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Before I start Jordan Matthews Color Rush Jersey , I want to say Happy Thanksgiving to everyone reading this. Thanksgiving is the best holiday for watching sports, as there are football games on literally all day. I hope you pass out in a good coma on the couch, while watching the games. Frankly, that should be the goal every year.Before you do that, however, make sure you have all your lineups set for the end of the season. Every league has just a few weeks left in the regular season, so it’s time for the playoff push. Hopefully you’re in already, or at least scratching at the door, it makes the last few weeks of the season even more interesting. For my part, here are nine guys that I think you should keep an eye on.As always, they’re classified in three parts: Must Start, On The Fence, and Be Careful. I’m not going to tell you who to start and who to sit, but I’m going to try to give you some insight on guys you might not be sure about. If you have Alvin Kamara, Drew Brees, or Saquon Barkley, you’re obviously starting them, so I’m looking for guys you might not be sure about. Good luck, and I hope you enjoy!MUST START Tom Brady, QB, PatriotsComing off a terrible game against the Titans and only having thrown one touchdown in the last three games makes this a risk, but if there’s one thing I know about Tom Brady it’s that he responds when the public starts doubting him. Rob Gronkowski is finally coming back healthy, Brady has had a chance to look himself in the mirror and realize he needs to spread the ball around more, and the offense has had the bye week to gel even more. All this adds up to a solid performance from Brady this week against the Jets. Nick Chubb, RB, BrownsHe has 78 carries in his last four games. The Browns are committed to the run game, and that means they’re committed to Chubb. A RB that’s going to get at least 20 touches a game should be a solid play every week, especially one, like Chubb, who can break a big play.JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, SteelersDoes JuJu have a tough matchup this week? Yes. Have we reached the point where we shouldn’t be looking at the matchup and just starting him every week? I think so. He’s had three weeks where he’s gotten fewer than 9 targets Kenny Britt Jersey , and in two of those games, he caught a TD. In other words, Ben is throwing his way. With the #1 corner taking Antonio Brown, JuJu is able to use his skills to get open consistently. Start him this, and every, week. ON THE FENCEKirk Cousins, QB, VikingsThe positive for Cousins is that, for most of the year, his floor has been pretty high. The negative is that his ceiling isn’t very high. Outside of two weeks, he’s been a middle of the road quarterback every week. He’s a decent play at QB. Nothing special, but gets the job done. Don’t expect a great performance, but he’s a fine play if you don’t have a solid QB option. Jordan Howard, RB, BearsMitchell Trubisky is out this week, so the Bears could go with a run heavy game plan, but my assumption is that the Lions stack the box and dare the Bears to throw. Also, Howard has only cracked 60% of offensive snaps once since week 4. It’s a high risk play that doesn’t have a great reward even if it pays off. Rob Gronkowski, TE, PatriotsGronk is back in the lineup and, when he’s healthy he’s one of the most dominant players in both real and fantasy football. But, who knows how healthy his back truly is? I know I don’t fully trust it. So, while I’m starting him in my season long leagues this week, I don’t know if I’m going out of my way to get him in DFS.BE CAREFUL Deshaun Watson, QB, Texans Playing a tough Titans defense, and, if you take out his game against Miami on a Thursday night, he has 6 touchdowns and 6 turnovers in his last 5 games. He’s not the worst option this weekend, but I don’t love it. Adrian Peterson, RB, RedskinsLuckily for Peterson Mike Gillislee Color Rush Jersey , the Redskins play on Thanksgiving, so the league won’t have time decide whether or not to suspend him for admitting he still hits his son. Unluckily for Peterson, he hasn’t been getting the ball a ton in the last few games. In the last 3 games he has only 44 total touches, and two of those games were against the Falcons and the Bucs. He might see an uptick in chances because of the injury to Alex Smith, but the Cowboys are the 5th best team against the run this season, only allowing 95 yards per game. Don’t love the prospects for Peterson this weekend. Allen Robinson, WR, BearsTough break for Robinson, he comes back from an injury and has a solid game followed by a subpar game, but, before he can make up for it, his QB goes down. Don’t expect much in the way of offense from Chase Daniel. Maybe next week for Robinson owners. Pat is the host of The Patriot Nation PodcastInteract with him on Twitter @plane_pats TEAM TALKPost Game Notes & Records: Patriots at Dolphins: Brady becomes all-time leader in touchdown passes.Gamebook: Full Patriots-Dolphins stats.Erik Scalavino’s Game Recap: Wild one that got away.Paul Perillo’s Game Observations: Pats fail to Phinish.Andy Hart’s Stock Watch: Brady, Gronk stunned by Dolphins.Post Game Quotes: Patriots and Dolphins.Don Banks’ Snap Judgments: Musings, observations and the occasional insight as we digest a largely running game-fueled Week 14.Post Game Pressers: Bill Belichick (3.31 min. video) - Tom Brady (3.10 min. video) - Rob Gronkowski (4.02 min. video) - Josh Gordon (2.08 min. video)Post Game Press Pass: Devin McCourty, Duron Harmon, and others discuss the Dolphins final play of the game which led to Miami’s improbable 34-33 win on Sunday.LOCAL LINKSKevin Duffy says the stunning loss in Miami will test the team’s character.Phil Perry finds the Patriots don’t want that last-second loss to linger, “Air out our grievences” and move forward.Ryan Hanable makes the case that the postseason will be defined by how the players respond to the loss.Zack Cox wonders how the Patriots will respond after that crushing loss.Karen Guregian focuses on how the Patriots continue to get in their own way in Miami.Zack Cox breaks down what went wrong on that Dolphins miracle touchdown.Andrew Callahan examines the film to find where the defense broke down on that final play.Mike Reiss talks about why Rob Gronkowski was even on the field.Henry McKenna (PatriotsWire) Josh Gordon has surprisingly positive spin on Patriots’ loss to Dolphins. “I think we’ve got a tough group of guys. We can handle it. We can bounce back. We’re on to Pittsburgh at this point.”Zack Cox notes Tom Brady laments his costly sack, “Terrible play by me.”Nick O’Malley clarifies that Tom Brady experienced an equipment issue not an injury, when he was shown on the turf examining his knee.Kevin Duffy Patriots Notebook: Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski ‘getting chemistry built back up’Zack Cox Patriots Notes: Brandon Bolden burns old team in Fins’ wild win.CBS Boston highlights Albert McClellan blocking two punts in the first half. /Worth a clap.CBSBoston also points out Tom Brady became the NFL all-time leader in touchdown passes.Joshua Schrock shares some stats that show the Miami miracle was once-in-a-lifetime play.Matthew Geagan’s Ups & Downs: Too many miscues, missed opportunities for Patriots in Miami.CBS Boston finds that despite that jaw-dropping loss, the Pats are still the Number 2 seed.NATIONAL NEWSGame Center (NFL.com) Patriots at Dolphins: recap, stats, highlights.Riley McAtee (The Ringer) Miami’s miracle derailed New England’s chase for home-field advantage.Josh Alper (ProFootballTalk) Rob Gronkowski: I have to make tackle on Kenyan Drake.Conor Orr (SI) Enjoy the Dolphins’ game-winning lateral play for all it’s worth.Gary Gramling (SI) Sunday Freakout: Miami’s lateral walk-off win, Dallas’s tip drill to win, Mahomes’s legend grows.Albert Breer (SI) Monday Morning QB: Miracles, mistakes and playoff momentum: Week 14 in the NFL.Peter King (ProFootballTalk) FMIA Week 14: On Mahomes, midway monsters and the miracle in Miami.Conor Orr (SI) Morning Huddle: Could a surprise team work its way into the NFL playoffs?Dan Graziano (ESPN) Week 14 overreactions: Has Tom Brady won his last Super Bowl?Frank Schwab (Yahoo! Sports) NFL Winners and Losers: How did the Patriots let THAT happen?Rodger Sherman (The Ringer) The Winners and Losers of NFL Week 14: Miami’s hook-and-ladder was the big winner of Sunday’s slate. Rob Gronkowski’s play at safety? Not so much.Jason La Canfora (CBS Sports) NFL insider notes: Mahomes’ brilliant performance ends MVP race, debacle in D.C. and more from Week 14.John Breech (CBS Sports) NFL Week 14 Grades: Patriots get a ‘D’ for self-destructing, Redskins get an ‘F’ for Sanchizing.DJ Siddiqi (CBS Sports) Patriots’ last-second loss to Dolphins in Miami has huge implications for road to Super Bowl LIII.Michael David Smith (ProFootballTalk) AFC playoff picture: Chiefs were Sunday’s big winners.Will Brinson (CBS Sports) NFL playoff picture for Week 14: How Steelers could miss postseason in chaotic AFC.Nate Bouda (NFLTradeRumors)Top 25 - 2019 NFL free agents list.

