/>Skip to main contentclockmenumore-arrownoyesHorizontal - WhiteDawgs EDTShareTweetShareShareDT Gerald Willis: How Would Drafting this Player in Round 2 Make the Browns Better? Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY SportsThe defense should consume much of this year’s draft https://www.brownsfanshop.com/Duke-Johnson-Jersey , and GM John Dorsey needs to make sure each pick is one that will help this team contend for the AFC North Division title. Since the Browns do not possess a first-round pick this year, their selection in the second stanza is critical.Expect one of the draft picks in all likelihood at some point to be spent on a DT for added depth and to work towards a starting position. The Browns have already traded DE Emmanuel Ogbah and realize that a good defense will use multiple defensive linemen continually throughout the game to keep fresh legs on the field. Gerald Willis could very well be that player and should be available in Round 2 with pick number 49.A former five-star recruit, he originally signed with Florida, but had issues with several coaches and teammates. As a freshman Greg Joseph Jersey , he was involved in a fight over a pair of cleats with Gators’ QB Skyler Mornhinweg to which the signalcaller required stitches. He was also suspended twice for undisclosed reasons. In another incident in the game against rival Florida State, QB Jameis Winston of the Seminoles had scrambled and gained minimal yardage and then darted out-of-bounds into the Florida bench. As Winston decelerated he approached two Florida players standing on the sideline, one being Willis. Next, Willis hauls off and shoves and then punches Winston with both forearms right in the facemask. Willis was ejected and his team was assessed a 15-yard personal foul.Florida in due course released him fundamentally Jabrill Peppers Color Rush Jersey , and then he transferred to the University of Miami. Willis’ playing growth was stalled in 2017 when he took the entire season off at Miami with allegations of character issues. But once he returned, he was a completely different player and possessed new leadership skills plus a good work ethic previously missed. Everyone associated with him - especially his Miami coaches - all rant about the change in his attitude and life in general. The result was a very productive 2018 season peppered with a relentless behavior. This player is a force and does not miss tackles.Specifics: College: MiamiHeight: 6’-4”Weight: 300 pounds 40-time: 4.95Career Tackles: 33 Career Tackles for Loss: 18 Career Sacks: 1.5 Career Forced Fumbles: 1Positives:First-step explosiveness & burstSwim move his forte’Big enough to push through weaker blockersNatural big-man strengthWill chase down plays from backsideQuick feet and excellent change of directionSure tacklerNasty playerAfter sitting out 2017 season exceptional player2018 Second-Team All-AmericanNegatives: Needs to stay lower for more leverageImprove hand usageWork on more flexibilityBetter balance controlOff-field issues include a transfer from Florida, one-game suspension for violation of team rules, partial MCL tear in 2016 E.J. Gaines Color Rush Jersey , took a leave of absence for the entire 2017 college season, dislocated finger 2018Expert Draft Site AnalysisCBSsports.comDo you think Willis’ off-field issues would prevent you from drafting him and adding him to the defensive line rotation? Our friend Thelonius7 returns with his latest installment of Straight No Chaser.This is one worth hanging on to as it begins with some original musical tributes.Then he gets into it:An actual winning streak...The natural suppression of the urge to check tankathon....Girls in football鈥nd talk about the 4 realms of NFL competition鈥ut then I wanted to get specific鈥?much more specific鈥?and talk about one hue Jackson鈥lso... it starts off with Chief Slam... a tribute to David Njoku.Give a listen by hitting the player at the top of the page, the one in between the article and comments’ section (of not just this but every DBN article) or going here:Hit him up on twitter here.Always appreciate feedback in the comments’ section below.Also always appreciated when you forward these via your own social medias if you like what you hear, which we hope you do. Thanks for listening!
GREEN BAY https://www.thepackersfanshop.com/hats , Wis. — One team is starting a backup at quarterback but still above .500. The other boasts one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks, yet has a losing record.It’s a topsy-turvy matchup when the Miami Dolphins visit the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.Packers CoveragePhotos of the Week: 7/21/19 – 7/27/19Packers rookie Gary’s biggest critic is himselfTop Tweets: Former Badger TJ Watt has impressive four-year transformationPHOTOS: 2019 Green Bay Packers training campPackers’ Rodgers, LaFleur ironing out offense, building chemistryPlayers to watch at Green Bay Packers 2019 training campLaFleur: Offense still a work in progress as Packers open campPackers release defensive tackle Mike DanielsGreen Bay Packers 2019 training camp primerPackers’ Rodgers not ranked as a top-5 quarterback in Madden 20Brock Osweiler will make a fifth straight start at quarterback for the Dolphins with Ryan Tannehill nursing a shoulder injury . Two-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers seems to be getting healthier after hurting his left knee in the Packers’ season opener against the Chicago Bears.Advantage Packers on offense, at least on paper.Yet for whatever reasons, what should be a prolific unit isn’t clicking consistently for the Packers (3-4-1), especially in the fourth quarters of their last two losses.“Yeah, it’s definitely frustrating, especially when you’ve got the talent we do,” receiver Davante Adams said. “We just need a little bit of flow and consistency, and I think that’s what’s going to get this offense moving in the right direction.”It’s little consolation that the losses have come against two of the league’s best teams, the Rams and Patriots . Miscues on special teams, offense and defense have caught up to the Packers to contribute to the stinging defeats.Green Bay may need a “run the table” type of streak to get into the postseason. That phrase uttered by Rodgers turned into a catchword in 2016 when the Packers won eight straight games to go from 4-6 to the NFC title game.“We’re focused on winning No. 4. That’s all we’re talking about right now,” coach Mike McCarthy said. “We improved as a football team the last two weeks, but you have to play your best football coming down the stretch, and that’s clearly been evident the last two weeks.”The Dolphins (5-4) relied on a resilient defense to beat the struggling New York Jets 13-6. Miami had four interceptions and four sacks while holding the Jets to 2 of 15 on third and fourth downs.It’s a nice cushion with Osweiler making another start. The Dolphins are 2-2 with Osweiler behind center, averaging 22 points a game.“Any time you play a quarterback that’s as special as Aaron is, you want to limit the amount of possessions that he’s able to have,” Osweiler said. “We know offensively this week it’s very important for us to sustain drives Green Bay Packers Hoodie , get first downs and try to be in control of that clock.”Other notes and things to watch:RUN THE DRAKE?Kenyan Drake had only three carries for the Dolphins last week, while starter Frank Gore carried 20 times.“We don’t want to be that far apart,” coach Adam Gase said. “There were a few opportunities where we were trying to do certain things with Kenyan that didn’t work out the way we wanted to where we were trying to get him the ball.”Drake is averaging 4.8 yards per carry, but he has had six or fewer in five of Miami’s nine games. For the season he has 73 carries to 104 for the 35-year-old Gore.6<button class="view-gallery">View Gallery</button> Gallery:Former GM Thompson bound for Packers Hall of FameROOKIE RECEIVERA groin injury to Geronimo Allison means more opportunities for Marquez Valdes-Scantling. The fifth-round draft pick out of South Florida has shown potential to be a stretch-the-field threat with his speed and 6-foot-4 frame. Valdes-Scantling is averaging a team-best 21.1 yards per catch. He could be a beneficiary of more targets if the Dolphins decide to double Adams, the Packers’ top wideout.SAFETY SHUFFLEReshad Jones will be back in the lineup for the Dolphins after the two-time Pro Bowl safety took himself out of last week’s win over the Jets. Gase said that communication problems between defensive coordinator Matt Burke and players need to be addressed. Still, the defense last week was better after three straight poor games.7<button class="view-gallery">View Gallery</button> Gallerypon Further Review: Packers at PatriotsSAFETY SHUFFLE, PART 2The Packers have done a midseason shuffle at safety. The moves began with the trade of Ha Ha Clinton-Dix to Washington last week.Kentrell Brice was limited at midweek with a knee injury, while Jermaine Whitehead was released this week. Veteran cornerback Tramon Williams was moved to safety against the Rams, but could be needed back at cornerback against Miami because of Kevin King‘s hamstring injury. Green Bay picked up safety Ibraheim Campbell off waivers from the New York Jets this week, while second-year player Josh Jones figures to see more snaps after being slowed by injury earlier this year.TURNOVER TIMEThe four picks of Jets rookie Sam Darnold last week gave Miami a league-high 15 interceptions. Now the Dolphins face Rodgers, who has thrown one pick this season.“They’ve made a lot of plays on the ball. They do a nice disguise package,” Rodgers said. “Guys with vision to the football, which means you always have to be smart about your eye discipline.”—MIAMI (5-4) at GREEN BAY (3-4-1)Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, CBSOPENING LINE – Packers by 7RECORD VS. SPREAD – Miami 5-4, Green Bay 3-5SERIES RECORD – Dolphins lead 10-4LAST MEETING – Packers beat Dolphins 27-24, Oct. 12, 2014LAST WEEK – Dolphins beat Jets 13-6; Packers lost to Patriots 31-17AP PRO32 RANKING – Dolphins No. 19, Packers No. 16DOLPHINS OFFENSE – OVERALL (28) http://www.thepackersfanshop.com/Darnell-Savage-Jr.-Jersey , RUSH (21), PASS (26).DOLPHINS DEFENSE – OVERALL (26), RUSH (28), PASS (22).PACKERS OFFENSE – OVERALL (6), RUSH (19), PASS (6).PACKERS DEFENSE – OVERALL (16), RUSH (22), PASS (10).STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES – Dolphins won last matchup at Lambeau Field, 23-20 in OT in 2010. … Dolphins have lost past three road games while being outscored 107-47. … Miami is above .500 despite being outgained by 704 yards and outscored by 38 points. … QB Brock Osweiler makes fifth start for injured Ryan Tannehill (shoulder). . Osweiler threw for 202 yards and score in last game against Packers while with Texans in 2016. … RB Kenyan Drake averaging 4.8 yards per carry, but has had six or fewer in five of Miami’s nine games. Drake’s 73 carries trail 104 for 35-year-old Frank Gore. … Miami is fourth worst in third-down conversions (34 percent). … Miami ranks first with 15 interceptions, including four last week against Jets. … Dolphins rank third in both punt return and kickoff return average, but last in kickoff return coverage. … P Matt Haack had seven punts inside 20 last week, tied for third most in NFL game since 1991. Haack’s tied for NFL lead with 26 punts inside 20 this season. … Packers QB Aaron Rodgers’ 60.6 completion percentage is below career 64.8 percentage. Rodgers has thrown 15 touchdowns to one interception, leading league with 0.3 percent interception percentage. … RB Aaron Jones leads NFL at 6.03 yards per carry. … WR Davante Adams first player in franchise history with at least five catches in first eight games of season. … LB Blake Martinez, who has ankle injury, has 46 tackles and four sacks in last five games. … Rookie CB Jaire Alexander has INT and six passes defended in past three games. … Defense ranked 21st in red zone (61.5 percent). … Fantasy tip: Rookie WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling poised for more playing time with WR Geronimo Allison (groin) going on injured reserve. Valdes-Scantling has 15 catches for 317 yards and two scores in last three games. Dolphins rank 28th while allowing 8.2 yards per catch. Days and nights of misery have long been felt by Green Bay Packers fans when their team has visited Seattle over the past decade. Unfortunately, another devastating loss was in store for the Packers last Thursday evening as they fell 27-24 to the Seahawks. With the defeat, Green Bay dropped to 4-5-1 and well behind the division-leading Chicago Bears in the divisional race. The Packers now enter a must-win situation this week on Sunday Night Football against Minnesota Rashan Gary Jersey , who has not played well in prime time games in 2018. Green Bay may benefit from a condensed Vikings offensive playbook after too many bells-and-whistles last week.On a short week of preparation, the Bears will head to Detroit for the Lions’ annual Thanksgiving day of obligation. Although the Lions have won the last three meetings on the holiday, Chicago has the momentum while Detroit seems headed for another season in purgatory.An explanation of that description, as well as some Thanksgiving Lions-Bears history, in today’s NFC North recap.Detroit Lions (4-6)Won 20-19 vs. Carolina; Next vs. ChicagoThe Detroit Lions Are Stuck In The NFL’s Weirdest PurgatoryIn four of the past five seasons, the Lions have either finished 9-7 or 7-9, preventing them from a top playoff seed or a top draft pick. They seem destined for a similar finish this season.Detroit Lions stock watch: Tracy Walker needs more playing timeWhile one secondary performer stepped up at safety, a once-promising second-year cornerback may have already played himself out of a job.Why do the Lions always play on Thanksgiving?A little history on the tradition and its most notable games in this link, as well as all your TV viewing information for this Thursday’s first NFL game of the day.Chicago Bears (7-3)Won 25-20 vs. Minnesota; Next at DetroitBears prove they’re back, assume control of NFC NorthMitchell Trubisky outplayed Kirk Cousins, the Bears’ defense forced three turnovers, and Matt Nagy brought effective offensive innovation in Chicago’s statement win over Minnesota.Bears, Matt Nagy have quick turnaround with Thursday day gameDespite an enormous victory over the Vikings, the Bears are victims this week of a scheduling nightmare on short rest.Lions should be just Bear-ly thankful for Chicago’s Turkey Day visitIt will be the Bears’ 17th visit to Detroit on Thanksgiving. Here is a breakdown of the 11 matchups since World War II.Minnesota Vikings (5-4-1)Lost 25-20 at Chicago; Next vs. Green BayMike Zimmer: Too much ‘volume’ in Vikings’ offensive playbookIn the team’s third prime time loss of the season, Minnesota may have gotten too flashy on offense. Zimmer wants to execute the basics better this week.The Minnesota Vikings have the best safety in the NFLAt least according to Pro Football Focus. But it’s neither Harrison Smith, nor George Iloka.Early Look: Vikings vs. PackersHere is the skinny on each team from all sides of the ball ahead of next Sunday’s evening meeting.
