanent home there is Channel 819.Referee InfoAccording to the folks from Football Zebras, the officiating crew for Thursday night’s contest will be headed up by Brad Allen. Allen last officiated a game involving the Vikings back in December of 2017, as he was the lead official for the Vikings’ 14-9 victory over the Atlanta Falcons in Atlanta.Weather InfoIt’s gonna be a warm one on the West Coast tomorrow, according to our friends at WeatherNation. Temperatures at kickoff will be in the mid 80s with very little breeze. The humidity won’t be very high, but the heat will definitely be a factor in this one. Hydrate, everybody.Streaming InfoThis is the first streaming game of the season (out of 11) for the Amazon Prime service Womens Brett Jones Jersey , as we told you yesterday. That will give you a few different play-by-play options, should you desire to use them.Otherwise, there are several legal subscription services that are available in order to stream the game legally. Among them are Fubo.tv, USTVNow, and Sling TV. If you’re overseas, your best bet is going to be NFL GamePass.Since it has recently been brought up, I want to make it perfectly clear that streams from Reddit or other places are not. . .I repeat, not. . .legal. If you’d like to argue about that, you can argue it somewhere else, because the moderators won’t listen to that garbage. Until Reddit, or anywhere else, has a deal with the National Football League, those streams are illegal and not welcome to be put up on this site. If you want to use them, go find them on your own and don’t be plastering them in the comments section here unless you’d rather not be in the comments of the Game Thread. . .or any other thread. . .here at DN.That should be all of the information you need in order to keep track of all the action from the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum between the Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Rams on Sunday afternoon. We’ll have our Open Thread for the first quarter up about an hour before kickoff or so, and we hope that you’ll join us here for all of the fun!
Vikings Roster Cuts: Minnesota Vikings release Ifeadi Odenigbo We’ve gotten word of another cut along the defensive line for the Minnesota Vikings Cheap Stefon Diggs Jersey , and it’s a player that many. . .myself included. . .thought had done enough to make his way onto the 53-man roster.The Minnesota Vikings will be releasing defensive end Ifeadi Odenigbo, per. . .ummm. . .defensive end Ifeadi Odenigbo.Odenigbo was a seventh-round pick of the Vikings in 2017, and spent last season on the practice squad. He spent time this preseason at both defensive end and defensive tackle, and frankly I thought he had shown well enough to get himself a spot on a very deep defensive line.There hasn’t been any indication one way or another about whether the Vikings would be interested in bringing Odenigbo back to the practice squad, but we’ll see what happens when the smoke clears after all the cuts are done and the practice squads are put together.We’re getting ever close to the 53-man roster deadline, folks. Are there any more surprises in store? If there are http://www.vikingscheapshops.com/cheap-authentic-brett-jones-jersey , we’ll have them here for you!Buffalo Bills injury report: Shaq Lawson OUT, LeSean McCoy questionable In the lead up to Sunday’s contest at U.S. Bank Stadium, the Buffalo Bills have released their final injury report for their matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Let’s take a look at who’s injured for Buffalo and the impact it might have.Buffalo Bills injury report vs Minnesota VikingsPlayerPositionInjuryWednesdayThursdayFridaySunday StatusPlayerPositionInjuryWednesdayThursdayFridaySunday StatusThe only players that the Bills have declared as “out” is defensive end Shaq Lawson. Lawson missed the Bills’ game last week against the San Diego Chargers as well, so this will be the second game in a row where he won’t see the field.The biggest name on the report for the Bills is running back LeSean McCoy, who is really the best offensive weapon the Bills have. As our friends from Buffalo Rumblings point out, McCoy was limited in practice all week Mike Remmers Jersey , and also had a “non-contact jersey” on all week, which makes his situation a bit more tenuous for the visiting team. If McCoy can’t go, a Buffalo offense that is already pretty limited could have even more issues against a very good Minnesota defense.The Bills also listed four other players as questionable. Cornerbacks Phillip Gaines and Taron Johnson are both listed as questionable, as are running back Taiwan Jones and wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud. Jones, like McCoy, wore the “non-contact” jersey this week in practice.Now you’ve got the injury reports for both teams leading up to Sunday’s game Cheap Everson Griffen Jersey , ladies and gentlemen. Still more to come about this week’s matchup, so keep it right here.
