Vikings kicker Dan Bailey’s former boss speaks on why Bailey was let go In the wake of the news that former Dallas Cowboys kicker Dan Bailey is now signing with the Minnesota Vikings http://www.minnesotavikingsteamonline.com/xavier-rhodes-jersey , Dallas Cowboys owner, coach, and PR guy Jerry Jones spoke today about why he let the second most accurate kicker in the league go.KFAN said that Jones spoke on his radio show (yes, he has his own radio show) about why Brett Maher was the better fit for the Cowboys and the real reason — which is money.“Well I think we got real comfortable with how [Brett] Maher was kicking, what kind of offseason he had,” Jones said. “But we, as you well know, felt that we could really get the same strategy, same impact that a kicker like Bailey gives us, we felt we could get that from another guy who fit our cap, fit our team better”Jones went on to say that, “It’s what the other boy did. As much as Maher did as much as anything. He was very consistent, and if you had been at practice you could have probably seen Authentic Kirk Cousins Jersey , just in general, that we felt like the other player could perform as well and under the circumstances, that’s how you make your decisions.”But back to the “fit our cap, fit our team better.” Bailey’s contract was $22.5 million and that would give him $3.4 million for the next three seasons. And let’s be honest, Jones isn’t trying to pay Bailey that much especially when he is only paying Maher $480,000 for this season. Bailey’s accuracy is not the issue. His last season with the Cowboys he was “75% of his attempts and went 26/28 on extra points.” and prior to that he has had 88% accuracy for field goals and 99% accuracy on extra points.Welcome, Bailey! We will take your minimum 75% accuracy any day of the week.The Vikings’ quarterback decision looks pretty good so far Going into the offseason, the Minnesota Vikings had three quarterbacks on their roster that many considered to be, at the very least, solid options. They had Case Keenum, who was coming off of the best season of his career in leading the Vikings to the 2017 NFC Championship Game. They had Sam Bradford, who looked amazing in the 2017 opener before getting injured and giving way to Keenum. And they had Teddy Bridgewater, who fought back from a gruesome knee injury to get back on the field and had endeared himself to many of the Vikings’ faithful despite not putting up huge statistical numbers.Yet Authentic Mike Hughes Jersey , when the time came to give out a big quarterback contract in March of 2018, Vikings’ GM Rick Spielman, head coach Mike Zimmer, and offensive coordinator John DeFilippo decided that the answer to that question was “none of the above.” Instead, they wined, dined, and eventually gave the first fully-guaranteed contract in the NFL’s free agency era to Kirk Cousins. Cousins had bided his time in Washington, playing under the franchise tag for two consecutive years, but was never really embraced by the coaching staff in the nation’s capital. . .or the majority of the fan base, for that matter.It’s still early in the season, but to this point it appears that the people that run the Vikings might kind of sort of have an idea about what they’re doing.We’ll skip Bridgewater, who hasn’t seen the field in 2018 because he’s backing up Drew Brees in New Orleans.In Arizona, Bradford started the first three games of the season for the Cardinals (who the Vikings will see this coming Sunday). In those three games Womens Adam Thielen Jersey , he threw for a total of 400 yards, including a 90-yard performance in a shutout loss against the Rams. He was pulled late in the team’s Week 3 loss to Chicago in favor of rookie Josh Rosen. In each of the last two games, not only has Bradford not played, he hasn’t even been active. That means that not only was he behind Rosen on the depth chart, he’s now behind Mike Glennon.Yes, Mike Glennon. But at least he’s getting about $20 million this year to not dress on game day.In Denver, things haven’t been much better for Keenum. He got off to a decent enough start, throwing three touchdown passes (and three interceptions) in a season-opening victory over Seattle. Then, he had no touchdown passes in Week 2.Or Week 3.Or Week 4.He finally got back on track against the Jets on Sunday with two more scoring throws, but the Broncos are now riding a three-game losing streak after winning their first two games.Cousins, on the other hand, has been pretty good.With Brees yet to play in Week 5 action, Cousins is currently second in the NFL in passing yardage (behind Jared Goff) Authentic Riley Reiff Jersey , and is currently completing over 71% of his passes, despite being one of the most pressured quarterbacks in the National Football League so far this season. He’s thrown 11 touchdown passes through the team’s first five games, and has thrown only two interceptions, both of which came on passes that really should have been caught by their intended receiver. He’s on pace to shatter just about every Vikings’ single-season passing record.I understand that Cousins gets the benefit of an incredibly talented supporting case, with Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs comprising the best receiving duo in the NFL and Kyle Rudolph continuing to do his thing as well. Keenum and Bradford undoubtedly benefited from having those players to work with as well. However, Cousins was good before he got the opportunity to work with this group of skill position players. The Vikings knew that Cousins’ skills would be even more enhanced by getting to work with those guys. Keenum and Bradford, on the other hand, got the benefit of playing with those players as well but couldn’t get the Vikings to the promised land.I can’t imagine that there are a lot of holdouts left in the pro-Keenum or pro-Bradford or pro-Bridgewater camps after the first five weeks of this season. However, at this early juncture, it sure does look like the Vikings have made the right decision.
The majority of the NFL action for Week 8 is in the books http://www.thevikingsfootballauthentic.com/sheldon-richardson-jersey-authentic , and now we can finally sit back and treat ourselves to the most important game of the weekend.Yes, it’s time for Sunday Night Football, and this week your Minnesota Vikings are hosting the New Orleans Saints at U.S. Bank Stadium. Both of these teams are on a bit of a roll coming into this one, and the Vikings are missing some pieces, so we’ll see if they can maintain their positive momentum.Here is everything you need to know.Time: Sunday, 28 October, 7:20 PM Central timeLocation: U.S. Bank Stadium Womens Brett Jones Jersey , Minneapolis, MinnesotaTelevision coverage: KARE-11 in the Twin Cities, NBC affiliates across the countryRadio coverage: Vikings Radio Network, Sirius Channel 83, XM Channel 225Line: Saints -2, Over/under 55Prediction: Saints 34, Vikings 31Three keys1) Get pressure on Drew Brees - This is going to be as big a key as any in this one. The Vikings are hurting in the secondary http://www.thevikingsfootballauthentic.com/mike-remmers-jersey-authentic , and even though it appears that Xavier Rhodes will play, he might not be 100%. That means that the big guys up front are going to have to get after Brees in this one. Hopefully the return of Everson Griffen will provide the Vikings’ defense the spark they need to do just that.2) Throw the football. A lot. - Usually, the emphasis is on being able to run the football to balance things out offensively, but in this case that could be counter-productive. The Saints’ run defense is really good, but their pass defense is awful, and they certainly don’t have anyone capable of hanging with Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs. Kirk Cousins is going to have time to make plays in this one, and I think the Vikings are going to have to air it out in a big way.3) Take advantage of home cooking - By that Authentic Dalvin Cook Jersey , I don’t mean any sort of “hometown calls” from the officials. . .as if the Vikings would get those anyway. . .but it’s tough to deny that the Saints are a significantly different team on the road than they are at home. The crowd at U.S. Bank Stadium tonight should be bonkers, and the Vikings are going to need to take advantage of that in this one.Know the Foe: Canal Street ChroniclesTwitter: Right hereFaceBook: www.facebook.com/TheDailyNorsemanTweets by DailyNorseman As usual, we will roll out a brand new Open Thread at the start of each quarter, so make sure you keep your eyes open for that. Enjoy tonight’s game, ladies and gentlemen, and hopefully in a few hours here we’ll be celebrating the Vikings’ fourth consecutive victory.SKOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL VIKINGS!!!! *****Download Link Here*****Episode Notes:This is where I ate pizza, and it was divineAnd these are the bagels I hadThis is the beautiful story in the New York Post about Kirk CousinsVisit Bar None in NYC!Special thanks to Rhymesayers Entertainment and Atmosphere for the new theme song!Arif - @ArifHasanNFLJames - @bigmonoTo listen to more Womens Tom Compton Jersey , this is the link to that iTunes feed. If you can’t for whatever reason subscribe via iTunes, subscribe to via our RSS feed, which should support the RSS reader or podcast organizer of your choice. You can still leave a review even if you can’t subscribe via iTunes because it’s easy to create an AppleID. We also have a YouTube channel. Our podcasts are automatically uploaded there.If you want to make sure you don’t miss an episode and find out ways to support the show, head to our website!But we also have a Patreon and that should make it even easier to support the best podcast for your Minnesota Vikings. We know that it’s a tough ask given all the problems involving their transaction fees, but if can manage it, check it out here. If you wanted to donate via Paypal instead of Patreon, head to this link.Once again Womens Danielle Hunter Jersey , contact me at arifmhasan (at) gmail dot com or the podcast at NorseCodePodcast (at) gmail dot com. Follow us on twitter at @NorseCodeDN or just me at @ArifHasanNFL. You can follow producer and host James Pogatshnik at @bigmono.