Leonard would emerge as a defensive playmaker one day.He skipped the learning curve.Two weeks into his rookie season Indianapolis Colts T-Shirts , the weakside linebacker leads the NFL with 27 tackles, already has forced one fumble, recovered another, had a sack and provided a new, dynamic dimension in the Colts’ rebuilt defense.“When we came here, there were only one or two guys (at linebacker),” defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus said Tuesday.“He was kind of thrust into that position and we treated him as such. He’s grabbed that role, taken it and he’s done a good job with it.”Just how impressive has the 6-foot-2, 234-pound, 23-year-old been?Leonard’s 18-tackle performance Sunday at Washington was the fifth-best grade by a linebacker since Eberflus implemented his points system in 1995.Some view Leonard’s immediate impact as a surprise, but he was pretty impressive in college.Leonard set the career record for tackles (394) at South Carolina State, a Football Championship Subdivision school largely overshadowed by the state’s more prominent programs at Clemson and South Carolina as well as Furman, the 1988 FCS national champions.Twice he was selected as the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference defensive player of the year and Leonard got his nickname “Maniac” following a 19-tackle performance against Clemson in 2016.The knock on him going into the draft was he needed more size and strength to hold up in the NFL and time to make the transition from small-school star to NFL contributor.Colts general manager Chris Ballard saw it differently after watching Leonard for one week in Mobile, Alabama, in January.“You always want to watch the small school guys when you go to the Senior Bowl because now they’re facing the bigger competition,” Ballard said after making Leonard the first of Indy’s four second-round draft picks in April.“I thought he stood out. His speed, his athleticism, his ability to cover. When the four ‘backers went https://www.coltsfanshop.com/hats , we thought Darius was the fifth-best backer in the draft.”Leonard certainly has played like it.Despite missing all but one day of offseason workouts, Leonard returned to the field when the Colts’ rookies reported in late July and made a quick impression on the veterans.“I think it was pretty much the first time you saw it, the first practice of training camp when he caught the interception off of Andrew Luck,” second-year linebacker Anthony Walker said.“First of all, that’s a big-time quarterback there and that was a big-time play. We knew right there — that’s why we drafted him.”Leonard continued playing well during the preseason and his ability to stay healthy allowed him not only to win a starting job, but also the right to call the defensive signals in the huddle.So far, he’s flashed the speed to make plays from sideline to sideline and deliver game-changing ones, too.But Leonard’s best attribute might be his attitude.He’s eager to clean up mistakes, remains humble and enjoys breaking down game tapes.That’s hardly a surprise from someone who helped decipher prep games so he could help coach players at his high school while he was in college.“I just work hard and just take coaching,” he said. “That’s the big thing, I take all the coaching I can get, follow all the details and do all the little things.”It’s made a huge difference in one of the league’s most inexperienced linebacker groups.Leonard, Walker and free-agent signee linebacker Najee Goode have combined for 12 NFL starts — exactly half coming during the first two weeks this season.And, so far, Leonard has been the star with back-to-back memorable performances that have surprised the doubters but nobody in the Colts’ locker room.“As a rookie, it’s hard to find someone like that — someone who prepares the way he prepares. The things that he does really sets him apart,” Walker said.“He’s miles ahead of where I was last year and just the confidence and stuff he plays with, he’s miles ahead of me.” Time and time again Indianapolis Colts Hoodie , wide receivers have been drafted higher than their original projections just because of a blazing 40 yard dash." />Skip to main contentclockmenumore-arrownoyesHorizontal - WhiteStampede Bluean Indianapolis Colts communityLog In or Sign UpLog InSign UpFanpostsFanshotsColtsShopAboutMastheadCommunity GuidelinesStubHubMoreAll 322 blogs on Horizontal - WhiteFanposts Fanshots Colts StoriesScheduleRosterStatsYahoo Colts NewsYahoo Colts Team PageYahoo Colts ReportYahoo Colts Depth ChartYahoo Colts TransactionsYahoo Colts PhotosShop About Masthead Community Guidelines StubHub ✕Is speed overrated for wide receivers?New,80commentsTime and time again, wide receivers have been drafted higher than their original projections just because of a blazing 40 yard dash.EDTShareTweetShareShareIs speed overrated for wide receivers?Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty ImagesThere is a common misconception among NFL pundits that “speed kills”. This mantra has often resulted in wide receivers being drafted significantly higher than their original projections, simply because they put up eye-popping numbers while running in a straight line, without pads. I took the liberty of compiling a chart listing the top 15 forty times for wide receivers since 2013, followed by some analysis on how their careers went. Fastest Receivers (since 2013)/////////////////////////40 Yard DashTouchesYardsYards/TouchTouchdownsGPRound Drafted/////////////////////////40 Yard DashTouchesYardsYards/TouchTouchdownsGPRound DraftedOf the 6 speedsters selected in the first round, only Brandin Cooks seemingly has fulfilled his potential, as he is now a top 10 receiver in the NFL. The rest of the list is filled with busts. Will Fuller has developed into a dangerous vertical threat for the Texans, but he is overshadowed by DeAndre Hopkins, and he benefits tremendously from “Nuk” drawing double-teams on every play. Tavon Austin has adapted into a dangerous kick returner, and a receiver/running back hybrid, but he is nowhere near the game changer he was predicted to be. John Ross, Kevin White, and Phillip Dorsett are flat-out busts, as Dorsett and Ross are on the roster bubbles for their respective teams. Kevin White, after struggling with injuries his entire career, has recently signed a 1 year, $1.5 million “prove it” deal with the Cardinals.Of the other 9 receivers https://www.coltsfanshop.com/Le_Raven-Clark-Jersey , there are some solid established play makers, like Marquise Goodwin, J.J Nelson, and John Brown, two promising young players in Valdez-Scantling and Samuel, and the rest are busts with no real value. One exception to that, perhaps, is D.J Chark who was a rookie last year, and still has time to build a career.The reason why teams fall in love with speedy wide receivers might have to do with the proliferation of spread offenses in the NFL in recent years.Teams reach for explosive athletes that fit the physical requirements of the scheme, and thus a receiver whose only top trait is speed ends up being drafted as a #1 receiver, when in reality they might be much better-suited as a third option, or a slot receiver, positions which can be often found in the later rounds.To contrast my first list, I compiled the NFL’s top 15 receivers’ forty times, and the results serve as further proof that speed does not necessarily make an elite receiver in the league.UntitledTop 15 Receivers40 yard dashTop 15 Receivers40 yard dash* Hill and Thielen’s results taken from the athlete’s Pro DayOf the 15 top receivers in the NFL, only 4 posted a 40-yard dash below 4.40. This is the reason why D.K Metcalf, or Parris Campbell are not as high on my draft board as they are on others. Some so-called “experts” are calling Metcalf “The next Calvin Johnson”, while in my opinion he is much more likely to be the next Kevin White. Don’t get me wrong Khari Willis Jersey , being fast helps, but it’s not the sole predictor of whether a wide receiver will produce in the NFL or not. The Colts, in my opinion, should stay away from Metcalf (if he slips all the way to #26), and should be wary of guys like Parris Campbell or Terry McLaurin. My personal favorite receiver of the entire class is Stanford’s J.J Arcega-Whiteside, and, in my opinion, he is toe-to-toe with N’Keal Harry. My late-round prospect to watch is Ole Miss’ Damarkus Lodge. Arcega-Whiteside, Harry, and Lodge all have traits that are significantly more important for success at the position than speed alone. Polished route-running, crisp releases and surefire hands are, in my opinion, indicators that these receivers will be much better pros down the line than guys whose primary skill is running quickly in underwear.
Tom Johnson Color Rush Jersey , but football doesn’t stop! In fact, the Alliance of American Football (AAF) gets underway today (February 9th) with the San Diego Fleet playing the San Antonio Commanders, while the Atlanta Legends battle the Orlando Apollos. The action kicks off at 5:30 PM PT on CBS, although the game you get depends on where you’re located.For curious eyes, ESPN’s Brady Henderson has put in the work to spotlight which former Seattle Seahawks — they’ve at least been on a preseason roster — are in the AAF, which universally has salaries of three years, worth $250,000. Arizona Hotshots: LB Obum Gwacham, C Patrick LewisBirmingham Iron: DB Trovon ReedMemphis Express: RB Terrence Magee, OL Robert Myers, WR Damore’ea Stringfellow, DL Julius Warmsley; Orlando Apollos: WR Marvin Bracy, LB Terrence Garvin, LB Jacob Pugh Salt Lake Stallions: DT Sealver SiligaSan Diego Fleet: LB John Lotulelei, DE Damontre Moore, LB Eric Pinkins, OT Terry Poole, DT Tani TupouLewis is the most notable Seahawk in the sense that he replaced the woefully overmatched Drew Nowak as center in the 2015 season. He was waived after the 2016 season, which was when Justin Britt was moved to that spot.As for some of the innovative rules this developmental league has decided on? Well here’s a sampling.Sky JudgeIt would’ve been way cooler if this was a referee who was literally suspended from a cable over the field, but that’s not the case.From the official league website:“The AAF will have a ninth member of the officiating crew, called a sky judge who will be in the press box and can instantly correct “obvious and egregious” officiating errors. The sky judge will use real-time technology to correct clear errors involving player safety anytime during a game and pass interference inside of five minutes left in the fourth quarter.”No KickoffsTeams automatically get the ball at the 25, with the coin toss winner either receiving the ball at the 25 first Rasheem Green Color Rush Jersey , or deferring to the 2nd half.No Extra PointsGo for two all the time. No Overtime KicksYou have four downs from the ten-yard line to score a touchdown and a two-point conversion. Field goals are not allowed.No Onside KicksOnside kicks in the NFL have become nearly impossible due to rule changes. The AAF’s experiment works like this: “If a team is trailing by 17 points or more inside of five minutes remaining in a game, they must convert a fourth-and-12 from their 28 in order to keep the ball.” If they convert, the offense keeps going. If not, the opposition takes over the ball from the spot of that play.You can’t rush more than five“Illegal defense” will be a 15-yard penalty in AAF. I guess it’s bad television if sub-par quarterbacks are panicking at the sight of a jailbreak blitz. To be more specific:“On defense, no more than five players may rush on passing plays. No defensive player may rush from a position of more than two yards outside the widest offensive lineman and more than five yards from the line of scrimmage. The exceptions would be play-action or run-pass option plays and if the ball leaves the tackle box.”In the interest of keeping the game moving along, the play clock is reduced to 35 seconds from the NFL’s 40, and there are no TV timeouts. It should cut total game time by 30 minutes.So if you’re intrigued, check it out this weekend, and see if it’s worth your time beyond just Week 1. Read!" />Skip to main contentclockmenumore-arrownoyesHorizontal - WhiteField Gullsa Seattle Seahawks communityLog In or Sign UpLog InSign UpFanpostsFanshotsSectionsSeahawksOddsAboutMastheadCommunity GuidelinesStubHubMoreAll 322 blogs on Horizontal - WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections VideosCoffee and CigarettesGame AnalysisThe Numbers GameCigar ThoughtsFiled under:Century LinksCentury Links 5/4: WR D.K. Metcalf Wows Staff at Rookie Training CampNew,61commentsRead!PDTShareTweetShareShareCentury Links 5/4: WR D.K. Metcalf Wows Staff at Rookie Training CampMatt Bush-USA TODAY SportsSign up for the Seaside Joe newsletter!In addition to the great content you'll see on Field Gulls every day, sign up for a daily newsletter to come to your email every morning that will be a short and sweet post, thought, stat, quote, musing by Kenneth or one of his guests that requires little thought or commitment. Just a good way to bring a Seahawks companion to your morning of sippin' joe by the seaside.Pete Carroll: “It’s almost like, what doesn’t excite you” about Seahawks rookie WR D.K. Metcalf | Tacoma News TribuneCoach Pete Carroll: “It’s almost like, what doesn’t excite you” about Seahawks rookie wide receiver D.K. Metcalf.D.K. Metcalf stands out at Seahawks rookie minicamp | Tacoma News TribuneD.K. Metcalf was as advertised in his first day with the Seahawks: really big, and really fast. In fact coach Pete Carroll says his second-round draft choice may “be even more unique than we thought coming in.”First Look: DK Metcalf at Rookie MinicampGet your first look at wide receiver DK Metcalf in a Seahawks uniform as he hits the field during rookie minicamp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.Seahawks 2018 draft picks with the highest upside in 2019The Seahawks 2018 draft was probably their most exciting since 2012. After an exciting rookie season, some can look forward to an even better year in 2019.Thoughts on Ugo Amadi, Travis Homer and John Ursua « Seahawks Draft BlogSix Things We Learned From Day 1 Of 2019 Seahawks Rookie MinicampNews and notes from the first day of Seahawks rookie minicamp.L.J. Collier, Marquise Blair & Ugo Amadi React To Day 1 Of 2019 Seahawks Rookie MinicampAfter Day 1 of Seahawks rookie minicamp, 2019 draft picks L.J. Collier Will Dissly Color Rush Jersey , Marquise Blair, and Ugo Amadi shared their first impressions of the NFL.Seahawks 2019 Rookie Minicamp RosterTake a look at the players in attendance at the Seattle Seahawks' 2019 rookie minicamp.Jersey Numbers For The Seahawks’ 2019 Rookie ClassUniform numbers have been assigned for the Seattle Seahawks' 2019 rookie class.First Look: Marquise Blair at Rookie MinicampGet your first look at strong safety Marquise Blair in a Seahawks uniform as he hits the field during rookie minicamp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.First Look: L.J. Collier at Rookie MinicampGet your first look at defensive end L.J. Collier in a Seahawks uniform as he hits the field during rookie minicamp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.Who is Shane Ray -- and is he a fit for the Seahawks?The most recent visiting free agent is former Broncos first-round pick Shane Ray, who will reportedly be in Seattle Friday. How does Ray's skill set compare to that of Ziggy Ansah, another player linked to the Seahawks? 710 ESPN Seattle's Brock Huard explained.Bears kickers still can't convert from 43 yards out - NFL.comAt the first day of Chicago Bears rookie minicamp, coach Matt Nagy held a kicking competition and the kickers with no NFL experience went a combined two for eight.Jon Gruden: Trent Brown will play RT; Kolton Miller LT - NFL.comThe Raiders are reshuffling their offensive line. After signing Trent Brown in the offseason, Oakland will begin the season with Brown manning the right side and 2018 first-round pick Kolton Miller at left tackle.Browns CB Greedy Williams defends tackling ability - NFL.comGreedy Williams was expected to be taken in the first round of the 2019 draft. One reason he might have fallen to the Browns in the second round: his tackling. The rookie takes exception to that criticism.Daniel Jones: 'It's my job to make people believe in me' - NFL.comFollowing the Giants surprisingly taking him sixth overall, quarterback Daniel Jones realizes the scrutiny, but is focused on learning and making fans "believe in me."Packers sign No. 12 overall pick LB Rashan Gary - NFL.comJust a day after the Packers were the first team to ink a first-round pick when they signed safety Darnell Savage, the team announced the signing of first-round draft pick Rashan Gary.Eagles sign LB Zach Brown to one-year contract - NFL.comThe Philadelphia Eagles signed former Redskins linebacker Zach Brown to a one-year contract, the team announced Friday. Brown ranked 29th on NFL.com's Top 101 free agents of 2019.Chiefs give six-figure guarantee to undrafted receiver Jamal Custis – ProFootballTalkFor some players, it's better not to be drafted than to be selected late in the draft. Former Syracuse receiver Jamal Custis is one such player. Custis, an undrafted rookie, was guaranteed more than $100,000 when he signed with the Chiefs, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.Josh Rosen gets to work with fourth offensive coordinator of his NFL career – ProFootballTalkAlready on his second NFL team, Dolphins quarterback Josh Rosen also is on his fourth NFL offensive coordinator. Yes, his fourth. The progression has gone from Mike McCoy to Byron Leftwich to Tom Clements in Arizona, and now to Chad O'Shea in Miami.L.J. Collier embraces comparison to Michael Bennett – ProFootballTalkMichael Bennett made 39 sacks in his five seasons in Seattle. He went to three Pro Bowls. It is those expectations that L.J. Collier walked into the Seahawks' front door as a first-round draft pick.Rashan Gary requested Clay Matthews’ No. 52 – ProFootballTalkClay Matthews appeared to disapprove of the Packers' re-issuing his No. 52 so quickly after his free agency departure to the Rams. After the Packers tweeted out a photoshoped image of Rashan Gary wearing Matthews' old jersey, Matthews replied, “The body’s not even cold yet lol.
(ABJ) - “From out of the blue https://www.brownsfanshop.com , Pittsburgh popped into the Browns’ improbable but not outlandish playoff picture. The Steelers’ stunning loss at Oakland on Sunday left Cleveland precariously in the hunt...”“Gregg Williams details availability of JC Tretter, Denzel Ward” (247Sports) - “There is not enough talk about center JC Tretter doing the same by playing through injury for more than a month. Tretter suffered an injury, has been limited in practice each week...”“Browns’ luck -- and culture -- continue to change” (Grossi) - “The tackling was shoddy. The coverage drew flags. They lost two fumbles on offense. They missed a key extra point. They were being dink-and-dunked down the field with the game on the line.”“Breshad Perriman: ‘It’s a total blessing’ to be part of Cleveland Browns” (WKYC) - “Perriman’s professional career had been a struggle through three seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, so much so that the team cut ties...”NFL:“Injuries: Bills RB LeSean McCoy (hamstring) day-to-day” (NFL.com) - “John Harbaugh said quarterback Lamar Jackson ‘looks like he’s OK.’ Jackson sat out the final two plays of Sunday’s loss to the Chiefs after injuring his ankle.”“Raiders fire GM Reggie McKenzie midseason as Jon Gruden assumes complete control of franchise” (CBS) - “A divorce was inevitable given the power structure in Oakland: Jon Gruden signed a 10-year, $100 million contract to coach the team last year...”“Jason Garrett: ‘There is no truth’ to Jason Witten story” (PFT) - “Owner Jerry Jones also took time out to dispute the story, making it a fairly concerted effort to downplay the report. Both Jones and Garrett have substantial reason to...”“Redskins going with Josh Johnson over Mark Sanchez” (ESPN) - “After losing their fourth consecutive game Sunday, they will turn to their fourth starting quarterback of the season. But this time it had nothing to do with an injury.” Primetime games early Browns Customized Color Rush Jerseys , division games late, will help to define the season." />Skip to main contentclockmenumore-arrownoyesHorizontal - WhiteDawgs EDTShareTweetShareShare4 takeaways from the Browns 2019 scheduleKen Blaze-USA TODAY SportsThe Cleveland Browns are now truly America’s Team. That was evident Wednesday night when the NFL released its full 2019 schedule, one that will highlight a Browns team that is expected to challenge for a playoff position this fall.Here are four takeaways from the schedule.The NFL is buying early on the BrownsCleveland has only played in primetime 11 times in the past 10 seasons, but that number will increase dramatically this year. The NFL has the Browns playing four primetime games — including three times in the first five weeks of the season. That is a smart play by the league. If the Browns do as well as expected, the league still has opportunities to flex the Browns into another primetime slot in the final weeks of the season. If Cleveland struggles for some reason, the networks won’t be stuck with a bad matchup come November and December.Things get challenging starting Week 3The first two weeks of the season are not the most daunting — the Tennessee Titans at home and the New York Jets on the road — but things get a bit rougher fairly quickly after that. Starting in Week 3, the Browns have a five-game stretch that will see them play at home agains the Los Angeles Rams Cleveland Browns T-Shirts , travel to Baltimore to play the Ravens and to San Francisco to play the 49ers, return home for the Seattle Seahawks and then hit the road again for a game against the New England Patriots.The one bright spot is that the bye week falls between the games against Seattle and New England, which will give the Browns a chance to catch their breath a bit. Home is where it needs to happenCleveland will have three consecutive home games in November, starting with the Buffalo Bills on November 10. Four days later they will host the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday night — which should be all kinds of fun — and then the Miami Dolphins on November 24. Take care of business against the Bills and Dolphins, two teams the Browns are clearly better than, and signal their intentions with a win against the Steelers, and the Browns will set themselves up nicely for the season’s final stretch.The North will be won lateThe Browns will have five of their six AFC North Division games take place over the final seven weeks of the season. After hosting the Steelers on November 14 https://www.brownsfanshop.com/hats , Cleveland travels to Pittsburgh for the rematch on December 1. Both games against the Cincinnati Bengals occur in December (home on December 8 and the season finale in Cincinnati on December 29), and a home game against the Ravens on December 22. If the Browns can keep it together through the first nine games of the season, the opportunity to claim their first division title in 30 years will be there for the taking.