(1.) If the coverage leading into Sunday night feels more like that of a UFC title fight than a primetime football game Montee Ball Jersey Salute to Service , it’s not by accident — but it’s also not entirely by choice.A byproduct of the NFL’s incompetence with regard to having its two biggest stars face off twice per decade is that four years of Aaron Rodgers vs. Tom Brady media coverage is needlessly jammed into a single week — or six days in the case of this year’s go-around. It’s almost understandable. With so much time passing between Packers-Patriots contests, very little meat is left on the content-bone. Rosters are thoroughly turned over. Context derived from the teams’ most recent battles isn’t pertinent, making it impossible to establish a chronology of any real substance. Narratives simply aren’t allowed to develop organically. The NFL media machine — aside from a handful of excellent local reporters and analysts — has no choice but to capitalize on the moment. As a result, the Rodgers vs. Brady motif doesn’t just become the ripest and the lowest-hanging of the low-hanging fruit — it becomes the only hanging fruit. Yet, if you give the tree a good shake, you’ll find that the NFL hasn’t just missed out on the opportunity for one or two more duels between historic quarterbacks, but that they’ve has deprived football fans of a showcase between the two most successful organizations from each conference since the turn of the century. It’s true. Since Bill Belichick took the reigns in Foxborough in 2000, the Patriots have been historically good to the point where it renders the accomplishments of other franchises undistinguished. But, over that same span, the Green Bay Packers have been the cream of the crop in the NFC.From 2000 to 2017, the Packers have an NFC-leading 178 regular season wins, the most playoff trips in the conference (13), as well as the most playoff wins (27). From 2006 — the first year of current head coach Mike McCarthy — through 2017, Green Bay leads the NFC in wins (121), postseason trips (9) Deatrich Wise Jr Jersey , playoff games (18), and Conference Championship Game appearances (4). Of course, they also added a Super Bowl in 2010.The Patriots’ totals in these departments between 2000 and 2017 are obviously ridiculous. They led the NFL with:214 regular season wins15 postseason trips37 postseason games12 Conference Championship Game appearances8 Super Bowl trips5 Super Bowl titlesFor the purpose of symmetry, here are those Patriots totals between 2006-2017 (still all league-leading, or course): 151 regular season wins11 postseason trips26 postseason games9 Conference Championship Game appearances5 Super Bowl trips2 Super Bowl titles (tied with the Giants for the most since 2006)(2.) Perhaps the most fascinating components of the Packers’ success are the methods and organizational characteristics that have allowed them to sustain it — elements and approaches that bear a striking resemblance to what Bill Belichick has established in New England.One such characteristic is stability. While there are certainly a countless number of variables, and the causation is likely a bit cyclical, there is a strong correlation between winning teams and franchises that maintain long stretches of stability at their GM (or primary player personnel decision-maker) position and head coach positions. The 11 organizations to have won a Super Bowl between 2000 and 2017 averaged 169.09 wins over those 18 seasons, and just 4.36 GM-head coach combinations. The other 21 franchises averaged 132.27 wins and 8 GM-head coach combinations.Between 2000 and 2017, no NFC team had fewer such combinations than Green Bay (four), and only three teams in the league had fewer. One of those teams was the Bengals, who haven’t employed a GM in the history of their organization. The other two were Pittsburgh (two combinations), and the Patriots (Belichick).(3.) A tangible approach that each organization has taken towards roster construction has been the organic growth of the middle and upper class of their rosters. Between 2011-2017, no other team in football had more “homegrown” players — ones drafted or signed as UDFAs and developed with the organization — with cap hits that were at or greater than 1% of that year’s league salary cap. The Packers had 96 such cap hits over that 18-season span. The Patriots ranked fifth on that list with 70. The league average was 50.(4.) The number of draft picks since 2000 to be signed to multi-year extensions before or directly after the expiration of their rookie deals:Packers — 35 total, 18 from draft rounds 1-3.Patriots — 26 total, 12 from draft rounds 1-3.One could speculate that the Patriots would’ve been closer in the total number of these “homegrown” middle and upper class players Limited Rex Burkhead Jersey , but they simply didn’t need to re-sign as many due to consistently planning ahead for the departure of players by developing depth through the draft and undrafted free agency. The Patriots have also been the most trade-happy organization in football in since Belichick’s arrival.(5.) With Patriots right guard Shaq Mason ruled out for Sunday’s contest, it marks the first time since his week eight of his rookie season that he hasn’t been active. Mason — who has been active for 54 of his first 56 career regular season games —is one third of a “homegrown” trio on the interior that includes left guard Joe Thuney and center David Andrews. It’s a unit that has been one of the more consistently-underrated in football over the past three seasons. Sunday will be just the third game since the start of 2016 in which all three won’t be on the field together.With the signing of Andrews to a three-year extension last May (a deal that might be among the best values in football), and with Mason inking a deal with $23.5 million guaranteed to keep him in Foxborough through 2023, the Patriots have two legs of their interior trio under contract through 2020. Joe Thuney, who will be eligible to negotiate a contract after the completion of this season, will carry a cap hit of roughly $2.22 million in 2019 after qualifying for the Proven Performance Escalator (PPE) — a provision in the CBA that bumps the fourth year rookie salary of a player drafted after the second round up to the level of that year’s lowest restricted free agency tender. Players can earn the PPE by participating in 35% of offensive or defensive snaps in two of his first three seasons, or by participating in 35% of all of those snaps over his first three years. According to overthecap.com, no 2016 draftee how was taken between rounds three and seven has participated in a high percentage of his unit’s snaps. The former NC State standout has participated has a 99.7% three-year average after playing in 99.6% in 2016, 99.5% in 2017, and 100% so far this year.Follow Brian Phillips on Twitter — @BPhillips_SB When the New England Patriots hosted the Kansas City Chiefs in week six of the regular season, both offenses were spectacular while the two teams’ defenses still made the occasional big play. One of the biggest plays of the 43-40 contest, however, was made in neither of the two phases but rather the oft-forgotten third: the kicking game.Following a Patriots field goal early in the fourth quarter that gave the team a 30-26 lead, Chiefs returnman Tremon Smith ran the ensuing kickoff back 97 yards to the New England 3-yard line. Three plays later, Kansas City was in the end zone to take its first lead of the day. And while it ultimately would not last Josh Gordon Jersey , Smith’s return still proved to be one of the biggest momentum swings in the game.With the two teams set to meet again on Sunday with the AFC title on the line, once more the focus is mostly on offense and defense. The Patriots and Chiefs field two of the best offensive units in football, while their defenses have come a long way since their week six bout that saw a combined 83 points and 946 yards of offense. However, special teams might again play a pivotal role when it is all said and done.