Melvin Gordon did not practice Wednesday Josh Gordon Jersey , taking a rest day, but he had his helmet and was feeling “good” as he headed to practice Thursday.The Chargers running back expects to play Sunday against the Patriots.“Yeah, I’m ready to roll,” Gordon said, via video posted by Fernando Ramirez of NBC San Diego.Gordon has soreness in both knees, one of which he sprained early in the wild-card playoff win over the Ravens. Gordon played 32 of 73 snaps Sunday.“I just hurt it a little bit,” Gordon said. “Throw a little dirt on it, [and] I’ll be all right.”Gordon said he was experiencing a “little stiffness, but that’s what comes with it.”Gordon, 25 Authentic Phillip Dorsett Jersey Salute to Service , gained 1,375 yards from scrimmage this season with 14 touchdowns. He had 14 carries for 132 yards against the Patriots last season, including an 87-yard touchdown run. Tom Brady and the New England Patriots are stacking up the victories and that's what matters most to them.As for the aesthetics, they'll keep working on that."We need to make improvements," Brady said. "I think the more we're on the field, the more we can practice, the more we can figure out where everyone fits and what we're doing a good job at in general, those things start to sort themselves out. ... But I'd certainly take building on the wins rather than losing games."Brady threw for three touchdowns and the Patriots hung on to beat the Chicago Bears 38-31 Sunday when Kevin White got stopped at the 1 on a 54-yard pass from Mitchell Trubisky.The Patriots (5-2) won their fourth straight following a 1-2 start. Coming off a 43-40 win over Kansas City, New England came out on top when a swarming defense prevented White from crossing the goal line after he hauled in a heave from Trubisky on the final play.That gave Chicago (3-3) its second loss in a row after winning three straight to grab sole possession of the NFC North lead.Here are some things to know:INJURIES ADDING UPAlready missing five-time Pro Bowl tight end Rob Gronkowski, the Patriots might also have to get by without promising rookie running back Sony Michel.He lost a fumble and had to be helped from the field after he was twisted around while getting tackled by Bilal Nichols on the first play of the second quarter. In the previous three games Limited Danny Shelton Jersey , Michel rushed for 316 yards and four touchdowns.Gronkowski missed his first game because of ankle and back injuries.WILD TIMESMitchell Trubisky's accuracy came into question, but not his feet.His career-high 81 yards rushing included a spinning, cross-field 8-yard TD run in which he initially scrambled back to about the 30. But he had two interceptions, should have had at least two more and finished 26 for 50 for 333 yards with two touchdowns.The wildness was very apparent early against Patriot blitzes."Early on, it wasn't just Mitch," Bears coach Matt Nagy said. "Trust me. There were a lot of people that were out of rhythm."GOING DEEPThe Patriots had been lacking a bonafide deep threat in the passing game, but recently acquired Josh Gordon is starting to make an impact. He had a 55-yard reception to set up Brady's 2-yard TD pass to James White to make it 38-24.He now has 13 catches for 224 yards in four games with New England since a trade from Cleveland last month."We are just going to keep developing our confidence in one another, and he's making great plays when I throw him the ball," Brady said. "Just got to keep doing it."LACK MACKStar pass rasher Khalil Mack was largely a nonfactor for the second straight game.The two-time All-Pro made little impact after injuring his right ankle early in last week's overtime loss at Miami. And it wasn't much different going against Brady and the Patriots.Mack had one tackle, and he failed to register a sack for the second week in a row. He spent most of the time on the right side of the line of scrimmage instead of the left Jason McCourty Jersey , where he usually plays. And he often dropped back in coverage.Chicago's lone sack was by Roquan Smith."I don't know if it affected him yet," coach Matt Nagy said, referring to Mack's ankle. "Obviously we didn't feel it from our team as far as just getting the overall general pressure on (Brady)."CATCH AND RUNJames White continues to give New England solid contributions in the receiving and running games.He caught a team-high eight passes for 57 yards and two touchdowns. He also led New England with 40 yards rushing."You never know how a team is going to decide how to match up against you," White said. "No matter who is covering me, I just try to win my match whether it's a corner, safety, linebacker, D-ends. Just get open, man to man or find the right spot in the end zone and catch the ball and protect it."White leads New England for the year in receptions with 45 and has six TD catches.
The Patriots’ defense played outstanding all night in Super Bowl 53 Authentic Jordan Richards Jersey , not allowing the Rams to advance inside their own 20-yard line for even a single snap of the game. However, one play in particular stood out and had it gone differently could have changed the entire script of the game. I’m talking about is Jason McCourty’s hustle play to break up a surefire touchdown to a wide open Brandin Cooks in the third quarter.New England was leading 3-0 with the offense struggling to move the ball past midfield for most of the game, which is a testament to how well the Rams defense played in this game.The Rams started finding a rhythm on offense in the third quarter and had driven past the Patriots’ 30-yard line. The Rams ended up kicking a 53-yard field goal to tie the game at 3, but it would have been a lot worse if Jason McCourty didn’t do this:The Patriots were playing quarters coverage with their two safeties and boundary cornerbacks for most of the second half. Earlier in the drive, Patrick Chung left the game with a broken arm after getting it caught between Todd Gurley and Jonathan Jones on a run play. Veteran Duron Harmon would end up coming into the game in his place, but the Patriots secondary made a huge mental errorStephon Gilmore was originally lined up across from Brandin Cooks on the play and attempted to pass him off to one of the safeties. Neither picked him up, though, which left Cooks the sole player on either team in the end zone. As Goff was getting ready to throw he sensed the pressure of Kyle Van Noy, who had just shaken free of Rob Havenstein’s block, and threw a wobbler in Cooks’ direction.Jason McCourty Montee Ball Jersey Salute to Service , who was on the other side of the field, noticed the play and how it was developing and busted it in Cooks’ direction. The underthrown ball gave the first-year Patriot just enough time to run the play down and arrive at the same time as the pass. McCourty was able to pry the ball out of the wide receiver’s hands and prevented the Rams from taking the lead late in the third period. The impact of the play would prove to be huge in the game, as it prevented the Rams from taking the lead and afterwards forced them to settle for a long field goal attempt following to Dont’a Hightower’s second sack of the game. The Patriots offense would then score 10 points on its final two possessions to salt the game before the defense made one more stop with Stephon Gilmore’s acrobatic interception.However, Gilmore’s incredible pick might not have been possible if not for McCourty’s Herculean efforts on the previous drive. It’s the type of play that should be remembered forever not only for Patriots fans, but the history of the NFL as one of the most iconic defensive plays in Super Bowl history.New England Patriots links 9/11/18 - Roster moving & shaking following Week 1 TEAM TALKPatriots release WRs Chad Hansen and Riley McCarron; place RB Jeremy Hill on injured reserve.Erik Scalavino breaks down the film, quarter-by-quarter, and shares his observations: Credit LB Kyle Van Noy for initiating the first Patriots big play of 2018.Angelique Fiske posts a pic of Phyllis Harrell, mother of Devin and Jason McCourty, debuting her split jersey on Sunday.Patriots locker room celebration following the win over the Texans. (1.35 min. video)WEEI Patriots Monday: Tom Brady (10.14 min.) - Trey Flowers (10.01 min.) - James White (9.49 min.)LOCAL LINKSEric Wilbur writes that at least after Week 1, keeping Tom Brady looks like the right decision for the Patriots. /Interesting explanation.Matt Vautour passes along a report from Ian Rapoport that WR Corey Coleman Deatrich Wise Jr Jersey , the 15th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft (Browns) has signed with New England. Mike Reiss enjoyed watching the defense unleash a spirited pass rush in Sunday’s season-opening win, something that was M.I.A. for most of last season.Chad Finn says that all in all, Week one was an encouraging effort from the Patriots defense.Phil Perry’s Film Review: Patriots-Texans. Phillip Dorsett finally is being used correctly.Zack Cox details how Tom Brady and the Patriots pulled off their latest textbook two-minute drill vs. the Texans.Mark Dunphy writes “eight times, J.J. Watt has entered the arena to face New England. Eight times, Watt left in defeat.” Here’s what Watt had to say after the loss.Michael Hurley serves up some leftover Patriots thoughts: Brady and Gronk are still very much Brady and Gronk.Dave Brown is snarkily relieved the Patriots managed to steal a win despite the absence of coveted backups Jimmy G. and Jacoby B.Zack Cox mentions how Phillip Dorsett channeled his inner Cordarrelle Patterson in his breakout game.Phil Perry points out that the Patriots leader in playing time at LB on Sunday was rookie fifth-round pick Ja’Whaun Bentley.Andrew Callahan gives us the snap count analysis from Sunday: Gronk goes the distance, Bentley leads front seven.Doug Kyed notes the Patriots have three open