Over a two week span https://www.thepackersfanshop.com/Corey-Linsley-Jersey , Acme Packing Company takes a look at each position group on the Green Bay Packers and provides grades and insight on how they performed in the 2018 season. Here, we examine the cornerbacks who were new to the Packers last season.The Packers’ secondary has been a train wreck since the atrocious 2015 draft that brought in Damarious Randall, who was traded to the Browns for DeShone Kizer, and Quinten Rollins, who is all but out of the league. 2017 picks Kevin King and Josh Jones have been little help for different reasons, and so in 2018, the Packers took yet another swing at the position, bringing in a host of fresh faces, old and new. While the defense struggled overall, the cornerback position took an enormous step forward, from atrocious to solidly “meh,” anchored by a budding star and a bargain veteran in an odd situation.Jaire AlexanderHow Acquired: Drafted in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, 18th overallStats: 11 passes defended, 1 interception, 66 tackles (61 solo), 3 TFL, .5 sacksAlexander was a revelation, providing a huge upgrade as the team’s number one corner and cementing himself as one of the team’s best players. Alexander wasn’t perfect, and could occasionally get himself out of position, but the positives vastly outweighed the negatives. Some growing pains were to be expected, but the prospect of Alexander improving may be more exciting anyway. To function properly, Pettine’s defenses have generally required someone like Darrelle Revis, and while Alexander might not get to that level, he appears to be a great fit, and a great talent.Josh JacksonHow Acquired: Drafted in the second round, 45th overallStats: 10 passes defended Jaire Alexander Jersey , 0 INT, 49 tackles (39 solo), 1 TFLThere were many pundits who liked Jackson better than Alexander coming out of Iowa, but while Jackson occasionally impressed and was second on the team in passes defended, he too often struggled with speed receivers. When Jackson got frustrated, he also got grabby, and he’ll need to play a more disciplined game if he is going to succeed at this level. That said, you can see his instincts out on the field, and his worst case is probably an above average safety. The Packers can work with that. Tramon WilliamsHow Acquired: Signed as a free agent for 2 years, $10,000,000, of which $4,750,000 is guaranteedStats: 2 passes defended, 0 interceptions, 54 tackles (40 solo), 0 TFLIn Williams’ first stint as a Packer he helped lead the team to a Super Bowl championship, but his second run hasn’t been quite the same. Williams also played under Pettine in Cleveland and he was brought in to provide a solid veteran presence, and to familiarize the young players with the system. Williams is still excellent in terms of technique and reads, but his physical gifts have eroded to the point where corner is now out of the question. He showed promise with a mid-season move to safety, which may keep him in the league for another year or two, but the end is in sight. Bashaud BreelandHow Acquired: Signed as a free agent midseason for 1 year, $880,000, with $90 Lane Taylor Color Rush Jersey ,000 guaranteed. Stats: 4 passes defended, 2 interceptions, 20 tackles (16 solo), 1 TFLWashington decided to overhaul their secondary in 2018 by eliminating the very good Bashaud Breeland (letting him go in free agency) and cutting DJ Swearinger before trading for Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. The Packers unquestionably got the best of this de facto swap, as Breeland came on late to pose an intimidating second corner to Alexander’s lead. Breeland struggled initially as he shook off some rust, but showed his true secondary chops towards the end of the season. Breeland has an odd injury history which has made teams wary of investing too much in him, but he is likely to be a reasonably priced free agent, he’s young, and it’s clear he can still play at a high level.Tony BrownHow Acquired: Signed to practice squad after training camp; promoted to 53-man roster and given 2 year, $1,050,000 contractStats: 5 passes defended, 2 forced fumbles, 0 interceptions, 34 tackles (30 solo) 1 TFLMany Packer fans will remember Brown for a few boneheaded plays he made early on, but underneath those mistakes Brown had a fine season. Despite only playing a fraction of total games he was third on the team with 5 passes defended, and he was a willing (sometimes too willing) tackler. Brown needs work, but he’s extremely athletic, and he has already been more productive than a lot of recent Packer waiver fodder, and even some veteran stalwarts. Brown could bust out of the league, but if developed properly, there’s a star somewhere in there. Natrell JamersonHow acquired: Claimed off of waivers from New Orleans, signed for 4 years, $2,725,621Stats: 3 tackles (2 solo)The former Badger is a little stocky for corner https://www.thepackersfanshop.com/Kevin-King-Jersey , but as a hybrid Mycah Hyde type heading downhill, and a special teams ace, Jamerson brings plenty of value. Jamerson was a combine superstar and he’s built like a rock and should stick around doing the little things for quite a while. No Packers were in attendance for the event for the first time in seven years." />Skip to main contentclockmenumore-arrownoyesHorizontal - WhiteAcme Packing Companya Green Bay Packers communityLog In or Sign UpLog InSign UpFanpostsFanshotsSectionsPackersOddsAboutMastheadCommunity GuidelinesStubHubMoreAll 322 blogs on Horizontal - WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections The APC PodcastPackers Film RoomFantasy Football AdviceCDTShareTweetShareSharePackers’ draft picks left out of 2019 NFLPA Rookie PremiereTrevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY SportsThe NFLPA Rookie Premiere is a fun event each spring that takes about 40 of the top players from the most recent NFL Draft and puts them together for a few days. This year’s edition of the annual gathering of rookies, which is held in Los Angeles, California, wrapped up on Saturday after three days of events designed to get the attendees up to speed on the business of football.However, unlike in recent years, the Green Bay Packers were not represented at the event. In 2018, the team had two attendees: wide receivers J’Mon Moore (fourth-round draft pick) and Marquez Valdes-Scantling (fifth round). The year before, running back Jamaal Williams (fourth round) was the lone Packer in attendance, while receiver Trevor Davis (fourth round) represented the team in 2016. 2015 saw two Packers picks receive invites: wide receiver Ty Montgomery (third) and quarterback Brett Hundley (fifth). In fact, this is the first time since the 2012 event that the green and gold were shut out.Observant fans will notice a trend here. For the most part, attendees for the Premiere play exclusively offensive “skill” positions, with receivers or running backs drafted on day three often receiving invites ahead of offensive linemen or defensive players who were top-ten picks. Indeed, the 2019 Rookie Premiere had just one player in attendance who was not a receiver, running back, tight end, or quarterback: defensive end Nick Bosa, who was the San Francisco 49ers’ pick with the second overall selection.Using this trend, the Packers’ likeliest candidate to be in attendance would have been tight end Jace Sternberger, who was a third-round pick in April. However, the event’s cutoff for tight ends was apparently in round two, as the latest player at the position in attendance was the Vikings’ Irv Smith, drafted 50th overall. Meanwhile, the lowest-drafted players overall were picked late in round five: quarterback Easton Stick (166th overall to the Chargers) and wide receiver Darius Slayton (171st to the Giants).
Quincy Wilson Color Rush Jersey , but a nasty offseason left plenty of doubts in Missouri." />Skip to main contentclockmenumore-arrownoyesHorizontal - WhiteStampede Bluean Indianapolis Colts communityLog In or Sign UpLog InSign UpFanpostsFanshotsColtsShopAboutMastheadCommunity GuidelinesStubHubMoreAll 322 blogs on Horizontal - WhiteFanposts Fanshots Colts StoriesScheduleRosterStatsYahoo Colts NewsYahoo Colts Team PageYahoo Colts ReportYahoo Colts Depth ChartYahoo Colts TransactionsYahoo Colts PhotosShop About Masthead Community Guidelines StubHub ✕Analyzing Colts biggest threats in the AFC: Kansas City ChiefsNew,88commentsThe Chiefs looked set to become a dynasty, but a nasty offseason left plenty of doubts in Missouri.EDTShareTweetShareShareAnalyzing Colts biggest threats in the AFC: Kansas City ChiefsPhoto by Peter Aiken/Getty ImagesWhen the season ended, the Chiefs were feeling pretty good about their chances of winning a Lombardi trophy (or more than one), in the next decade. Fast forward a couple of months, and Kansas City is entering training camp with more doubts than answers. After a rocky offseason, the Chiefs lost plenty of talent and starters, but with MVP quarterback Pat Mahomes on a rookie deal, they are still a dangerous threat on the AFC.StrengthsPhoto by Peter Aiken/Getty ImagesThe Chiefs biggest strength is by far Patrick Mahomes. The gunslinger out of Texas Tech emerged as an elite NFL quarterback in just his first full season in the NFL, earning MVP honors and posting one of the best seasons by a QB in recent memory. He threw for 50 touchdowns, with just 12 picks, and 5097 yards. The Chiefs offense was built perfectly around him, with vertical threats Travis Kelce and speedster Tyreek Hill, and with Kareem Hunt at running back. Kansas City boasted a top 2 offense in the NFL, consisting mostly of players entering the prime of their careers. Now, only Mahomes and Kelce remain (with Tyreek Hill’s status on doubt, more on that later). The Chiefs offense is still explosive and can go toe-to-toe with any defense. Mahomes is an astounding talent, Kelce is one of the best tight ends in the NFL and they drafted speedy WR Mecole Hardman out of Georgia.Andy Reid is a fine coach, even though he has a reputation for crumbling in the playoffs (Colts’ fans still remember that 28 point comeback). Reid has to be given credit for shaping Mahomes into the player he is today, however, and Reid-led offenses are consistently among the best in the league. It might not be as important or flashy as the fireworks the offense produces, but the Chiefs special teams unit is probably the best in the NFL. Kicker Harrison Butker is automatic on field goals below 50 yards (22/23), punter Dustin Colquitt, even though the Chiefs offense is so effective they rarely punt, is solid, and Tyreek Hill, if he returns, is the most dangerous return man in the NFL.If Hill misses time (or is released), Mecole Hardman should handle return duties as capably as Hill.Overall, this team will go as far as Mahomes carries them. Defensive coordinators will now have a full year of film to study on him, so a regression could be coming. If this happens, Kansas City’s Super Bowl dreams could come crashing down.WeaknessesPhoto by David Eulitt/Getty ImagesWhat an offseason it was for Kansas City. The Chiefs lost star running back Kareem Hunt, due to domestic violence issues (even though this was midseason, Mahomes played considerably worse after his departure). They lost starting center Mitch Morse, along with receiver Chris Conley on offense Skai Moore Color Rush Jersey , and on defense the Chiefs suffered a number of casualties. Even though they racked up 52 sacks last season, leading the NFL, the Chiefs lost 22 of those in the form of Dee Ford (13) and Justin Houston (9). Adding Frank Clark certainly helps, but the price they paid for him was much too steep, and he comes with certain baggage of his own. KC also lost longtime franchise player Eric Berry, who was the leader of the Chiefs’ defense for the past decade, and #1 corner Steven Nelson, who enjoyed a breakout season. To top it all off, star receiver Tyreek Hill was suspended from team activities indefinitely after a horrible audio recording was released, in which Hill’s fiance can be heard suggesting he not only broke his 3-year-old’s arm, but also also threatened her. Now, the offense does not have the supporting cast around Mahomes it had last season, the offensive line lost its center, and the defense was dismantled. Some players were added, but not enough to cover the holes. The Chiefs’ defense was among the worst in the NFL in nearly all categories except for sacks, and losing 4 starters does not help make things better. While the rest of their division got considerably better in the offseason, the Chiefs got worse. Mahomes will be required to put up 40 points per game somehow in order to keep Kansas City in games, and without the star power he had next to him last season, there has to be some uncertainty on whether he can replicate his historic season.How they match up with the ColtsPhoto by David Eulitt/Getty ImagesThe Chiefs met with the Colts in the Divisional Round last season, with Kansas City dominating Indy in the snow en route to a 31-13 win. The game was extremely frustrating to the Colts, as they fell behind early and inexplicably abandoned the run, which was working just fine. Both teams have changed a lot since that game.In fact, Justin Houston, who had 2 sacks and a fumble recovery for the Chiefs in that game, is now on the Colts, and Indy did a wonderful job at adding athletes on defense that can keep up with the explosive offenses that are being built in the AFC. It will be interesting to see what sort of team KC grows into with all these new faces, but so far, it looks like once again their offense will have to carry them, and without the elite weapons Mahomes had last season, it will not be an easy task. The Colts defense will hopefully be vastly improved, and able to at least slow down KC’s offense. If the Colts’ running game gets going early, which would allow their defense enough rest, then the Colts would be in a nice position to win the game. I’m not as high on the Chiefs as others, considering their horrible offseason, but they are still a threat to be considered in the AFC. In this series https://www.coltsfanshop.com/Jack-Mewhort-Jersey , we will look at mocking viable and realistic options to the Colts each week and analyzing each pick in how they fit the Colts.Welcome to Mock Draft Face Off with Elliot and..." />Skip to main contentclockmenumore-arrownoyesHorizontal - WhiteStampede Bluean Indianapolis Colts communityLog In or Sign UpLog InSign UpFanpostsFanshotsColtsShopAboutMastheadCommunity GuidelinesStubHubMoreAll 322 blogs on Horizontal - WhiteFanposts Fanshots Colts StoriesScheduleRosterStatsYahoo Colts NewsYahoo Colts Team PageYahoo Colts ReportYahoo Colts Depth ChartYahoo Colts TransactionsYahoo Colts PhotosShop About Masthead Community Guidelines StubHub ✕Stampede Blue’s Mock Draft Face Off - Post Combine EditionNew,4commentsEDTShareTweetShareShareStampede Blue’s Mock Draft Face Off - Post Combine EditionPhoto by Ronald Martinez/Getty ImagesIn this series, we will look at mocking viable and realistic options to the Colts each week and analyzing each pick in how they fit the Colts.Welcome to Mock Draft Face Off with Elliot and Stephen! The offseason is officially here and the NFL draft is arguably the leagues biggest offseason event. So each week we will both be mocking draft picks to the Colts and analyzing them. We will now be mocking the first two rounds of picks by the Colts, then building up to include the other rounds and picks as we get into free agency and then closer to the draft.Elliot’s Round 1 Pick 26Photo by Todd Bennett/GettyImagesCB Deandre Baker - GeorgiaThe Colts secondary could use some more talent especially with the team’s number one corner Pierre Desir set to become a free agent. Enter Deandre Baker. He possesses exactly what the Colts need at the cornerback position, a blend of excellent zone coverage and ball skills. Baker is able to excel not only in zone coverage, but also press man. When he’s able to get his hands on the receiver he is very good at disrupting their routes. Baker’s main weakness is his long speed down the field, but with Malik Hooker patrolling over the top, Baker will be just fine.Elliot’s Round 2 Pick 34Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty ImagesDL Jerry Tillery - Notre DameAs Reed and I have mentioned in previous mock drafts, the Colts need to upgrade their defensive line (especially the interior). Jerry Tillery does exactly that. Standing at 6’6 305lbs, Tillery is the perfect mold for what the Colts want and need at the defensive tackle position. He brings a dominant presence along the defensive line, possessing a mix of length, power and athleticism. He not only excels at stopping the run but also getting after the quarterback which is evidenced by his 12.5 sacks in college. Elliot’s Round 2 Pick 59Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty ImagesEDGE Chase Winovich - Michigan Tillery (above) helps with the interior defensive line problem, Winovich helps with the edge problem. Winovich screams a “Colts/Ballard” pick in that he not only works his butt off every snap, but also has the off field presence and ethic to match his on field play. Winovichbrings to the table exactly what the Colts need and that a polished young defender. He is able to beat blocks with ease using great hands and has a good repertoire of pass rush moves and counters. His run blocking is on a par with his pass rush ability in that he just understands how to beat blocks and how to shoot gaps which he does at a very high level.Reed’s AnalysisAs a whole, this is another fantastic draft by Elliot. He addressed each of the primary defensive holes. Baker is a solid fit for the Colts scheme. He’s not overly fast but he’s very instinctive and willing to make a hit. Tillery is a gap-shooting DT who can collapse the pocket in the QBs face, which is difficult for any QB to deal with. Winovich had a lot of people going back to watch his tape after a fantastic Combine performance. The tape shows he’s got a high motor and his athleticism is apparent.Overall, this draft checks all the boxes for the Colts defensive needs. Colts fans should be happy.Reed’s Round 1, Pick 26Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty ImagesClelin Ferrell - DE - ClemsonFerrell is a great edge rushing option that I’ve seen dropping more and more due to his less than stellar agility scores. Ferrell has prototypical size and an incredibly quick first step. He’s a technician with his hands and is able to win in a variety of ways. He’s stout at the point of attack and would never need to come off the field. The rub on Ferrell is he’s not a speed rusher. However, given the tools at his disposal, he’d be a steal at 26.Reed’s Round 2, Pick 34Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty ImagesCharles Omenihu - DL - TexasOmenihu seems to be a perfect fit for the Colts. He’s able to play the DE position on early downs and slide down to the DT position on passing downs. He’s got a fantastic burst off the snap and can eat up space quickly on unsuspecting blockers. Omenihu is aggressive and never quits. He still has some growth to do, which may cause him to slide, but he has all the physical abilities to grow into a dominant player with the right coaching.Reed’s Round 2, Pick 59Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty ImagesEmmanual Hall - WR - MissourriHall has great size and elite traits for the WR position. He’s an explosive athlete and blazing fast on vertical routes. While at Missouri he wasn’t required to run the full route tree, his elite athleticism shows that all the tools are there for him to develop that aspect more to be a complete receiver. One of the best traits about Hall is his ability to fight off jams at the line of scrimmage. He’s able to use his hands and stutters effectively to get into his route quickly and if CBs play off of him, because of his speed, he quickly gets up on them. The biggest concern with Hall is his inconsistent hands. If his hands can be improved, Hall can be a real steal in the late second.Elliot’s AnalysisLoving this draft by Reed. Reed has addressed both of the Colts biggest needs on the team in EDGE and Wide receiver. Ferrell is the one edge rusher I see dropping/sliding due to all the hype the other players are seeing. He’s pretty much a do-it-all,well-rounded edge rusher and the Colts will be ecstatic if he falls onto their lap at 26. Charles Omenihu is one of the prospects that I think Chris Ballard will go after, he’s very well-rounded like Ferrell but also adds versatility in that he can kick inside on pass rushing downs, a skill that Ballard loves in his defensive ends (see Tyquan Lewis). Hall is an interesting pick. On paper, he has the elite traits you want from your wide receiver, but his hands aren’t as consistent as you would want. With pick 59 there will likely be more consistent wide receivers available. Overall this draft does exactly what it says and that’s drafting solid players who fit needs. Colts fans should be pleased with this draft.
