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1

General Discussion / health insurance plan while rehabilitating hi

« on: January 17, 2020, 02:22:02 AM »

There’s been plenty of grumbling about the way the league has enforced the new rule governing pass interference replay reviews Michael Deiter Jersey Womens , but NFL officiating head Al Riveron and company have some friends around the Jets right now.The Jets were facing 4th-and-17 out of field goal range in the final minute after a Sam Darnold pass to Vyncint Smith fell incomplete, but a review for defensive pass interference was initiated from upstairs and a flag was dropped on Dolphins cornerback Nik Needham. A 12-yard pass to Ty Montgomery set up Sam Ficken‘s 44-yard kick and the field goal made the Jets 22-21 winners at home.It’s fitting that the game ended with a field goal because there were a lot of them. Ficken made all three he tried, although he did miss an extra point in the first quarter. Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders made seven Michael Deiter white jersey , but missed one and the Dolphins’ offense’s inability to finish drives cost them a chance to win their fourth game of the year.It didn’t help that wide receivers DeVante Parker and Albert Wilson were both knocked out with head injuries and they were able to get some positive work from running back Patrick Laird, but a Jamal Adams-less Jets defense never broke down over the course of the afternoon.Darnold and the Jets will have a quick turnaround to face the Ravens on Thursday. One imagines it will be far tougher to limit them to field goals. Kendrick Norton watched the Dolphins practice from the sideline Monday. The defensive tackle will not play again, having had his left arm amputated following a two-car wreck July 4. But the Dolphins placed Norton on the non-football injury list Michael Deiter Miami Dolphins Jerseys , assuring he remains under the NFL’s health insurance plan while rehabilitating his injuries and receiving occupational therapy.“It shows his character, and how much you have to be thankful for life each and every day,” defensive tackle Akeem Spence said Miami Dolphins Jerseys Stitched , via Safid Deen of the . “Hey, a couple months ago, that guy was sitting in one of our chairs. It’s unfortunate what happened Michael Deiter black jersey , but just to have him out here was a blessing.“It fills my spirit just to see him smiling.”Norton underwent at least six surgeries before being released from the hospital July 18. He hopes to get a prosthetic arm.His teammates welcomed him back as part of the team.“When I saw Kendrick, I was drained a little bit [during practice],” running back Mark Walton said. “It gave me energy. We didn’t even know he was coming. It was a welcome surprised. I was glad to see him.”

2

General Discussion / offense on the most recent episode of the MMQB

« on: January 17, 2020, 01:51:06 AM »

The two L.A. teams got together to practice over the past couple of days. On Saturday Darrell Henderson black jersey , the Chargers defense apparently got the better of the Rams offense.“We were sluggish,” Rams coach Sean McVay told reporters. “I thought it seemed like the defense had good energy, offensively not even close to good enough. I thought they finished the day strong which is what’s important and our guys kept it together. I think you’ve got to give credit to the Chargers, they came out, they had some good juice Darrell Henderson Jersey Mens , specifically their defense. It’s always a good learning opportunity for us. That’s really what this is. You get a chance to try some things that maybe you wouldn’t do against your defense and you get it in a full-speed setting against a really good team where you’re playing against their good players.”McVay later was asked whether the substandard offensive performance lands in the lap of quarterback Jared Goff.“I don’t think so,” McVay said. “What I think says as much about [Goff] as anything is that I’m talking more of myself, the reflection of the entire unit. But what says as much about Jared is that in the midst of things not going great, he finds a way to settle in, in a situation where we’ve got to have a two-minute drive to score a touchdown Darrell Henderson Jersey Cheap , he made some great throws, recognized coverage, got the ball where it should’ve gone, and really, to be able to just stay that even-keeled demeanor like we talk about all the time says as much about him as anything.“I just think the expectations we have are high Bobby Evans Los Angeles Rams Jerseys , but to our players’ credit, they finished the day the right way. This game isn’t perfect and they’re a very good football team. But, that being said, loved the way that we finished in spite of the fact that maybe it didn’t go as well as we’d like early on. And I’m specifically talking about the offense.”McVay did a decent bit of tightrope-walking, recognizing the offense looked rough but trying to find a positive somewhere Los Angeles Rams Jerseys 2019 , anywhere. Five weeks from today in Charlotte, the Rams’ offense will face a significant test to start a season during which one of the very real questions is whether the rest of the conference will begin the process of catching up with McVay, Goff, and company.MMQB NFL Podcast talks about Los Angeles Rams QB Jared Goff’s development and HC Sean McVay’s influence It’s no secret that the Los Angeles Rams shocked the league going from the worst offense in the NFL in 2016 (and perhaps one of the worst in NFL history) to one of the most explosive and top scoring units in the league in 2017.Although it was an amazing story, it’s an apt time to wonder if the Rams will be able to duplicate their efforts and if QB Jared Goff played as well as he did as a sophomore because of his maturation or if it was mainly because of the playcalling and management of Head Coach Sean McVay.I decided to ask Sports Illustrated writers Andy Benoit and Gary Gramling about Goff and his development and also more information about Sean McVay’s offense on the most recent episode of the MMQB NFL Podcast:My question: How would you compare Jared Goff to the other young quarterbacks in the league and what can he do to improve? Also From China Bobby Evans Jersey , what could year two of McVay’s offense look like with defenses having a full offseason to study them and watch film?The two then went more in-depth about the Rams’ offensive scheme and how it will evolve and how it presents a challenge to the defense. There was another highlighted item that was mentioned about the fact that McVay stays in Goff’s headset right up until the point where it has to be turned off pre-snap.

3

General Discussion / seasons as his quarterback at Texas Tech

« on: January 17, 2020, 01:19:56 AM »