roster spots, and looks at the WRs and RBs available to fill them.Ross Gienieczko Patriots Notebook: Offensive line holds off Texans pass rush.Jared Talbot (FullPressCoverage) Winners/Losers Week 1: Patriots vs Texans.Kevin Duffy issues his Week 1 Patriots report card: Defense makes the grade.Mike Reiss wonders if Dez Bryant’s tweeted interest in playing for the Patriots and love of the game might be enough to set up a get-to-know-you meeting.D.J. Bean wants the Patirots to sign Dez Bryant, says he would be worth the risk.Adam London NFL Rumors: Patriots don’t appear interested in WR Dez Bryant.Thomas Murphy (DiehardBostonSportsFans) Now that Rap Sheet says Gronk was shopped, you believe?: Gronk was not only shopped he was traded. /He wasn’t, because he’s here.Mark Daniels points to Duron Harmon’s unnecessary roughness penalty that shows the NFL’s new helmet rule is still confusing to the players.Matt Chatham (BlogTalkRadio) The REAL THING Patriots podcast: Texans-Patriots game review. (1 hour 7 min.) /Well worth a listen. NATIONAL NEWSMike Jones (USA Today) With Tom Brady Limited Rex Burkhead Jersey , Patriots show they can endure whatever changes come their way.John Breech (CBS Sports) Patriots make another surprising cut at wide receiver, their third cut this month: The Patriots’ depth chart is thinning out at WR.Sarah Barshop (ESPN) Bill O’Brien says in hindsight he should have called timeout to let play get reviewedChristian D’Andrea (SB Nation) Overreactions from Week 1 of the 2018 NFL season: Joe Flacco is elite -- again?Nate Davis (USA Today) 32 things we learned from Week 1 of the 2018 NFL season. Only Patriots’ mentions are lack of production from Pats WRs and Tyrann Mathieu picking off Brady.Staff (NFL.com) .What we learned from Sunday’s Week 1 games.Josh Alper (ProFootballTalk) New NFL head coaches went 0-7 in Week 1. /0uch!Adam Schein (NFL.com) The Schein Nine: 1. Aaron Rodgers is NFL’s Michael Jordan. No mention of Pats. /Prob because he’s embarrassed about No. 1.Lorenzo Reyes (USA Today) NFL Week 1 winners, losers: Cowboys offense looks stuck.Justin Leger (TheLedgeSports) Biggest overreactions from Week 1 of the NFL season.Bill Barnwell (ESPN) The Week 1 replacements who set the tone for 2018, and what comes next.John Breech (CBS Sports) NFL Week 1 Grades: Patriots A-, Texans C+.Joel Corry (CBS Sports) Agent’s Take: Here’s why Matthew Stafford could retire as NFL career earnings king.Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) John Mara: Players don’t want 18-game season.Andrew Bucholtz (Awful Announcing) ESPN’s new MNF scorebug now includes down and distance arrow, uses a larger score font.Ben Koo (Awful Announcing) Jason Witten underwhelms in an overall dry Monday Night Football broadcast.
Raiders trade away Khalil Mack Khalil Mack is arguably the best defensive player in the National Football League. He is indisputably one of the five best defensive players in the league. And now Youth Mike Williams Jersey , following a prolonged contract dispute, the All Pro is on his way out off the Oakland Raiders and out of the AFC West. For the Raiders’ division rivals, Jon Gruden is the gift that just keeps on giving.Mack is headed to the Chicago Bears for a package of picks that will almost certainly fail to provide the same value as one of the very best players of his generation. Trading away Mack is, to borrow a phrase from Silver and Black Pride’s Levi Damien, “a catastrophic failure.”The Chargers’ schedule is officially easier than it was yesterday. Ken Whisenhunt and co. no longer need to figure out how to protect Philip Rivers from Mack twice this year. The absence of Mack makes the entire Oakland defense easier to deal with overall. There are not a lot of players that completely transform their side of the ball, but Mack is one of them and now he is gone.Even as reports came out that this move was becoming more likely it was difficult to really believe that even the Raiders could be this dumb. But apparently they are and it is spectacular. For the first time in almost two months, the team, and its’ fan base, did not get to celebrate victory Monday following their 23-22 loss to the Denver Broncos.In a game that looked to be a hot mess from the very beginning, the Chargers floundered their way to their worst performance of the season as they seemed to do everything in their power to avoid leaving StubHub Center with a win on Sunday afternoon.The Chargers were far away better than the Broncos in several key stats, including time of possession, total plays http://www.chargersauthorizedshops.com/authentic-drew-kaser-jersey , and total yards. However, the Broncos did essentially everything they needed to, when they needed to, to come out on top.For the first time since week 1 against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Bolts failed to record a sack. To add some insult to injury, the defense also failed to log a single tackle-for-loss or turnover. Alas, the Chargers continue their streak of being unbeaten when they give up one or zero turnovers.On an individual level, the players also produced their worst graded game of the season, according to Pro Football Focus. You also know it was quite an anomaly when guys like Old Man Gates and Michael Davis are the highest-graded players on the entire team.(extremely deep and long exhale)It was a very forgettable performance by a team looking to stay hot until the toughest part of their schedule arrived. I just hope the team embraces that massive kick to the groin and understands going forward that, however they prepared for the Broncos, is not going to cut it going forward.Here’s to the final six weeks of the season and what could amount to a make-or-break stretch for Anthony Lynn and Co.SurgeTE Antonio GatesI don’t know about the rest of you, but Sunday’s performance by Gates was magical in the same way a unicorn is Joe Barksdale Jersey , but maybe like an older, less agile unicorn.Gates actually played a major role in keeping the Bolts alive while the rest of the team racked up penalty after penalty. Most of his 80 receiving yards came on money downs when the team needed a big play the most. His 6-yard score was the second of the season and almost helped put the Broncos away as the score was 19-7 in middle of the third quarter.His five catches and 80 yards receiving were both season-highs while his score was his first since week 4 against the San Francisco 49ers.It’s always a great sight to see Gates has still got it, especially in crucial moments in important games. If anything, this performance helps the Chargers as its proof that #85 still deserves a good amount of attention when he is on the field.RB Melvin GordonGordon makes yet another appearance on the Surge list as he continues to be a bright spot in each and every game this season. Gordon has developed and progressed in each season since his lousy rookie campaign but this year might be his biggest step of them all.Where Gordon has improved the most is his ability to stuff the staff sheet regardless if opposing teams sell out of stop him on the ground.In week two against the Bills Gordon recorded season-lows in carries and rushing yards with nine carries for 28 yards. However, he still caught six passed for another 38 yards to go along with three total touchdowns on the day (1 rushing, 2 receiving).In week 5 during their first contest against the Oakland Raiders, Gordon rushed for just 58 yards on 19 carries but caught another four passed for 62 yards. It just doesn’t matter what you try to take away, Gordon has found a way to break through and that’s the biggest reason why Gordon is finally able to have a case for being one of the top running backs in the league.Against the Broncos, Gordon had 69 yards rushing on just 18 carries. But just like he has all season, he made up for the lack of rushing through the air by catching six passes for 87 yards which wound up being good for second on the team in receiving yards in that contest.StaticS Jahleel AddaeI’m not sure what to say about Addae at this point that hasn’t already said dozens of times by me or the rest of the Bolts From The Blue staff.On Sunday afternoon, if there was a big play broken off by the Broncos, Addae was sure to be seen in the vicinity Authentic Casey Hayward Jersey , usually lying on the ground after whiffing on the tackle or running five yards behind as he struggled to keep up with any of the Broncos’ skill players.Luckily, the Broncos were forced to punt several plays later, but one of the most boneheaded plays made by Addae was the holding call on WR Emmanuel Sandersthat erased a momentum-shifting interception by S Adrian Phillips.Following the interception by OLB Von Miller, Addae looked allergic to contact as he consistently stay back away from the action in obvious run situations. Even when his starting position was in his own end zone, he waited and waited on his reads and kept himself out of any chance of helping in run support.It’s just so apparent that he does not belong on the field and I’m not sure how long Coach Lynn can save him from his inevitable benching.QB Philip RiversOver the last several weeks, Rivers’ play has been on a decline. It hasn’t been dramatic, but steady nonetheless.For the first time this season, Rivers threw multiple interceptions in a game. The first of his interceptions was a fairly frustrating play as he seemed to force the ball to WR Tyrell Williams who was matched up with the Broncos’ best CB in Chris Harris Jr. His second interception was more of an incredible play by Miller than a knock on Rivers. With the defender playing well off of Benjamin and the defense showing tons of pressure, getting it out to Travis as quick as possible was the right call. But there’s a reason Miller is a generational talent.This just goes to show how much pressure from the edge can really mess things up and take Rivers out of his zone. This offensive line is still better than the 2015 and ‘16 lines butthere still appears to be ghosts haunting #17 years later. nflshopoutlet.com