business on their own and to get some help in order to slide into one of the NFC Wild Card spots. They certainly took care of things on Sunday afternoon in Charlotte Byron Maxwell Color Rush Jersey , dispatching the Panthers 30-27 and taking possession of yet another tiebreaker that could prove crucial down the stretch. The Hawks are now 3-0 in games against teams in the NFC Wild Card race (4-0 if one chooses to declare the Detroit Lions, whose Wild Card hopes remain on life support, still in the race), with victories over the Dallas Cowboys, the Green Bay Packers and the Carolina Panthers. It’s unlikely the Hawks require the tiebreaker over the Cowboys because of Dallas’ hold on the lead in the NFC East or the Packers because of the tie, but it’s still nice to have that in their possession. Now comes the fun. By the time the Seahawks take the field against the San Francisco 49ers next Sunday they will likely already be in one of the two Wild Card spots because as much as many claim to hate Thursday Night Football, this week it’s the New Orleans Saints at the Dallas Cowboys. A Saints victory over Dallas drops Dallas to 6-6 and out of first place in the NFC East, a half a game behind the Washington Redskins who take a short trip on Monday to take on the Philadelphia Eagles. The Cowboys dropping out of first place in the NFC East puts them back in the Wild Card race, and at 6-6 would put them a half game behind the Seahawks, who would slide up into the sixth seed pending the remaining Week 13 games. Things in the NFC East could get extremely interesting this weekend, as if Dallas loses on Thursday (narrator: they will) and the Eagles beat Washington on Monday, that would leave all three teams at 6-6 heading into the final quarter of the season. Of that three team traffic jam, Dallas would remain in first in the division for now, with the other two staying in the Wild Card race. In the other three divisions things are far more clear cut. The Saints and the Los Angeles Rams each hold a commanding four game lead with five games remaining, which means they can both clinch a playoff berth with a win in Week 13. Thus, the Thursday game is not only a chance for the Saints to knock the Cowboys out of the playoffs for the time being, it’s a chance for them to become the first team to clinch a playoff spot this season, and to do so during the month of November. In the NFC North the Chicago Bears hold a 1.75 game lead over the Minnesota Vikings. Worst case scenario for the Seahawks when it comes to the NFC North at this point involves the Bears somehow stumbling down the stretch and ending up behind Minnesota in the standings. Thanks to their Week 2 victory over the Hawks, the Bears are the one team that could pose a tiebreaker threat to Seattle in the Wild Card race, but with games remaining against the New York Giants and the 49ers, that seems unlikely. That said, a lot could rest on the health of quarterback Mitch Trubisky, and in Week 13 they travel to take on a Giants team that has been far more competitive in recent weeks. As for the Seahawks, it’s now about handling their business. They have five games remaining, and three of those five games are against two of the worst teams in the league, the 49ers and Arizona Cardinals. If the Seahawks can’t make the playoffs against that schedule Sebastian Janikowski Color Rush Jersey , they’ll have no one to blame but themselves. Here are the updated NFC standings after the conclusion of the Week 13 games. NFC standings heading into Week 13 gamesTeamWinsLossesTiesWinning PercentageTeamWinsLossesTiesWinning Percentage The Seattle Seahawks must trade down in the 2019 NFL Draft. Multiple times. Taking a player with the 21st pick of the draft would ignore the fact that a needy Seattle only have four picks: Round 1 Pick 21; Round 3 Pick 84; Round 4 Pick 116; and Round 5 Pick 148. Multiple trade backs will happen, ignoring that it’s now a customary first-round trade down from John Schneider anyway.Teams will be aware the Seahawks are wanting to trade down. They’re a regular “trade down” franchise and this year it’s even more obvious. At events like the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine, where all the big personnel influencers are present, the Seahawks will have put out the “we are trading down” feelers. There isn’t some manic 10-minute period of draft-day scrambling to find a trade partner. Teams know.Let’s look at five possible trade down scenarios for Seattle then. Free Agency will influence what teams do, but experience of past drafts and previous trade downs from the Seahawks give us a solid chance of predicting how Seattle will move down in the draft and gain more picks. There will always be “types” open to cooperation (exploitation):1. The quarterback-needyRemember in 2016 when the Seahawks found a trade partner in the Denver Broncos? The Broncos, concerned that the Dallas Cowboys were going to take Paxton Lynch, gave up a third-round pick to move up just five spots from 31 to 26. (Seattle took Germain Ifedi and Nick Vannett with the pair of selections)Lynch is now a Seahawk, evidence of how well Denver’s first-round pick panned out. The desperation of quarterback needy teams to grab their guy, or sometimes any passer at all, must not be underestimated. In 2019 the quarterback class is dreadful. That won’t stop there being a late first-round quarterback taken though. A first-round rookie deal features the added team-friendliness of a fifth-year option, which makes taking a quarterback in the first preferable. It’s not just teams needing an immediate upgrade to their QB1; franchise quarterback successors for the aging Tom Brady, Drew Brees and Philip Rivers will, eventually, be required.The league is likely to be lower on the electric playmaking talents of Kyler Murray. (He’s getting top 10 talk from draftniks) There are numerous, valid concerns surrounding the Heisman Trophy winner. He’s listed at 5ft 8 on Oklahoma’s website. His release is “baseball-style,” as Sports Info Solutions scout Bryce Rossler writes. It features “a false pump and an occasional looping motion from the hip which, when combined with his body composition, will result in some batted balls and pass deflections at the pro level.”Murray’s recent interview on the Dan Patrick show was bizarre and made it look like he was treating the NFL as leverage for his baseball career. Murray might be the player teams rush to trade back into the first round for though. Or Daniel Jones and Ryan Finley feel like passers who the league is higher on than #drafttwitter. Quarterbacks provide the Seahawks with the best and most lucrative opportunities.2. The fear of missing outIn the draft, positions have tiers. General Managers will talk about the “shelves” of each positional group. What keeps a GM up at night is the fear of plummeting off the ledge. This is especially true for a position of need. Finding what point a tier ends and avoiding being left out are massive parts of drafting well.A 2019 draft example would be the Mariana Trench-deep tight end group. Despite the plethora of talent, there is a consensus top three tight ends who are above the rest. If a team wants a premium tight end; T.J. Hockenson, Noah Fant and Irv Smith Jr. are the trio that will be taken.3. The positional runA run on a certain position is linked to the above. Terrified of being left out of that “tier”, a certain position will start flying off the board one after the other. If a team has a certain need at a position, they will grow especially terrified of being left out of the rush.Of the last nine picks in the 2015 fourth round, five were interior offensive linemen. (The order: guard, linebacker, guard Dontae Johnson Color Rush Jersey , center, wide receiver, center, guard, defensive end, cornerback) Seattle took Mark Glowinski in the m锚l茅e. Or teams will look to kick off the next tier. This draft that could be Washington State offensive tackle Andre Dillard, who is receiving late first round consideration. Offensive tackles have hovered around this spot in the past: In 2018 the Patriots started the next level of OTs taking Isaiah Wynn at #23 and the year before Garrett Bolles landed with the Broncos at #20. 4. The sniper Sometimes a team will be concerned that a team above them likes the exact same player—it doesn’t have to be a quarterback. Therefore, they will snipe that player from the team.In 2010, when the Kansas City Chiefs took Eric Berry #5 overall, many pondered if that was who the Seahawks wanted at #6. As it was, Seattle got Russel Okung and then later Earl Thomas at #14. In 2012, the Seahawks traded down from #43 to #47 with the New York Jets, picking up 5th- and 7th-round selections. Questions were raised. The Philadelphia Eagles took linebacker Mychal Kendricks at #46. At that point in the draft, there were only two linebackers worth taking at that spot. The Seahawks were left with no choice and picked Bobby Wagner at #47. Did they want Kendricks? Whatever the case, it worked out. 2016 resulted in the Houston Texans swapping their #22 pick and sixth-rounder for Washington’s #21 selection. The Texans, aware the Minnesota Vikings at #23 were likely going wide receiver, didn’t want to miss out on Will Fuller. They got Fuller, Washington got Josh Doctson and the Vikings—who could have leapfrogged Houston—settled for Laquon Treadwell. The Eagles were pesky last year, jumping above the Dallas Cowboys to take Dallas Goedert:By moving down, Seattle can facilitate the metaphorical hit.5. The meddling ownerYou know the scene. The NFL Network cameras cut to a Dallas Cowboys war-room. Jerry Jones is desperately clawing for the phone as his draft crush falls. The rest of the Front Office looks anxious as the seconds tick by, hoping Jones heads for a restroom break so they can lock him in the bathroom. The Cowboys managed to stop him from going rogue and taking Johnny Manziel—per Jim Dent.That task was left to the meddling of Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam. According to Seth Wickersham, Haslam wanted Manziel over Teddy Bridgewater after a dodgy handshake from the latter. The Browns were going to take Brandin Cooks. Instead they selected Manziel with their second first-round pick. Owners can get wild. Plenty of opportunitiesCome April 25th, the Seahawks will have plenty of opportunities to move back. They are unlikely to pick in the first round. Honestly, with how deep the 2019 draft is, that’s fine. Individual player value will become clearer after the NFL combine and pro days—combine begins February 26th.Yet little clarity is needed on the immense quality of this class. Its main strengths—the trenches—suits Seattle’s situation perfectly. Now they must capitalize on the trade partner-types.
Paranoid Final Days and Baker Mayfield’s Resilience” (MMQB) - “Jackson was Haslam’s man Trevon Coley Color Rush Jersey , while Sean McDermott and Matt Patricia had support from those running football operations.”“Browns lose defensive starters Kirksey, Gaines to injuries” (AP) - “The losses are piling up for the Browns — in the standings, and on the sideline. On Wednesday, two defensive starters were added to the stack.”“Browns claim Phillip Gaines and Jermaine Whitehead” (PFT) - “The Browns opened Wednesday with a cornerback named Gaines on their 53-man roster and they ended it with a cornerback named Gaines, but it isn’t the same one.”“Browns optimistic about injured DBs” (Browns.com) - “Glance fast enough at the list of the top four passing offenses in the NFL, and you might mistake it for a jumbled version of the Browns’ schedule.”NFL:“Injuries: Sammy Watkins (foot) could miss Week 10” (NFL.com) - “The Chiefs, who held Watkins out of practice Wednesday, could take the cautious approach with Watkins to ensure he’s healthy for the stretch run and the playoffs.”“Saints sign ex-Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant” (AP) - “The former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver, who has been looking for an NFL home since becoming a free agent, will join one of the NFL’s top offenses in New Orleans.”“Le’Veon Bell spotted in Pittsburgh playing a sport that’s not football as Steelers deadline looms” (CBS) - “After spending the past few months in Miami, it appears that Le’Veon Bell has finally made his way back to Pittsburgh.”“Bruce Irvin to sign with hometown Falcons” (ESPN) - “The Atlanta Falcons bolstered their pass rush by adding Bruce Irvin, and they could be getting another key player back for their defense.” CINCINNATI (AP) — Bengals owner Mike Brown must decide whether to bring in another newcomer to coach his team, or return to his pattern of trusting someone he already knows well.Whoever gets the job will inherit a roster on the cusp of significant change. Brown parted ways with head coach Marvin Lewis on Monday after 16 seasons without a playoff win. Lewis' stay in Cincinnati — the second-longest active tenure behind New England's Bill Belichick — demonstrated how much the owner would rather stick with what's comfortable than leave his comfort zone and try someone new."It will be interesting to see," linebacker Nick Vigil said. "We haven't had change around here in 16 years."The question is how much change Brown will tolerate.He has a history of accepting as little change and as much continuity as possible. He elevated Dave Shula from the staff to head coach in 1992, Bruce Coslet in 1996 https://www.brownsfanshop.com/Duke-Johnson-Jersey , and Dick LeBeau in 2000, all the while failing to get an elusive playoff berth.He went against his history by hiring Lewis in 2003, and he got a playoff appearance only two years later — a lesson in how major change can work. The two formed a close bond that was integral to Lewis' 16-year tenure despite an 0-7 mark in the playoffs, the worst in NFL history.Brown has several options for his next coach that could fit his comfort zone.For instance, he's familiar with Hue Jackson, who spent eight years on Lewis' staff in a variety of roles — receivers coach, defensive backs coach, running backs coach, offensive coordinator and special assistant on defense. The Bengals quickly rehired Jackson when the Browns fired him after he won only three games in two-plus years.Cleveland had a resurgence when Jackson left, winning five of its last seven games, including both against Cincinnati. Hiring Jackson would send a message to fans that the franchise won't change all that much.Brown also is familiar with Vance Joseph, who was fired Monday by the Broncos . Joseph was the defensive backs coach in Cincinnati from 2014-15. Brown also could consider someone off the current staff, although that again would reinforce the message that not much change is in the works.Perhaps Brown will try to bring in someone from a winning organization, as he did with Lewis, hoping that jump-starts ticket sales. The Bengals' attendance has fallen each of the past three years and ranks second-to-last in the league.In any case Greg Joseph Jersey , change is coming."It's pretty weird to know you have a new (defensive) coordinator, a new head coach, everybody," linebacker Preston Brown said. "You never know what could happen around here."The roster turnover could intensify as well.Lewis had the youngest team in his 16 seasons. Veterans got hurt early, forcing players into roles before they were ready. Cincinnati was among the hardest-hit teams in the league, with 18 players on injured reserve by season's end, including quarterback Andy Dalton and receiver A.J. Green.Dalton and Green are entering their ninth seasons. They led the Bengals to a club-record five straight playoff appearances from 2011-15, but they lost in the first round each time. Their chances for a playoff run are starting to run out.The defense has been led by linebacker Vontaze Burfict for the past seven years, but he may have reached the end of the line. He opened the season with yet another suspension from the league and played in only seven games because of concussions and a chronic hip problem. Burfict finished with only 33 tackles and no sacks.Cincinnati fell to the bottom of the AFC North for only the second time under Lewis, and it'll be a challenge to escape the basement in the near future.Baltimore won the division with the league's top defense and rookie quarterback Lamar Jackson. Pittsburgh expects to contend for the title next year with one of the NFL's top offenses built around Ben Roethlisberger. The Browns jumped ahead of the Bengals as Baker Mayfield set a record for touchdown passes by a rookie.In many ways, it's like 2003 in Cincinnati again. And the owner is facing the same type of choice in his next head coach: Stay with the familiar, or go with something entirely new?