“It is a key phase of the game,” said Patriots special teams ace Albert McClellan when talking about the importance of the kicking game earlier this week. “A lot of people always say that punting is the most important play of the game since so many people have their hands on the ball. It’s great to get noticed, but at the same time we are a unit, so once one person gets noticed the whole unit gets noticed.”McClellan will be a big player for the Patriots on Sunday — one that was not with the team when it first played the Chiefs: the veteran, who was named the best special teamer in the NFL by advanced analytics website Pro Football Focus, was only added to the team in early November after his release from the Baltimore Ravens. He appeared in eight games for New England since then, playing roughly two thirds of special teams snaps.Together with fellow mid-season acquisition Ramon Humber, McClellan helped stabilize the Patriots’ previously inconsistent kick coverage units — something that is not lost on special teams captain Matthew Slater. “All I remember from going back to my notes from when we played Kansas City was writing down that we’re not very good in the kicking game,” said Slater earlier this week. “I certainly haven’t forgotten how we played against these guys. It was terrible, so we’re going to try and avoid a repeat of that.”“I think that we’ve certainly made strides throughout the course of the season. It’s been great to have [Albert McClellan] come in and really help us, Ramon [Humber] come in and help us,” Slater continued. “Two steady veterans that really understand how to play this game. They’ve brought a lot of balance to our game and what we do and I think we have made strides Authentic Phillip Dorsett Jersey Salute to Service , but we’re going to find out whether we’ve made enough strides here come Sunday night.”McClellan also knows that the Patriots, as opposed to week six, need to be on top of their special teams game on Sunday. “They got some home run hitters. You’ve got to be disciplined. You’ve got to be laser-focused,” the 32-year old said. “Everything comes into play: your assignment, your technique, communicating everything. It’s not just one person, it’s not just one thing — it’s combining everything and hopefully your formula is better than theirs.”Through their first 17 games, the Chiefs’ formula is serving them well on both kickoffs and punts: both primary returnmen are posting some very good numbers with speedster Tyreek Hill running back punts and the aforementioned Smith usually responsible for kickoffs. Hill is averaging 8.8 yards on his 25 punt returns, and also scored a touchdown on opening day, while Smith is gaining 26.4 yards per kickoff runback (886 yards on 33 returns).New England’s returners are no slouches either, though. Punt returner Julian Edelman is gaining an average of 7.6 yards since returning to the team in week five. Meanwhile, kickoff returner Cordarrelle Patterson is still one of the NFL’s primary weapons in the returngame: the 27-year old is running kickoffs back for an average of 28.6 yards and also has a week seven touchdown on his r茅sum茅.While the battle between the Patriots’ and Chiefs’ offenses and defenses takes center stage leading up to the AFC Championship Game, it might very well be a kicking game play to make the difference. Three months removed from their debacle in week six, New England appears to be better prepared to handle it this time around.
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has set dozens of NFL records over the course of his illustrious career in the league. Today during his team’s 31-17 win over the visiting Green Bay Packers Limited Vincent Valentine Jersey , the consensus greatest quarterback of all time set another all-time mark: the 41-year old is now the first quarterback in NFL history to gain more than 80,000 total yards in a career.Brady set the new record in the early fourth quarter after the Patriots recovered a Packers fumble. A 17-yard pass to Phillip Dorsett on a 3rd and 7 put Brady ahead of long-time rival and fellow future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning on the combined passing yards list for regular season and playoffs. Manning ended his career with 79,978 combined yards — passing, rushing, receiving —, Brady’s connection with Dorsett put him at 79,990.The former sixth-round draft pick turned five-time Super Bowl champion added more yardage to his total later in the game and when all was set and done ended the day at 80 Authentic Cyrus Jones Jersey ,074. More importantly, at least in the grand scheme of the 2018 season, is that Brady played a key role in helping New England achieve its seventh win of the year. [Patriots fans: Sign up for FanPulse, our weekly Patriots survey)Sunday’s game between the New England Patriots and the Tennessee Titans will come with plenty of intrigue. Not only is it a rematch of last year’s divisional playoff round — a game the Patriots won xx in Foxboro —, it also is a meeting of plenty of old friends: Titans head coach Mike Vrabel, cornerbacks Malcolm Butler and Logan Ryan, and running back Dion Lewis are just a few of the ties between the two organizations.Before we get ahead of ourselves Eric Rowe Jersey , however, let’s find out how you can watch the contest:New England Patriots (7-2) vs Tennessee Titans (4-4)Date: Sunday, November 11, 2018Kickoff: 1:00 p.m. ETLocation: Nissan Stadium, Nashville TNSB Nation affiliate: Music City MiraclesTV: CBS, with Ian Eagle (play-by-play), Dan Fouts (color commentary) and Evan Washburn (sideline):506sports.comLocal radio: 98.5 FM The Sports Hub Mike Gillislee Jersey Salute to Service , with Bob Socci (play-by-play) and Scott Zolak (color commentary):For additional stations, please check out the broadcast information on patriots.com.National radio: Sports USA One with Larry Kahn (play-by-play) and Doug Plank (color commentary)Online Streaming: CBS All Access, Fubo.TV, NFL Game Pass (International Viewers)Line: Patriots -6.5Over/Under: 45.5Additional Information: The Patriots provide an in-depth breakdown on their website.