Todd GurleyThis was a game where Todd earned his gameball. Packers defensive coordinator Mike Pettine had a great game plan and actually put a lid on the Rams offense in the first half. When holes became cracks Johnny Hekker Jersey , reminiscent of that 2016 life, Gurley just lowered a shoulder and bashed out what he could. Eventually, the Rams offense gained breath, and Gurley got over. The real reason he gets a game ball though, is the way he selflessly ran out the clock at the end of the game, opting for a victory in hand over a potential touchdown record down the line. He’s a team leader Lamarcus Joyner Color Rush Jersey , demonstrating the “We Not Me” mantra through action. Ramik WilsonWith Mark Barron having returned to the starting lineup, Ramik Wilson’s only action came on special teams, where he made his presence felt in a bone rattling way. With 2:05 seconds left, a two-point lead, and the legend of Aaron Rodgers looming, the Bearded Missile didn’t leave anything up to chance https://www.ramsfanstore.com/Pharoh-Cooper-Jersey , forcing and recovering a fumble by Packers kick returner Ty Montgomery. Who knows if Rodgers would have led another Packers comeback, but at very least Ramik saved me from a heart attack and possible ulcer. Thank you Ramik Wilson. Cory Littleton This is another game ball for Cory Littleton because I always give Cory Littleton a game ball. Cory Littleton is five game ball general. Sam ShieldsWith plenty of family in the building to watch Sam take on his old team, Shields didn’t disappoint. Though he got 14 snaps at corner, Shields, like Ramik Wilson made the most noise on special teams. First he was the recipient of a Johnny Hekker pass on a drive-extending fake punt, and later tip-toed gracefully along the goal line to down a punt at the one yard line Mark Barron Color Rush Jersey , which eventually led to a safety. This was a game that could have swung the other way if vets like Sam Shields and Ramik Wilson had just been going through the motions, but that’s not how this team operates. Aaron DonaldI loved watching Donald collect his second sack of the day then looking over at the Packers fans while shrugging and waiving. With their immediate futures locked in, Donald and Todd Gurley seem have become noticeably more excited at home games, both while mixing it up with opposing fans near the visiting sideline, or when celebrating with the hometown fans in the end zone. They’re putting on the new Greatest Show, and having a lot of fun in the process. Ndamukong Suh opens up about his experience as a RamI CBS SportsNdamukong Suh joins Reiter’s Block to discuss the current state of his new team Rob Havenstein Jersey , what the difference has been between the Rams and his previous teams, and what the ceiling is for the Rams’ talented defense. Should Rich Saul be enshrined in Canton? I Rams TalkJohnny Gomez makes the argument that former Los Angeles Rams center Rich Saul deserves to be posthumously enshrined in the Hall Of Fame. Let’s hope it happens.Stan Canyon getting a roof. I Rams WireThe Rams’ future home at Hollywood Park is looking more and more like the renderings. The beautiful lines of the outer shell and forum-esque pillars can now be seen rising out of the construction site . Key Packers returning for Sunday I Packers WireThe Green Bay Packers may have a few key contributors returning for Sunday’s loss game in Los Angeles. Receivers Randall Cobb and Geronimo Allison and cornerback Jaire Alexander all participated in practice on Tuesday and may be good to go by Sunday. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel scouts the Rams for Wisconsinites I Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Here’s what the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is telling Packers fans about the Rams. It’s always interesting to hear Rams scouting reports from other region’s newspapers.There’s still plenty to work on according to Jared Goff I Rams WireThe Rams seem to be a team that judges itself more on a play-to-play basis, than on whether they won or lost a game. Jared Goff was somewhat critical of his offense following the Rams’ 39-10 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. See where Goff is looking for improvement鈥

COSTA MESA Joey Bosa Color Rush Jersey , Calif. (AP) — Joey Bosa isn’t sure if he will make his long-awaited season debut for the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday against the Denver Broncos.The third-year lineman has practiced the last two days as he works his way back from a foot injury that caused him to miss the first 10 games. Bosa said before Thursday’s practice that he is doing team and individual drills and that he feels good. But he also acknowledged that it will likely be a game-time decision if he plays this week.“I’m just continuing on with the process today,” Bosa said. “We’re sticking to the plan right now, and that’s to practice and take it one day at a time and see how it feels then.”Sticking to the plan and being patient is something that Bosa has had a hard time doing. Bosa first injured his left foot during training camp, which caused him to miss the preseason. He reinjured it during practice on Sept. 5. The Chargers said he has a bone bruise.Bosa has said throughout the rehab process that he should have taken things slower and not tried to rush back for the opener. He also hoped to be back by early November, following the team’s bye week, before ramping down expectations.“I kept putting timetables on it and it really never played out,” Bosa said. “Once we kind of got the message across that it’s going to be ready when it’s ready Forrest Lamp Color Rush Jersey , we kind of all got on the same page, coaches and everything. Ever since then it’s kind of been a week-to-week kind of thing. And it’s been easier on me not having a set deadline.”Defensive coordinator Gus Bradley said Bosa has looked good in the limited snaps he took, but that he is waiting to see what comes next.“I think for him it’s just exciting to see him back on the field and with his teammates and going through that next step of his rehab,” Bradley said.Bosa said his foot responded well after a couple full days of practice. He said he still feels some pain, but that is something he expects will last through the remainder of the season.The Chargers are 7-2 and have won six straight despite Bosa’s absence. The defense is ranked 14th in total yards allowed (356.6 yards per game) but is eighth in scoring, allowing 20.7 points per game.The pass rush struggled early without Bosa, who had 23 sacks in two seasons Mike Williams Color Rush Jersey , but they have rebounded with 15 sacks over the past four games.“I’m really proud of the D-line, especially the young guys stepping into my position, and really holding it down and doing a great job,” Bosa said. COSTA MESA, Calif. (AP) — The Los Angeles Chargers signed punter Donnie Jones on Tuesday and waived Drew Kaser, who had been the team’s punter and holder the past three seasons.Kaser is eighth in the league in gross punting average (48.4 yards) but has been inconsistent as a holder on field goals and extra points. Caleb Sturgis is seven of nine on field goals and six of nine on extra points.Chargers coach Anthony Lynn said he wanted to evaluate all facets of the kicking game before placing all the blame on Sturgis. Lynn did not rule out bringing in other placekickers for tryouts. Los Angeles has had five placekickers since the start of 2017.Jones, who is in his 15th season Darius Philon Color Rush Jersey , was Sturgis’ holder with the Eagles from 2015 to 2017. During those three seasons, Sturgis was 66 of 70 on PAT attempts and 56 of 66 on field goals.Jones has also been with the Dolphins, Rams and Texans. He has a 45.5-yard gross punting average.