Oakland and the Los Angeles Chargers both come into Sunday's game ranked in the Top 10 in total offense. The matchup between AFC West rivals is likely to come down to who has the greatest success running the ball.Both teams had a 100-yard rusher in their wins last week. The Raiders' Marshawn Lynch had 130 yards in a 45-42 overtime victory over Cleveland Authentic Austin Ekeler Jersey , while the Chargers' Melvin Gordon gained 104 yards on the ground in a 29-27 win over San Francisco .Lynch and Gordon are both ranked in the Top 10 in rushing. Lynch is fourth with 300 yards and has shown flashes of being back to the level he displayed in Seattle from 2011-14, when he had four straight 1,000-yard seasons. Gordon is seventh with 276 yards.Both players are showing they are physical runners in different ways. Lynch has generated 77.3 percent of his yards after contact according to SportRadar, the highest percentage among the top 24 backs. Gordon is tied for third in broken tackles with 12."There's not a lot of backs that can say they run the football like he does. He still has elusiveness and speed," Raiders coach Jon Gruden said about Lynch. "This guy likes the physical grind and I think he feeds off of it."Gordon is also making an impact in the passing game as he is tied for the Chargers' lead in receptions with 17. That has allowed him to lead the AFC in yards from scrimmage with 475."He's really done a great job as a receiver and really been a factor to make huge plays for us," Chargers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt said. "I think he has been driven to get his game to another level, and I think we're seeing the benefit to that. He's worked hard. He's studied it."Both teams are looking for a win to avoid falling to 0-2 in division games. Quarterback Philip Rivers said the Chargers need to start stringing together wins to avoid falling further behind unbeaten Kansas City."I think we're just playing a little better all the way around. A little more complementary all the way around," Rivers said. "But certainly, you know Youth Darius Philon Jersey , this is no time to keep going win-loss, win-loss, win-loss. So it's an opportunity for us to get our second win in a row and get above .500 and keep going."Here are some other things to watch as the Chargers look for their third straight victory over the Raiders:CARR VS. RIVERSOakland's Derek Carr and Rivers have split their first eight meetings. Both are coming into the game with momentum.Carr is looking for his third straight 300-yard game, which would be the first time that has happened in his five-year career. Rivers has thrown 11 touchdowns, tying for the most he has thrown in the first four games.PASS RUSH HELPThe Chargers are hoping defensive tackle Corey Liuget's return from a four-game suspension for violating the league's policy on performance enhancers helps improve a pass rush that has struggled.Los Angeles has only eight sacks as Melvin Ingram has been frequently been double-teamed. Defensive end Joey Bosa will miss his fifth straight game due to a foot injury.ROOKIE TACKLESThe Raiders will have an untested tackle this week after right tackle Donald Penn was placed on IR with a groin injury. Rookie Brandon Parker will step in and team with fellow rookie Kolton Miller, who is on the left side protecting Carr. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, this will be the first time since the 1970 merger that the Raiders will have two rookie tackles starting in a game.DEFENSIVE HELPThe Raiders hope the anticipated debut of cornerback Daryl Worley will help eliminate the big plays that have plagued the defense. Oakland has allowed a league-worst five 50-yard or longer plays and is tied for second worst with 23 plays allowed of at least 20 yards. Worley should provide a needed boost in the secondary as he returns from a four-game suspension for violating the league's policies on substance abuse and personal conduct.WHOSE HOME GAME?The Raiders left Los Angeles in 1994, but they still have a large and boisterous contingent of fans in the area. When the Raiders played a preseason game against the Rams at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Aug. 21, it sounded like a Raiders home game. Even though the StubHub Center seats only 27 http://www.chargersauthorizedshops.com/authentic-isaac-rochell-jersey ,000, it is likely the crowd will be predominantly silver and black.The Chargers have won five of their past six at StubHub, but it hasn't felt like a home-field advantage. Last Sunday's game against the 49ers appeared to have more San Francisco fans.AP Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow contributed to this story.Follow Joe Reedy at joereedy Philip Rivers watched Ben Roethlisberger do what the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback so often does 鈥?lead a game-tying drive late in the fourth quarter 鈥?and decided it was time for the Los Angeles Chargers to do something they so rarely do: win a big one on the road against a team with Super Bowl aspirations of its own.So the longtime Los Angeles quarterback gathered his teammates around him and delivered a very blunt message."It was 'Let's go win it,'" Rivers said. "'Let's make this the last drive and win it.'"Done and done. Rivers drove the Chargers 64 yards in 11 plays to set up Michael Badgley's 29-yard field goal on the final snap as the Los Angeles rallied for a 33-30 victory on Sunday night.Badgley's initial 39-yard attempt sailed wide left, but the Steelers were called for offsides. Badgley's ensuing 34-yard attempt was blocked, but Pittsburgh's celebration was cut short when the Steelers were again flagged for crossing the line of scrimmage early. The Steelers jumped once more Badgley's 29-yarder, but the Chargers gleefully declined the penalty as they spilled onto the field."There was no worry or doubt," Badgley said. "It's just one of those things where you stay tough. It's a situation you never really plan out there where you get three in a row like that. You just have to go do what you know how to do."Down 23-7 at the half, the Chargers (9-3) became the first visiting team to win in Pittsburgh after trailing by 16. The Steelers (7-4-1) had been 174-0-1 when up by that much at home. Now Pittsburgh heads into the final quarter of the season having its once comfortable lead in the AFC North trimmed to just a half-game over surging Baltimore (7-5)."Don't need to panic Denzel Perryman Jersey ," Roethlisberger said. "Don't need to worry."Might be time to start. The Steelers have dropped two straight for the first time this season and seemingly had no answer for the Chargers in the second half.Rivers completed 26 of 36 passes for 299 yards and two touchdowns for Los Angeles. Keenan Allen caught 14 passes for 148 yards and a score and Justin Jackson ran for 63 yards and a touchdown in place of injured starter Melvin Gordon. Desmond King added a 73-yard punt return for a score as the Chargers bolstered their postseason chances by winning in Pittsburgh for just the fourth time in 19 tries."These guys, they believe," Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn said. "When you believe in something strongly, you can will it to happen."Roethlisberger threw for 281 yards with two scores and an interception for the Steelers. Antonio Brown caught 10 passes for a season-high 154 yards and a touchdown. James Conner added 60 yards rushing and two touchdowns before leaving in the fourth quarter with a leg injury.STEELERS SOAR ... THEN STUMBLERoethlisberger and Brown are among the most productive quarterback/wide receiver tandems in the league but that didn't stop Roethlisberger from publicly tweaking Brown following a loss to Denver last week, though the star wide receiver stressed he understood it was nothing personal.The minor dust-up certainly didn't seem to have an impact on their play. Roethlisberger hit Brown for a 9-yard gain on Pittsburgh's second play from scrimmage and again for 46 yards on the following snap. The two connected on a 28-yard score late in the second quarter that seemed to put Pittsburgh firmly in control on a night the franchise celebrated the 1978 and 2008 Super Bowl champion squads.Suddenly, a team that looked capable of joining them appears to be in a bit of a tight spot with a somewhat daunting final month ahead that includes games against New England and New Orleans."There's a quarter left of football," Brown said. "We've got to continue to figure out a way to win and get ourselves to the dance."GETTING A HEAD STARTDown 13-0 in the first quarter, the Chargers appeared to be in trouble before Rivers hit a streaking Travis Benjamin for a 46-yard touchdown to get Los Angeles on the board on a play that began with Chargers right tackle Sam Tevi standing up and shuffling his feet backward an instant before the ball was snapped.Several Steelers pointed at Tevi as the play began looking for a penalty, but there were no flags on the field when Rivers lofted a rainbow down the right sideline to Benjamin.Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin called it "unfortunate" but declined to criticize the officials."I am going to keep my mouth shut Authentic Melvin Gordon Jersey ," Tomlin said. "I am going to do that because I send enough money to (the NFL in fines)."It marked the second time this season Los Angeles benefited from a non-call on what appeared to be a pre-snap penalty. The Chargers scored a touchdown in Cleveland in October on a play in which left tackle Russell Okung moved before the ball was hiked to Rivers.JUSTIN WHO?Austin Ekeler was given the first crack at filling in for Gordon but managed just one yard on eight carries in the first half. The Chargers turned to Jackson, a rookie seventh-round pick from Northwestern, in the second half. Jackson's quickness appeared to catch Pittsburgh's defensive front off guard, and his 18-yard dart up the middle early in the fourth quarter marked the first touchdown of his career.INJURIESPittsburgh WR Justin Hunter, given a spot on the game-day roster over rookie James Washington, left in the first half and did not return after injuring himself while diving for a Roethlisberger pass in the end zone. ... Steelers WR Ryan Switzer was taken to the locker room to be evaluated for a concussion after taking a vicious hit by Los Angeles linebacker Jatavis Brown in the fourth quarter.UP NEXTChargers: Host Cincinnati next Sunday.Steelers: Travel to Oakland to play the Raiders next Sunday. Wholesale NFL Jerseys