Quinten Rollins Jersey , their roster should look significantly different than it does today. Several key players will come back off injured reserve, a new draft class will inject some more youth and talent into the organization, and the team is sure to make some moves in free agency.However, there are a handful of players who are earning themselves bigger roles for next year as the team plays out the string on the 2018 season. Some of them, such as wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown, have gradually earned more and more playing time over the year and are angling for major roles next year. Others, such as defensive lineman Tyler Lancaster, are simply demonstrating that they deserve a chance to compete for a spot on next year’s opening 53-man roster.The snap totals for those two players show the value that the team places on them, however. With Kenny Clark out of the lineup on Sunday against the Chicago Bears, Lancaster played nearly 90 percent of the team’s snaps. Meanwhile, EQ has taken hold of the second outside receiver role from fellow rookie Marquez Valdes-Scantling, out-snapping his teammate 2-to-1 on Sunday.Here’s a look at how playing time broke down in the Packers’ 24-17 loss at Soldier Field.OFFENSE (68 plays)QuarterbackAaron Rodgers 686.5 yards per attempt, multiple misses to open receivers on big-play opportunities, and the snapping of a 402-attempt streak without an interception say it all for Rodgers on Sunday. He also took five sacks in the game, several on third downs as he continued contributing to the Packers’ struggles.Running BacksJamaal Williams 59, Aaron Jones 7, FB Dan Vitale 4Jones had to leave the game early with a knee injury, and his availability for the final two games of the season is in doubt. He carried the football four times for just eight yards before leaving the game.Williams had some nice moments in relief of Jones, however. He gained 55 yards on 12 carries, adding the Packers’ only touchdown of the game, while totaling 42 yards on four receptions as well.Vitale’s only notable play was a whiff on a block that caused Williams to lose a few yards.Wide ReceiversDavante Adams 64, Randall Cobb 47, Equanimeous St. Brown 42, Jake Kumerow 21, Marquez Valdes-Scantling 21It’s now clear that St. Brown is running at the top of the young receiver group. He out-snapped MVS for the second straight week and saw three targets to MVS’ one.Adams was a star as usual in this game, catching eight of 13 targets for 119 yards. His full-season pace now puts him on track for 1,502 yards, and he needs to average 93 per game over the last two contests to hit that mark. Cobb caught just three passes on seven targets for 30 yards.Tight EndsJimmy Graham 47, Marcedes Lewis 11, Lance Kendricks 9, Robert Tonyan 8While the Packers started the game with two tight ends Brett Hundley Color Rush Jersey , they stuck largely to 11 personnel afterwards. Graham had three catches for 32 yards while Kendricks added four receptions for 27 yards on his limited workload. The Packers also rarely used Kendricks in the backfield, only doing so on a handful of occasions.Offensive LinemenDavid Bakhtiari 68, Lane Taylor 68, Corey Linsley 68, Lucas Patrick 68, Jason Spriggs 68Patrick was a surprise starter, taking over for Justin McCray at right guard. It’s tough to break down his game, with Spriggs struggling against Khalil Mack for much of the game. In total, the Bears’ edge rushers shredded the Packers’ line; Mack had 2.5 sacks and Leonard Floyd had two, accounting for all but a half-sack of the five the Bears recorded.DEFENSE (60 plays)Defensive LinemenDean Lowry 53, Tyler Lancaster 51, Montravius Adams 16, Fadol Brown 12, James Looney 1Of all people, it was Lancaster who led the Packers in tackles in this game with seven. He clearly has taken over the top reserve role, as Adams cannot seem to crack the lineup. Lancaster usually does a good job holding his ground at the point of attack and has active hands, and he absolutely should have a spot on the offseason roster and a chance to win a roster spot in training camp.Lowry had a pair of tackles and a fumble recovery, while Brown had a couple of big back-to-back stops, first on a third-down run and then on the Bears’ fake punt attempt. Adams did put in a good effort in his limited snaps, with three tackles and a hit on quarterback Mitchell Trubisky.Outside LinebackersKyler Fackrell 51, Clay Matthews 49, Reggie Gilbert 21Matthews had the Packers’ only sack in this game, bringing down Trubisky late in the fourth quarter and forcing him to fumble the football. Unfortunately the Bears recovered the football, though they fumbled later on in the drive. Fackrell had one solo tackle and a pair of assists, while Gilbert had one solo stop and a pass deflection.Inside LinebackersBlake Martinez 60, Antonio Morrison 8Martinez had a minuscule (by his standards) four tackles in this game. The Packers used a combination of two safeties, Josh Jones and Eddie Pleasant, as Nitro linebackers, however, leading to minimal snaps for Morrison and nothing on defense for rookie Oren Burks.SafetiesTramon Williams 60, Josh Jones 48 https://www.thepackersfanshop.com/Kyle-Murphy-Jersey , Eddie Pleasant 31, Kentrell Brice 18Jones racked up six tackles in this game, including one for loss, and added a pass defense as well. As mentioned above, he played some linebacker, splitting time with Pleasant in that spot. The newcomer also had a tackle for loss, which was one of his two tackles on the day, but he struggled in coverage.Williams added four tackles on the back end while Brice had two in limited playing time.CornerbacksJaire Alexander 60, Bashaud Breeland 53, Josh Jackson 40, Tony Brown 28Breeland missed practice all week, but he played most of the game with solid success; he had one tackle, which went for a loss on a beautiful read from the slot against the run, and added a pass breakup. Alexander had three tackles while Jackson had five and Brown two.The Bears did little damage down the field — their biggest pass play was a 30-yard gain by Allen Robinson. That was a quick pass that Alexander read well, jumping the route, but he was unable to get the football and his gamble allowed Robinson to pick up a huge batch of yardage after the catch. It took until the second quarter and a drive with good starting field position, but the Green Bay Packers finally have a lead on the Arizona Cardinals.Jaire Alexander jump-started the Packers’ offense with a big punt return following a Cardinals three-and-out, picking up 24 yards on a return that brought the football down to the Arizona 35-yard line.On first down, Aaron Rodgers hit Davante Adams on a slant for 16 yards and a first down. A three-yard loss, an incomplete pass, and a nine-yard gain on a screen pass set up the Packers with a fourth-and-four from Arizona’s 13. Mike McCarthy left his offense on the field, and his quarterback delivered.Standing in the pocket, Rodgers directed his receivers around the field, then threw a dart to Davante Adams along the back line of the end zone. Adams got both feet down before falling out of bounds, and the play was ruled a touchdown. Take a look at the pocket for Rodgers below:The play was not all positive, however, as right tackle Bryan Bulaga appeared to injure a knee on the play. He is officially listed as questionable to return, but the Packers do hold a 7-0 lead midway through the second quarter.
off against the 9-3 Texans. At 6-6 https://www.coltsfanshop.com/Jack-Mewhort-Jersey , Indianapolis is a game out of the wildcard race in the AFC. After the Titans’ Thursday night win over the Jaguars, the Colts need to win to pull even in the division. The only playoff spot that looks shaky at this point is owned by the Baltimore Ravens. A win in Houston and Baltimore loss in Kansas City would go a long way to staying in the hunt. A loss and a surprise Baltimore against the Chiefs would make the odds of getting into the playoffs very low.Each week is must-win from here out. Today’s afternoon meeting in Houston will kick off back-to-back games against teams who are projected to make the playoffs. Indy must do work today for next week to matter.Game Time1 pm ET Sunday December 9, 2018LocationNRG Stadium - Houston, TexasTV ChannelCBS — Kevin Harlan (play-by-play), Rich Gannon (color) and Steve Tasker (sideline)RadioWFNI (1070 The Fan) and WLHK (HANK FM) — Matt Taylor (play-by-play), Jim Sorgi (color) and Barry Krauss (sideline)Referee AssignmentBill Vinovich“Enemy” BlogBattle Red BlogTwitterFollow @StampedeBlue for the complete Colts coverage.FacebookLike Stampede Blue on Facebook!PodcastsApple Podcasts | Stitcher | Art 19 | SB Colts Cast YT Channel The Indianapolis Colts are playoff bound after a huge win-and-in season finale against the Tennessee Titans. The Colts were able to dominate the ground game and Andrew Luck— outside of one major bonehead play— put together another excellent performance to conclude the season. The defense also did their part, holding the Blaine Gabbert led Titans to just 10 offensive points on the day and limiting red hot running back Derrick Henry to 93 yards rushing. The defensive effort on Sunday Night was led by the same key players who have been dominant all season. One player in particular who had a stellar game was cornerback Kenny Moore II. Moore has been the backbone of the Colts’ secondary all year and when they needed him most, he delivered with an excellent performance.Doing a little bit of everything for the Colts this year, Moore has evolved from a low end roster player to arguably the second most important player on a top ten defense. This past Sunday showed every bit of how good he’s been to a national audience who has not really seen him or the Colts play this season. Film ReviewMoore has steadily been one of the Colts’ best run defenders this season and is a big factor in why they have performed so well against top rushers all year. Early in the year, he was given more slot corner reps due to sound tackling and physical play— despite being only being 5’9” 190 pounds. Here you can see just why they’ve entrusted him so much in the slot. With bulldozer running back Derrick Henry running up the gut, he doesn’t hesitate to make the tackle. This physical play from Moore has been evident all season. Anyone one who has followed the Colts this season will tell you J'Marcus Webb Jersey , don’t target Moore on third downs. He seems to have a knack for coming up with huge pass break-ups on third down. This play is no different as Gabbert tries to target wide receiver Darius Jennings (second wide receiver from the top). Overall it is excellent coverage as Moore funnels Jennings inside where he has safety help over the top. This results in the quarterback leaving the ball a bit behind the receiver, in perfect range for Moore to make the crucial pass break-up. Another underrated aspect of Moore’s game is how quick he is when coming downhill out of his zone coverage. He is explosive out of his backpedal and as a result, he limits a lot of yards after catch by receivers. This play is no different with Moore in zone coverage over top of wide receiver Corey Davis (second receiver from the bottom). With little time left in the half, Moore knows that his primary responsibility is to limit yards after catch and keep the ball in the field of play. He breaks quickly and is the first one to get to Davis after he catches the ball. While he misses the tackle, he does enough to slow Davis and allows the rest of the team to make the gang tackle.There are a few limitations in Moore’s game that prevent him from being a top tier NFL corner. The main one is seen in man coverage. He is savvy and aware in man coverage but lacks size and top end speed. This clip is a good example of what happens when he is matched up against the bigger and stronger Davis. He does everything right, from funneling the receiver inside to breaking on the ball as it is thrown. He just doesn’t have the length or strength to force a pass break-up against a bigger receiver. One of Moore’s best traits is his zone vision. Zone vision is the ability to maintain zone discipline and zone depth while reading the quarterback. Watch Moore’s head as the ball is snapped. He is looking directly at Gabbert to get a quick read on the play. He diagnoses the quick screen, beats his blocker inside, and nearly comes up with game altering pick 6. If Gabbert was a better quarterback and didn’t put this ball behind the receiver, Moore likely takes this to the house. Excellent diagnosis and nearly a huge play.The best players step up in the biggest moments and Moore did that on Sunday. Playing in his typical zone coverage on third down— note third down — Moore remains disciplined in his zone even as Gabbert rolls out of the pocket. By doing this, he closes the throwing lane behind him and forces Gabbert to make a bad throw or attempt to run for the first. Gabbert chooses to throw and Moore capitalizes with the interception.Another angle shows that Moore did a lot to force this interception. Notice how he rolls with Gabbert as he is scrambles out of the pocket. This gives Gabbert the illusion that the throw back lane behind Moore will open as Moore rolls out with him. It turns out, Moore was simply baiting the quarterback as Moore stops on a dime as soon as Gabbert starts his throwing motion and jumps the passing lane.The final highlight of the regular season for Moore basically sums up his abilities as a player. With the Titans needing a miracle late in the game Jordan Wilkins Color Rush Jersey , he continues to play with the same intensity. In the slot, in what looks like a linebacker position, he breaks on the ball as soon as it is thrown and buries the receiver after the catch. To cap it off, we get a Superman celebration. It was a great way to end an outstanding game and season.AnalysisThere have been numerous standouts for the Colts defense this year. Guys like Darius Leonard and Denico Autry have received a great deal of attention but none of them have impressed me as much as Kenny Moore II. The intensity he brings, the clutch plays he makes, and the overall ability he brings to the secondary is just unreal. He has become a true impact player for the Colts.This game really showed what Moore is all about. From making plays in run defense, to breaking up passes on third down, to making a big interception with the game on the line, the entire NFL got to see how good of a player Moore is on Sunday night.What a find by GM Chris Ballard. Moore is not only the best secondary player on the team but he’s arguably its second best defender as well. Hopefully he and the rest of the defense can carry their strong play into the playoffs against the division rival Houston Texans.
Tre Flowers Color Rush Jersey , it’s a first | Q13 FOX NewsThe Seattle Seahawks are no strangers to the NFL playoffs. When they take the field Saturday in Arlington, Texas, for a Wild Card showdown against the Dallas Cowboys it will mark the 12th postseason for the Seahawks in 16 years. Pregame coverage starts at 2 p.m. on Q13 FOX.From 4-5 To The Playoffs, Resilient Seahawks "Always Believe That We’re In It”Like their opponent in Saturday's Wild Card game, the Seahawks turned their season around after a slow start to make it back to the postseason.How To Watch, Listen To & Follow The Seahawks at CowboysBroadcast information for Saturday's Wild Card playoff matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and Dallas Cowboys.The Opposing View: An Insider’s Look At The Dallas CowboysSix questions from Seahawks.com, six answers from DallasCowboys.com staff writer David Helman.Friday Round-Up: Seahawks at Cowboys Wild Card Playoff PreviewsLocal and national media preview Saturday's Wild Card playoff matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and Dallas Cowboys.Arizona should take Kyler Murray with the top pick | Seahawks Draft BlogIf I were the Cardinals, I'd be letting Kyler Murray's people know we'd consider taking him with the #1 overall pick. Yes, Arizona drafted Josh Rosen aCowboys' Prescott seeks 1st playoff win vs Wilson, Seahawks | Newsday(AP) -- Russell Wilson won a wild-card game with Seattle as a rookie, a Super Bowl in his second season and another NFC championship the third time around.The best Dak Prescott can hope for with theDallas Cowboys: Cowboys DC Rod Marinelli not worried about Seahawks stealing hand signals: 'I really don't care what they know' | SportsDayFRISCO -- Following the Cowboys' 24-13 loss at Seattle in September, Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin told reporters that one of their...What The Seahawks Are Saying About The CowboysCheck out what the Seahawks are saying about the Cowboys ahead of their Wild Card matchup.Seattle Seahawks’ Jarran Reed adds sacks to his skill set | al.comThe former Alabama standout registered 10.5 sacks in the 2018 NFL season.Aaron Donald: 'We've got a lot more football left' - NFL.comAfter a one-and-done showing last season David Moore Color Rush Jersey , Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald is getting ready for a lengthier playoff run as Los Angeles waits to find out who it will in the Divisional Round.Dean Pees plans to return as Tennessee Titans DC - NFL.comWith nearly 50 years of NFL experience, Dean Pees will add a second season as Titans defensive coordinator, Tennessee announced on Friday.All-Pro Team: Donald, Mahomes among highlights - NFL.comOn Friday, the Associated Press unveiled the 2018 NFL All-Pro team, which is selected by a national panel of 50 media members. Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes highlights the list.Steelers part ways with OLB coach Joey Porter - NFL.comPittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said changes were coming after the team missed the playoffs this season. The team announced that they have parted ways with assistant Joey Porter.Injury report: Foles looks looks like 'same old Nick' - NFL.comPhiladelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles appears to be back to his old self after suffering a rib injury in Week 17, coach Doug Pederson said.Brees admires QB Luck's return from shoulder injury - NFL.comDrew Brees predicted Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck would be among candidates to win the Comeback Player of the Year Award. Brees' confidence in his prediction hasn't wavered.Fewer people watched NFL games in 2018, but those who watched watched more – ProFootballTalkThe NFL's TV viewership increased by an average of 5 percent per game this season. But it would be inaccurate to say that more people watched the NFL in 2018 than in 2017. In fact, fewer people watched football in 2018. But ratings increased because those who did watch the NFL watched more of it.Texans’ defensive front won the battle against the Colts’ offensive line in 2018 – ProFootballTalkAs the Texans prepare to face the Colts for the third time this season in today's first wild card game, there's one area in particular where they can feel very good: Their defensive line got the better of the Colts' offensive line in both regular-season games. The Seattle Seahawks lost to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday and will have to wait to clinch a playoff berth, which they have two more chances to do themselves. The Seahawks host the Kansas City Chiefs next Sunday night and a win would make them a guaranteed wild card. A loss would help the Chiefs stay in first place in the AFC, whereas if KC loses https://www.theseahawksfanshop.com , it could be detrimental to their playoff hopes as they might fall from a first round bye to being a wild card team.If Seattle doesn’t clinch after Week 16 is complete, they’ll have another shot to clinch when they host the 3-11 Arizona Cardinals in Week 17. Obviously in losing to San Francisco on Sunday, the Seahawks have shown that they can lose to competition that does not have a good record and there are no guarantees, but per 538, Seattle is still 97% odds to make the postseason.As it stands, the Seahawks are still most likely to be the 5-seed. If that happens, there’s an enormous probability that the Dallas Cowboys will be the 4-seed and the team that the 5-seed faces. The Cowboys lost 23-0 to the Indianapolis Colts this week.Nobody wants to see Seattle lose out, but they could also lose out and still make the postseason as a wild card. With the right teams losing, they could actually clinch before Week 17 without winning against the Chiefs.