Started from the bottom Anthony Sherman Jersey , now we’re hereStarted from the bottom, now my whole team relies on meStarted from the bottom, now I’m starting in the NFL Playoffs for the number one overall seed in the AFC. It may not be quite as catchy as Drake’s hit, “Started From the Bottom,” but the overarching message is still the same.The Kansas City Chiefs are in a unique position, being a favorite, or at least the highest seed, in the AFC Playoffs but having multiple players on the roster that are still vast unknowns. Every team deals with injuries and young guys coming up through the ranks during the season, but the Chiefs are a little different. Down in the AP Laboratory, instead of looking back at the previous week and breaking down a player or theme, this week’s film focused on young or new players being thrust into a more prominent role. Unsuspecting startersAt the beginning of the year, the Chiefs secondary boasted a fair amount of veterans and even some promising younger players on the depth chart. There are two names that were so far down that list, it’s unlikely many fans knew their names. Of course, we are talking about cornerback Charvarius Ward and safety Jordan Lucas. Charvarius WardWard was a late offseason addition from the Dallas Cowboys that was taken in stride as a depth or future move. The Chiefs had Kendall Fuller, Orlando Scandrick, Steven Nelson and rookie draft pick Tremon Smith ahead of him on the depth chart, as well as numerous safeties that could fill in as nickel defensive backs. Ward so almost no run through 15 weeks of the season Dustin Colquitt Jersey , except special teams. Then Week 16 rolled around. Ward was given the go starting role heading into the Seattle Seahawks game and after it, Andy Reid had all the right things to say about him in pointing to him holding onto that job. What he does well: Ward is a longer, physical corner, who when asked to play press coverage, does a good job getting hip to hip with a wide receiver and using the sideline to his advantage. In a Cover-1/3 scheme that asks their outside CBs to play inside leverage and use the sideline, he is right at home when allowed to play up on the line of scrimmage. Ward’s ability to stay in-phase is also a big plus in his game, because it allows him to use his length to play the ball. The wide receiver does a good job getting a clean release on the inside, but Ward is able to recover, get to the upfield shoulder and maintain his hand on the hip of the wide receiver through the break. This allows him to slow down the inside cut enough to stay on the hip of the wideout and make a play on the ball. Where he struggles: Ward is a long, high-cut corner that has good overall speed but his change-of-direction ability is very labored and makes it difficult for him to mirror a wide receiver, especially from off-coverage. Ward has to open his hips early when playing off to make the turn and accelerate with wide receivers downfield which then opens him up to underneath routes once WRs press him vertically. With the stiff hips and slower transition, he is also susceptible to double-moves. Wide receivers can take advantage of Ward’s stiff hips by simply pressing vertically, and then snapping their routes off after the stem because they force him to open early to complete a turn and run. To take it to the next level, if a wideout wants to throw in a double-move, they can get Ward over the top as he has to over-commit to a hard break to defend the first move from a disadvantageous position. Where he can improve: Ward’s hands on the jam need a little polish, but he does a good job using them downfield to help reduce separation and stop wide receivers from separating at the catch point. He actively keeps an arm on a wide receiver trying to influence his path and uses it to control breaks. Ward just has to keep his feet active off the snap so that he can be more effective and assertive with his hands during the first five yards and not be forced into using them downfield. Overall, Ward is bringing a new element to the Chiefs cornerback room Rashad Fenton Kansas City Chiefs Jerseys , as he has good size and the physicality to handle bigger wide receivers. He’s still limited as a press cornerback that can be taken advantage of when he’s forced to mirror wide receivers rather than run on their hip. He will likely see plenty of targets and of better variety than the last two weeks during the playoff run, which will be huge for the Chiefs to see what kind of future he has with the team. Jordan LucasLucas was behind veterans Eric Berry, Ron Parker, Dan Sorensen (once he returned), Eric Murray and rookie draft pick Armani Watts. There was almost no path for him to take the field as a defender until Berry remained day to day for what seemed like forever.Murray was struggling and got dinged up, and in the very same game, Armani Watts went down only to go onto the IR. Lucas stepped in early in the season and flashed a far higher ceiling and even more consistency than the other safeties on the roster but quickly found himself back on the bench. Upon Berry’s return, the likelihood of Lucas playing at all seemed slim to none, and then in the Seahawks game, he was named the third safety. When Berry had to leave the game, Lucas was the guy who replaced him and when Berry was inactive in Week 17, it was Lucas with the start. Now, Lucas is in a more volatile position than Ward because if all things go well for the Chiefs, he is bumped back to the third safety. The issue is consistency in which Berry could be on the field, which likely means Lucas will be seeing some starter-like snaps at safety in the playoffs. What he does well: Lucas has a good feel when playing in deep zones, keeping track of multiple routes and mirroring the quarterback’s eyes. He does a good job flowing from one receiver to the next and going through his keys when playing deep. He also adds quality ball skills onto that deep coverage making him a solid free safety option for the playoffs. Another area that Lucas excels in is as a man coverage option when a safety has to spin down over a receiver or tight end. He has the athleticism and change-of-direction ability to stick with wide receivers and shifty running backs but is willing to be physical enough to contend with tight ends as well. Where he struggles: Jordan Lucas is a converted cornerback, so like the majority of players in that mold Kansas City Chiefs Jerseys 2019 , he isn’t used in the box, ideally. The Chiefs current defensive scheme often rotates safeties from deep to down in the box based on pre-snap motion (although, that’s been changing a little this year) and when Lucas is forced to play more as a strong safety, he is out of his element. He has a smaller frame and if he has to break down, slow his feet and square to tackle at a thicker running back, it doesn’t always go well. He often has to use his momentum from crashing downhill or dive at knees to make tackles. Where he can improve: Lucas is pretty good filling in the run from the deep safety position. He does a good job coming downhill, finding which lane the running back is targeting and putting his hat in that hole. The issue is that it comes with losing run-fit responsibility at times and when he is kicked down into the box, he has that same mentality to attack the run. He’s trying to mirror the running back like he would when playing deep and is too willing to abandon his run fit when doing so. Overall, Lucas has still played like a top-two safety on this team when given the opportunities, but he still has a distinguishable difference in where he is best and worst used. If Berry is healthy enough to play, Lucas could be a very worthwhile weapon as a third safety, either taking tight ends or playing deep while the Chiefs go back to moving Berry around more often. If Berry is unable to play, the tandem of Lucas and Sorensen is the best and most versatile pairing the Chiefs have run out this year, and Lucas has a chance to put his stamp on that in the playoffs. Patrick Mahomes got Kliff Kingsbury his job with the Cardinals, even though Kingsbury went only 16-21 with Mahomes in three seasons as his quarterback at Texas Tech.(Baker Mayfield started eight games at Texas Tech as a freshman in 2013 when the Red Raiders went 8-5.)In November, after Gil Brandt first predicted Kingsbury could end up as a head coach in the NFL this season, Mahomes predicted success for Kingsbury in the NFL.Now that Kingsbury is close officially to becoming an NFL head coach Infant Rashad Fenton Jersey , Mahomes again endorsed his former head coach.“I think he could be a great NFL head coach,” Mahomes said, via James Palmer of NFL Media. “He has the work ethic. He has the passion for the game. I know he loves the sport, and I know he’s going to be able to relate to quarterbacks. He would put in the work, and now it’s about him finding out where he needs to be.”Mahomes led the nation with 421 passing yards per game in his final season with the Red Raiders, throwing 41 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Texas Tech, though, was only 5-7, including 3-6 in the Big 12.The Cardinals, though, apparently were enamored enough with Mahomes’ NFL success to roll the dice on Kingsbury, who inherits Josh Rosen after working with Case Keenum, Johnny Manziel, Mayfield and Mahomes in the college ranks.