Drew Brees used one hand to hold his helmet and the other to wipe away tears.It was the first time the 39-year-old Brees had ever walked off of a football field knowing that he had thrown for more yards than any quarterback in the history of the NFL. And the Saints quarterback couldn't help but be overwhelmed by thoughts of all the work and people who helped him get to such an esteemed point."I broke down and cried a bunch of times this week Alvin Kamara Jersey Salute to Service , just thinking about so many things," Brees said after his latest NFL-record-setting performance in a 43-19 victory over the Washington Redskins on Monday night. "I think about all the people who have influenced my life in such a powerful way, and there were so many of those people that were here tonight, that witnessed this, so many people that I spoke to this week that are a part of this, and so many other still that I have yet to have a chance to reach out to."Two of the people who had biggest influence on my football career certainly and on who I am, growing up, are my mom and my grandfather and they're in heaven. They're no longer here, but I know that they would be proud," Brees added.The 6-foot Brees was lightly recruited out of high school in Austin, Texas Authentic Tommylee Lewis Jersey , considered undersized for a quarterback at the major college and pro levels. He led Purdue to the Rose Bowl and was a Heisman Trophy finalist, but no NFL team picked him in the first round of the 2001 draft. Brees' first team, the Chargers, discarded him after a shoulder injury in 2005, setting the stage for his arrival in New Orleans and his emergence as one of the most prolific quarterbacks ever.His latest outing would have been memorable even if no records were in play. He completed 26 of 29 passes for 363 yards and three TDs. His second touchdown was a 62-yarder to rookie Tre'Quan Smith that put Brees ahead of Peyton Manning's previous all-time mark of 71,940 yards.Moments after that touchdown, the NFL halted the game for about three minutes so the ball could be handed over to Pro Football Hall of Fame officials. Brees was able to embrace his family and coach Sean Payton on the sideline."It's a beautiful thing, a beautiful experience for all of us," said Saint left tackle Terron Armstead, the first teammate to hug Brees after the record-setting completion to Smith. "The energy in the stadium at that time, I thought he was going to cry Tre'Quan Smith Jersey , really. He's a tough dude, he probably didn't want to show that side. But it was an amazing experience."Some other things to know about the Saints' victory over Washington:RISING ROOKIESmith is a third-round draft choice out of Central Florida who, in his fifth NFL game, became immortalized for his role in Brees' record-breaking night."Now I get to go down in history with somebody famous in (future) Hall of Famer Drew Brees," Smith said. "I'm glad it happened to me."And Brees is glad to see Smith emerging into the player he showed signs of becoming in training camp. Smith finished with three catches for 111 yards and two touchdowns."This kid could really help us, could really be a big part of our offense," Brees said.NON-STAR TREATMENTCornerback Josh Norman is supposed to be the centerpiece for a Redskins defense that had allowed the fewest passing yards in the NFL entering the game against the Saints, but he struggled just as much as the rest of the secondary as Drew Brees threw for 250 yards in the first half.Coach Jay Gruden even benched Norman for the first series of the second half, but the move backfired when his replacement, Greg Stroman, was beaten for an easy touchdown by Smith. Norman returned on the next series.INGRAM'S BACKMark Ingram wasted little time putting his imprint on his first game back from a four-game suspension for use of a banned substance. He scored two of the Saints first three touchdowns on short runs and finished with 53 yards rushing and 20 receiving."Just an exciting moment just being back with my teammates Manti Te'o Jersey ," Ingram said. "Just a lot of pent-up emotion, being away from my guys, being able to come back out here. I don't take anything about this game for granted."PETERING OUTVeteran running back Adrian Peterson was looking resurgent coming into a game against the team that traded him away early last season.He left the Superdome with a shoulder strain and was scheduled for an MRI.Before his injury, Peterson gained 36 yards on two catches out of the backfield, but had only 6 yards rushing on four carries. If only Cincinnati could manage a comeback to beat the Panthers, it would have been an absolutely perfect week for the Saints.In any event, the NFC South got a little tighter in Week 3. Here’s how it all happened.Jason Getz-USA TODAY SportsComing into Week 3, the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints were set to face off in a divisional battle of 1-1 teams in Atlanta. The Carolina Panthers, also 1-1, faced the first of Carolina’s AFC North opponents, the Cincinnati Bengals. The division-leading 2-0 Buccaneers hosted a different AFC North team Limited Rick Leonard Jersey , the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday Night Football. Carolina went on to win against the Bengals by a final score of 31-21 to improve to 2-1. FitzMagic finally ended (or did it?) in Tampa Bay on Monday night, with the Steelers beating the Buccaneers 30-27, to drop to 2-1. The New Orleans Saints, down 7 points late in the fourth quarter, came back to beat the Falcons behind two rushing touchdowns (what?) from Drew Brees, 43-37. The win brought the Saints to 2-1, and dropped the Falcons to fourth place in the division with a record of 1-2.Photo by Al Bello/Getty ImagesIn Week 4, the Carolina Panthers are taking their early Bye week, so Carolina gets to sit back and watch the TV Sunday. It is Atlanta’s turn to face the 2-1 Cincinnati Bengals and Tampa Bay gets the 2-1 Chicago Bears. Both of those games are at noon on Sunday. The Saints have their first real test at defending the run in Saquon Barkley and the 1-2 New York Giants Sunday afternoon, meaning the Saints are the only NFC South team to face a team with a losing record.The Buccaneers and Falcons taking back-to-back losses in Week 4 is definitely a plausible scenario.But first things first: #BeattheGiants Custom Seattle Seahawks Jerseys
Broken coverage by broken coverage Authentic Alex Anzalone Jersey , missed tackle by missed tackle, yard by yard, the Bengals made history for horrific defense. Cincinnati keeps giving up big numbers, and now the losses are mounting, too.Drew Brees threw for three touchdowns, and the New Orleans Saints scored on every possession except the last one 鈥?when they took a knee 鈥?during a 51-14 victory on Sunday that left Cincinnati in disarray.The Bengals (5-4) have given up 500 yards in three straight games 鈥?a first in the Super Bowl era 鈥?and are on pace to give up an NFL record for yards in a season. Of all the bad showings on defense, this was the worst.The Saints (8-1) moved the ball even when they were trying to run out the clock. What little was left of the crowd of 52,492 booed loudly when it ended with New Orleans taking a knee three consecutive plays 鈥?technically Limited Khairi Fortt Jersey , Cincinnati's only defensive stop of the day."I haven't seen anything like it," linebacker Preston Brown said. "Every week we're giving up too many yards."The Bengals knew they'd be in for some growing pains when they decided to field the youngest team in coach Marvin Lewis' 16 seasons, with most of the inexperience on defense. They also brought in coordinator Teryl Austin, who changed some of their schemes.It's not working, and the Bengals seem to have run out of ideas for what to do next."Obviously, your confidence gets shaken," Lewis said. "I just addressed that with them. They have to focus and get determined. It's their job to do it right."Shaken, and deeply disturbed."I'm kind of in shock after a loss like that Michael Hoomanawanui Jersey Salute to Service ," linebacker Jordan Evans said.In the last four games, the Bengals have given up 481, 551, 576 and 509 yards. They're allowing an average of 454 yards per game, worst in the league.They're on pace to allow 7,272 yards, which would be an NFL record. The 2012 Saints are the only team to give up 7,000 in a season Andrus Peat Jersey , 7,042 in 2012.The Bengals opened the season 4-1 despite giving up a lot of yards. Four defensive touchdowns played major roles in the fast start, and the offense managed to keep up and pull out two wins at the end. With A.J. Green out indefinitely because of a toe injury, the offense is limited."We always want to score, but at the end of the day, our defense has got to get some stops," receiver Tyler Boyd said. "You can't let the other team score on every drive."That's what the Saints did.Brees led the Saints to touchdowns on all five first-half possessions with a nearly perfect performance 鈥?only two incompletions. His 17-yard TD to