Joe Haden saw the ball floating toward him Cheap Derwin James Jersey , Rob Gronkowski bearing down on him, stretched out every inch of his 5-foot-11 frame and hoped for the best.For once, the first time in a while, the best actually happened for the erratic Pittsburgh Steelers defense.Haden's leaping fourth-quarter interception 鈥?one in which he outjumped both Gronkowski and New England teammate Julian Edelman then somehow kept both feet inbounds despite getting crunched to the Heinz Field turf 鈥?and the ensuing cathartic celebration not only served as a critical turning point in a 17-10 victory , but appeared to restore the swagger to a unit badly in need of some following a three-game losing streak."We were just trying to figure out a way to get turnovers," Haden said. "We've been letting the team down a little bit in the fourth quarter. Having a lead and things like that. So we've been talking about turnovers. I feel like being able to get that one was big for us."The pick was just the fifth by the Steelers in 14 meetings against New England quarterback Tom Brady and their seventh of the season. It was also the kind of momentum-halting stop Pittsburgh was unable to get during its recent slide, games in which the Steelers led after halftime only to have it slip away, something that wasn't lost on Haden."Having that three-game losing streak, we weren't really stopping anything in the second half of games," Haden said. "We really talked about that and trying to make it right before the playoffs."The postseason is still far from a certainty for Pittsburgh (8-5-1), which holds a half-game lead over Baltimore in the AFC North with two weeks remaining. Yet there were promising signs the defense may have figured something out.Gronkowski Cheap Melvin Gordon Jersey , who had dominated the Steelers throughout his career, was held to just two receptions for 21 yards. And while Brady threw for 279 yards, 63 of them came on a busted coverage by the Steelers on New England's fourth offensive snap and another 63 came during New England's last-ditch drive with Pittsburgh in something akin to a prevent defense.When the Patriots neared the Pittsburgh goal line, the Steelers forced four straight incompletions to earn their first victory over the Patriots since 2011.In between New England's first possession and its last, Brady managed just 144 yards through the air and the Patriots mustered a single Stephen Gostkowski field goal. Brady allowed the Steelers mixed up coverages in ways it had not in previous meetings, though that's hardly atypical."I thought they played good," Brady said. "They made some plays. We certainly had some opportunity out there and I give them credit, because they made important plays when they needed too."All the way to the final snap. Brady's fourth-down heave to the end zone intended for Edelman was knocked down by safety Morgan Burnett, who has endured an uneven first season with the Steelers.Signed as a free agent in the offseason to help provide veteran leadership to a largely young group, Burnett has spent most of it on the sideline because of various injuries. He certainly appeared to be just fine, however Cheap Philip Rivers Jersey , when he spiked Brady's 36th and final pass attempt."You knew what was going to happen at that point of the game," Burnett said. "No timeouts. Fourth down. You knew they were going to take a shot toward the goal posts. At that point you are just thinking 'Get the ball on the ground.' If you don't catch it, just get it on the ground so they don't catch it in the end zone."Sounds simple, but it hasn't been for the Steelers of late. The Los Angeles Chargers roared back from a 16-point halftime deficit at Heinz Field on Dec. 2 thanks in part to Pittsburgh's inability to make the plays that were there for the taking. Haden and Sean Davis collided while trying to pick off Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers in the end zone.Instead, the ball popped into the air and settled into the arms of Los Angeles wide receiver Keenan Allen and the comeback was on.Two weeks later and with their season possibly on the line, the Steelers didn't let another opportunity to make a statement get away."I think it's a confidence booster moving forward," said linebacker T.J. Watt, who recorded Pittsburgh's lone sack of Brady. "I think we need to build off this performance." The 11-4 Los Angeles Chargers currently sit in second place in the AFC West and hold the 5 seed in the AFC. Depending on the results of week 17’s games, the Chargers will either remain in that exact position or will vault all the way to first place in the AFC West and hold the 1 seed in the AFC. Those are the only two possibilities.If the Chargers lose to the Denver Broncos, their fate is sealed and they will be the 5 seed. If they win or tie, however Cheap Keenan Allen Jersey , the result of the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Oakland Raiders will determine their place. With a win and a Chiefs loss or tie, the Chargers win the division and take the 1 seed. With a tie and a Chiefs loss, the Chargers win the division and take the 1 seed. If the Chiefs win, the Chargers finish in the second and get the 5 seed no matter the outcome of their own game.Should Los Angeles end up with the 5 seed, there are quite a few possibilities for where they could play during Wild Card weekend. The New England Patriots, Baltimore Ravens, Indianapolis Colts, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Tennessee Titans are all in play for the 4 seed.In order by Weighted DVOA, those teams could get the 4 seed in these ways:Baltimore Ravens (#4): If the Ravens win and both the Patriots and Texans win OR if the Ravens and Steelers lose OR if the Ravens and Steelers tie.Indianapolis Colts (#5): If the Colts win, the Ravens win Drew Kaser Jersey , and the Texans lose.New England Patriots (#8): If the Pats lose and any two of the Ravens, Titans, and Texans win.Pittsburgh Steelers (#10): If the Steelers win and the Ravens lose OR if the Steelers win and Ravens tie.Tennessee Titans (#16): If the Titans win, the Ravens win, and the Texans lose.The only scenario where the Chargers are likely to be favored on the road is at Tennessee, so if the Raiders can’t stun the Chiefs this weekend, we should probably all be rooting for the Titans, Ravens, and Jaguars. Custom Chicago Bears Jerseys