4

General Discussion / ault.The AP does not usually name the alleged victims of sex assaults, but Taylo

« on: January 17, 2020, 12:56:08 AM »

Until the last few weeks Isaiah Wynn Jersey , it was hard to find a group of more stubborn people than the ones that’ve been swearing since Superbad came out that the Patriots are the world’s worst cheaters, no matter what kind of context or retractions or “You haven’t really thought about this for more than 3 seconds, have you?” comes in their general direction.We’ve all been there. It usually goes a little something like this:You know the old expression, you can lead a horse to water, but sometimes he tells you to go screw yourself.Over the past few weeks though, we’ve got a new contender on the scene:Everyone who apparently blacked out and can’t remember every time they said some variation on the Patriots looking somewhere between hung over and washed up. Noodle arm, anyone? Since I have neither the time nor the crayons to point out everyone that buried New England after the Lions game (us included!) or the Titans game, or the Steelers game, or after the VERY UN-BELICHICK-LIKE loss to Miami on special teams Womens Danny Etling Jersey , Fear the Beard, you do the honors:If you need to go have a cigarette after that thread, we feel that.Various sports-talking folks at ESPN, on the other hand, are not pleased that, just like last time we did this with them, The North Remembers鈩?Here’s the thing: we all make mistakes. People hit “Reply All” on emails that the entire company is CC’ed on. You forget that cooking bacon without a shirt on is a bad idea. Show me ONE person who hasn’t texted their ex. It happens! All it takes is a simple “Whoops, my bad!” and that’s that. Done. No harm, no foul.So perhaps in an effort to avoid doing this whole thing all over again like on Chappelle’s show when Charlie Murphy slaps Rick James back and Rick goes....ESPN has admirably wised up a bit and *mostly* picked the Patriots to win on Sunday. Bold Youth Isaiah Wynn Jerseys , I know. Anybody remember those Doritos commercials, “Only for the Bold AND Daring”?Out of the 72 experts that voted (their words, not ours), the World Wide Leader is basically voting 2 to 1 that the Patriots win their 6th Super Bowl - 45 surely cheerful votes went to New England, compared to 27 for the Rams, good for a 62.5% to 37.5% split, respectively.Seems pretty decisive!That said, obviously these two things have nothing to do with each other, but you’ve got to admit the timing is juuuuuuust perfect enough that maybe the football gods have a sense of humor after all.Can’t be feeding those Patriots and their “Everyone thinks we suck” mantra Isaiah Wynn Jerseys Stitched , right? New England Patriots receiver Antonio Brown's availability is again in limbo this week with the NFL preparing to meet with the former trainer that has filed a civil lawsuit accusing the star receiver of rape and sexual assault.On Monday, the NFL declined to comment on the allegations against Brown or when it would speak with his accuser. But the league told the Patriots last week that it was opening an investigation into the matter.Brown has denied the allegations made in the lawsuit. Darren Heitner, a lawyer representing Brown, told The Associated Press his client plans to countersue.Sports Illustrated also published a story Monday afternoon in which a second woman, an unnamed artist, alleged that Brown exposed himself to her while she was working on a mural for him at his Pittsburgh home in 2017.In a statement issued Monday via Twitter , Heitner said Brown also denies the allegation made in the SI story."Antonio Brown has reviewed the sexual misconduct allegations made by an unnamed artist included in a recently published Sports Illustrated article and denies that he ever engaged in such activities," the statement said. "There will be no further comment at this time."Brown has not spoken publicly since the lawsuit was filed and he did not address reporters leading up to the game against the Dolphins. He also was not made available following the Miami game and was not present in the locker room during a player availability on Monday.The Patriots resume practice Wednesday.Asked during his Monday morning conference call if he expected to hear anything from the NFL about Brown's availability this week, Patriots coach Bill Belichick said Youth Duke Dawson Jerseys , "I don't really know anything about that.""I'll just answer any questions about the game, and I'm not getting into anything else outside of that right now," Belichick said.In the lawsuit filed by Brown's former trainer Britney Taylor last week in Florida , she alleges Brown sexually assaulted her on three occasions. According to the lawsuit, Taylor says she was sexually assaulted by Brown on separate training trips to Pittsburgh and Florida that same month in 2017. It also alleges he forcibly raped her in 2018. The suit includes what it says are text messages from Brown bragging about the second assault.The AP does not usually name the alleged victims of sex assaults, but Taylor was identified in the federal lawsuit and was quoted in a statement provided by her lawyer, David Haas.Though the allegations made by Taylor against Brown made him subject to discipline under the NFL's personal conduct policy, he played and scored a touchdown on Sunday during the Patriots' 43-0 win at Miami. Two sources told The Associated Press that Brown was not placed on the commissioner's exempt list last week and was eligible to play because no criminal charges had been filed against him and because the NFL hadn't fully developed its investigation.Players on the exempt list can't play in games or practice with a team but are still paid. A player can be placed on the exempt list at any point. The one-year deal Brown signed earlier this month with the Patriots could be worth as much as $15 million.The 31-year-old Brown was released by Oakland on Sept. 7 after clashing with the team throughout training camp. He agreed to a contract with New England that same day.

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General Discussion / yards and seven touchdowns and won a Super B

« on: January 16, 2020, 10:30:53 PM »