Michael Thomas with 2 seconds left in the half gave him 509 career touchdown passes, one more than Brett Favre for second on the career list. Peyton Manning holds the record with 539.Brees had his way with the Bengals' historically bad defense Authentic Tyeler Davison Jersey , even diving over the pile to score a 1-yard touchdown.The Bengals matched the most lopsided defeat in franchise history and gave up the second-most points in club history. In the first half alone, the Saints piled up 311 yards and had 21 first downs on 40 plays. The 28 points allowed in the second quarter matched the club record.Even more shocking: Cincinnati was coming out of a bye and had two weeks to prepare for the Saints. The Bengals thought they'd get some of their issues resolved."It didn't look like it," Brown said. "We gave up 500 yards." OMG the Saints win on a missed PAT!?!? What world is this? Drew Brees was magnificent, the defense held up until the end, and Sean Payton gives no f***s about how experts think he should call plays. He’s gonna Taysom all day, every day.Become a Patron and get access to more shows for as little as $1 dollar a month and help us raise enough money to do daily podcast.Our show is sponsored by JLD Hot Sauce and Knives. Use code SAINTS and get 10% off.Want to join the fun or ask the guys a question, tweet them @PodcastSaints, like their Facebook page Terron Armstead Jersey ,or email them at saintshappyhour@gmail.com.Drunk Saints History Archive!Our NEW Patreon page is live: https://www.patreon.com/SaintsHappyHourPodbean will remain active and ALL new Patron content will be loaded to the Podbean Patron page as well as the new Patreon page. You don’t have to switch but if you want to, the option is there. If you want to have access to Patron only content and not use Podbean consider supporting us through Patreon. WARNING: podcast contains explicit language Custom Green Bay Packers Jerseys
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr feels much more relaxed in Jon Gruden's offense than he did at the beginning of the year.It's too late to salvage the Raiders' season but for a team that is 2-9 and in the hunt for the No. 1 overall pick next year Youth Caleb Sturgis Jersey , baby steps are important.For Carr, whose future as the team's franchise quarterback is no longer a certainty, it is even more critical."I just think he's a really good decision-maker," Gruden said Wednesday. "He's never been one to throw a lot of picks. I think he realizes right now winning the turnover battle gives this team right now the best chance to win. He's done a great job taking care of the ball."Carr has not thrown an interception in the last ix games, the longest stretch of his five-year NFL career.That's a significant turnaround after Carr was picked off eight times in the first five games, making him an easy lightning rod for criticism from media and fans and, at times Jahleel Addae Jersey , from Gruden."Just trying to figure the offense out, feel things out, being too aggressive, trying too much to help us win," Carr said of his early turnovers. "That's always been a problem I've always tried to hold back on. With coach Gruden coming in I'm so aggressive and fired up all the time. We've learned to mellow that out a little bit so I can do better for our team."Carr's last interception came Oct. 7 when San Diego defensive end Melvin Ingram picked him off in the end zone on a 1st-and-goal play from the 1.Since then, Carr has been much more efficient taking care of the ball. During the six-game stretch, Carr has passed for 1 Authentic Dan Feeney Jersey ,186 yards with six touchdowns. He failed to throw a touchdown in three of those games but completed 63.8 percent of his throws and compiled a 94.7 passer rating.A more patient approach in the pocket, Carr said, has been the key."Just doing my best to take care of the football to put our defense in good situations," Carr said. "Taking care of the football so it's easy on our offense so we're not playing from behind and things like that. Just trying to do my best that way. When it comes to throwing interceptions, just making good decisions to put our team in the best situation."Carr's interceptions early in the year were part of a problematic offense that has been among the NFL's least effective for most of the season.The Raiders are 24th in overall offense and 18th in passing heading into Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs.Carr has spent much of the season playing behind an injury-riddled offensive line and an equally banged up receiving corps that lost its best weapon when Amari Cooper was traded to the Dallas Cowboys.Carr declined to use that as an excuse but acknowledged the changing roster has made it difficult to get the passing game in rhythm."Having continuity is a huge thing," Carr said. "We've got some receivers right now that it's the first time out there with them. We're still learning certain coverages, certain routes that are good for them and for me throwing to them. It's not like Crab's back and Coop's back for years. We're learning each other. It's going to bode us well in the future. It's going to be nice but right now there's growing pains."Notes: Tight end Jared Cook was named recipient of the Ed Block Courage Award. . Linebacker James Cowser and wide receiver Johnny Holton were signed to the practice squad.BREAKING: Jason Verrett CONFIRMED done for the year...again Jason Verrett will likely be a talent we will never be able to see perform. Just awful awful news for Verrett. Many of us have held onto hopes that he could play this year and get a full season with a talented defensive backfield around him and talented pass rush in front of him. Instead http://www.authenticlosangeleschargers.com/cheap-drew-kaser-jersey , we may never see Verrett play, at least in bolts, ever again. The guy just can’t stay healthy. His body is failing him at every turn and his career is probably going to be over before it had a chance to begin. It is a real shame for a guy who had very promising talent and seems like just a really good guy.Luckily for the Chargers, due to Verrett going down last year, they have discovered they have a fantastic stable of CBs that can pick up the slack. Casey Hayward is a top 3 corner in the league, Trevor Williams is beyond underrated, and Desmond King also had a ton of good tape last year. I hope Jason is able to heal up quick Youth Michael Schofield Jersey , and maybe its not as bad as it initially appears, but for now, it looks like the Verrett “era’ is done. UPDATE:UPDATE 2: Custom New Orleans Saints Jerseys
Denver had lost six of their last seven going into Sunday's game against Los Angeles http://www.sandiegochargersteamonline.com/melvin-gordon-jersey , but Chargers coach Anthony Lynn kept warning everyone that the Broncos were dangerous because they had been in most of their games until the final minute.Lynn's words became prophetic as Brandon McManus kicked a last-second 34-yard field goal to give the Broncos a 23-22 win and snap the Chargers' six-game winning streak."We've been in four or five of these games and didn't make enough plays to win. Today we didn't hope to win, we made plays to win," Denver coach Vance Joseph said.Denver got the ball at its own 8 with 1:51 remaining, and Case Keenum orchestrated a seven-play, 76-yard drive. Keenum, who was 19 of 32 for 205 yards, completed five passes for 86 yards during the drive, including a 30-yarder to Courtland Sutton to the Denver 16. Keenum then spiked the ball and McManus' kick split the uprights.It was McManus' second game-winning field goal this season and the fifth of his career. It also helped erase memories of two weeks ago, when his 51-yard attempt went wide right as time expired in a 19-17 loss to Houston."I think we've had three or four close ones that have come down to it and Brandon has made those kicks and we trust him," Keenum said. "It feels good. A lot better than the alternative."Wide receiver Keenan Allen, who had nine receptions for 89 yards and a TD, succinctly summed up why the Chargers (7-3) lost when he said, "Penalties. Turnovers. Not making plays at the end of the game."Philip Rivers http://www.sandiegochargersteamonline.com/joey-bosa-jersey , who threw for 401 yards, had two interceptions and Los Angeles committed 14 penalties, including 10 in the first half. Mike Badgley, who made three field goals, also missed an extra point that ended up looming large."Those are things we've stayed away from 鈥?penalties and turnovers 鈥?but they showed up today. For whatever reason, I don't know. We'll figure it out, though," coach Anthony Lynn said.Denver's talented rookie offensive trio of Phillip Lindsay, Royce Freeman and Sutton had big games.Lindsay had 11 carries for 79 yards with two touchdowns. His 41-yard TD run early in the second quarter, which put Denver up 7-6, was set up the play before when the Broncos successfully executed a fake punt with punter Colby Waldman throwing a 12-yard pass to fullback Andy Janovich for a first down. It was the second straight week the Chargers allowed a fake punt.The undrafted rookie also had a 2-yard TD on a direct snap early in the fourth quarter to give Denver a 20-19 lead."We knew that going in that they were physical and athletic, but for us, we just went out there and knew we needed to be physical http://www.sandiegochargersteamonline.com/jahleel-addae-jersey , too," Lindsay said. "We knew that we were going to have run the ball in order for us to win this game."Freeman, who missed two games with an ankle injury, had seven carries for 23 yards, including a 3-yard touchdown to bring the Broncos within 19-14.Three plays earlier, Von Miller swung momentum back in Denver's favor when he picked off Rivers on a screen pass and returned it 40 yards to the Chargers' 18. It was Miller's first interception in a