was coming for the Giants offense Dustin Pedroia Jersey , even as the first week of the season slogged on with the numbers indicating otherwise.After San Francisco set a season high for scoring, its first baseman has a little evidence at last.Belt homered and drove in three before an unusually small home crowd, and the Giants beat the Tampa Bay Rays 6-4 on Saturday.Steven Duggar had three RBIs and Joe Panik scored twice to help San Francisco snap a three-game losing streak behind a breakthrough day from its offense.“People who had been here and seen the games and guys in the clubhouse really felt that our offense was going in the right direction,” Belt said. “We just needed some of them to fall in. We got a few of those today and it ended up working out for us.”Most of the production came from the top of the lineup. Leadoff hitter Duggar had a sacrifice fly in the third inning and added a two-run double in the fifth. Belt, batting in the second spot, had an RBI single in the third and hit a two-run, opposite-field home run off Ryan Yarbrough (1-1) as part of a four-run fifth.Belt and Duggar combined to drive in all six runs for San Francisco, but the Giants also got a lift from the bottom third of the order. Kevin Pillar, the No. 7 hitter, singled and scored in the third, Panik walked twice and scored both times, and Connor Joe had a pinch-hit single as part of the four-run fifth.“Really what’s impressive is the left-handers had pretty good at-bats against their left-handers,” Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. “They were loading up on us and (we) threw out nice at-bats against their lefties. It’s been a little bit of a tough go. We’re still trying to find our way here.”Ji-Man Choi had two hits and two RBIs for Tampa Bay. Tommy Pham walked in the first inning to extend his on-base streak to 41 games, an ongoing franchise record dating to last season.The Rays entered the day 6-2, their best start in club history, but couldn’t hold an early lead.“They had some good at-bats they pieced together,” Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash said. “We probably didn’t help ourselves out but they made some good plays for their starter.”The game drew 31,828, the smallest at Oracle Park since Sept. 1, 2010. The Giants set an NL record with 530 consecutive sellouts at their waterfront ballpark from 2010-17.Travis Bergen (1-0) retired one batter in relief of starter Jeff Samardzija to earn his first career victory. Will Smith pitched the ninth for his third save.“I’m just glad I was able to get the guy I was supposed to get,” Bergen said. “I kind of snaked it in there.”Yarbrough allowed four runs in three innings.Tampa Bay used reliever Ryne Stanek as the opener. Stanek, who also started Monday against Colorado, retired all six batters he faced.SPECTACULAR GRABPillar kept the Rays from breaking the game open in the fifth with a diving catch in center field. Tampa Bay loaded the bases with one out when Pham hit a sinking liner into the gap in right-center that Pillar snagged. Daniel Robertson scored on the sacrifice fly. Cash called it the play of the game. “They did things really well and limited us offensively,” Cash said.SHARK’S OUTINGSamardzija had an uneven outing, allowing three runs and six hits in 4 2/3 innings in his second start since missing the final 2 ½ months of last season due to shoulder inflammation. The right-hander, who last won on April 20, 2018, relied heavily on a slider he began tinkering with in the offseason.“When I’m throwing that slider in good spots it’s usually a good day,” Samardzija said. “For the most part it was. They just got me there in the fifth.”TRAINER’S ROOMRays: Cash had hoped to give slumping SS Willy Adames the day off. Instead Babe Ruth Jersey , Adames singled and scored as a pinch-hitter in the fifth and singled in the ninth. Adames entered the day 1 for 27.UP NEXTLHP Drew Pomeranz (0-0, 3.60) pitches for San Francisco in the series finale Sunday at Oracle Park. Pomeranz went winless in two games last season. RHP Yonny Chirinos (1-0, 1.29) gets the start for Tampa Bay.__ The Colorado Rockies won their Wild-Card game in dramatic fashion as they defeated the Chicago Cubs on the road, while the New York Yankees removed all doubt early in the game as they eliminated the Oakland A's at Yankee Stadium Wednesday night.The Division Series gets underway with two National League games Thursday and the American League joins the fray with two games Friday.The Milwaukee Brewers have home-field advantage throughout the National League playoffs, and they will put that to use against the Rockies. The Brewers won five of the seven games the two teams played against each other.Milwaukee will try to gain the early advantage in Game 1 by using its bullpen against the Rockies, and Brandon Woodruff will be the "opener" for the Brewers.Josh Hader and Jeremy Jeffress have been excellent for the Brewers and they have gotten a big assist from Corey Knebel. The middle relievers have been dependable for manager Craig Counsell.The Rockies are a slugging team that features Nolan Arenado and Trevor Story, and left-handed hitting David Dahl was a home-run hitting machine down the stretch. Kyle Freeland and German Marquez have been dependable on the mound.Division SeriesNLDSThurs., Oct. 4, Game 1, Rockies at Brewers, 5:07 p.m., ET FS1Thurs., Oct. 4, Game 1, Braves at Dodgers, 8:37 p.m. ET, MLBNFri., Oct. 5, Game 2, Rockies at Brewers, 4:15 p.m. ET, FS1Fri., Oct. 5, Game 2, Braves at Dodgers, 9:37 p.m. ET, FS1Sun., Oct. 7, Game 3 http://www.redsoxproshops.com/authentic-dustin-pedroia-jersey , Brewers at Rockies, 4:37 p.m. ET, MLBNSun., Oct. 7, Game 3, Dodgers at Braves, 8:07 p.m. ET, FS1Mon., Oct. 8, Game 4*, Brewers at Rockies, FS1Mon., Oct. 8, Game 4*, Dodgers at Braves, FS1Wed., Oct. 10, Game 5*, Rockies at Brewers FS1Wed., Oct. 10, Game 5*, Braves at Dodgers, FS1*If necessaryALDSFriday, October 5, Indians at Astros, Game 1, TBS, 2:05 p.m.Friday, October 5 Bobby Doerr Jersey , Yankees at Red Sox, Game 1, TBS, 7:32 p.m.Saturday, October 6, Indians at Astros, Game 2, TBS, 4:37 p.m.Saturday, October 6 Yankees at Red Sox, Game 2, TBS, 8:15 p.m.Monday, October 8, Red Sox at Yankees, Game 3, TBS, TBDMonday, October 8, Astros at Indians, Game 3, TBS, TBDTuesday, October 9, Red Sox at Yankees, Game 4*, TBS, TBDTuesday, October 9 Jimmie Foxx Jersey , Astros at Indians, Game 4*, TBS, TBDThursday, October 11, Yankees at Red Sox, Game 5*, TBS, TBDThursday, October 11, Indians at Astros, Game 5*, TBS, TBD*If necessaryAll postseason games can be live-streamed atMLB.TV.The Los Angeles Dodgers have not won the World Series since their five-game victory over the Oakland A's in 1988. They are hoping that this year could bring a championship result.The Braves appear to be ahead of schedule as they were not expected to be a playoff team this season. They pulled away from the Philadelphia Phillies in September to gain their first playoff appearance since 2013.The Dodgers will send Hyun-Jin Ryu to the mound in Game 1 against the Braves, and he was solid down the stretch with a 1.50 earned-run average in his last five starts.The Braves have a dangerous lineup that includes Freddie Freeman, Nick Markakis and Ronald Acuna Jr., and a solid pitching staff led by Mike Foltynewicz, Anibal Sanchez and Kevin Gausman.The Cleveland Indians and Houston Astros are both talent-laden teams capable of bashing home runs and scoring in bunches.In many ways, these teams could put on something similar to a tag-team wrestling match when it comes to offensive productivity.Jose Ramirez, Francisco Lindor and Edwin Encarnacion have consistent home-run power and that trio totaled 109 home runs during the regular season.The Astros will counter with Alex Bregman, George Springer and 2017 MVP Jose Altuve. Bregman led the team with 31 home runs, and this team has proven it can get clutch hits and build rallies in the late innings.The Game 1 matchup of Cleveland's Corey Kluber and Houston's Justin Verlander could slow down the potent attacks of both teams.The glamour matchup between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox could end up as the most thrilling of the first round.The Yankees finished the season with 100 victories, but they could not keep up with the explosive Red Sox.The Yankees had some uneven play during the summer as Aaron Boone's team battled injuries, but slugger Aaron Judge and catcher Gary Sanchez have returned to the lineup, and the Yankees are a confident group.The Red Sox won a team-record 108 games and they have had consistent power from J.D. Martinez (43 home runs and 130 runs batted in) along with plenty of spark from lead-off batter and MVP candidate Mookie Betts (32 home runs, 30 stolen bases).While the Red Sox had a memorable regular season, they are hoping that lefty Chris Sale is in top form after a shoulder injury slowed him in the second half of the year. Rookie manager Alex Cora must be concerned about a bullpen that was up-and-down throughout the final two months of the season.PredictionsColorado over Milwaukee in four games. Rockies will steal a game in Milwaukee and win two at home.Los Angeles over Atlanta in five games. Clayton Kershaw and Manny Machado make the difference for the Dodgers.Cleveland over Houston in four games. Indians are underappreciated and have the slugging and bullpen to eliminate World Champions.Boston over New York in five games. Epic battle comes down to homefield as Red Sox score series-winning run in the bottom of the ninth in Game 5.Colorado over Los Angeles in seven games.Boston over Cleveland in six games.Boston over Colorado in six games.
his wild-card game starter Sunday Mike Moustakas Jersey , when the New York Yankees close out the regular season with a game against the Boston Red Sox.The Yankees, who reached the 100-win mark for the first time since 2009 with an 8-5 victory Saturday, host the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday night, with the winner going to Fenway Park to open the American League Division Series on Friday.While J.A. Happ would be on regular rest to pitch the game Wednesday, the Yankees could be hesitating to use the left-hander against Oakland and then have him for only one game against the Red Sox. Luis Severino and Masahiro Tanaka are the other candidates.Article continues below ...Severino, a 19-game winner who has struggled in the second half of the season, was pulled from Sunday’s scheduled start but could work in relief in what would be his throw day. The Yankees have not announced their starter.“We’ll get into that pretty heavily tonight,” Boone said before Saturday’s game. “After (the game), we’ll get together and talk about that. We’re starting to, you know, the last couple days have started to have those conversations casually. After last night’s game, with a little more intent behind it. But we’ll meet tonight and get closer to that decision.”Rick Porcello, a 17-game winner likely to start Game 3 of the ALDS, will start for the Red Sox on Sunday. The AL East champions have allowed 29 runs during their three-game losing streak.“I can’t wait until Monday,” said Red Sox manager Alex Cora, who has to run another meaningless game Sunday before it all starts for real Friday.The Yankees broke the record for home runs in a season with two more Saturday (nine in the last three games, all wins) with 266 as Gleyber Torres provided the record-breaker and Giancarlo Stanton also hit one. That gave Stanton 100 RBIs Salvador Perez Jersey , and Miguel Andujar smacked two more doubles, giving him 46 and breaking his tie with Joe DiMaggio for the franchise rookie record set in 1936.Torres homered out of the ninth spot in the lineup, making the Yankees the first team with at least 20 homers from every spot in the batting order.“Everybody knows (what) was the number, and I hit the ball,” Torres said.” I feel really happy. My teammates, too. All season we do a really good job, everybody do something. I’m happy for us, and we enjoyed our moment.”Stanton was hit by his own home run ball, a fan hitting him on the foot with a throw all the way from the Green Monster.“That’s the idea when you’re an opposing fan, but I don’t think that’s what he meant to do,” Stanton said. “Either way, if I was looking up, I could have grabbed it easily.“It happens all the time at our stadium, here too. Not too worried about it — plus that could be a special ball, so we needed it anyways. I think he lost some money possibly on it anyways.”It appeared the black-shirted fan eluded authorities by not hanging around to take a bow.Lance Lynn, pulled from the start to work in long relief — his likely postseason roll, pitched three strong innings of relief to even his record at 10-10.The game appeared to be well in hand late but got sticky enough in the ninth inning for Aroldis Chapman to enter for his first save chance since coming off the disabled list http://www.royalsfanproshop.com/authentic-ryan-goins-jersey , picking up his 32nd and first since Aug. 14. He struck out two of the three hitters he faced, getting Jackie Bradley Jr. as the potential tying run to end the game.Porcello, 17-7 with a 4.33 ERA this season, was originally scheduled to pitch the series opener Friday. He is 2-0 with a 2.53 ERA this year against the Yankees — 10-8, 3.16 in his career. He’s had one bad start against New York this season, but his other two have been gems, allowing a combined one run and three hits in 16 innings, with strikeouts.The Red Sox, who will open the ALDS at home Friday, have already broken the club record for wins in a season and, after an off day Thursday, come into the finale at 107-54 — with the two rivals 9-9 in their season series.The Yankees reached 100 wins for the 20th time in their history. They won the championship in 12 of those seasons but had to worry about playing in only the World Series in some of them.New York learned before the game that CC Sabathia was suspended for five games for hitting Tampa Bay’s Jesus Sucre on Thursday. The suspension will be served next season, when Sabathia, who has already said he plans to pitch another year, could be with another team. Back to your regularly scheduled Friday video game rumblings"MLB.com’s Jeffrey Flanagan has this week’s Twitter mailbag:Leigh Oleszczak at KC Kingdom also weighs in on Moose:Alex Duvall doing double duty over at Royals Farm Report.First, he continued their Prospect Rankings with numbers 20-16.Then he runs historical comps for Nicky Lopez:This week, Caesar’s released their win total over/unders. The Royals come in at 69 Bo Jackson Jersey , 3rd lowest in the AL. Interestingly, 7 teams in the AL are at 77 or lower. Going to be a lot of ugly games this season as “the tank” is popular.We don’t see a lot from them about baseball, but Scout said to take the over. Interestingly:Apparently, the Royals, along with the Tigers and Diamondbacks, watched an Adrian Gonzalez workout last week.MLB is looking at a rule change around DL and option time, moving both back to 15 days.This is to alleviate some of the sketchy ferrying of relievers between AAA and MLB.Personally, I do think something has to be done about this issue - it’s not really fair to the pitchers who get jerked around all year and it’s definitely against the spirit of the 25-man roster.However, teams should also not risk players’ health by waffling whether they should go on the DL or not so there may be unintended consequences. I’m not sure this is the solution but I’m curious as to the results.In today’s The Best of Royals Review (TM), we’re looking back at a Fanpost (WhatPost? FanWhat?). I’m stealing the description straight from Max’s The Best of Royals Review: 2012im_not_that_bright also had some popular stories in the style of other authors like Dostoyevsky and, my personal favorite: Dispatches from 2013 about Luke Hochevar.It’s a leftovers Friday.Time for some older, off-the-wall stories that I don’t think were ever posted here.If they were, you can be polite and not mention it.***This is a couple of weeks old but fairly high profile and a search didn’t show any mention of him on these pages.Enes Kanter’s a fairly non-descript Turkish player for the Knicks.He made news a couple of nights ago for not playing and wanting to get away from New York.But that basketball minutiae is best left to Posting and Toasting.The bigger story about him staying out of a game was from a couple of weeks ago.The Knicks played in London last week and he didn’t go because he’s worried he could be detained or killed because he’s a critic of Turkish president Erdogan.And lest you think this is just some player preening for the cameras: “Kanter has said he believes the Turkish government has targeted his father in the past because of the player’s critical stance against the country’s government. In 2017, Kanter’s Turkish passport was canceled and he was held at a Romanian airport upon landing in Bucharest... [Kanter] has received death threats... According to a report by The New York Times, Erdogan has jailed, fired or suspended tens of thousands of people accused of plotting a failed coup. In December 2017, Turkey’s state-run news agency http://www.royalsfanproshop.com/authentic-ryan-goins-jersey , Anadolu Agency, reported that prosecutors were seeking more than four years in prison for Kanter on charges of insulting Erdogan in a series of tweets he posted in 2016.”That’s just crazy that a millionaire basketball player can be afraid of his life because of his political views.***Max briefly touched on this with a story a couple of weeks ago, but let’s look at it further.After Disney lobbied for copyright reform in the late 90s, no new material has joined the public domain for 20 years.Finally, we are moving forward again.At least until their lawyers revisit this issue.After all, Steamboat Willie joins the public domain in 5 years and I’m guessing they’re not very excited to lose their exclusive rights to Mickey Mouse.There’s a lot of interesting material heading there in the next few years:Of course, it’s not quite that simple:***In other news, apparently it’s hard to find pants if you’re a hockey player.Finally, from the funny files: How could I pass up the headline “Authorities warn people to not eat chicken tenders spilled on roadside”?Or “A tiny town has been overrun with ‘cute’ but confused seals”?Back in the 8-bit generation, consoles didn’t have much graphical horsepower.The 16-bit generation was similar with few exceptions like Star Fox.Crude 3D gaming took root in the fifth (N64/PSX) generation of video game consoles, buoyed by gorgeous FMV sequences.But it wasn’t until the sixth generation where the......Oh, who am I kidding.I couldn’t do that to Hokius.Of course our song is from Kingdom Hearts III, which drops today in Japan and a couple days later stateside.Below is the final trailer which features Hikaru Utada’s theme song for the game (“Don’t Think Twice”).I don’t think is as good as “Simple and Clean” or “Sanctuary”, but you can be the judge:*Unfortunately, I won’t be playing KH3 for a while as it’s not being released on the Switch and I still have to catch up on the previous game first: Dream Drop Distance for the 3DS.