We check on each Raiders position to give it a condition of either Strong Derek Carr Jersey White , Stable, Unstable, Serious, or Critical." Raiders Free Agency 2018What condition Raiders position is in heading into 2019 training camp: CornerbackNew,49commentsWe check on each Raiders position to give it a condition of either Strong, Stable, Unstable, Serious, or Critical.PDTShare this storyShare this on FacebookShare this on TwitterShareAll sharing optionsShareAll sharing options for:What condition Raiders position is in heading into 2019 training camp: CornerbackTwitterFacebookRedditPocketFlipboardEmailPhoto by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty ImagesStarters: Gareon Conley, Daryl Worley, Lamarcus Joyner (slot)Backups: Nevin Lawson, Trayvon Mullen, Nick Nelson, Isaiah Johnson, DJ Killings, Isaiah Langley Womens Bo Jackson Jersey , Dylan Mabin, Keisean NixonConley and Worley return as the starters, where they lined up the latter half of last season. Worley began last season serving a suspension and Conley was basically a rookie getting his shot at his first full season. Over that second half, Conley came on strong. Worley had his moments. Both of them had to try and overcome no pass rush which led to receivers having way too much time for their routes to develop and get open. He is a highly aggressive corner who doesn’t shy away from contact. Gruden likes what he brings to the table and slapped a second round tender on him to keep him around.Gone are the elders and journeymen. Here are free agent additions Lamarcus Joyner and Nevin Lawson.Joyner was the team’s one big free agent signing on the defensive side of the ball. He plays slot corner and safety with equal proficiency, but the Raiders want him as their nickel corner. A wise choice and a much needed addition.Lawson has a good deal of starting experience. The 5th year veteran started nearly every game the past three seasons in Detroit. He is stellar depth and is more than capable of stepping up to start if called upon.That’s enough good corners for a dime defense, but the Raiders also drafted Trayvon Mullen at pick 40 to hopefully be the future at the position. The National Championship Defensive MVP could show skills early too and find his way on the field this season.After those five, there is last year’s fourth round pick Nick Nelson and this year’s fourth round pick Isaiah Johnson. They will be given every chance to win a roster spot and round out the roster.The others are roster hopefuls.Condition: StrongThe depth at cornerback is stellar. It was already fairly deep before they decided to use two draft picks at the position. Conley showed well late last season and Joyner is a proven high end defensive back. Worley should have the other cornerback job secured and I expect he will hold his own at the position. If he doesn’t the team has the experience of Lawson and the potential of Mullen to step in as well. Nelson could take a step forward from his rookie season especially now that he is a year removed from the injury he suffered in pre-draft workouts. There is a lot to like about the cornerback group on this team. ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) — Brandon LaFell hasn’t had much sleep since signing with the Oakland Raiders.Out of a job for more than a month after being let go in a somewhat surprising move by the Cincinnati Bengals, LaFell has been too busy trying to learn Jon Gruden’s complex and wordy offense in hopes of being ready to play in next week’s season opener.“It’s a lot going on right now,” LaFell said Wednesday. “Right now for me it’s just leaving everything from Cincinnati out of my head and trying to refresh things with everything I’m learning now. A lot of the terminology is somewhat the same. I’ve grasped some of the same concept so far but it’s a lot right now.”That LaFell is in Oakland is a little mystifying. He signed a $9 million, two-year extension with the Bengals in 2017 and received a $1.25 million roster bonus in March.The Raiders didn’t seem to have much need for another receiver either after signing free agent Jordy Nelson and trading a third-round pick to Pittsburgh for Martavis Bryant.It all changed quickly for both sides.Cincinnati coach Marvin Lewis was quoted as saying LaFell was feeling the heat in training camp from some of the Bengals’ younger receivers. LaFell responded by asking for his release, which the team did on Aug. 2.Coupled with Oakland’s decision to release Bryant during final roster cutdowns, it created an opening on the Raiders for LaFell.“He’s a good player,” Gruden said. “He has played multiple roles and played well when he’s played. We think he can come in and get ready quickly to make a contribution. He’s got size that we like, he’s an excellent blocker. He’s going to give us some versatility and depth, which we need.”The well-traveled LaFell has a resume that was certainly attractive to the Raiders.A third-round pick by Carolina in 2010 Bo Jackson Jersey , LaFell caught a career-high 74 passes for 953 yards and seven touchdowns and won a Super Bowl with New England following the 2014 season.Over the past two years in Cincinnati LaFell caught 116 passes for 1,410 yards and nine touchdowns.“A smart guy, a guy that’s played with Tom Brady when I was in New York,” Raiders safety Marcus Gilchrist said. “Crafty guy, big guy, can run for his size and can go up and get the ball. Can play in the slot, can play outside. You need a guy like that.”LaFell arrived in Oakland late and spent his first practice on the scout team. He spent Wednesday’s workout backing up Nelson.“It is crazy right now,” LaFell said. “Luckily my receivers coach (Edgar Bennett) said for the first couple of days just learn the X so I’ll be the outside receiver and rotating with Jordy whenever he gets tired. Hopefully, these first two weeks I can stay at X and just focus on learning that X spot right now and as the season goes on start moving me around.”Bryant was let go, in part, because of his lack of versatility in Gruden’s offense. That doesn’t appear to be an issue for LaFell.“I’ve always felt like the more spots I knew, the faster I can play and the more time I can stay on the field,” he said “A lot of guys are going to get tired and need to check out or check in here and there so the more spots I know I don’t have to leave the game. I can just slide over, slide from outside to inside.”__

6

General Discussion / who returned to practice this week following treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma,

« on: January 16, 2020, 09:41:44 PM »