regular-season game since 2012."The interception turned the game around, to me. That spun the whole game," Rivers said. "It was about to be a blowout, and he made that play, and then it's a touchdown and then all of a sudden he made it a game."Sutton tied a career high with 78 yards on three catches.Rivers, who had his 11th 400-yard passing game, completed 28 of 43, but it was the seventh time the Chargers have lost when he has passed for over 400.The 15-year veteran became the sixth quarterback in league history to throw at least two touchdown passes in each of his team's first 10 games to start a season. He eluded the blitz and threw a 4-yard pass to a wide-open Allen late in the second quarter to put Los Angeles on top 13-6. He then threw a 6-yard TD to Antonio Gates on the opening possession of the second half.Melvin Gordon had 158 yards from scrimmage (89 rushing http://www.sandiegochargersteamonline.com/dan-feeney-jersey , 69 receiving), marking the sixth straight game he has had 130 yards or more.MOMENTOUS SACKMiller's sack of Rivers in the second quarter gave him 10 for the season, which allowed him to join Reggie White and DeMarcus Ware as the only players with 10 or more sacks in seven of their first eight seasons. He is also the fifth-fastest player to reach 100 career sacks among players who began their careers in 1982 or later.BOSA RETURNSChargers defensive end Joey Bosa made his season debut after missing the first nine games with a bone bruise to his left foot. The third-year lineman did not start but was in on pass-rushing situations.INJURIESChargers defensive tackle Corey Liuget was carted to the locker room with a knee injury during the second quarter. Lynn said it appears as if the eighth-year lineman might be out for the rest of the season, but the team will know more on Monday.Denver wide receiver DeSean Hamilton suffered a knee injury in the second quarter, and cornerback Bradley Roby was evaluated for a concussion in the fourth quarter.UP NEXTBroncos: Host the Pittsburgh Steelers next Sunday.Chargers: Host the Arizona Cardinals next Sunday.Mike Williams Turning Heads, Like He Should Be At this point in the offseason, every team’s fan base must take each proclamation of “this or that player has been turning heads“ with a grain of salt. Just like this site and any other content-based publication, puff pieces are necessary and are a natural part of journalism. However, it’s still a positive to see them at all because we could be the Ravens and, instead of receivers turning heads, they have Breshad Perriman dropping passes like clockwork.Positive news is positive news is positive news. That’s all I’m getting at. And when it comes to a former first-round wide receiver who was a non-factor his rookie year, I’m sure you all will take what you can get.According to Ricky Henne over at Chargers.com , last year’s first-round pick Mike Williams has been “making his presence felt at minicamp” over the last couple days.In an interview with Williams following practice http://www.sandiegochargersteamonline.com/denzel-perryman-jersey , he asked the young wideout what he was working on the most heading into his sophomore season. “My route depth”, he said.This is an interesting answer to me as the usual answers are “my release” or “getting in and out of breaks faster”. Williams seems to be zoned in on what he believes will take his game to the next level.For anyone confused, Williams likely means he wants to be better at the depth to which he runs and cuts out of his routes. For example, if he runs a hitch on the outside too deep when there is a corner route coming over the top, this would eat up the necessary space between the two routes and cause both to become covered.If he was running a shallow crosser over the middle that was too shallow, he would likely not catch the middle linebackers attention, leaving him to cover the deep IN route which was supposed to be open as the second option.It’s a variable not many fans think about when it comes to details in a receivers route-running but an important one, nonetheless.Once again, it is awfully early in the off-season program to be getting ahead of ourselves, but it’s never too early to feel some optimism. Let’s just hope Williams continues to turn heads throughout the rest of the coming months, like a first-round talent is expected to. Custom Tennessee Titans Jerseys
We are now under ninety minutes from kickoff of today’s contest between the Minnesota Vikings and the Philadelphia Eagles. Both teams have released their inactive lists http://www.vikingsauthorizedshops.com/authentic-tom-compton-jersey , so let’s see who will be sitting out of today’s contest.As always, we start with the visiting team.Minnesota VikingsDE Tashawn BowerRB Dalvin CookLB Devante DownsDE Everson GriffenCB Marcus SherelsQB Kyle SloterCB Trae WaynesRookie cornerback Mike Hughes will get his first NFL start in place of Waynes this afternoon. Latavius Murray will be the starter at running back in place of Cook, and Stephen Weatherly will continue to start at defensive end in Griffen’s absence. Rookie defensive lineman Jalyn Holmes is active today for the first time in his NFL career.And now, on to the home team.Philadelphia EaglesDE Derek BarnettOT Jordan MailataDT Haloti NgataG Matt PryorQB Nate SudfeldRB Darren SprolesG Chance WarmackNgata is a bit of a surprise, even though he was listed as “questionable” on the Eagles’ final injury report. His absence will affect the Eagles’ defensive line depth a bit. Will it be enough to get the Vikings’ run game going in any way? We shall see.There are your inactive lists, folks. The Open Thread for the first quarter will be up at approximately half past 2, Central time. Acknowledging the Buffalo Bills have much room to improve, coach Sean McDermott rejected the notion he is overseeing a team in turmoil following a tumultuous first two weeks."There's growing pains going through this," McDermott said, Monday. "Nobody said it was going to be easy."No one said it was going to be this difficult either for a team off to a 0-2 start following a 31-20 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.Buffalo has been outscored by a combined 54-6 in the first halves of its two losses Rashod Hill Jersey , and 78-23 overall.McDermott has already switched quarterbacks, taken over the defensive play-calling duties from coordinator Leslie Frazier and also had to contend with veteran cornerback Vontae Davis quitting the team at halftime against Los Angeles.McDermott said not all the issues and distractions are related, particularly when it comes to Davis. The offseason free-agent addition informed McDermott he was done during the first half, and then announced he was retiring after 10 NFL seasons a few hours after the game."His actions spoke loud and clear," McDermott said, when asked if he's had a chance to speak to Davis since Sunday. "I'm focused on my team right now."The NFL granted the Bills a roster exemption regarding Davis.McDermott has plenty on his plate with Buffalo entering a grueling portion of its schedule in which the Bills play one home game 鈥?against Tennessee on Oct. 7 鈥?in the next five weeks. Buffalo plays its next two on the road, starting with the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.Injuries are also becoming an issue.Running back LeSean McCoy's status is questionable after was sustained damage to his rib cartilage during the third quarter against the Chargers.Buffalo is also thin at cornerback. Aside from Davis' departure, Phillip Gaines' status is uncertain after he dislocated his left elbow Sunday.McDermott wouldn't rule out either from playing against the Vikings.As for his overall message to the team: "We all have to do our job better," he said."We've got some young players out there," McDermott added. "And they're going to continue to get better Authentic Dalvin Cook Jersey , continue to grow, continue to learn."He was specifically referring to the Bills starting two rookie first-round draft picks, quarterback Josh Allen and middle linebacker Tremaine Edmunds.Allen had a modestly successful first start in going 18 of 33 for 245 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions against the Chargers. Though the offense sputtered in the first half, Allen's 245 yards passing were the most by a Bills quarterback in his first NFL start since Hall of Famer Jim Kelly threw for 292 yards in a 28-24 loss to the New York Jets on Sept. 7, 1986.Edmunds has also been inconsistent.The 20-year-old has a sack and a forced fumble 鈥?Buffalo's only takeaway this season. On the downside, Edmunds has been the anchor of a defense that has surrendered 10 touchdowns 鈥?nine scored on 10 opponents' drives inside the Buffalo 20.McDermott, a former defensive coordinator, had seen enough in taking over the defense after the Bills allowed the Chargers to score touchdowns on four consecutive drives in building a 28-3 lead with 1:55 left in the first half."We're going to do whatever it takes to win," he said.McDermott hasn't decided whether he'll continue to run the defense, while stressing Frazier will still play a role."We're going to work on it together Youth Riley Reiff Jersey ," he said. "I have a lot of confidence in Leslie Frazier."Frazier respected McDermott's decision, and noted he had to make difficult choices during his three-plus seasons as head coach in Minnesota."We owe it to our players to give us the best chance to win, whatever it may be," Frazier said.The switch showed signs of paying off. After allowing 284 yards, 17 first downs in the first half, the Bills held the Chargers to just 65 yards and four first downs over the final 30 minutes."That's a delicate balance between making sure we build upon what we saw and the positives from yesterday in the second half," McDermott said. "And that we continue to make progress."