Good Morning!I’m setting up the thread right after the game ended https://www.minnesotavikingsshop.com/Mike-Hughes-Jersey , you’d think with the offense scoring 31 points the Vikings would win, but isolating a LB on a WR doesn’t seem like a winning combination if your favorite team is on defense.Lots to look at during this mini-bye on both sides of the ball.Anyway during this mini-by while we’re waiting for the next Vikings game to start we’ll continue with our open thread full of beer recommendations, nap strategies, crock pot and smoker recipes. Have another cup of coffee and drop by for some fan wisdom and snark. With that, let’s do this.Around the DN since our last thread:Dan relays the news that Everson Griffen released a statement today, good luck to him.Rams Outlast Vikings in a Shootout, 38-31, a round up of last night’s action by Dan.Finally from Chris It’s all fun and games until someone loses a finger.Vikings news from other sources:Head Coach Mike Zimmer addressed the media following Thursday’s loss to the Rams.Action Reaction: Vikings Encouraged by bounce back but say more to do better.From 1500espn QB Kirk Cousins: Vikings will have ‘tremendous sense of urgency’ heading to Philly.League news: Jared Goff’s historic night leads Rams past Vikings.Everson Griffen ‘focused on resolving personal issues’Broncos TE Jake Butt out for season with torn ACL.NFL/NFLPA: Protocol not violated on NE S Danny Chung concussion.We come to today’s media selection: John Randle-The Chicken CommercialAgain, we all know the rules, but in case someone is new:-No discussion of politics or religion-No feeding of the trolls-This isn’t a male version of The View, so leave the gender hatred at the door-Keep 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 tags-No pictures that could get someone fired or in serious trouble with their employer-If you can’t disagree in a civil manner, feel free to go away-While navigating the open thread, just assume it’s sarcasm. Holding a 17-3 lead over the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 5 action, the Minnesota Vikings kicked the ball away to the Eagles Tom Compton Color Rush Jersey , who won the opening coin toss and deferred to the second half. DeAndre Carter took the kickoff from Dan Bailey and returned it to the Philadelphia 27-yard line to set Carson Wentz and company up for their first possession of the second half.It looked like the Vikings might get another three-and-out, but Wentz found Wendell Smallwood for a big 23-yard gain into Minnesota territory at the 47-yard line, and Smallwood then broke off a 13-yard run to move the Eagles to the 34. Jay Ajayi then took the ball down to the 25, and the Eagles had put together their best drive of the afternoon. Ajayi appeared to have a first down, but an illegal formation penalty on the Eagles pushed them back.Wentz found Zach Ertz to convert a third-and-short situation to move the Eagles into the Minnesota red zone. Stephen Weatherly was then called for a penalty to set up first-and-goal for the Philadelphia offense. Then, on first-and-goal, Ajayi got the call again, but he put the ball on the turf, and the Vikings’ defense jumped on it for another turnover! Eric Kendricks jumped on the loose ball, and the Eagles’ drive was thwarted.Starting from their own 5-yard line, Kirk Cousins and Adam Thielen connected on a huge play, as Cousins lofted a rainbow to Thielen on the right sideline that he turned into a 68-yard gain!With that catch, Thielen became the first player since the NFL/AFL merger to begin a season with five consecutive 100-yard receiving games. Kudos to him for that.Cousins then hit Stefon Diggs for a big 25-yard gain down to the 2-yard line, setting up a first-and-goal. Unfortunately, Roc Thomas was dropped for a loss, and Cousins’ pass on third down fell incomplete. Dan Bailey came on to add to the lead, and he connected from 22 yards out to extend the Minnesota lead to 20-3.The Eagles started their next drive at their own 23 after a nice special teams tackle by Jayron Kearse. After a false start penalty Kyle Rudolph Jersey , Wentz found Zach Ertz for a big gain and a first down. Wentz then found Alshon Jeffery wide open in the middle of the field for a gain of 31 yards, down to the Minnesota 35-yard line. Wentz just kept on dealing, as he found Nelson Agholor down to the 15, and the Eagles were once again in the red zone.Danielle Hunter then corralled Wentz for a sack to push the Eagles back to 2nd-and-18, and that was enough to eventually force the Eagles into a 4th-and-5 from the Minnesota 10-yard line. The Eagles called on Jake Elliott for another field goal attempt, this one a 28-yard attempt, and he split the uprights to make it 20-6 with just under three minutes remaining in the quarter.Elliott’s kickoff went for a touchback, and Cousins and company took over once again at their own 25-yard line. The Vikings quickly found themselves facing a 3rd-and-12 after an incomplete pass and a loss by Roc Thomas, and a short pass to Latavius Murray was not enough to move the chains, meaning a three-and-out for Minnesota. Matt Wile came in to punt the ball away, and it bounced out of bounds at the Philadelphia 34-yard line.As we move to the final quarter of play, the Eagles have the football, looking at 2nd-and-1 from the Minnesota 32-yard line.We have fifteen minutes left to go from Philadelphia, ladies and gentlemen, and the Minnesota Vikings lead the Philadelphia Eagles by a score of 20-6. Can the purple hold on and notch win #2 on the season?

The 49ers haven’t officially https://www.thesaintsfanshop.com/Alvin-Kamara-Jersey released linebacker Reuben Foster Rick Leonard Color Rush Jersey , but they’ve said they will. And with the trade window closed, they can’t do what the Browns did with receiver Josh Gordon earlier this year.So when Foster is released, he’ll head to the waiver wire, where any other team can claim the balance of his rookie contract.As pick No. 31, Foster initially had a fully guaranteed salary for 2019, in the amount of $1.286 million. A prior suspension likely erased the guarantees, however, which means that neither a new team (if the contract is claimed) or https://www.thesaintsfanshop.com/Michael-Thomas-Jersey the 49ers (if it isn’t claim) would owe Foster the money. His base salary for 2018 is $875,000; his pay for the final five games of the season would be $257,000.Although it’s unlikely that a suspension without pay would be finalized before the end of the season, any team that would claim or otherwise sign Foster would risk being required to pay him during a stay on the Commissioner Exempt list https://www.thesaintsfanshop.com/John-Kuhn-Jersey , a device for keeping players off the field when those players face certain types of criminal charges, including allegations of domestic violence.Ultimately, that’s the question that would need to be asked before a team like the Saints (which reportedly wanted to draft Foster before the 49ers sprang up to get him) would give Foster his latest second chance. Unless the league office can answer that question quickly, it’s possible that anyone interested in Foster would sit tight until the league knows what it plans to do with Foster, who is good enough of a player to get someone to give the person another opportunity to comply with the standards of society and the rules of the NFL. Some teams try to take away what an opposing offense does best. For the Saints on Sunday against the Eagles, 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 Alex Okafor Jersey , 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, 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 Larry Warford Color Rush Jersey , a four-play drive ending in a turnover on downs, another interception, a third interception, 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.