HOUSTON (AP) — DeAndre Hopkins believes if a ball comes near him he should catch it.“That’s been my mindset since I’ve been playing football Max Scharping Jersey 2019 ,” he said. “Defense, offense, basketball as well, the ball’s in the air, it’s mine.”That belief has led to some amazing catches, and lately he seems to make at least one a game. All of which has helped the Texans turn around their season and leave them one win from clinching the AFC South.His latest great grab came on in the fourth quarter on Saturday on a 14-yard reception that was the go-ahead score in Houston’s 29-22 win over the Jets. New York cornerback Morris Claiborne stayed with Hopkins throughout that route and even got an arm between his on the play. But Hopkins was still able to come down with the ball.“I felt like as good as I played it from the line of scrimmage it was perfect,” Claiborne said. “When you get perfect coverage like that from the line of scrimmage all the way to the end zone and guys come up with those type of balls, you take your hat off to them.”After the play Hopkins said Claiborne looked at him and said: ‘Man I don’t know how you caught it.’It’s a sentiment Hopkins hears often and said top defensive backs such as Patrick Peterson and Jalen Ramsey have said similar things after some of his catches.Hopkins is a favorite target of second-year quarterback Deshaun Watson and he raved about his ability to catch most anything thrown his way.“I try to be as perfect as I can, but for him, he just says: ‘just get it in his area, he’s going to come down with it,'” Watson said. “That’s what I try to do, just throw it in his catch-radius Color Rush Max Scharping Jersey , and majority of the time he’s going to take it down. It helps me out big time.”Hopkins has reached 1,300 yards receiving for the second straight year and the third time in his career, and his 1,321 yards rank third in the NFL. He has 11 touchdown receptions, which are tied for the second most in his career behind the 13 he grabbed last season.Though he’s happy about his success, he’s far more excited about how the team is doing, with the Texans winning 10 of their past 11 games after a 0-3 start.“If I had 50 catches and 500 yards I would feel like this is my best season because my team is in this position to do more than we’ve ever done before,” he said. “So for me team success first.”And despite his success, Hopkins never stops striving to improve. He admits to watching footage of his work, but said that he also devotes a good chunk of time to viewing catches made by former Lions receiver Calvin Johnson, whom he refers to by his nickname “Megatron.”“I watch my highlights a lot, but I watch Megatron highlights too just because he made great catches like that,” Hopkins said. “It motivates me before the games just seeing a great dude go out there and just do it effortlessly.”During these film sessions Hopkins not only watches his big catches Cheap Max Scharping Jersey , he also dissects the catches that he didn’t make.“I always feel like I can be better. I feel like I can do better,” he said. “I feel like I can make better catches.”Hopkins is a very confident player, but he’s careful not to sound boastful. No matter what players do to try and slow him down he puts pressure on himself to do more to come away with the catch.“I’ve been stopped before from making those catches or I might have stopped myself sometimes,” he said. “So I feel like it’s me more so than the defender. That’s just like the role that I put on myself and the pressure, no matter what DB is out there it’s my ball. I don’t want to say a DB can’t guard me, but I still feel like I can catch it.”Houston cornerback Johnathan Joseph, a 13-year NFL veteran, has covered Hopkins for years in practice and shakes his head when asked what someone can do to keep him from making a catch.“You can’t do anything,” Joseph said. “He’s an exceptional talent. He’s got rare hand-eye coordination to catch the ball so … it’s one of those things that in the game it’s almost impossible.”Hopkins has been making nifty catches throughout his six-year NFL career, which often leads him to be asked which one is his favorite. Because he’s always outdoing himself, the answer often changes and on Thursday it took him a few seconds to come up with an answer.He exhaled sharply and rubbed his long and lean hands together for a bit before coming to a conclusion.“The Dolphins catch between the legs,” he finally said. “I’m going to go with that.”That catch came earlier this season when he reached back and grabbed the ball with one hand and weaved it between his legs in the air before crashing to the ground. But it actually wasn’t a catch at all because he was called for pass interference.Despite not counting, that play was the talk of the locker room after the win and had many of his teammates wondering Max Scharping Jersey Womens , as they often do, how he possibly came down with it.While he wows teammates and defenders alike with such feats as that non-catch and his huge grab last week, does he still get excited when he makes plays like that or is it simply another day at the office for the 26 year old?“Sometimes I surprise myself, just like darn I did that? (But) I feel like just go out and be better and do more,” he said. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Deshaun Watson made the 800-mile trip to Jacksonville on a private bus.He slept, studied film, played games and watched television — all because the Houston Texans were concerned about how air pressure from flying would affect his bruised lung and injured ribs.Given how little Watson got hit Sunday, he might join teammates for the flight back.Watson threw a touchdown pass, Lamar Miller ran for 100 yards and a score and the Texans beat the reeling Jaguars 20-7 on Sunday for their fourth consecutive victory.“Whatever it took to get me down here with my teammates and be able to play and help this team win,” Watson said. “This is bigger than me. I’m a competitor. I love this team so much. And what I’ve been through previously and what we’ve been through leading up to this point, I want to be out there on the field with them and try to win.”Watson said he’s feeling a lot more comfortable and “starting to be able to do what I do again.”The Texans (4-3) didn’t need him to do much against the mistake-prone Jaguars (3-4), who turned the ball over three times Max Scharping Houston Texans Jersey , benched quarterback Blake Bortles, lost their third straight game and imploded in the locker room afterward.Watson completed 12 of 24 passes for 139 yards, including a 10-yard TD pass to DeAndre Hopkins in the third quarter that put Houston up 20-0. He was sacked once — an improvement for one of the NFL’s worst offensive lines — and knocked down just a few more times.It was just what he needed before a short turnaround that includes a home game against Miami on Thursday night“I give credit to Deshaun because I think he is a very tough individual,” coach Bill O’Brien said. “He has sacrificed a lot over the last couple of weeks to put himself in a position to play. Great teammate. Loves to win. Loves to play. And I think the world of the guy.”The Jaguars couldn’t be as complimentary of Bortles, who was benched in the third quarter after his second fumble. Bortles coughed up the ball on Jacksonville’s third play of each half, leading to 10 points for the Texans.Cody Kessler replaced Bortles and threw a touchdown pass, but he also fumbled and threw an interception off T.J. Yeldon’s hands.Coach Doug Marrone said afterward that the quarterback job is up for grabs.“We’ve got to do something, but the first thing we’ve got to do is stop turning the damn ball over. Period,” Marrone said.The Jaguars signed Bortles to a three-year, $54 million contract in February with the belief he was good enough to lead the defensive-minded team back to the playoffs. Bortles has been downright awful in three straight losses, with two touchdown passes and eight turnovers.“It’s obviously not what you want to hear as a quarterback,” Bortles said. “Those aren’t the words you want the head coach to say to you.”Marrone also benched Bortles in the 2017 preseason, only to give him the starting job back nine days later.Bortles lost the ball both times trying to scramble. The first one led to a field goal Max Scharping Jersey 2019 , and Watson connected with Hopkins following the second one . That was one of several one-on-one matchups Hopkins won against talkative cornerback Jalen Ramsey.Hopkins’ best was a one-handed catch for 31 yards along the sideline in the first quarter.“That catch at the beginning of the game really got us going,” O’Brien said. “He made some big plays for us. That’s Hop.”SHUT OUT AGAINThe Jaguars failed to score in the first half for the third straight week, the first time they’ve done that in franchise history. They have been outscored 57-0 in the opening two quarters in losses to Kansas City, Dallas and Houston.HAL STARTSTexans safety Andre Hal, who returned to practice this week following treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma, was in the starting lineup. Hal was diagnosed with the disease in May and immediately began treatment. He received the news of his remission last month. The game was emotional because his father, Andre Hal Sr., died Tuesday, a few days suffering a heart attack.“This was good for my dad,” Hal said. “He wanted me back on the field and I know he was watching me there today. … People didn’t really think I’d come back, but I knew I would come back. It was cool seeing everyone kind of show some love to me.”KEY INJURIESTexans: WR Keke Coutee left in the second quarter with a hamstring injury and was ruled out at halftime.Jaguars: CB Tyler Patmon was ruled out in the second quarter because of a strained neck, forcing rookie safety Ronnie Harrison into a bigger role. … Backup linebacker Donald Payne injured in his left knee on a special teams play. … DE Calais Campbell left the game in the fourth with a stinger.UP NEXTTexans: Return home to host Miami on Thursday night.Jaguars: Face Philadelphia in a “home game” at Wembley Stadium in London.

7

General Discussion / out Darius Slay’s thoughts on taking a bigger leadership role in the secondary n

« on: January 16, 2020, 09:14:44 PM »

Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford continues to have limited practices because of a bad back.He was limited all last week and for the two practices thus far this week. Stafford was questionable for last Sunday’s game against the Bills but played.It appears the Lions intend to start him Sunday Youth Will Harris Jersey , too, if he can go, despite Detroit having nothing on the line for their game against the Vikings.Lions long snapper Don Muhlbach, who was limited Wednesday with a calf injury White Will Harris Jersey , did not practice Thursday.Detroit added running back LeGarrette Blount to the injury report, listing him as limited with a calf injury.Defensive tackle Damon Harrison (ankle) and safety Charles Washington (hamstring) sat out again.Cornerback Jamal Agnew (knee), fullback Nick Bellore (ankle), receiver Bruce Ellington (hamstring) Ty Johnson Detroit Lions Jersey , receiver Kenny Golladay (chest) and linebacker Devon Kennard (hip) remained limited. It’s day 2 and we are still hyped out of our gourds that football is back." Detroit Lions NotesNotes: Detroit Lions players don’t care about your crappy predictionsNew,22commentsIt’s day 2 and we are still hyped out of our gourds that football is back.EDTShare this storyShare this on FacebookShare this on TwitterShareAll sharing optionsShareAll sharing options for:Notes: Detroit Lions players don’t care about your crappy predictionsTwitterFacebookRedditPocketFlipboardEmailPhoto by Leon Halip/Getty ImagesTraining camp has arrived, and with it a non-stop stream of observations and details about what is happening on the field: who is lining up where, which players got snaps with which units Ty Johnson Jersey 2019 , and which camp darling made a spectacular play to get on fans’ radars. Alongside the actual football coverage by attendees like our fearless leader Jeremy Reisman, metrics maven Kent Lee Platte, and world traveler Mansur Shaheen, Lions fans know the human interest and character stories are also going to roll in by the truckload. Let’s take a brief respite from the exciting minute-to-minute scrutiny of drills going on in Allen Park Color Rush Ty Johnson Jersey , and glance around the media coverage for the softer, warm and fuzzy interviews. Various writers posted training camp stories with a focus on intangibles or mental preparation:Matt Wenzel at mlive.com offered a look at Frank Ragnow’s experience advantage in his return from guard to center. Carlos Monarrez at the Detroit Free Press recorded Kerryon Johnson’s take on the Game of Thrones finale and a desire to get more carries this season.Chris Burke from The Athletic has an article (subscription required) on C.J. Anderson’s work with school kids featuring an interesting anecdote on the Detroit front office:Mike O’Hara at the official Lions site wrote about Darius Slay’s thoughts on taking a bigger leadership role in the secondary now that Glover Quin has retired.Kyle Meinke from mlive.com lets us know that Danny Amendola, Jarrad Davis, and the rest of the Lions don’t give a damn about what so-called experts think the team’s record will be.Dave Birkett with the Detroit Free Press got some thoughts from veteran linebacker Christian Jones Cheap Ty Johnson Jersey , who likes what he sees from Jahlani Tavai and believes the team has the pieces necessary to make the playoffs.And now, on to the rest of today’s Notes:Chris Burke from The Athletic had what he calls a “5 pack of thoughts” in a tweet thread about the first day of Lions training camp. Among them was this thought provoker which our Kent Lee Platte agreed with:Somebody get this guy a discounted Suh or Ebron jersey or something:Jeff Ratcliffe from Pro Football Focus believes the Detroit Lions’ wide receivers have one of the five most favorable schedules from a fantasy football perspective (read: Kenny and Marv gonna go OFF).The winners of the helmet handoff sweepstakes are indeed getting their prizes (“winners receiving the opportunity to walk out to the practice field with a Detroit Lions player while carrying their helmet”) at training camp:This really is crazy:

8

General Discussion / be a little tough,” McCarron said. “It’s part of

« on: January 16, 2020, 08:47:17 PM »

CINCINNATI (AP) — Andy Dalton thought there might be some changes after two horrid games on offense.He was surprised that they started at the top.A few hours after its 13-9 loss to Houston on Thursday night Dre Kirkpatrick Jersey , Cincinnati fired offensive coordinator Ken Zampese and promoted receivers coach Bill Lazor. Players were off over the weekend, so their first chance to work out with the rearranged coaching staff was Monday afternoon.Dalton said there were some subtle changes. Any notable changes in the game plan won’t be known for a few more days.“When somebody new is in, they have their own twist on things, a different spin on things,” Dalton said. “So there were some things that were exactly the same as we’d done and some things that were a little different.”A lot needs to change for Cincinnati to salvage its season.The Bengals are the first team since the 1939 Eagles to open with a pair of home games and fail to get a touchdown. A loss Sunday at Green Bay (1-1) would leave them 0-3 for the first time since 2008 , when they went 4-11-1.The Bengals have opened a season with three straight losses 13 times in their history, including twice under coach Marvin Lewis. They’ve never finished with a winning record after an 0-3 start. A loss in Green Bay would leave them with long odds in Lewis’ final season on his contract.“No magic Billy Price Jersey , no special things here,” cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick said. “We’ve got to start clicking.”After failing to get a touchdown in 25 possessions to open the season, Dalton figured there might be some changes. He didn’t expect a change in coordinators, however.“At that point, we weren’t thinking anything was going to happen,” he said.Dalton has struggled behind a porous offensive line. He threw four interceptions and lost a fumble during a 20-0 loss to the Ravens, finishing with a passer rating of 28.4 — his second-lowest. Dalton was under steady pressure again Thursday night.Lewis has been one of Dalton’s most outspoken defenders Jessie Bates Jersey , giving no indication he has even considered using backup AJ McCarron in either of the games. McCarron took over when Dalton broke the thumb on his passing hand in 2015 and led them the rest of the way into the playoffs. He had them in position to win a first-round game against Pittsburgh before Vontaze Burfict’s hit on Antonio Brown helped the Steelers pull it out in the closing seconds.McCarron has heard fans calling for a change.“Listen, I think I’m a great quarterback and I think he’s an unbelievable quarterback,” McCarron said Monday. “I love him to death. But he’s our quarterback. Stop making it into something else. It’s not into something else. Ride with him. Trust the team. Trust the process. And trust what we are trying to do.”Dalton hasn’t paid attention to suggestions to the calls for a different quarterback.“People can come up with a headline all they want, but all that matters is what’s being said in this organization, on this team, and what happens in this locker room,” Dalton said.Although Lazor hasn’t said how the offense might change Sam Hubbard Jersey , he’s likely to put more emphasis on getting the ball to A.J. Green and Tyler Eifert. The two were limited in the first two games, and Green complained about it after the loss on Thursday night.Also, Zampese used running backs Giovani Bernard, rookie Joe Mixon and Jeremy Hill interchangeably without success. Lazor has never done a three-back rotation.Most players had never experienced an in-season coaching change comparable to this one.“Anytime you’ve been building a relationship as an offense doing it one way and it changes, it’s always going to be a little tough,” McCarron said. “It’s part of the business we are in. We all have to adapt to sudden changes.” The Bengals promoted tight end Jordan Franks and receiver Trenton Irwin from the practice squad, the team announced Friday.They placed cornerback William Jackson III on injured reserve.Cincinnati had an open roster spot Malik Jefferson Jersey , because linebacker Sharif Finch failed his physical Tuesday.Franks, a second-year player out of the University of Central Florida, originally signed with the Bengals as a college free agent in 2018. He had spent the first 15 games this season on Cincinnati’s practice squad.As a rookie in 2018, Franks played six games and made two catches for 37 yards.Irwin, a rookie out of Stanford, originally signed with the Dolphins as a college free agent. He was waived by the Dolphins out of the preseason and signed with the Bengals’ practice squad Oct. 3.Jackson, a fourth-year player Mark Walton Jersey , injured his right shoulder in last week’s game at Miami. He had played 14 games, with 13 starts, this season and made 37 tackles, an interception and three passes defensed.