NFL Week 7 Sunday Standouts: Offense - Ben LinseyRivers continued his excellent season in London http://www.chargerscheapshops.com/cheap-authentic-isaac-rochell-jersey , turning in an impressive performance with limited opportunities. On just 26 attempts, Rivers threw for 306 yards and two touchdowns. Once again, it was the deep ball that was Rivers’ biggest weapon as he went 3-for-3 with 156 yards and two touchdowns on passes that traveled 20 or more yards in the air. Over the last three weeks, Rivers has a perfect 158.3 passer rating on such deep attempts.Refocused, NFL Week 7: Los Angeles Chargers 20, Tennessee Titans 19 - PFF Analysis TeamIt was a big game exploiting busts down the field for Philip Rivers http://www.chargerscheapshops.com/cheap-authentic-austin-ekeler-jersey , for more than 50% of his passing yards came on three of his 26 pass attempts. He did not miss when given the opportunity to make game-changing plays.Why Bolts Have Proven to Be Among NFL’s Grittiest Teams - Ricky Henne“It’s big because to be on the road for 10 days like this and pull out these wins, and to end it with this type of win, it builds character,” said Jahleel Addae. “It builds grit. It builds confidence. If you can win one in this atmosphere after being away from home for 10 days, and to do it with a goal line stand, that’s huge.”Upon Further Review: Five Lessons from the Titans Game - Ricky Henne“Our defense Joe Barksdale Jersey , they bend but they never break. Even when they got in on the touchdown, I didn't think they would convert. Once again, you got an interception down there in the red zone, tight read. They protect every inch.”The Chargers' success is being ignored around the NFL - Mark CannizzaroSleep on the Chargers at your own risk, though, as their quarterback Cheap Dan Feeney Jersey , Philip Rivers, is having one of the best seasons of his career. He is completing 69.1 percent of his passes for 2,008 yards with 17 touchdowns, only three interceptions and a 117.8 passer rating.Social Media Information:BFTB Facebook Page: Click here to like our pageBFTB Twitter: Follow @BFTB_ChargersThe Lightning Round Twitter: Follow @Lightning_RoundThe Lightning Round Facebook: Click here to like our pageBFTB Manager: Richard Wade: Follow @RichardWade It appears that Joe Barksdale’s time with the Los Angeles Chargers has come to an end.It’s hard to tell if he’s getting IR’d and expecting to be released after, or if he is getting released now, or simply retiring. UPDATE:Well there we have it Trevor Williams Jersey , the Chargers have waived Joe Barksdale. He has been a little banged up but is apparently healthy. Barksdale had not been playing up to expectations. He has been a decent pass protector however he has been a poor run blocker for a while now. 6th round pick Sam Tevi has been splitting time with Barksdale for most of the season and has now completely taken over. I also wonder if maybe he asked for this move to take some time for himself. As almost everyone should know, Joe has been battling with depression for a while now and getting banged up again and losing his starting job certainly can’t be helping. We wish Joe, and his family, all the best going forward with his life. Custom Minnesota Vikings Jerseys
Where were you when Garrett Hartley sent the Saints to the Super Bowl? No matter when you became a New Orleans Saints fan Ken Crawley Jersey , you can easily recollect the good, the bad, and the ugly moments that have happened in the franchise. Part of this week’s theme at SB Nation’s NFL brand is focusing on a ‘Where were you when’ something memorable occurred for each respective team that occurred after 1990. I couldn’t think of anything better than Garrett Hartley sending the Saints to the Super Bowl.The setup needs little to no introduction, as the euphoria created from the game-winning field goal in overtime to beat the Vikings still sends chills down the spines. Tears of joys, embracing total strangers Cheap Josh LeRibeus Jersey , a mass hysteria of high fives, and overall jubilation filled for the Superdome.The videos say it all, filled with nothing but raw emotion. I recall being in Baton Rouge, LA at Buffalo Wild Wings as part of the three best friends that anyone can have. It was loud. It was much of what you see in the videos. It was incredible, to say the least.We asked on Twitter and Facebook to share some of your stories and experiences Cheap Vonn Bell Jersey , and selected some of the best ones.The Saints would go on to win the Super Bowl, and the moment Tracy Porter picked off Peyton Manning to seal it for the black and gold deserves a real honorable mention. However, without Hartley’s kick, it wouldn’t have happened.What were you doing when Garrett Hartley booted the Saints into the Super Bowl? The Saints have one more game to play in November, but quarterback Drew Brees has already been named the NFC’s top offensive player of the month.The NFL made the announcement on Thursday morning and Brees will be able to add to his sparkling season against the Cowboys in Dallas on Thursday night. The game will be the fifth of the month for the Saints and they bring a 4-0 record into the matchup thanks in large part to Brees’ efforts.Brees went 84-of-113 for 1 Cheap Austin Carr Jersey ,145 yards and 15 touchdowns over the course of those first four games. His lowest yardage output in a game came against the Falcons on Thanksgiving, but Brees buttressed his 171 yards and lone interception of the stretch with four touchdown passes.All four of those touchdowns were thrown to undrafted players, including two who caught the first touchdowns of their pro careers, and Brees has hit 13 different players for touchdowns so far this season. He’s thrown 29 touchdowns overall and the interception against Atlanta was just his second of the year, which goes along with the team’s record and a completion percentage of 76.4 as big reasons why Brees is the MVP favorite heading into the final stretch of the regular season. Custom Denver Broncos Jerseys