Good morning Brian Dawkins Jersey , Broncos Country!Every offseason/preseason, we like to talk about the “Broncos’ identity.” Will it feature a run-first or pass-heavy offense? Will it be a defensive juggernaut? Will the offense be creative and entertaining or will it be solid and efficient? (because in the offseason, of course, we only talk about positive identities.)And the evolution of that identity generally stems from the elite players making the greatest impact on the game. Often it’s the quarterback (a la Peyton Manning) or the superstars (a la Megatron). And sometimes Bradley Chubb Color Rush Jersey it’s the game-changers (hello, Von Miller!) I think many Broncos fans - myself included - expected the 2018 team identity to favor a gun-slinging quarterback with two Pro Bowl wideouts as well as two exciting new rookies. Or perhaps the identity would harken back to the good ol’ days of 2015 with two elite pass rushers terrorizing quarterbacks from both sides while a ball-hawking secondary took whatever was leftover.Obviously neither of those scenarios took hold, but the team is finally starting to show what it is made of - and it turns out that what it is made of is a lot of grit and fight.Phillip Lindsay Color Rush Jersey And do you know who made that identity a reality for this 2018 squad?Rookie sensation Phillip Lindsay.I believe he has single-handedly become the heart and soul of this team - its identity.Sure there are plenty of players this season with a lot of fight in them - but I dare say it took a non-Combine-invited, undrafted rookie making 0.29 percent of the Broncos’ 2018 spending to remind them it should be on display at all times.Because at “5-foot nothin’, 100 and nothin’” Lindsay has been the same electrifying player in every game - even when the rest of the offense or team fell flat.Averaging 70 yards a game, and maintaining a 5.8 yards-per-carry average over the season, while also accruing six touchdowns, Lindsay has been nominated for NFL’s Rookie of the Week five times this season and is in the conversation for Offensive Rookie of the Year.And his 780 total yards are better than some of the best running backs in the league right now, including Adrian Peterson (758), Christian McCaffrey (757), Alvin Kamara (706) https://www.broncosfanstore.com/Demarcus-Ware-Jersey , David Johnson (692), Joe Mixon (673), Lamar Miller (611).But it’s not even Lindsay’s stats that make him the heartbeat of this team. It’s the moxie - which by definition means “the ability to face difficulty with spirit and courage.”If that doesn’t define Lindsay, I don’t know what does. And if it hasn’t defined this team the past few weeks - and not just the past two wins, but the valiant efforts against the Texans, the Rams and the Chiefs included - then I don’t what else would.Lindsay has revived the spirit of the No. 30 like no other - even bringing back the Mile High Salute - and he, more than any other superstar or veteran on the team, is pulling this squad up one game at a time.Whatever the Broncos record ends up, that’s an identity I can live with.Horse Tracks - docllv’s pick of the dayThe Peter King Podcast - Denver RB Phillip Lindsay, one of the season's breakout starsListen to Lindsay on his incredible story - his record-breaking high school career in Denver, his explosive career in college at Colorado, being snubbed from the NFL Scouting Combine, going undrafted, being overly bitter Emmanuel Sanders Color Rush Jersey , then having 15 minutes to choose a team (Denver or Baltimore) as an undrafted free agent. And then what it feels like to run for 100 yards against Oakland and Pittsburgh as a rookie who wasn't supposed to make it.Horse Tracks6 reasons explaining Denver's O-line elevating its level of playThe patchwork Broncos' O-line is playing at a surprisingly high level suddenly. How can we explain this turnaround?Broncos' defense has bent but not broken in last two winsWhen they won the Super Bowl three years ago, the Broncos allowed an NFL-low 283.3 yards per game. Last season, while stumbling to a 5-11 record, they gave up 290 yards per game, third-fewest.Shane Ray prepared to finish season strong with BroncosWhen Broncos linebacker Shane Ray sustained a high ankle sprain in Week 6 against the Los Angeles Rams, it was Shaq Barrett’s time to assume a larger pass-rushing responsibility.Denver Broncos: John Elway says team wants Jeff Heuerman backJohn Elway acknowledged his past injuries but says the team has seen enough from TE Jeff Heuerman that they want him back in 2019...Phillip Lindsay admits anger toward Broncos over draft snubPhillip Lindsay almost didn't choose to sign with the Broncos after he went undrafted back in early May.The Pro Bowl Push: Why Joe Jones deserves your vote as a special teamerWhy should Joe Jones be voted to the Pro Bowl? As his teammate Casey Kreiter says,Showing their colors: The Broncos' My Cause My Cleats painting processTake a behind-the-scenes look at the painting process for a few of the Broncos' cleats for the 2018 My Cause My Cleats campaign.River Cracraft honors late friend Tyler Hilinski via cleat designThe Broncos receiver was teammates at Washington State with Hilinski, who took his own life in January.Broncos Injury Report: Brandon Marshall returns to practiceThe Broncos linebacker hasn't played since Week 8.Browns vs. Bengals: 3 things we learned from Cincinnati’s 35-20 defeat - Cincy JungleOther than the usual mistakes the Bengals make every week, we learned a lot about the team after losing the first leg of the Battle of Ohio.Bengals Weekly Lineman: Examining the drop-off from Cordy Glenn at left tackle - Cincy JungleJake Fisher or Cedric Ogbuehi? You decide who was the better player against the Browns.Baker Mayfield: 'I don't regret any' criticism of Hue - NFL.comWhen asked if he regretted any of his pointed criticism of former coach Hue Jackson, Browns QB Baker Mayfield doubled down: "I didn't like the move and people don't have to care."Playoff-clinching scenarios for Week 13 of NFL season - NFL.comThe New Orleans Saints can clinch the NFC South title this weekend and the Los Angeles Rams can claim the NFC West. The Kansas City Chiefs could clinch a playoff berth.Gruden on Reuben Foster: No guarantee he ever plays - NFL.comA day after the Redskins claimed Reuben Foster off waivers, coach Jay Gruden said there's no guarantee the former first-round draft pick ever sees the playing field for Washington.Blake Bortles on benching: 'Didn't play good enough' - NFL.comIt seems likely that Blake Bortles' time as the Jaguars starting quarterback has reach its end. "I didn't play good enough. I didn't win football games," Bortles said Wednesday.Bengals' A.J. Green says he'll play against Broncos - NFL.comIs A.J. Green ready to return for the Cincinnati Bengals? The prolific wide receiver says he'll be on the field Sunday when the team plays the Denver Broncos.Aaron Rodgers: Pack 'might as well let it all hang out' - NFL.comWith the Packers falling steadily out of playoff contention, the wolves are coming for Aaron Rodgers, who told reporters Wednesday that he might have to take a few more chances down the stretch.Browns vs. Bengals: 3 things we learned from Cincinnati’s 35-20 defeat - Cincy JungleOther than the usual mistakes the Bengals make every week Gary Zimmerman Jersey , we learned a lot about the team after losing the first leg of the Battle of Ohio.Bengals Weekly Lineman: Examining the drop-off from Cordy Glenn at left tackle - Cincy JungleJake Fisher or Cedric Ogbuehi? You decide who was the better player against the Browns. Case Keenum was supposed to be the answer at quarterback. He was supposed to fix the errors we saw with Trevor Siemian, Brock Osweiler, and Paxton Lynch. He was supposed to help get this team back to the postseason.Yet, nothing has changed. Is this an overreaction? Maybe. Am I just pissed the Broncos blew a 10-point lead in the 4th quarter? Most definitely. However, the facts are the facts. Case Keenum has not been good and the Broncos really have not improved their quarterback position at all.Through the first four games or first quarter of the 2018 NFL season, Case Keenum has thrown for 3 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. Over a course of a season that projects out to be 12 touchdowns and 24 interceptions. That is unacceptable. What is even more unacceptable is that Keenum has not thrown for a touchdown since week one of the regular season when he threw 3 touchdowns. He has 0 touchdowns and 1 interception the past three weeks against the Raiders, Ravens, and Chiefs.That is your $18 million dollar quarterback Broncos Country. 