9

General Discussion / came off of a solid NFL Draft that was well balanced between attacking their nee

« on: January 15, 2020, 08:28:39 PM »

What to expect from Giovani Bernard starting in place of Joe Mixon This is the golden age of running backs.Scratch that. This is the golden age of teams using running backs.The contract extensions Rams running back Todd Gurley and Cardinals running back David Johnson received this offseason confirmed that running backs aren’t truly classified as running backs anymore. In the current landscape of the NFL White Trayveon Williams Jersey , the value in running backs lies within their competence in the passing game. The top running backs don’t carry the ball 20-25 times a game anymore, but a few do end up with around that number of total touches.Joe Mixon was one of the seven running backs in the league to average over 20 touches a game in the first two weeks of play. Even after injuring his knee in last Thursday’s game against the Ravens, Mixon carried the load for the Bengals and turned in a decent performance. He’s currently fourth in the league amongst running backs with 236 yards from rushing yards, and he’s dominated the team share of touches at the position.Mixon’s injury did require minor surgery and he will be out at the very least for one game, but he most likely will not dress for either of the Bengals’ NFC South matchups against the Panthers and Falcons these next two weeks. Even if he does end up playing in the Falcons game, they will probably prepare for it as if he won’t.Enter Giovani Bernard.With their 22-year old starter sidelined, they will now turn to Bernard, the 26-year old veteran in the running back room carry the load. But will he have the same opportunities as Mixon had in the first two games? One of the pleasant surprises from this past preseason was the effectiveness of Tra Carson, an undrafted free agent from 2016 who stuck with the organization on the practice squad and through injury up to this morning. A stellar August earned him a spot over Brian Hill, and he’s been the one active on game days over fourth-round rookie Mark Walton, who had the exact opposite preseason as Carson. Unfortunately for Carson, he tore a hamstring in practice on Monday and has now been waived. His replacement is Thomas Rawls, who was brought in by the Bengals for a workout yesterday and has now signed with the team.Rawls is now the wildcard in this situation Carlos Dunlap Jersey Limited , as Bernard has rarely been asked to be a workhorse in the Bengals offense. In 73 career games, Bernard has only touched the ball more than 20 times in a game seven times, and only once after the 2015 season. That game was the Bengals’ Christmas Eve victory over the Lions last season when Bernard rushed for 116 yards on 23 carries and added on 52 yards receiving on seven receptions.Bernard is talented enough to do more than he’s typically asked, he just never was given the chance to do so long-term. He was drafted as a complimentary back to BenJarvus Green-Ellis in 2013, maintained that same role for three years behind Jeremy Hill, and still behind Mixon since the middle of last season. Bernard was always the third-down back because of his receiving skills, but he’s developed into the team’s best pass-blocking back, which only enhances his resume for his role.What we do know is that a more even distribution of snaps is ahead of us based off the team wanting to bring in some temporary outside talent and then acting on that in the signing of Rawls. They seem to have their three backs set for at least this week, as Mixon will be the one inactive.Regardless, nearly every team is deep at is running back, and it’s not just because the talent at the position is in great supply. Production at the position has evolved to the point where teams are maximizing on minimal investment. The leading rusher in the NFL through two weeks? Phillip Lindsay: an undrafted rookie out of Colorado.In fantasy football, some say that “running backs don’t matter”, because you can find successful ones nearly anywhere. In reality http://www.thebengalslockerroom.com/authentic-andrew-billings-jersey , the narrative isn’t that far off. Now this doesn’t imply the Bengals aren’t at some extent worse off without Mixon, who has looked like he’s coming into his own this season. He’s a special player who can do a multitude of things from various alignments. But the Bengals, like most teams in the league, can survive a hit at the running back position. And odds are Bernard will be used as the main bandaid in Mixon’s absence. Even though we don’t know how much Rawls, and therefore Walton will also be involved, Bernard has shown he can step up when he’s needed, especially against Carolina and Atlanta. Back in 2014 when the Bengals played the two teams last, Bernard combined for 326 yards from scrimmage off 54 touches in the two games. They may not need that much work from Bernard, but they’ll survive with him leading the way in the Bengals backfield. The Bengals are getting absolutely zero respect from NFL.com."WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections #BITESIZEFilm RoomRoster Transactions and ContractsOrange & Black InsiderSalary Cap And CBANFL Power RankingsBengals move down in NFL.com’s power rankingsNew,59commentsThe Bengals are getting absolutely zero respect from NFL.com.EDTShareTweetShareShareBengals move down in NFL.com’s power rankingsTrevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY SportsThe Bengals just came off of a solid NFL Draft that was well balanced between attacking their needs and taking the best players available. Most experts agreed that the Bengals did a great job, including ESPN’s Mel Kiper and Todd McShay, NFL.com’s Chad Reuter, Pro Football Focus’ Mike Renner Renell Wren Jersey 2019 , and many others.But there’s no pleasing everyone.NFL.com’s Elliot Harrison was certainly unimpressed. Not only did he have he Bengals sitting at No. 30 in his power rankings, but he had them moving down a spot after the draft.The two teams below the Bengals are the Cardinals and the Dolphins, at 31 and 32, respectively.Here’s what he said about the Bengals:While Harrison has the Bengals ranked entirely too low, he didn’t give any reasons for putting them there. All he did was praise the Bengals while criticizing the rest of the division. He has the Browns ranked 10th, the Ravens 13th, and the Steelers 18th, yet he makes it sound like he thinks the Bengals can compete with them while sitting at 30.In Harrison’s defense, it is very difficult to rank teams when they haven’t played a single snap, especially with a first-time head coach. Clearly, it is confusing where to fit a team like the Bengals, who have so much potential but not much proof of anything yet.All we can do as fans is wait for the season to start and watch the Bengals prove him wrong.

10

General Discussion / Cowboys' Ezekiel Elliott became the

« on: January 02, 2020, 03:48:28 AM »