Before Drew Brees could blow kisses to the adoring Superdome crowd Youth Alex Okafor Jersey , before he could embrace his wife and children on the sideline, the Saints' 39-year-old quarterback had to shred one of the NFL's top pass defenses with ruthless efficiency.And so he did.Brees passed Peyton Manning to become the NFL's all-time leader in yards passing with a 62-yard touchdown to rookie Tre'Quan Smith on Monday night that sent New Orleans on its way to a lopsided 43-19 victory over the mistake-prone Washington Redskins."It's hard for me to reflect too much right now just because my career's not done. There are still goals to be accomplished. There are still challenges to be met. And so I'm still very focused on that," Brees said. "And yet, when something like this happens, there are so many people who are responsible for that, that are a part of that, that makes me happy. It makes me proud and it makes me extremely grateful 鈥?extremely grateful for the opportunity to play this game, to play it as long as I've played it, to have wound up here in New Orleans."It's just been an unbelievable journey."Brees entered the game needing 201 yards to eclipse Peyton Manning's previous mark of 71,940 yards. He had 250 yards and two touchdowns by halftime and finished 26 of 29 for 363 yards and three touchdowns. He has yet to throw an interception this season. He did, however, make his eighth career reception on his own deflected pass, and pushed across the line of scrimmage to add an extra yard to his career total."He throws for 5 http://www.saintsauthorizedshops.com/authentic-ryan-ramczyk-jersey ,000 yards just like he's sleeping at night, and it's crazy to see that," Redskins cornerback Josh Norman said. "He's at the top of them all right now 鈥?and he's not done yet."The Saints' Smith, a third-round draft choice last spring, caught two touchdown passes from the 18th-year pro. Brees also hit Smith for a 35-yard score down the right sideline early in the third quarter.Any hope Washington had of coming back was all but snuffed out when Justin Hardee, a special teams regular who was in the game because of Marshon Lattimore's concussion symptoms, snagged Alex Smith's underthrown pass at the Saints' 19-yard line and returned his first career interception to the Washington 4.That set up change-of-pace QB Taysom Hill's 1-yard touchdown run that put the Saints (4-1) up 40-13.Smith completed 23 of 39 passes for 275 yards for the Redskins (2-2). He ran for a short touchdown late in the first half that pulled Washington within 26-13.MAKING MEMORIESWhen Saints began one of their last first-half possessions on their own 38, Brees needed just 35 yards to break the record. On the first play of the drive, Brees launched a pass toward the right sideline to the speedy Smith, who was wide open and easily sprinted away from Nicholson's tackle attempt en route to the end zone."I knew we were within striking distance" of the record, Brees said. "I didn't know it was going to happen on the first play to Tre'Quan. But I don't think it could have happened in any better fashion than it did. To have then that moment with my teammates on the field, the offensive line, it played out even greater than I ever could have imagined."Brees' teammates ran toward their quarterback as he jogged behind the play Alex Anzalone Jersey , and a group of them formed a jumping, celebrating mass of black and gold next to the Saints' fleur-de-lis emblem on the 50-yard line.Brees then removed his helmet, saluted fans and exchanged hugs on the sideline with his wife, Brittany, their four kids and Saints coach Sean Payton. The ball was handed over to Pro Football Hall of Fame officials.With the game well in hand after the two-minute warning, Payton subbed Brees out of the game. As Teddy Bridgwater ran onto the field and Brees trotted to the sideline, Brees got one last ovation before fans began chanting: "Who dat say dey gonna beat dem Saints."INGRAM'S RETURNRunning back Mark Ingram, playing in his first game this season after serving a four-game suspension, scored two touchdowns on 2- and 1-yard runs in the first half.He finished with 53 yards rushing and 20 receiving."It's great to have him back," Payton said, stressing the Ingram's presence reduces the physical toll on fellow running back Alvin Kamara. "That combination 鈥?those are two real good running backs."PAINFUL PENALTIESThe Redskins came in allowing fewer than 190 yards passing per game and spoke of doing what they could to prevent Brees from making history. Instead, they helped Brees pile up first-half yards with third-down penalties that extended two touchdown drives.Norman's defensive holding penalty during Brees' incomplete pass sustained the Saints' first scoring drive, capped by Ingram's short touchdown run.In the second quarter Authentic Josh LeRibeus Jersey , Montae Nicholson's unnecessary roughness penalty for leveling Ingram on Ryan Kerrigan's third-down sack extended a drive that ended with Brees' short TD pass to tight end Josh Hill.INJURIESRedskins: Chris Thompson took a heavy hit from Saints linebacker Craig Robertson and received treatment on the field before getting up and walking to the sideline holding his helmet. Redskins coach Jay Gruden said he had a rib injury. Gruden also said running back Adrian Peterson has a shoulder strain and will have an MRI. Receiver Paul Richardson Jr. stained his knee and tight end Vernon Davis had a hamstring injury.Saints: In addition to Lattimore, reserve defensive lineman Taylor Stallworth limped off the field, favoring his right leg.UP NEXTRedskins: Host Carolina on Sunday.Saints: Enter their bye week before returning