2017 was a fluke. We may see flashes of that but it appears that Keenum unsurprisingly has fallen back to earth and shown us why he has been a journeyman quarterback throughout his career. Am I saying turn to Chad Kelly? Not yet, but that should be in the cards. Do I think Elway/Kubiak have the stones to pull the plug on their savior this quick? Hell no. This feels like Trevor Siemian all over again, but somehow worse. Siemian was able to pull a four-touchdown game out of his ass sometimes. I don’t see this from Keenum. I see a quarterback with limited arm strength who fails at being anything more than a game manager.How do you miss a wide-open Demaryius Thomas in the final seconds of the 4th quarter in what would be the go-ahead touchdown? He had him and it wasn’t even close. The Broncos passed on Josh Rosen and Josh Allen in the draft for Keenum. Their storylines are only beginning and could ultimately prove to be a costly error in John Elway’s General Managing career.Again, I could be overreacting, but it’s clear Keenum isn’t it. The training camp hype fooled me and it stings. Maybe Chad Kelly can be that guy?

FanSidedGiven the level of back-slapping, glad-handing and camaraderie Rams owner Stan Kroenke and Dallas oligarch Jerry Jones have exchanged in, would it be a shock to see America’s Team (cough cough) kick things off in Inglewood?A look at the Oakland Raiders | OC RegisterRich Hammond breaks down the Samson Ebukam Jersey silver and black. He’s perhaps a little kind here, but let’s hope I don’t wind up eating my words. Takeaway stat: The Raiders only had 5 INTs last season.Sean McVay readies for year two with higher expectations | Rams OfficialGiven that most of us expected very little heading into last season — modest improvement, yes, a revolution, no — it’s clear that HC Sean McVay will need to raise the bar even higher in 2018. Here’s betting our guy is up to the task.Rams re-sign S Isaiah Johnson | Rams OfficialThe safety, waived on Wednesday, returns a day later, providing some quality depth.Rams create Summer internship program | Rams OfficialThe Rams and LA Promise have created a program to expose students to career opportunities in professional sports. Clearly, these classes were not offered to TST staffers.Rams need to prove resting offensive starters in preseason won’t backfire | FanSidedI’d much rather be talking about a sluggish start than 2 injured starters — but there’s some merit here. The proof will be in the pudding on Monday night to see if McVay can get his O firing on all cylinders early Authentic Austin Blythe Jersey , or if a preseason spent on the sidelines will lead to a rusty reboot.DFS Week 1: which Rams to target on DraftKings | RamsWireIt’s fun to have Rams on your DFS squad, right? Here’s a look at where our studs stack up and if they’re worth picking up. Heads up: if any TST readers wins a GPP and doesn’t take me and Sosa to a Rams game all-expenses paid... well... not cool.The Raiders will be ready on Monday night | Raiders OfficialReminder: Raiders QB Derek Carr faced Aqib Talib and Marcus Peters 2x a season, so he knows them well. He also mentions he’s spoken to Ndamukong Suh and Aaron Donald. Here’s hoping he’s chatting with them from his back on Monday night. The Arizona Cardinals can't run the football. The Denver Broncos can't stop the run.So maybe the ground game will be the deciding factor when these two struggling teams meet on Thursday night."I'll tell you this - and I'm a firm believer in this - stopping the run and running the football allows a team to control the game depending on who is doing that the best," Broncos coach Vance Joseph said.Arizona (1-5) ranks dead last in the NFL in total offense and in rushing, averaging 64 yards per game on the ground. Denver (2-4) is last in rushing defense, allowing a whopping 161.3 yards per game."We need to do a much better job up front as far as blocking, executing our assignments," Cardinals coach Steve Wilks, then referring to running back David Johnson: "We need to move him around a little bit more. Try to find ways to get him out into space, different things right here to try to open it up some."Denver has allowed 593 yards rushing in its last two games. Two of the opposing running backs, the New York Jets' Isaiah Crowell and the Los Angeles Rams' Todd Gurley Youth Jared Goff Jersey , topped 200 yards rushing, something that's never happened against the same team in NFL history."We've had really two bad weeks, and it's really with our nickel defense," Joseph said. "We have to fix that and obviously play in more fronts and fix it that way."The Cardinals aren't good against the run, either. They rank 31st in the NFL, just ahead of Denver, giving up 151.2 yards per game. That could clear the way for the Broncos' rookie running back tandem of Phillip Lindsay and Royce Freeman, who have a combined four touchdowns and average 5.19 yards per carry.But Denver has relied more on the passing of Case Keenum than in the running game in recent weeks.The Cardinals will be without safety Tre Boston, who leads the team with three interceptions. He didn't practice this week with shoulder and rib injuries.The Broncos have lost four straight, the latest a close home loss to the undefeated Rams. Arizona has beaten Denver only once in the 10-game history of the series.Here are some things to consider when the Broncos face the Cardinals:BEAT-UP LINESBoth teams are beaten up on the offensive line.The Broncos lost their best lineman, left guard Ronald Leary http://www.ramsauthorizedshops.com/authentic-aaron-donald-jersey , to a torn Achilles tendon against the Rams."You guys already know how good he is and what he brings to this team, and everyone in this locker room knows how important he is to our organization," tackle Garett Bolles said. "Having someone like that go down is a tough situation and puts us in a tight spot."Denver right tackle Jared Veldheer 鈥?a former Cardinal 鈥?will miss the game with a knee injury.Arizona left guard Mike Iupati is sidelined with a back injury that knocked him out of Sunday's loss at Minnesota. Right guard Justin Pugh has his injured right hand in a cast-like wrap and plans to try to play Thursday.MIFFED MILLERVon Miller repeatedly promised that the Broncos would whoop the Cardinals. "I wouldn't say it's a must win," Miller said. "We're going to kick their (behind), though. Make sure you put that up there. We're going to kick their (behind)."Miller and rookie Bradley Chubb had 4陆 sacks between them last week, but Miller insisted they hadn't unlocked some sort of pass rush puzzle."No, we just got on the board," Miller said. "And if we're playing our best, I don't think there's anybody in the league that can block me and Bradley. ... Especially not the Cardinals. They're going to get our best on Thursday. They got to come with their best."UP-TEMPOThe Cardinals' offense, under rookie quarterback Josh Rosen, showed some signs of life with an up-tempo game late against the Vikings. Expect to see more of it against Denver."It was very effective for us. It's something that we've got to definitely consider Greg Zuerlein Jersey ," Wilks said. "It's part of his comfort zone, based off college and the things he did back there. We've got to do everything we can right now to get this offense going in the right direction."ELWAY'S CRITICISMBroncos general manager John Elway reprised his "soft" criticism he also used last year when discussing Denver's run defense this week.Elway suggested the Broncos must realize that "we're fighting for our lives" Thursday night.Asked if he interpreted that as fighting for his job, Joseph said, "Absolutely. And that's every coach in this league every week. If you don't feel that way, you're missing something. If we were 5-1, I would feel that way. That doesn't motivate me. I'm already motivated to win games and to fix our football team."MCCOY'S HEATFor the second year in a row, Mike McCoy is feeling heat as an offensive coordinator.McCoy was fired by Joseph after 10 games with the Broncos last season. Now he's facing severe criticism as offensive coordinator of the Cardinals."We're preparing like any other week," McCoy said. "Our objective every week is to go out and win the next game that you're playing. That's our focus."AP Pro Football Writer Arnie Stapleton contributed to this report.