Receiver Albert Wilson threw a 52-yard touchdown pass to put the Miami Dolphins ahead midway through the fourth quarter Myles Gaskin Jersey nfl draft , and then turned a short reception into a 74-yard score that sealed a 28-20 victory over the Oakland Raiders on Sunday.Miami coach Adam Gase used creative play-calling to overcome a wave of injuries and penalties, and a 17-minute deficit in time of possession. The Dolphins scored on a pair of shovel passes by Ryan Tannehill that each traveled less than a yard — one on the flip to Wilson, and an earlier similar pass that Jakeem Grant caught before turning the corner for an 18-yard score.“We made some big plays when it mattered,” Tannehill said. “With the explosiveness we have, we just have to keep doing our job and not press.”Thanks to all the flashy plays, the Dolphins are 3-0 for only the third time since 1998, with a game at AFC East rival New England next.“We’re on the right track,” Tannehill said. “Are we there yet? No. But the patterns we’re establishing are going to take us there.”The Raiders, led by first-year coach Jon Gruden, are 0-3 for the first time since 2014, when they started 0-10. They’ve blown a second-half lead in all three defeats.Oakland outgained the Dolphins Kenyan Drake Jersey , and Derek Carr threw for 345 yards. But Xavien Howard intercepted him twice deep in Miami territory, and the Dolphins mounted a first-half goal line stand to stay in the game.“We got hurt on a trick play and didn’t finish some drives in the red zone,” Gruden said. “That’s the story of the game.”Trickery gave the Dolphins their first lead in the fourth quarter. Tannehill handed off to Frank Gore, who tossed the ball to Wilson on an end-around. Wilson — a quarterback in high school — then lobbed the first pass of his career to a wide-open Grant, who outmaneuvered two Raiders to the end zone.“I said he better catch it, and he better not get tackled,” Wilson said.Following Howard’s second interception, Wilson scooted around the end after taking Tannehill’s short pitch and scored the clincher. Wilson and Grant ran side by side in the clear for the final 30 yards and exchanged a gleeful high five approaching the end zone.“We’ve got guys who can do a lot of different things,” Gase said. “They can throw it, they can run it.”Oakland’s ball-control approach took a toll on a Miami front four that lost three players. Akeem Spence was ejected, and William Hayes and Andre Branch suffered knee injuries.The Raiders’ Jordy Nelson had 139 yards receiving in the first seven minutes Dan Marino Jersey , and finished with 173 on six catches.Tannehill went 17 for 23 for 289 yards and three scores with no turnovers.JARRINGMiami’s Kenny Stills took a big hit when he made a 34-yard touchdown reception in stride in the back of the end zone and slammed into the cushioned retaining wall.NELSON’S STARTMiami missed injured safety Reshad Jones at the start, with rookie replacement Minkah Fitzpatrick burned on the second play when Nelson turned a short pass over the middle into a 61-yard gain. That set up Nelson’s 12-yard touchdown catch, again over the middle.On the Raiders’ next possession, Nelson beat Bobby McCain deep for a 66-yard gain — his longest since 2014 — before Miami made a goal-line stand.COSTLY FLAGSSpence was ejected in the second quarter for ripping off guard Kelechi Osemele’s helmet. Spence was penalized for unnecessary roughness, which negated a third-down sack by teammate Cameron Wake and led to an Oakland field goal.INJURY REPORTDolphins: Hayes (right knee) was hurt when he sacked Carr and missed the second half. … Branch hurt his knee in the second half. … TE A.J. Derby (foot) also sat out the second half. … McCain was shaken up in the final minutes. … LB Chase Allen suffered a foot injury in the first half. … S Reshad Jones was inactive because of a shoulder injury.Raiders: T Donald Penn (concussion) and S Karl Joseph (lower leg) sat out the second half. … WR Seth Roberts was among Oakland’s inactives.ANTHEMStills and Wilson kneeled during the national anthem, and defensive end Robert Quinn raised his right fist. All three Dolphins have staged similar protests before their team’s other games this season.UP NEXTDolphins: Play next Sunday at New England, where they’ve lost nine games in a row.Raiders: Return home to play Cleveland next Sunday. Bills receiver Cole Beasley isn't at all surprised to hear the Philadelphia Eagles are fired up following last weekend's dud at Dallas.Before signing with Buffalo in March, Beasley spent his first seven seasons with the Cowboys to understand how much any loss to their NFC East rivals stung, never mind a 37-10 rout."If they weren't (ticked) off I'd be worried about them," Beasley said, as the Bills (5-1) prepare to host the Eagles (3-4) on Sunday. "I hope they're mad. They're going to come out playing their butts off."Perhaps http://www.thedolphinslockerroom.com/authentic-larry-csonka-jersey , this is the type of challenge the Bills could use in facing questions of whether they're for real or merely benefiting from an easy opening schedule that so far includes one opponent — New England — with a winning record.The collection of skeptics grew after Buffalo needed two second-half turnovers and an onside kickoff returned for a touchdown to seal a 31-21 victory over winless Miami on Sunday.Center Mitch Morse disputed the notion the Bills — a win short of matching their best starting in 26 years — deserve criticism for beating the Dolphins but failing to beat the huge point spread."It's tough to win. For people trying to take away from the bad team we played against it's not fair," Morse said. "Those dudes can play ball."The Eagles, on paper at least, can play better."I'm still highly confident in our football team," coach Doug Pederson said. "Our guys are a little mad. They're a little upset, which they should be. We haven't played well."After improving to 3-2 following two straight wins, the Eagles regressed in losing their past two, starting with a 38-20 loss at Minnesota in Week 6.Injuries are an issue with starting defensive tackles Malik Jackson and Hassan Ridgeway sidelined. Philadelphia opened this week by signing practice squad defensive tackles Anthony Rush and Albert Huggins, with both having chances to play Sunday.Pederson could at least crack a joke when informed Bills coach Sean McDermott referred to the Eagles as having one of the deepest defensive fronts."Is he counting the guys on IR, too?" Pederson said with a laugh.MISSING JACKSONThe Eagles have just two catches of 30-plus yards from a receiver since DeSean Jackson had TD receptions of 53 and 51 yards in a 32-27 season-opening win against Washington. Jackson hasn't played since Week 2 because of an abdomen injury. Alshon Jeffery (30 yards) and Nelson Agholor (43) have the two other long receptions.Both players had tough weeks.Jeffery denied he was the anonymous source in a report that criticized Carson Wentz and the offensive scheme. Agholor had to defend himself from criticism after failing to track the ball well on a deep pass from Wentz.DEEP INCOMPLETEBills quarterback Josh Allen faced questions over his inability to complete deep passes this season after failing to connect with both John Brown and Andre Roberts against Miami.His longest completion is a 51-yarder to Cole Beasley in Week 2. Next on the list is Dawson Knox's 49-yard pass, in which the tight end did most of the work with 34 yards after catch."I wouldn't say it's frustrating. Obviously Womens Bob Griese Jersey , you want to hit every throw that you put out there," Allen said. "Haven't been doing a good enough job with that, if I'm getting all these questions."WHO DO YOU LOVE?McDermott winked when asked if he has a particular affinity for Tre'Davious White, because the cornerback was the first player the Bills drafted after he took over in 2017."I love all my guys," McDermott said of White, whose two takeaways led to touchdowns against Miami. "You know if I say yes, then the whole team's going to get on me. It's like my kids.STOPPING THE RUNThe Eagles were excellent against the run until Cowboys' Ezekiel Elliott became the first to top 100 yards against them since he did it last season. Elliott had 111 of Dallas' 189 yards rushing.The Bills are seventh in rushing with an average of 135.8 yards per game, and led by 15-year veteran Frank Gore, who has 388 yards and is averaging 4.5 yards a carry. If that's not all, opponents must contend with Allen, who's second on the team with 190 yards rushing."It's not just his athleticism Adam Joseph Duhe Jersey , it's their willingness to run him," defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz said, noting it's similar to how Carolina uses Cam Newton. "They have probably a more varied run game than any team we've faced."DEAL OR NO DEALWith the trade deadline approaching Tuesday, McDermott didn't feel the Bills needed to add talent to reinforce a message the team is a legitimate playoff contender."I think they know where we stand," he said. "I'm extremely confident in the guys that we have."AP Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi contributed.