.His eye is so good at the plate that the Milwaukee Brewers star is leading the National League in hitting.Now his younger brother Cameron has been discharged from the Marines Mark McGwire Jersey , just in time to catch Christian and the Brewers make a final push for the NL Central title.The Brewers’ 6-5 win over the Detroit Tigers on Friday night was the first time Cameron had seen his brother play in about two years. The whole family stayed with Christian in Milwaukee.“There’s a lot of extra room at my place so there’s plenty of room for everybody and we should be able to make it work,” Christian said before the game.Cameron even got to throw out a ceremonial first pitch to Christian.The pitch from the right-handed Cameron Yelich was a little low and outside, but it was an otherwise respectable toss for someone who didn’t really play baseball.“Whenever he’s got a good game, I’ll text him like ‘nice shot dude, blah, blah, blah,'” Cameron said with a laugh.Big brother was proud.“It was a surprise. He didn’t know he was doing it until an hour or two before so he was a little nervous, but I think he did a great job,” he said.Christian, 26, is the oldest of three brothers. Collin, 24, was also at the game http://www.stlouiscardinalsteamshop.com/authentic-marcell-ozuna-jersey , along with the 22-year-old Cameron.“It’s exciting. It’s also emotional to have everybody together for the first time in a really long time,” mother Alicia Yelich said as Cameron waited outside the Brewers clubhouse before throwing the first pitch.A lot has changed since all three brothers were in the ballpark at the same time.Christian Yelich was already a pretty good player in 2016, when he hit .298 with 21 homers and 98 RBIs for the Marlins. The Brewers acquired him from Miami in a trade this past January for four prospects.He has developed an MVP-caliber resume in Milwaukee.Yelich, hitting .322 entering Saturday, is in position to become the first batting champion in franchise history. He was also in the top 10 in the NL in slugging, runs, RBIs and homers.“But I think there’s no doubt now he is one of the 10 best players in baseball,” Brewers owner Mark Attanasio said. “So it’s really nice to see him mature.”Christian Yelich showers similar appreciation on his brother, who was in the infantry after enlisting in the Marines. Stationed in Hawaii, Cameron had two noncombat deployments to Japan.Cameron would follow Brewers games on social media. Sometimes he’d watch on his phone, though he often would have to sleep outside in a field without cellphone service as an assignment during deployments.“I’ve always just taken great pride in my country,” Cameron said when asked why he enlisted. “I think it’s a very honorable thing to do,”Christian described his brother as “selfless” for serving four years in the Marines.“I think he gained a lot from the experience, and we’re all thankful for everybody that serves this country http://www.stlouiscardinalsteamshop.com/authentic-marcell-ozuna-jersey ,” he said. “To get a greater understanding of what military families go through and the schedule was probably the most eye-opening thing, and I’m glad he’s back.”He marked the occasion by hitting a two-run homer in the bottom of the first inning. When he returned to right field in the top of the second, he was greeted by fans yelling, “MVP! MVP!” There’s really only one obvious choice."Ian Happ has 875 major-league plate appearances in 257 games over the last two seasons. He’s produced 39 home runs and an .801 OPS.You’d think that would be enough to keep the 24-year-old outfielder in the big leagues, but there are also 296 strikeouts in those 875 PA, and he hit .135/.196/.192 (7-for-52 with three doubles and 14 strikeouts) in spring training games this year.And so perhaps it shouldn’t have been such a big surprise when Happ was optioned to Triple-A Iowa Saturday.With Happ having departed, though, the question is raised: Who will make the 25-man roster instead of him?To me, there’s really only one choice.The Cubs will begin the season with 12 position players, as will most teams. These 11 are now locks to make the Opening Day roster.Catchers (2)Willson Contreras, Victor CaratiniInfielders (6)Anthony Rizzo, Ben Zobrist, Javier Baez, Kris Bryant Paul DeJong Jersey , David Bote, Daniel DescalsoOutfielders (3)Kyle Schwarber, Albert Almora Jr., Jason HeywardBote will back up shortstop, second base and third base; Descalso plays second and third and could, in a pinch, play shortstop and outfield. Veteran backup infielder Cristhian Adames was reassigned to the minor-league camp on Saturday.We know that Zobrist and Bryant can also play outfield positions if needed. But there’s really no player on that list who solely plays outfield. That’s why I think Mark Zagunis will make his first big-league Opening Day roster. Zagunis plays left and right field, and has had a good spring: .333/.400/.718 (13-for-39) with three doubles and four home runs. The on-base percentage is the key here, I think. That’s been the best thing Zagunis has done in his five seasons in the system. He has a .400 career OBP in the minor leagues in 2,057 plate appearances. In his handful of brief big-league callups he’s just 2-for-19 — but with five walks, turning a .105 BA into a .292 OBP.So he could be useful off the bench, perhaps drawing walks as a pinch-hitter.I think it’ll be Zagunis as the last guy on the bench, although here’s a hint the Cubs are still trying to obtain outside help:And if Ian Happ would like some solace — he was reportedly quite upset at the demotion — he ought to talk to his teammate, Kyle Schwarber lex Reyes Jersey , who was similarly demoted in 2017. In the middle of a season, no less, and after 539 regular-season plate appearances and being a World Series hero. Schwarber returned and has been productive. Happ can do the same, if he works on the parts of his game that need work (mainly, the strikeouts).It’s not official yet, but I’ll give preliminary congratulations to Mark Zagunis on making the Opening Day roster. I’d expect this to not be officially announced until Wednesday, or perhaps even Thursday morning, though by then we’d certainly know who was in Arlington, Texas, for the opener.Four days to go!
ballparks this year was “Strike three!”A whiff of offense would be nice rather than all those nights filled with nonstop whiffs.Strikeouts will exceed hits over a full season for the first time in major league history. The overall batting average has dropped to its lowest level since 1972 http://www.bravesfanproshop.com/authentic-nick-markakis-jersey , the year before the designated hitter. Lefty hitters — facing smothering defensive shifts — have fared even worse, with their lowest average since 1968, before the pitcher’s mound was lowered.Starters throw fewer pitches and hard-throwing relievers are changed more frequently. The game has transformed at a dizzying pace.“We need to thoughtfully review the trends,” baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said Wednesday.Manfred looks ahead to a postseason featuring 20-year-old Atlanta star Ronald Acuna Jr., Boston, the New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs and possibly Los Angeles Dodgers, too.But much of the offseason will be spent analyzing historic changes.There were 40,196 strikeouts and 40,098 hits through Wednesday, and Ks exceeded hits over a full month for the first time in April, then again in June and September. Before this year, the previous low differential for a full month was in April 2017, when there were 138 more hits than strikeouts, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.Strikeouts have set a record for the 11th consecutive season, surpassing last year’s 40,104.The .248 big league batting average is down seven percentage points from last year and a Steroids Era high of .271 in 1999, part of an all-or-nothing approach at the plate. And the .244 average for left-handed hitters is the lowest since .242 in 1968, according to Elias, diminished by defensive shifts placing three infielders on the right side.No wonder batters swing for the fences.“Years ago, if a player had more strikeouts than hits, they didn’t get out of Class A ball,” said Dan Duquette, the Baltimore Orioles‘ executive vice president of baseball operations, who went on to suggest his solution.“Ted Williams had some good ideas: three balls and you go to first base; make home plate smaller so you don’t have to defend as much territory,” Duquette said.“It’s something to consider, because, really, it’s an entertainment business, right? That’s what the fans want to see. It’s a good place to start the discussion. Who am I to argue with the greatest hitter that ever lived?”The analytics revolution has metamorphosed this most traditional of sports. Innings per starting pitcher dropped from 5.89 in 2012 to 5.38 this year and pitches per start from 95 to 88 over the same period, according to Sports Info Solutions.Pitchers per game for both teams rose from 7.68 to 8.34 over that span, according to Major League Baseball, with average fastball velocity increasing from 91.6 mph to 92.8 mph over the past six years, according to Sports Info.“The players have been forced to adapt a lot over the last few years based on the changes that are being recommended to them, that are being guided by those not on the field. So the game has changed quite a bit,” said players’ association head Tony Clark, a former All-Star first baseman. “The question that I believe we all need to ask is based on where the game is, where the game appears to be going, if the current baseball fans find it appealing, if they are interested in the way the game is being played.”No big league team had fewer than 50 sacrifice bunts in 1972 and no club dropped below double digits until Texas had nine in 2005. This year, Toronto has five, Oakland six Jose Ramirez Jersey , and Boston and the Los Angeles Angels seven each.No pitcher has thrown more than two complete games. The previous low for a leader was four.James Shields with 11 in 2011 has been the only pitcher to reach double digits since Randy Johnson in 1999. The game was far different when Fernando Valenzuela had 20 in 1986; this year’s major league total is 41.“You see the bullpen earlier,” said Colorado’s Carlos Gonzalez, the 2010 NL batting champion. “Back in the day, the biggest thing for a pitcher was going the distance. You don’t see a lot of complete games anymore. I feel like as a hitter, you have a better chance if you face a guy more than two or three times. Nowadays, you might face a starter twice and then get a lot of matchups: lefties on lefties, righties on righties.”Scoring at 4.45 runs per team per game is down only slightly from last year’s 4.65 and up from its recent low of 4.07 in 2014, with home runs averaging 1.15 per club per game, a decrease from last year’s 1.26 record.The “Three True Outcomes” have become the talk of dugouts, front offices and fans: walks, strikeouts and home runs.“People get locked into one type of swing, and they’re going to stick with it no matter what you do on the defensive side,” said Minnesota manager Paul Molitor, a Hall of Famer. “I think that’s why the effectiveness continues on the shift.”Manfred says changes are understandable.“I am not one to wail about the use of analytics,” he said. “You can’t stop really competitive, smart people.”MLB and the union already have been talking. Their challenge is to decide whether narrowly tailored rules changes will counter changes, such as the use of minor league options and the disabled list to expand pitching staffs from 12-13 to what in effect is 17-18 for many clubs. The sides had an agreement in the last round of bargaining to expand the active roster from 25 to 26 from the start of the season through Aug. 31 and to lower it from 40 to 28 from Sept. 1 on, but the players backed out. Most teams would have carried another reliever.“I think it would have solved an even bigger problem, which is playing games differently in the month of September,” Manfred said. “It was a trade that I was prepared to make at the time I was doing the Basic Agreement. It was a trade I’m prepared to make now.”One trend players and management like: the average time of a nine-inning game has dropped to 3:00:35 from a record 3:05:11 last year, helped by new restrictions on mound visits. Trips to the mound without a pitching change have dropped from 7.41 to 4.00.“I don’t know if that’s necessarily the criteria as much as has it adversely affected the guys on the mound?” Clark said. “And the commentary that we’ve heard is no.”__AP Baseball Writer Janie McCauley and AP Sports Writer Pat Graham contributed to this report. A quick update on the Astros prospects playing in winter leagues"Here is a quick update on how the Astros prospects are performing in their winter leagues.ARIZONA FALL LEAGUEScottsdale ScorpionsAbraham Toro-Hernandez, 3B: .348 BA/.463 OBP/.561 SLG, 23-for-66, 6 2B, 3B, 2 HR, 8 RBIDrew Ferguson, OF: .172 BA/.219 OBP/.241 SLG, 5-for-29, 2 2B, RBIRonnie Dawson, OF: .291 BA/.417 OBP/.468 SLG, 23-for-79, 5 2B, 3 3B, HR, 10 RBI, 10 SBForrest Whitley, RHP: 1-2, 2.42 ERA, 26.0 IP Ronald Acuna Jr. Jersey , 18 H, 7 ER, 7 BB, 36 KJ.B. Bukauskas, RHP: 2-1, 3.33 ERA, 24.1 IP, 24 H, 9 ER, 10 BB, 24 KErasmo Pinales, RHP: 0-2, 3.27 ERA, 11.0 IP, 8 H, 4 ER, 12 BB, 11 KTrent Thornton, RHP: 0-0. 4.02, 15.2 IP, 14 H, 7 ER, 4 BB, 20 KDOMINICAN LEAGUEJack Mayfield, SS: .231 BA/.294 OBP/.308 SLG, 18-for-78, 3 2B, HR, 7 RBIRogelio Armenteros, RHP: 2-0, 1.17 ERA, 23.0 IP, 12 H, 3 ER, 4 BB, 22 KBrendan McCurry, RHP: 0-0, 3.86 ERA, 4.2 IP, 6 H, 2 ER Sean Newcomb Jersey , 1 BB, 4 KYohan Ramirez, RHP: 0-0, 18.00 ERA, 1.0 IP, 0 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 0 KLeovanny Rodriguez, RHP: 1-1, 3.86 ERA, 9.1 IP, 9 H, 4 ER, 3 BB, 10 KVENEZUELAN LEAGUEAlfredo Angarita, 2B: .000 BA, 0-for-4Ralph Garza, RHP: 1-0, 5.06 ERA, 10.2 IP, 12 H, 6 ER, 2 BB, 12 KRyan Hartman, LHP: 0-1, 5.14 ERA, 14.0 IP, 20 H, 8 ER, 6 BB, 9 KAkeem Bostick, RHP: 1-1. 3.43, 21.0 IP, 17 H, 8 ER, 7 BB, 17 K
over two years if he becomes the Washington Nationals‘ closer and regularly finishes games.Coming back from Tommy John surgery Dallas Keuchel Jersey , Rosenthal finalized a one-year contract this week that guarantees him $7 million.The deal announced last weekend includes a $6 million salary for next season and a $10 million mutual option for 2020 with a $1 million buyout to be paid if the team declines the option. There also is a $15 million conditional player option for 2020 that Rosenthal can exercise if he has 50 games pitched or 30 games finished next year.Rosenthal can earn $500,000 each for 25, 30, 35 and 40 games pitched next year, $1 million apiece for 45 and 50, $1 million each for 20, 30 and 40 games finished, and $2 million apiece for 50 and 60. There is an $8 million maximum.If the mutual option for 2020 is exercised, he could earn $6 million in performances that year for games finished: $2 million each for 30, 40 and 50.He would get a $1 million assignment bonus if traded. The deal also includes award bonuses.Rosenthal http://www.astrosfanproshop.com/authentic-justin-verlander-jersey , a 28-year-old right-hander, had Tommy John surgery late in the 2017 season and was released by the Cardinals that November. He has 121 saves, including 45 in 2014 and a career-high 48 the following year, when he was an NL All-Star.Left-hander Sean Doolittle is Washington’s closer. He had a 1.60 ERA in 43 appearances and 25 saves in 26 opportunities in 2018 but missed two months with a foot injury. The Nationals picked up his $6 million option for 2019. NEW YORK (AP) — Jessica Mendoza was hired as a baseball operations adviser for the New York Mets on Tuesday while remaining a broadcaster for ESPN’s “Sunday Night Baseball,” part of an increasing number of television commentators who also work for teams.She will be involved in player evaluation, roster construction, technological advancement and health and performance, the Mets said.Mendoza, a member of the U.S. Olympic softball team in 2004 and 2008, did not address any potential conflict of interest — working for a team while simultaneously commentating on all clubs.In the team statement Lance McCullers Jersey , Mendoza thanked ESPN and Disney for their “understanding and confidence as I balance both tasks moving forward.”ESPN spokesman Josh Krulewitz wrote in an email to The Associated Press there are “numerous examples across networks of these type of arrangements where commentators work closely with teams, and we will be fully transparent about Jessica’s relationship with the Mets.”He added: “We have complete faith in her ability as a leading MLB voice for ESPN.”Krulewitz said Mendoza was not available for comment to the AP but likely will be available later this week.MLB Network announcer Bob Costas, a winner of the Hall of Fame’s Frick Award, said Mendoza’s role in game broadcasts is not the same as it would be on a news show such as ESPN’s “Outside the Lines” or HBO’s “Real Sports.”“I think at least some people in the media will watch more closely for traces of conflict of interest and she can dispel that,” he said. “The proof is in the performance.”Team announcers long have worked for national networks, such as Vin Scully, Tim McCarver and Joe Buck. But they did not report to general managers.Before nationally televised games, managers routinely give private briefings to the network broadcasters, and some might be more reticent to disclose information to an employee of an opponent.“I think perhaps a more interesting thing would be: Is the person who works for a team equally critical when called over of managerial moves, player performance Mike Scott Jersey , did they or did they not make this trade, they did or did not make this free agent signing?” Costas said. “Are the equally even-handed in their praise and criticism? That’s probably more important than any proprietary information.”Former Tigers star Kirk Gibson, a commentator for Fox Sports Detroit since 2015, was hired by the Tigers this offseason as a special assistant to the general manager and will remain in his broadcast role.“I have no problem with that stuff,” Detroit manager Ron Gardenhire said. “They’re not going to hold a gun to me and get information that they probably shouldn’t have. They’re just going to come and do their job, and that’s easy enough.”Former pitcher Al Leiter was hired Monday earlier as a Mets baseball operations adviser and will continue in his role as a studio analyst for the MLB Network, according to the network. Leiter told the New York Yankees‘ YES network earlier in the offseason he was leaving his role there.“Over the past 10 years, a number of MLB Network on-air personalities have held advisory and guest instructor roles with various MLB clubs, including Hall of Famers Pedro Martinez (Red Sox) and Jim Thome (White Sox), as well as Ryan Dempster (Cubs) Alex Bregman Jersey ,” MLB Network spokeswoman Lorraine Fisher said in an email. “We are transparent with our audience about these roles, and we have seen and will continue to expect all on-air staff to deliver objective analysis on all 30 clubs.”Alex Rodriguez, a member of the Sunday night ESPN booth along with Mendoza and play-by-play commentator Matt Vasgersian, has been a Yankees adviser since his retirement. His work for the team appears to be primarily several days of on-field coaching annually with young players.Rodriguez took over in the booth for Aaron Boone, who left after the 2017 to become Yankees manager.“I’m sure it won’t be that big of an issue. I don’t reveal too many secrets, anyway,” Boone said. “It’s something I can get on her about.”ESPN also says Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia will contribute to the network this season as a studio analyst and make appearances on several of its shows. Sabathia has said this will be his final season as a player.David Ortiz and Frank Thomas are Fox studio analysts; Ortiz is a special assistant for the Boston Red Sox and Thomas a special consultant for business operations for the Chicago White Sox.Retired catcher David Ross has been a Chicago Cubs special assistant to baseball operations and an ESPN analyst and in-game broadcaster since before the 2017 season.