Bengals Bytes (9/20): Marvin Lewis shares high praise for Luke Kuechly Gio leads battered backsIn the Bengals’ 34-23 victory over the Ravens Cheap Joe Mixon Jersey , Joe Mixon began the running backs’ tale of woe when he slightly tore a knee meniscus and is out for an unspecified amount of time after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery. Then in the next practice on Monday Tra Carson pulled his hamstring and while he may return to the Bengals when he gets healthy in a month or so, the Bengals had to waive him injured to make room for somebody that can play Sunday (1 p.m.-Cincinnati’s Channel 12) if needed in Carolina.Notebook: Mixon rehabs; Rawls re-bootsBut when he does return he’s going to have some skins on the wall for head coach Marvin Lewis and his teammates to respect as a gamer. His fourth-quarter performance last Thursday night that helped fend off the Ravens in prime time on a knee that went under the knife less than 48 hours later is taking its place in Bengals lore.Bengals Shuffle Injured Backs; Rawls Signed as Carson ShelvedJoe Mixon worked in the weight room with a sleeve covering the knee that had arthroscopic surgery on Saturday. By lunch time Giovani Bernard’s backups were also 5-9 in rookie Mark Walton and the freshly-signed Rawls, both of whom have yet to play since the preseason.NFL Week 3 odds, picks: Bucs throttle hapless Steelers, Bengals beat Panthers to go to 3-0In other games, the Browns continue their search for a win, the Bills are just trying to keep from getting blown out (and having somebody retire at halftime), the Bengals are looking to get to 3-0 (!), while the Rams continue to make their case for the NFL's most complete team.Cincinnati Bengals to be without two starters vs. PanthersThe Cincinnati Bengals are off to about as good of a start as they could hope for in terms of the results, but the same cannot be said for the health of the team. Cincinnati (2-0) travels to face the Carolina Panthers (1-1) on Sunday and will be using some backups at key positions in an offense that has been rolling through the first two games.Cincinnati Bengals RB Joe Mixon says he has 'slight tear' of meniscusBengals running back Joe Mixon, who had a procedure Saturday to remove loose particles in his knee, said he will return from a knee injury when he feels comfortable. Mixon said he had a "slight tear" in his meniscus, but he feels great and has been walking around. The procedure to repair the knee took about an hour, he said.4 things to know about new Bengals RB Thomas RawlsWith RB Joe Mixon set to miss some time due to his knee injury and subsequent surgery, the Cincinnati Bengals waltzed out and signed former Seahawks and Jets RB Thomas Rawls. Many of the Bengals faithful will remember Rawls as the man who gashed us for 169 yards in the OT win against the Seahawks back in 2015. That season, he ran for 830 yards on 147 carries. He only started 7 games and played in 13.Marvin Lewis: Bengals want to "clone" players like Luke KuechlyA native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Kuechly's roots run deep through the area. Growing up in Evendale, a suburb of Cincinnati, Kuechly was a star defensive player at St. Xavier High School before going on to great things away from home with the Boston College Eagles and, eventually Youth Alex Redmond Jersey , the Panthers. Given his history in the area, Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis has had his eyes on Kuechly for a long time.Cincinnati Bengals: Billy Price to miss time with foot injuryCincinnati Bengals rookie center Billy Price is out at least two weeks with a foot injury. Price said his injury, which occurred during Thursday’s win against Baltimore, was just diagnosed Wednesday morning and he is required to wear a boot full-time but he does not need surgery.Random BytesJon Gruden Says 'It's Hard to Find a Great Pass-Rusher' in Raiders PresserThe Oakland Raiders have struggled with their pass rush in the first two games, totaling only two sacks during the 0-2 start. Head coach Jon Gruden ironically blamed the quality of personnel on the roster.Mike Tomlin Says He Disciplined Antonio Brown for Skipping Steelers MeetingsPittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed he disciplined wide receiver Antonio Brown for failing to show up to the team's facility Monday following a 42-37 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. "He and I met yesterday for an extended period of time," Tomlin said Wednesday, according to ESPN.com's Jeremy Fowler. "I'll leave the nature of that conversation between us. There was discipline involved for his missed meeting on Monday."Vontae Davis Explains Abrupt Retirement from Bills: 'Leaving Was Therapeutic'"Leaving was therapeutic, bro. I left everything the league wanted me to be, playing for my teammates while injured, the gladiator mentality, it all just popped. And when it popped, I just wanted to leave it all behind. So that's why I don't care what people say. That experience was personal and not meant for anyone else to understand. It was me cold turkey leaving behind an identity that I carried with me for so long."Report: Maroon 5 to Perform 2019 Super Bowl Halftime ShowE! News' Baker Machado reported in 2015 that the band "had extensive talks" about playing Super Bowl 50's halftime show and was the "front-runner for the gig." The honor eventually fell to the trio of Coldplay, Beyonce and Bruno Mars.Mike Freeman's 10-Point Stance: Kirk Cousins Finally Ready to 'Tear Apart' NFLCoaches who have watched Cousins from afar, however, have long felt differently. To them, Cousins was a physically gifted player in a poor organization that didn't know how to surround him with talent on either side of the ball.NFL Rookies Already Looking Like BustsThe term "bust" is one of the most negative labels that can be slapped on an NFL player. Usually given to early-round draft picks, it means not only did a player fail to meet expectations, but he massively underperformed in his career. 21. CINCINNATI BENGALS (7-9)LAST SEASON: After five straight playoff appearances — and NFL-record five straight first-round losses — Bengals have had back-to-back losing seasons, which would mean change at top for most teams. Instead, coach Marvin Lewis — 0-7 in playoffs — got two-year contract extension through 2019. There were moves with staff, notable for reluctant-to-change organization. Bengals fired offensive coordinator Ken Zampese after 0-2 start and replaced long-time offensive line coach Paul Alexander after season. Bill Lazor was retained as offensive coordinator for 2018 and given latitude to overhaul offense that finished last in league. Line was biggest problem Cheap John Ross Jersey , and Bengals took first step toward addressing it by acquiring LT Cordy Glenn in trade with Buffalo, also swapping 12th and 21st picks in first round. Defensive coordinator Paul Guenther left to join Jon Gruden with Raiders.THEY NEED: C, OT, LB, DE, S.THEY DON'T NEED: P, K, LS.POSSIBLE FIRST PICK: C James Daniels, Iowa; T Connor Williams, Texas; T Mike McGlinchey, Notre Dame; LB Rashaan Evans, Alabama.OUTLOOK: Trade for Glenn was merely first step in addressing team's biggest problem. C Russell Bodine signed two-year deal with Buffalo, leaving hole in middle of line. RT Jake Fisher had procedure to fix irregular heartbeat last season but expects to return. Until Bengals get line fixed, there's not much hope for significant improvement. QB Andy Dalton and WR A.J. Green return for eighth season together, coming off what was least-productive one. Bengals expected top two picks last season, WR John Ross and RB Joe Mixon, to bring big-play abilities as rookies, but neither did much. Ross was hurt most of season and played in three games without getting catch; he carried one time and fumbled. Mixon became starter after Jeremy Hill got hurt and finished with 636 yards and 3.5-yard average as running game was one of worst in franchise history.