to action at Baltimore on Oct. 21. Saints News:Showmen: Thomas, Kamara are Saints' most dynamic playmakers yet - NFL Nation- ESPNWith a physical WR and speedy RB leading a scary group of skill players, the Saints have established themselves as the NFC's team to beat.Instant replay! NFL Network to rebroadcast Saints-Rams game | nola.comMidseason matchup offered one more sign that the black-and-gold is a team to watch.No place better to host NFC title than Saints' SuperdomeWhat’s more, for all the ink that’s been spilled about the Rams’ fearsome, star-studded defense, the Saints’ 45-point destruction of that unit will give New Orleans supreme confidence in any rematch.NFL power rankings Week 10: Saints replace Rams at No. 1, Redskins fallThe New Orleans Saints have claimed the top spot in our latest NFL power rankings after handing Rams first loss. Elsewhere, battered Redskins plummet.Dez Bryant and Brandon Marshall working out for New Orleans SaintsBryant, who turned 30 on Sunday, has been a free agent since he was released by Dallas in April. He has visited several teams, including a workout with the Cleveland Browns in August.Eagles at Saints Week 11 game flexed to late afternoon-The Saints are the best team in the NFL Youth Austin Carr Jersey , and beating the Rams proves the point – The Athletic"We believe we can overcome anything," says Mark Ingram after New Orleans uses an explosive offense and an opportunistic defense to hand Los Angeles its first loss of the season.Saints Film Room: Offense is clicking on all cylinders through eight games – The AthleticThe key to the Saints' success so far this season is simple: Everyone is doing his job from top to bottom.NFL News:EJ Manuel made valid points about the NFL’s double standards for QBs - SBNation.comIt’s not specifically the Bills’ fault EJ Manuel doesn’t have a job, but his criticisms of the NFL have merit.The NFL’s partnership with ‘Fortnite’ is probably a bad idea, right?Coming to consoles near you: People in NFL jerseys shooting at each other!Sharrif Floyd suing Dr. James Andrews for $180M - NFL.comFormer Vikings defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd is filing a $180 million lawsuit against surgeon Dr. James Andrews, alleging he suffered permanent nerve and muscle damage following a knee procedure.Best NFL TD celebrations: Which ones do we want to see mimicked next?Michael Thomas replicated Joe Horn's cellphone celebration. Kevin Byard copied T.O. Here are some more classic celebrations we'd like to see.Tom Brady shows again he's greatest football player of all time - New England Patriots 2018 NFLIt didn't matter that the 41-year-old struggled early against Green Bay. It was Brady who made the play to win in the end -- one more time.Debrief: Ravens', Pack's losses among most humbling of Week 9 - NFL.comHow will John Harbaugh's Baltimore Ravens recover from a pivotal defeat at the hands of the Pittsburgh Steelers? Gregg Rosenthal examines the five most humbling losses of Week 9.2019 NFL Draft order, team needs: Raiders No. 1; Pack in top 15 - NFL.comWhich pick in the 2019 NFL Draft does your team hold, and what are the top needs for all 32 clubs? Have a look at where things stand for your squad coming out of Week 9.NFL - Fixes for the worst teams, including draft, free agency, trades, coaches, quarterbacks and more for 2019Roster holes Ken Crawley Jersey , plans for the draft and free agency, coaching and QB moves and more. Plus, realistic expectations for 2019.Stat by stat, Buffalo Bills' offense inching toward NFL infamy - Buffalo Bills Blog- ESPNThe Bills, who have been outscored 241-96 through nine games, need to rally in the second half to stay off the list of all-time ineptitude.2018 NFL midseason awards from Bill Barnwell - Picks for MVP, players of year, best rookies, playsHere's the case for Drew Brees over Patrick Mahomes, and winners for every major award -- plus a few invented categories -- at the halfway point.Texans WR Demaryius Thomas rips Broncos brass - NFL.comHouston Texans wide receiver Demaryius Thomas went on Orange & Blue radio, 760 AM in Denver, on Monday to expound on his feelings of being traded from the Denver Broncos.What we learned in the first half of 2018 NFL season - Kansas City Chiefs Andy Reid collects on high-stakes QB betAndy Reid's risky decision to hand his offense over to Patrick Mahomes is paying off more than anyone could have dreamed.Jerry: Loss didn't impact my view on Dak Prescott - NFL.comCowboys QB Dak Prescott had a rough outing in Monday night's 28-14 loss to the Tennessee Titans. Is Prescott still The Guy in Dallas?Social Media: Custom Washington Redskins Jerseys
Some teams try to take away what an opposing offense does best. For the Saints on Sunday against the Eagles http://www.thesaintsfootballauthentic.com/alex-okafor-jersey-authentic , the goal was to force their best player to do it all.“We want to put the game on [Carson] Wentz,鈥?Saints coach Sean Payton told Peter King for his Football Morning in America column.Wait, what?As King explains it, Payton concluded, with the help of player personnel analyst Ryan Herman, that the Eagles are 1-11 in games when Wentz plays and the defense allows more than 26 points. Also, Wentz has a record of 0-9 when passing between 308 and 364 yards.Those numbers are a product of the Eagles not being able to run the ball (which they haven’t been able to do effectively this year), becoming one-dimensional, and being outscored.On Sunday, they were outscored badly. And Wentz didn’t come close to 308 yards. He generated only 156 yards passing on 19 completions http://www.thesaintsfootballauthentic.com/larry-warford-jersey-authentic , against 33 attempts. He had no touchdown passes, and three interceptions.The Eagles mustered only 58 rushing yards. The end result? The defending Super Bowl champs could get nothing going, starting with a pair of three-and-outs (the Saints responded with a field goal and a touchdown) and continuing with an interception, the only touchdown of