the length of games by implementing a 20-second pitch clock for 2019 spring training games.The announcement came on Friday Alen Hanson Jersey , per Baseball America, and signals the latest effort to quicken baseball's pace of play.Kyle Glaser KyleAGlaserHere is MLBs release on the implementation of a 20-second pitch clock for spring training games qYHhul1JNfKyle Glaser of Baseball America reported specifics on how the 20-second timer will be used in spring training. The timer will begin after the first pitch of each individual at-bat and will reset after a pickoff play, wild pitch or passed ball as soon as the pitcher has the baseball back in his hand on the mound.Additionally, the timer will be turned off on a pitch following a foul or dead ball as well as after a mound visit.The 20-second pitch clock is the latest on a growing list of rules the league is introducing to maximize action and minimize dead time.Rule 5.07(c) in the2018 MLB official rulebook, for example, states that a pitcher must deliver a pitch within 12 seconds after receiving the ball while the bases are empty.In fact, the MLB released an entirepace of play initiativespackage ahead of the 2018 season addressing mound visits, time between innings Edgar Martinez Jersey , timing of pitcher changes and instant replay.In 2017, the league introducedno-pitch intentional walksand astricter ruleregarding a batter stepping out of the box.It seems the MLB is testing the 20-second pitch clock in spring training before bringing it into the regular season and postseason. Perhaps one factor the league is considering, or wary of, is having to choose between pace of play and quality of play. WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Bryce Harper is gone from the Nationals to the Phillies after agreeing to a record 13-year, $330 million contract.But he’s is still a looming presence in Washington’s clubhouse as the team begins to move on without the star who played with them since 2012 at just 19.“He used to be right here,” third baseman Anthony Rendon said motioning to Harper’s old locker Friday morning. “And all you guys used to be in this corner all the time when he was here. And now even though he’s not here y’all are still in this corner.”And so it went with much of the talk in Washington’s clubhouse centering around the six-time All-Star and 2015 National League MVP, who had long been a face of the franchise.While it had been less than 24 hours since Harper had agreed to the deal Ryon Healy Jersey , the Nationals had known for quite some time that he wouldn’t be wearing their uniform this season. And manager Dave Martinez acknowledged that being without him this spring training has taken some getting used to.“It’s been a little different,” he said. “I’ve had a really good relationship with Harp and we talked all the time. So in that aspect it is different especially for me.”No one tried to pretend like his departure wasn’t a big deal. They just choose to look ahead instead of lamenting what they lost.“Our focus is on us and what we need to do,” Martinez said. “I said that coming into spring training. Regardless of what happens with Harp, I’ve got to focus on the 58 guys we have in camp and get ready for the season.”Outfielder Adam Eaton knows everyone is wondering how this team will deal with the loss of Harper and fare without him. He said there will be no big talks or grand proclamations in the wake of the change. It will just be business as usual.“Just being a professional,” he said. “Everybody’s got to consider that. When you come into camp the guys that are surrounding you and the guys that are in the seats in the clubhouse, just play with them and get better with them.”They won’t have a lot of time to miss him. The first two of 19 regular season games against Philadelphia are scheduled for April 2-3 in Washington, which is the team’s second series of the year.“It’s kind of tough that he’s going to an NL East team but we’ll get to see more of him,” Eaton said. “He’s had his part in putting the Nationals where they are and to be able to see him is kind of cool.”Teammate Trea Turner is bracing for what it will be like when he first sees Harper in his Phillies uniform and noted how strange it was to see Andrew McCutchen don another teams colors last season after nine seasons with the Pirates.“You see Andrew McCutchen leave Pittsburgh http://www.marinersfanproshop.com/authentic-edgar-martinez-jersey , it was weird,” he said of Harper’s new teammate. “It’s definitely going to be weird. He’s been here for a long time and making the change over there is definitely going to be different, especially in the division. But it’s going to be interesting when we see him over there.”Eaton agreed and said it won’t only be the Nationals and their supporters that will have to adjust to Harper playing in Philadelphia.“This is not just for Nationals fans. I don’t care if you’re a Cubs fan or a Padres fan or a Seattle fan, seeing Bryce Harper in a different jersey will be different,” he said.The Nationals, who made the postseason in four of Harper’s seven seasons, believe they have another good team this year and like the challenge they’ll face within a division they believe has improved from top to bottom — not just in Philadelphia.“For me every team’s gotten better,” Martinez said. “If you look on paper at what everybody’s done http://www.marinersfanproshop.com/authentic-edgar-martinez-jersey , our division is going to be really, really strong.”That, they say is another reason why they can’t spend time worrying about Harper’s departure and need to move forward.“Our focus is on the here and now and trying to win our day,” Martinez said.
to make this offseason. The one on Carlos Carrasco was simple.Cleveland picked up its $9.75 million contract option for next season on the right-hander Yolmer Sanchez Jersey , who has developed into one of the AL’s most consistent and dominating pitchers over the past few years.The team declined its $3 million option for 2019 on outfielder Brandon Guyer, who battled through injuries last season. He’ll get a $250,000 buyout and become a free agent. It’s very possible he’ll re-sign with the Indians, who value what he brings on and off the field.The 31-year-old Carrasco went 17-10 with a 3.38 ERA in 30 starts last season for the AL Central champions. He also recorded a team-high 231 strikeouts in 192 innings as the Indians became the first team in baseball history to have four pitchers top the 200-strikeout plateau.The team has another option for 2020 on the right-hander, who has gone 35-16 with a 3.33 ERA over the past two seasons.“We believe Carlos has established himself as one of the top starters in the American League and has been a contributor to our team over the last few seasons,” team president Chris Antonetti said. “So, we’re obviously elated to continue his time with the team and the organization, and we expect him to make a big impact on our team for the next few seasons.”Carrasco is one of just four pitchers in club history to surpass 200 strikeouts three times.The Indians are expected to have their entire rotation — Carrasco, Corey Kluber, Trevor Bauer Adam Engel Jersey , Mike Clevinger and Shane Bieber — back next season.Guyer, 32, batted .206 with seven homers and 27 RBIs in 103 games. He joined the Indians in 2016, coming over in a mid-season trade from Tampa Bay.Antonetti said the decision on Guyer was “very difficult” but there is mutual interest in him coming back.“Where we ended is that we thought we would be best declining the option, leaving the door open to bring Brandon back, but maybe under potentially different terms,” Antonetti said. “He’s been a contributing member of our team for the last two and a half seasons and has made a very big impact at times. He battled through some injuries.“When he was healthy, we saw a guy that was capable of impacting our team and hitting in the middle of the order against left-handed pitching.”Guyer joins a long list of Indians free agents, which include closer Cody Allen, outfielders http://www.whitesoxfanproshop.com/authentic-paul-konerko-jersey , Michael Brantley, Melky Cabrera, Lonnie Chisenhall and Rajai Davis and relievers Andrew Miller and Oliver Perez.Cleveland has exclusive negotiating rights with its free agents until Friday, which is also the deadline for extend one-year qualifying offers ($17.9 million) to any free agents in order to potentially get draft-pick compensation if they sign elsewhere. Courtesy of his three National League Cy Young Awards, MVP, five ERA titles and numerous other accomplishments, Kershaw has a reputation as the best pitcher of his era that precedes him.And yet it's an open secret that he's not invincible anymore. The 2.73 ERA he posted in 2018 was his highest since 2010. He's downplayinga fastball that no longer has above-average velocity. Likewise, his strikeout rate was barely above average this season.For his part, Ryu has also been downplaying a low-velocity fastball since he reclaimed his status as a regular in the Dodgers rotation in 2017 after he endured two years ruined byshoulder surgery.He nonetheless put up a 1.97 ERA in 15 starts this season. His walk and home run rates were basically equal to Kershaw's, and he struck out 9.7 batters per nine innings to Kershaw's 8.7.So while Roberts isn't likely to say it while he and Kershaw are still inhabiting the same planet Lucas Giolito Jersey , Ryu is arguably a better pitcher than Kershawright now.Moreover, the 31-year-old had the approach needed to silence Atlanta's bats out of the gate.As MLB Network's Tom Verducci alluded to during Thursday's broadcast, Braves hitters like to swing their bats. They had the highest swing rate of any National League team, and they especially loved hacking at first-pitch fastballs (meaning four-seamers and two-seamers):20.2 Swing%, 2nd in MLB.667SLUG%, 2nd in MLBWhen it comes to first-pitch fastballs, Kershaw and Ryu couldn't be more different. The former led with heat 64.4 percent of the time. The latter? Only 41 percent.Ryu didn't budge from this formula against the Braves in Game 1. Only 10 of his 25 first pitches (40 percent) were fastballs, and only a handful were in the strike zone:Image courtesy of BaseballSavant.MLB.comBraves hitters never got comfortable against Ryu's backward, inside-out approach. They mustered four hits off him and walked zero times. Ryu struck out eight.For now, it's good enough for the Dodgers that Ryu's mastery led the way to a 1-0 series lead. What could make Roberts' call look even better in hindsight is if it has a positive effect on Kershaw in Game 2.It's fair to question (as Jon Weisman did at Dodger Thoughts) whether Kershaw's terrible postseason track record is actually that terrible. But everyone and their uncle knows it's not good http://www.whitesoxfanproshop.com/authentic-paul-konerko-jersey , which has to do with how he's never taken the mound in October under anything less than a glaring spotlight. Only Kershaw himself knows for sure, but it's fair to wonder how much responsibility that pressure bears for his past failures.This time, however, things will be a little different when Kershaw takes the bump at Chavez Ravine on Friday.Nobody will expect the lefty to get the Dodgers off on the right foot. He must only continue what Ryu started. That's less of a tall task. It may only help him improve on his recent playoff debuts鈥攕ee his6.69 ERA in four NLDS Game 1s between 2014 and 2017.If so, people will have to think twice before second-guessing any further surprises from Roberts.More importantly, the Dodgers' 1-0 lead could turn into a 2-0 lead. Stats courtesy of Baseball Reference, FanGraphs and Baseball Savant.
FORT MYERS http://www.rockiesfanproshop.com/authentic-chad-bettis-jersey , Fla. (AP) — Minnesota Twins third baseman Miguel Sano will likely miss the first month of the regular season, following another procedure to repair a severe cut above the heel on his right foot.Sano was sent to a plastic surgeon at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, where he underwent an operation called a debridement that removes damaged tissue or foreign objects from a wound, Twins chief baseball officer Derek Falvey said Tuesday.The gash Sano suffered Jan. 26 in his native Dominican Republic when he slipped on some metal stairs on a stage during his team’s winter league championship celebration was not healing as expected, so the Twins sought a more aggressive treatment for their 25-year-old slugger whose major league career has been marked more by nagging injuries than home runs.Falvey said Sano could resume baseball activity in about three weeks, with the goal of starting a minor league rehabilitation assignment in mid-April and joining the Twins in May.Fortunately for the Twins, they’ve got one of the most versatile players in the game to fill in after signing former Houston Astros handyman Marwin Gonzalez to a two-year, $21 million contract last month . The plan was to essentially make Gonzalez an everyday multi-positional player, but for now he’ll probably take the majority of the turns at third base.For Twins, though Adam Ottavino Jersey , the news was another setback after a career-worst 2018 season for Sano during which he batted .199 with a .679 on-base-plus-slugging percentage in 71 games while spending months in the minor leagues for reconditioning.Though he came with stitches behind his Achilles tendon, Sano reported to camp noticeably slimmer after a more rigorous winter workout routine with designs on putting together the complete season the Twins have been waiting for since Sano made the All-Star game in 2017. ST. LOUIS (AP) — A chuckling Eric Thames said it felt so good he almost ripped third base out of the ground and hoisted it above his head.A lot of that going around for Milwaukee these days.Thames tripled and scored on reliever Bud Norris’ throwing error in the eighth inning, and the Brewers improved their playoff positioning by topping the St. Louis Cardinals 6-4 on Monday night.“You have to capitalize on errors and bad pitches, wild pitches and stuff like that,” Thames said. “Tonight we did that.”Ryan Braun homered and Christian Yelich drove in two runs as Milwaukee won for the fourth time in five games. The Brewers (90-67) opened a three-game lead over St. Louis for the top spot in the wild-card standings and pulled within 1 1/2 games of the NL Central-leading Chicago Cubs, who lost 5-1 to Pittsburgh.“Offensively, we did a heck of a job,” manager Craig Counsell said.Corbin Burnes (7-0), the seventh of nine Milwaukee pitchers, got two outs for the win Pat Valaika Jersey , and Corey Knebel worked the ninth for his 16th save. With a runner on, Jose Martinez fouled off four two-strike pitches before taking a called third strike for the final out.Chase Anderson was slated to start before Counsell announced Sunday that the team had decided to go with a bullpen game instead. Dan Jennings made his first career start and retired Matt Carpenter on a grounder to second before the left-hander was replaced by Freddy Peralta, beginning a parade of relievers for the Brewers.“Props to everybody who came in behind me and the position players for getting it done,” Jennings said. “That’s a grind right there.”Martinez and Marcell Ozuna homered off Josh Hader in the rain, but St. Louis (87-70) was unable to close out a one-run lead. The Cardinals’ advantage in the race for the second NL wild card was trimmed to a half-game over Colorado, which cruised to a 10-1 win over Philadelphia.“It’s not frustrating, at all,” Martinez said. “We’ve got two games to win the series.”Thames has played sparingly this year with the Brewers in playoff contention. But Counsell sent him up to hit for Burnes in the eighth and he tripled past a sliding Martinez in right field with one out.“Oh man, it felt amazing,” Thames said.After Mike Moustakas was intentionally walked Daniel Castro Jersey , Norris (3-6) tried a pickoff throw that hit the baserunner before bounding away from first baseman Matt Carpenter.“It was called from the dugout. … A decent throw, but obviously crept in and got him and the ball bounced away,” Norris said. “Just a tough break. Very unfortunate.”Thames scored easily and Yelich added an RBI double in the ninth as Milwaukee improved to 9-8 against St. Louis this season. Yelich, one of the top candidates for NL MVP, also walked and scored on Braun’s bases-loaded walk as the Brewers scored two runs in the sixth without a hit, opening a 3-1 lead.St. Louis staged a dramatic rally as the showers intensified on a soggy night at Busch Stadium.Martinez led off the sixth with a drive to center for his 17th homer, sending a charge through the crowd of 36,508. After Paul DeJong walked, Ozuna put the Cardinals in front with a screaming liner just over the wall in center.Hader had given up just six homers in 51 appearances this year, and none since Anthony Rizzo connected for the Cubs on Sept. 3.But Milwaukee quickly answered. The Brewers loaded the bases with one out in the seventh against Jordan Hicks http://www.rockiesfanproshop.com/authentic-chad-bettis-jersey , and Keon Broxton scampered home with the tying run on Yelich’s fielder’s choice back up the middle.WORTH NOTINGCounsell said All-Star reliever Jeremy Jeffress was unavailable because of neck spasms. The right-hander is day to day.TRAINER’S ROOMBrewers: Hader was visited by Counsell and a trainer after he slipped while trying to pick off Harrison Bader at second. But Hader said after the game he was fine.Cardinals: 2B Kolten Wong struck out swinging as a pinch hitter in his first appearance since he left Friday’s 5-3 victory over San Francisco with cramps in both hamstrings. “It’s definitely turned a corner,” he said before the loss. “It feels a lot better today.”UP NEXTBrewers left-hander Gio Gonzalez (9-11, 4.28 ERA) and Cardinals left-hander Austin Gomber (6-1, 3.63) pitch on Tuesday night. Gonzalez is 2-0 with a 1.65 ERA in three starts since he was acquired in a trade with Washington on Aug. 31. Gomber is coming off a solid start at Atlanta, allowing one run in five innings for an 8-1 victory.
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pon Further Review: Packers at PatriotsSAFETY SHUFFLE, PART 2The Packers have done a midseason shuffle at safety. The moves began with the trade of Ha Ha Clinton-Dix to Washington last week.Kentrell Brice was limited at midweek with a knee injury, while Jermaine Whitehead was released this week. Veteran cornerback Tramon Williams was moved to safety against the Rams, but could be needed back at cornerback against Miami because of Kevin King‘s hamstring injury. Green Bay picked up safety Ibraheim Campbell off waivers from the New York Jets this week, while second-year player Josh Jones figures to see more snaps after being slowed by injury earlier this year.TURNOVER TIMEThe four picks of Jets rookie Sam Darnold last week gave Miami a league-high 15 interceptions. Now the Dolphins face Rodgers, who has thrown one pick this season.“They’ve made a lot of plays on the ball. They do a nice disguise package,” Rodgers said. “Guys with vision to the football, which means you always have to be smart about your eye discipline.”—MIAMI (5-4) at GREEN BAY (3-4-1)Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, CBSOPENING LINE – Packers by 7RECORD VS. SPREAD – Miami 5-4, Green Bay 3-5SERIES RECORD – Dolphins lead 10-4LAST MEETING – Packers beat Dolphins 27-24, Oct. 12, 2014LAST WEEK – Dolphins beat Jets 13-6; Packers lost to Patriots 31-17AP PRO32 RANKING – Dolphins No. 19, Packers No. 16DOLPHINS OFFENSE – OVERALL (28) 
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