The Rams improved on both sides of the ball in second half eventually tying the game, though they ultimately couldn’t get the job done.Let’s jump right into the stock report:Stock DownCB Marcus Todd Gurley Color Rush Jersey PetersWhat else is there to say about Peters that hasn’t already been said? After making the stock down last week, he once again finds himself on the list. Peters was once again a major liability and had absolutely no answer for WR Michael Thomas after travelling with him. Thomas threw up a career day with 12 receptions for 211 yards and a touchdown. Not only that, but Peters’ major blunder in coverage effectively ensured the Rams lost the game. Terrible.ILB Mark BarronBarron struggled badly in this game. He was beaten in coverage for large gains multiple times, was washed out against the run on certain occasions, and simply missed too many tackles. The Rams need a better performance from the most expensive linebacker they have.OLB Matt LongacreAre you wondering why the Rams traded for Dante Fowler Jr? You shouldn’t, and watching Longacre today is all the proof you needed to see. Another game, another invisible performance.FS Lamarcus JoynerThe performance of Joyner this season could be considered the eighth wonder of the world. After having a career year last year https://www.ramsfanstore.com/Nickell-Robey-Coleman-Jersey , Joyner proved to be a major liability today. Now, I don’t want to knock him too much because he was asked to do a ton. He logged snaps at outside CB, in man coverage versus running backs (Alvin Kamara), deep safety, and even nickel. All in all, he was awful tackling today and was beaten in coverage several times.Stock UpWR Brandin CooksThe #BrandinCooksRevengeGame went pretty darn well. Cooks registered six receptions for 114 yards and a touchdown in his return to New Orleans. He had a beautiful post-corner on Marshon Lattimore uncovering for a big gain. His catch over the middle of the field that was tipped by Cooper Kupp was also an outstanding and heads up play.WR Cooper KuppIt was great to have this guy back, wasn’t it? Even though Kupp was only targeted six times, he managed to turn that into five receptions for 89 yards and a touchdown. Kupp continues to prove his importance to this offense as he routinely uncovers and creates separation for Jared Goff to throw into. Outside of one drop by Kupp, he had a very clean game.Offensive LineThe Rams had 483 total yards in the game, they scored 35 points in the game Joseph Noteboom Color Rush Jersey , and QB Jared Goff was not sacked once in the game. The offensive line put forth a spectacular performance. The only blunder here was a personal foul on LG Rodger Saffold prior to halftime that knocked the team out of field goal range, but all turned out well as the Rams gained the yardage back the next play and K Greg Zuerlein made the field goal anyways.TE Gerald EverettWell this is new. Tight ends have been largely irrelevant for this offense but today that was not the case. Everett had three receptions for 48 yards - one of them being a major catch and run before half to set the team up with a field goal attempt. Tyler Higbee also got some action with two receptions for 40 yards.CB Nickell Robey-ColemanThe more you watch defenses today, the more you should appreciate NRC. The Rams ask NRC to lock up the slot against anyone and everyone (not today, Peters traveled with Thomas in the slot) and he does a fantastic job week in and week out. To my knowledge, NRC was only beaten one time in coverage and that was against Alvin Kamara. As of today, NRC is the Rams’ best cornerback and it isn’t even close. Hopefully things become more competitive when CB Aqib Talib returns. Regardless of how the NFL resolves the question of whether to proceed with Monday night’s game of the year in Mexico City, the league has yet another mess of its own making.Here we are, six days before the Chiefs and Rams will meet in Mexico, and the league engaged in no obvious proactive effort to solve the problem until the pot reached a full, raging boil.The turf at Aztec Stadium remains a “mess Jamon Brown Color Rush Jersey ,” but the NFL is “determined” to play the game, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.It’s easy to envision a series of hectic meetings and frazzled conference calls during which a variety of arguments are made and considerations are balanced. Here’s hoping that the only factors that ultimately matters are: (1) the safety of the players; and (2) the integrity of the game.Remember the second one? That was the cover the NFL used to justify whacking the Patriots over a trivial football-inflation issue under a standard that had been on the books for so long that no one knew why it was even there. Taking a little air out of the ball to make it easier to throw (the NFL failed to prove that this ever happened) and thus making the game better is a far cry from forcing two of the best offenses in the NFL to play on a field that looks like the vacant lot in every neighborhood where a house was torn down and a smattering of grass, weeds, rocks, and dirt is now in its place.Instead, other concerns will drive the decision, from legal claims made by fans who incurred travel plans in reliance on the game being played in Mexico (there will be liability, and the NFL should do the right thing and provide fair refunds) to potentially alienating Mexican officials who could kill future NFL games there to possibly undermining the league’s effort to squeeze as much money as possible out of international wallets. Those concerns should be secondary to the safety of the players and the integrity of the game.But we know they won’t be. Because in too many past instances, they haven’t been.