the game, a three-play drive to end the half (after a Saints touchdown that made the score 24-7), a five-play drive ending in a turnover on downs, a six-play drive capped by a punt, a four-play drive ending in a turnover on downs, another interception, a third interception Womens Alvin Kamara Jersey , and that was that.For the 2018 Eagles, that likely is that. Although the NFC East remains wide open, the Eagles have plunged from 4-4 to 4-6; they’ll need to run the table or come close to it if they want to have a chance to make it to the postseason. If other teams adopt the blueprint used by the Saints (of course, it helps to have the New Orleans offense), it will be very difficult for the Eagles to accomplish that feat. Wide receiver Torrey Smith chuckled at the notion that Eric Reid's return to the NFL this week might be a distraction for the Carolina Panthers on Sunday when they host the New York Giants.Smith said Reid's stance on racial injustice hasn't been an issue in the locker room, adding that "no one cares" if he kneels or not during the national anthem.He said Reid's new teammates are more eager to see what he does on the field rather than what he does before the game."It's not like he's out there and coach calls 'Cover 3' and he's going to take a knee and let a guy run by him. If that was the issue, it would be a problem," Smith said with a laugh. "But that's not the way it works. Eric knows what is best for Eric and we all know what he is fighting for."Reid, who knelt alongside Colin Kaepernick in San Francisco during the national anthem to bring attention to racial and social injustice, hasn't said if he will demonstrate Sunday in his first game since filing a collusion grievance against the NFL alleging that teams wouldn't sign him because of his protesting.Regardless of Reid's beliefs Womens Josh LeRibeus Jersey , the Panthers (2-1) are excited to have the 2013 Pro Bowler, who is expected to start at safety after Da'Norris Searcy was placed on injured reserve last week with a concussion.Cam Newton said the Panthers "got a steal" when they signed the 26-year-old Reid."He's a great player," Newton said. "We've accepted him with open arms. We know he's going to be an impact player for us, and that's all I care about."Reid, who is African-American, said after signing a one-year contract with Carolina that he plans to "continue to speak for my people" and use his platform to talk about injustices."I'm going to stand by him and none of that will be a distraction as far as us winning football games," Newton said. "What he does on the football field is going to impact this team. I know that."Things to watch in Sunday's game:FAMILIAR FACESWhen Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly turned on the film this week, he saw plenty of familiar plays being run by the Giants. New York's offensive coordinator is Mike Shula, who worked as Carolina's offensive coordinator from 2013-17. So Kuechly saw just about every one of Shula's play calls over the last five years in practice.Of course, what Kuechly didn't see too much of on tape this week were zone read options Womens Benjamin Watson Jersey , something Shula ran frequently with Newton as his quarterback. That's not something the Giants are running with the slow-footed Eli Manning at the helm. "If Eli runs like Cam does, then we are in trouble," Kuechly said.Moving the ball and scoring points has been a struggle this season for the Giants under Shula.ON THE RUNGiants coach Pat Shurmur admittedly didn't use rookie Saquon Barkley enough in the loss to the Saints last weekend. The running game was limited to 65 yards on 15 carries. Barkley had 44 yards on 10 carries, with 28 coming on a sprint around end. New York usually doesn't win unless it can establish some kind of run game to set up the play-action pass. Expect Barkley to either double his carries this week or have backup Wayne Gallman carry more than twice. The Panthers are allowing 110 yards per game on the ground.Jonathan Stewart, Carolina's all-time leading rusher, was placed on injured reserve last week by New York.VERNON'S BACKThe Giants are optimistic that outside linebacker Olivier Vernon will see his first action of the season after a strong week of practice. Shurmur thinks that could give the defense a boost, saying "when you have a fresh body that has the talent, the skill and abilities of a pass rusher, it helps your defense. Certainly adding him back to the mix will help."Vernon has 40 陆 sacks over the past five seasons while playing mostly defensive end. He missed the first four games after suffering a high ankle sprain in late August.DEFENDING RUSHING QBSThe Giants' defense has struggled against opposing quarterbacks in the run game. In four games, opposition QBs have gained 151 yards on 20 carries Youth Cameron Jordan Jersey , a 7.55 average. That could be a major problem this week with Newton taking snaps. The 2015 league MVP has carried 28 times for 136 yards and three touchdowns in three games. He has rushed for at least 700 yards in each of the last three seasons, joining Michael Vick as the only NFL quarterbacks with three 700-yard seasons rushing. The Saints used a new wrinkle last weekend against the Giants, having backup quarterback Taysom Hill rush four times for 28 yards.MORE McCAFFREYAided by Newton's skills as a runner , the Panthers have the league's No. 1-ranked rushing offense, while the Giants are 29th against the run. So it shouldn't be too hard to figure out what Carolina wants to do Sunday. Christian McCaffrey is coming off a career-high 184 yards rushing on 28 carries in a 31-21 win against the Bengals before the bye week. But given that offensive coordinator Norv Turner is known to mix things up from week to week, it wouldn't be a shocker if Turner leans a little more heavily on backup running back C.J. Anderson this week.AP Sports Writer Tom Canavan contributed to this report. Custom Minnesota Vikings Jerseys
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05.03.2019 08:28