Unlike in Jacksonville and Detroit, this loss contained no element of “September football”. This was not a “let down” game at the end of a six-game winning streak with a bye week looming. And https://www.patriotsfanstore.com/Adrian-Clayborn-Jersey it was not a shocking loss at the hands of a divisional foe by way of a miraculous, once-in-a-generation play in the game’s waning seconds.At a time of the season where a team’s goal is to be hitting its stride and imposing an established identity upon its opponents, the Patriots put forth an apathetic, disconnected performance riddled with mistakes. Instead of an effort that provided answers, it only served to raise countless questions — one of which must be:Why was Josh Gordon ignored?Notice that the question doesn’t dispute the fact of whether or not the talented wide receiver who averages 18.0 yards per reception — a mark which, among pass catchers with at least 30 grabs ranks second only to Tampa Bay’s DeSean Jackson — was ignored in Sunday’s loss. He was neglected — and the tape shows it.Gordon had tallied 34 catches on 51 targets for 550 yards and two touchdowns in six career games against Pittsburgh prior to Sunday’s contest, but was targeted just twice in the game — a season-low total — resulting in one catch for 19 yards a dropped pass on a third-and-six in the third quarter. These two targets came as the Patriots ran just 55 net plays from scrimmage in the loss — their lowest total since the Detroit debacle in September. Yet, despite the diminished opportunity, the trio of White, Edelman Dont'a Hightower Color Rush Jersey , and Gronkowski still surpassed the cumulative 22.53 target/game average that they entered the contest with.Prior target/game averages | Week-15 targetsWhite: 8.23 | 7Edelman: 8.1 | 11Gronkowski: 6.2 | 5Gordon: 6.6 | 2Considering ten points were all the offense could muster with an AFC East title and a potential first round bye on the line on Sunday, Gordon’s lack of involvement was inexcusable for a multitude of reasons. First among them was a simple issue of poor efficiency. In a game where opportunities were limited due to the small amount of snaps,the importance of each snap naturally became magnified. Yet, the Patriots not only remained determined to establish the ground game against the league’s 7th best run defense (DVOA) — a strategy that burned the clock and limited possessions while producing point-earning chunk plays at a far lower clip than passing — but they continued to ignore the offense’s most efficient pass-catching target outside of the red zone heading into week-15.The Gordon neglect becomes even more puzzling when taking into account the fact that, schematically, Pittsburgh’s defense didn’t prioritize Gordon above any of the Patriots’ other offensive skill personnel. In fact, they dared the Patriots to beat them with throws to the outside. This has been a staple of Pittsburgh’s transformation to a Cover-1-based unit in 2018 — an effort spearheaded by defensive coordinator Keith Butler last offseason. Cover-1 is a defensive concept designed to take away the middle of the field — including the deep seams that Patriots fans have grown accustomed to seeing Rob Gronkowski exploit over the years. With just one deep safety, a large amount of trust is placed on the unit’s two outside corners to maintain integrity, given the limited help over the top. You’ll also often see those corners utilizing “outside leverage” to funnel wide receivers back to the field side when the unit is playing zone coverage.On Sunday, the Steelers stayed true to form, playing a ton of Cover-1 and daring the Patriots to throw to the perimeter. After going back through each of Josh Gordon’s snaps Joe Thuney Jersey , here’s how the Steelers chose to defend the man who torched them so often in the past:Of Gordon’s 52 snaps:33 came against some form of Cover-1 — man coverage with just one neutrally positioned safety deep over the top. The Patriots ran it 14 times, and threw it nine times.13 came against either two-high safety looks (Cover-2), or against Cover-1 where the safety’s initial post-snap break was to Gordon’s side to provide help over the top. Of these, the Patriots ran it four times and passed nine.Gordon faced zone coverage on the remaining six snaps, four which were due to his alignment in the slot — a position he was not targeted from all game.After Joe Haden guarded Gordon on the Patriots’ first offensive snap, Artie Burns was assigned to him on the Patriots 63-yard touchdown pass to Chris Hogan two plays later. Burns was one of the three defenders Gordon drew coverage from on the play, leaving Hogan wide open. He was subsequently benched on the following drive, and replaced by beatable veteran Coty Sensabaugh. Aside from two fourth-quarter red zone snaps that saw him lined up in the slot, Sensabaugh was tasked with guarding Josh Gordon for the entire game. In total, the two squared up 46 times in the contest, including 30 of the 33 snaps where Pittsburgh decided Gordon could be adequately defended with a single cornerback left on an island with no safety help over the top.Inexplicably James White Color Rush Jersey , despite getting this match up 30 times, the Patriots only targeted Gordon twice.Five of those 30 snaps came in the red zone.In terms of blame distribution, how much of this is on Tom Brady, and how much should allocated to offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels? Unfortunately, the answer is that it’s a bit of both. At times this season, Brady seems to be willing Rob Gronkowski back into a rhythm, and it has led to an increase in ill-advised decisions with the football. He’s also been leaning heavily on Julian Edelman — which, of course, isn’t anything new — but it has been at the behest of working the football to other productive targets like Gordon and Cordarrelle Patterson.McDaniels — who gets a weekly dose of unwarranted criticism — is equally culpable with regard to Gordon’s neglect on Sunday. An over-commitment to the game plan and an unwillingness to take a few more risks down field with the unit’s most talented pass-catching weapon against a replacement-level cornerback has to go down as his biggest mistake of the season to this point.As the Patriots host the Bills this coming Sunday, the rekindling of the chemistry built between Brady and Gordon through their first ten games together will be critical. A failure to do so could signal the makings of an earlier-than-anticipated conclusion to the team’s season in January.Follow Brian Phillips on Twitter - @BPhillips_SB As we head into Week 10 of the NFL season, we’re taking our first look at the playoff picture https://www.patriotsfanstore.com/Stephen-Gostkowski-Jersey , and the top two teams have separated themselves from the pack.The Chiefs are the top team in the conference, but the Patriots are only a game behind and have the head-to-head tiebreaker. The Chiefs also have the Chargers to contend with in the AFC West, so Kansas City can’t get complacent.Here’s how the race looks before Week 10:LEADERS1. Kansas City (8-1): Owns a one-game lead in the conference and a 1.5-game lead in the division.2. New England (7-2): The Patriots appear destined to get their usual bye week. 3. Pittsburgh (5-2-1): After a sluggish start, the Steelers now control the AFC North.4. Houston (6-3): The Texans are threatening to run away with the AFC South.5. L.A. Chargers (6-2): They’d be a dangerous wild card.6. Cincinnati (5-3): Marvin Lewis is on pace to save his job by getting the Bengals back to the playoffs.OUTSIDE LOOKING IN7. Miami (5-4): They won’t catch the Patriots, but the Dolphins are very much alive in wild card contention.8. Tennessee (4-4): : The Titans won a playoff game last season and fired Mike Mularkey anyway. Will they even get to the playoffs with Mike Vrabel?9. Baltimore (4-5): John Harbaugh may need a winning streak and a playoff berth to save his job.10. Jacksonville (3-5): The Jaguars currently own the tiebreaker over the Colts, based on having a better record in common games.11. Indianapolis (3-5): The Colts look like they could go on a run over the second half of the season, but will it be enough to catch the Texans?12. N.Y. Jets (3-6): The Jets have the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Broncos.13. Denver (3-6): Two straight losing seasons could cost Vance Joseph his job.14. Cleveland (2-6-1): The Browns are a little better. They need to get a lot better.15. Buffalo (2-7): They keep losing no matter which of their three quarterbacks play.16. Oakland (1-7): Jon Gruden won’t be making the playoffs in his first year back in Oakland.