The Bears.The got dayum Bears were the only NFC North team to win this weekend.And now they’re back in first place.Stupid week eight.But www.vikingscheapshops.com , it could have been much... much worse.The Bears could be in first place AND ALSO Aaron Rodgers could have gotten the ball back on National Television with two minutes left on the clock down by two.So鈥eah.Silver lining.Anyhoo, yes.The Bears did, in fact win on Sunday, beating the Jets 24-10.It was a pretty ho-hum game.No big plays by Khalil Mack (No, really.None.He didn’t play.).No heroics by Mitchell Trubisky.No big turnovers.Actually no turnovers.Blahh.They didn’t even make reclaiming first place interesting.Stupid Bears.At 4-3, they now sit atop the division.Alone again.Naturally.The Lions, on the other hand, lost 28-14 but, in the process, managed to make the Seattle Seahawks look interesting.Which is something.Russell Wilson looked like the guy that used to win games with athletic, gutsy play.The Legion of Whom created some turnovers.They held the Lions rushing attack to just 34 yards.It was ugly.Typical Lions.At 3-4, they continue to flounder in last place in the division. And the Packers?Well... BAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!Oh.Sorry.Was that mean spirited?Yes, I think it was.For that, I apologize.I take waaay too much pleasure in seeing them lose.In fact, it was my solace Sunday night after the Vikings, well鈥a.Anyway, the Packers did, in fact lose to the Rams 29-27.The Rams outplayed the Packers on the offensive side of the ball in every way, and yet still had to rely on the rarely deployed - yet stunningly effective - poor-decision/fumble maneuver, which Packers Running Back Ty Montgomery executed with precision Minnesota Vikings T-Shirt , rendering a possible storybook ending Aaron Rodgers comeback far less likely.The loss drops the Packers to 3-3-1, third in the division.Chicago BearsMitchell Trubisky’s statistics through seven games has him in some rarified Chicago air.He’s on pace to obliterate the passing records of such noted gunslingers as Erik Kramer (no relation), Rex Grossman, and Smokin’ Jay Cutler.His current pace would set him at 4,146 passing yards, 34 TD’s and just 14 INT’s.The jury is still out on whether or not he’s doing it because of his talent or in spite of his talent.One statistic that sticks out about Trubisky’s performance this season, is his QB Rating from inside the pocket, where he has been outstanding - though the names at the bottom of the rankings seem to tell us this could be a somewhat useless statistic.Chicago lost a big part of their offensive line in Sunday’s game when Kyle Long went down with an apparent foot injury.Vikings fans will note that the player Bears’ Head Coach Matt Nagy pegged for a larger role going forward is none other than former Viking (for, like, a few weeks) Bryan Witzmann.The Bears three losses this season have come versus the Packers (week 1), the Dolphins (week 6), and the Patriots (week 7).The last time the Bears lost to those three teams in a single season was 2006, when the team reached the Super Bowl - losing to the Indianapolis Colts.Khalil Mack’s status is still uncertain for this Sunday’s game - a game in which the Bears will match up versus Bills Quarterback Nathan Peterman.THE Nathan Peterman.I know, I know, Peterman probably has a mother out there who just wants his boy to do well.I have one too.She wanted me to be an architect.Or a guidance counselor.But instead I’m a bartender-slash-hack writer.One out of two ain’t bad, right ma?What is the internet saying about Mack vs Peterman?Mack, of course, played his college ball at the University of Buffalo, and parlayed his success there into his selection at fifth overall in the 2014 Draft.Wanna know how a kid from the University of Buffalo gets selected fifth overall?Here’s some video that’ll help explain whyStealing-Your-Kids’-Halloween-Candy-Scouting-Combine-Comparisons:Khalil Mack - Fun-Sized Snickers.Solid choice in all aspects.Get a taste and you want more.Mitchell Trubisky - Nerds.Cute packaging makes you think you’re really going to like them, can’t live up to the hype. Eventually you move on.Tarik Cohen - Starburst.Just plain fun.Every flavor is a winner.Not-afraid-to-make-a-prediction Prediction:The Bears will face off against the 2-6 Bills in Buffalo this Sunday.With Nathan Peterman Minnesota Vikings Hats , anything is possible.The Bears defense could actually score 50 points this weekend.Pro tip: If you lose in Fantasy Football this weekend because you forgot to put the Bears Defense in your starting lineup, it’s time to give the hobby up.Detroit LionsThe Lions splashed (although, not in the ‘lets make our team better now’ kind of way) at the Trade deadline, sending their best offensive playmaker - Wide Receiver Golden Tate - to the Philadelphia Eagles for a third round draft pick.Tate never caught fewer than 90 balls in any season with the Lions, and averaged over 1,000 yards, and nearly five touchdowns.At least one outlet put the trade into perspective:The trade didn’t go over well with everybody, howeverHaving Tate leave the division shouldn’t break any Vikings fan’s heart.You thought Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press had it bad with Mike Zimmer?Zim never told CT he refused to answer CT’s question until he sat up and had a little respect “for the process”.Lions Head Coach Matt Patricia did just that on Wednesday.According to the Detroit Free Press, the first-year coachpulled a page from Bill Belichick’s playbook and responded: “Ah, well, you know. Do me a favor just kinda sit up, just like, have a little respect for the process. Every day you come and ask me questions and you’re just kinda like you know, ‘gimme this.’ ”It seems every dude with a beard in Detroit is dressing up like Patricia for Halloween this year.Stealing-Your-Kids’-Halloween-Candy-Scouting-Combine-Comparisons:Matthew Stafford - Mr. Goodbar.Solid in every way, but will never be mentioned among the greatest.Ziggy Ansah - Fun-Size Butterfinger.Always looks good, but rarely seen in once piece.Other, better, choices out there.Ameer Abdullah - Fun-Size Three Musketeers.Makes you wonder why it’s been around so long.Not nearly as talented as its brethren (Milky Way, Snickers), yet seems to stick around.Not-afraid-to-make-a-prediction Prediction:I’ve been saying all along that the Lions are the team in the division I fear the most.That statement has more to do with the other teams in the division than it does the Lions.Vikings win by six.Green Bay PackersOur friends at Acme Packing Company are trying to figure out (I think) what is going on with the Tight End situation in Green Bay.Something something Harry Potter.Something something Dumblewort.Reading this (trying to Minnesota Vikings Hoodie , rather) was a scary moment for me.It’s an iconic (I guess) story (I think) that kids (but apparently not mine) love (again, I think), and has been used as a tool to compare football players?I have no idea.But for the first time in my life, I understand how my dad felt when a buddy and I were in the back seat of the car, comparing Luke Skywalker and Han Solo to Tommy Kramer and Fran Tarkenton (Tim Irwin was definitely Chewbacca, BTW).All dad did was look at me through the rear-view mirror with a “what the hell is wrong with you two?” look.Anyway, if you understand it at all, apparently it’s a good comparison.Nerd.Ty Montgomery was the goat (not G.O.A.T.) on Sunday for the Packers in the loss versus the Rams, as his ill-advised return attempt and subsequent fumble cost his team the game.According to NFL.com’s Michael Silver, several players criticized his decision, with one player saying:And then, just when the drama was getting good, they go ahead and trade Ty Montgomery.Incidentally, he went for a 2020 seventh round pick.So, Monty’s gone, which leaves the Packers running game in the hands of Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams.Jones had a pretty good game against the Rams on Sunday, rushing for 86 yards and a TD.In other trade news, the Packers shipped Free Safety HaHa Clinton-Dix of to Washington, for a 2019 fourth-round pick.HHCD had said earlier in the season that he didn’t expect to be back with the team in 2019, so the move isn’t a total shocker.But for a team whose biggest weakness is on the defensive side of the ball Cheap Customized Minnesota Vikings Jerseys , moving him mid-season seems like a sign that the team is throwing in the towel.On the plus side, not having to hear Al Michaels take 14 seconds to say his name any time he’s involved in a play is big.The 14-year anointing process of Aaron Rodgers as the greatest quarterback ever to play the game of football continues this week, as Aaron and the other players that he is forced to play with the team has under contract Packers take on the New England Patriots and Tom Brady in Foxboro.NBC even enlisted the help of NBA G.O.A.T. Michael Jordan to decide who is the greatest of all time:Why wait for Sunday, amirite?Let’s decide who is the GOAT right here, right now.I won’t tell you which is which.***note: “Led NFL” Means that the player led the NFL in a meaningful statistical category in any single season he played.Those include stats such as Yards, TD’s, Completion %, Passer Rating, etc.So, which player do you think deserves to be mentioned this Sunday night ad nauseum as the greatest of all time?Player A?B?C?D?Stealing-Your-Kids’-Halloween-Candy-Scouting-Combine-Comparisons:Aaron Rodgers - Everlasting Gobstoppers.You just want it to go away already.Clay Matthews - Chick-O-Stick.Who thought this was a good idea?It looks gross.Has a worse aftertaste.Nasty crap hanging off of it all over.Yeccch!Bryan Bulaga - Oh Henry!.Been around forever, and there’s always that one guy who says “Hey that’s pretty good!Not-afraid-to-make-a-prediction Prediction: Hey, have you heard?The Packers travel to New England to take on the 6-2 Patriots in a showdown to decide who is the greatest quarterback of all time in any sport anywhere in the universe.I’ve been having luck with this reverse psychology thing.Packers win.Good Morning Gjallahorn ED Note: There is some NSFW language in the video. You’ve been warned.Good morning Horners! We’re back with another “In The Raw” version, our immediate post game reaction. Ted, Drew and Dave discuss what should have been a win or loss, but ended up in one the weirdest ties in the history of the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings have tied Green Bay 3 times in my lifetime, all at Lambeau Field (1978, 2013, and 2018). Simply bizarre. From Laquon Treadwell to Daniel Carlson...Oy! But, what a 4th quarter comeback too! Simply wild! Speaking of wild, our reactions and our (possibly altered) states of mind were wild as well. Give it a listen or watch and end your morning with a laugh.Like Youth Anthony Barr Jersey , subscribe, and ring that bell! Then shout SKOL! As always, enjoy the watch!The show’s theme music is licensed through AudioJungle, the song is Stylish Powerful Energetic Rock.(All rights go to The National Football League, the Minnesota Vikings, and all their broadcasters. I do not own any of the music and the footage used in this video. No copyright infringement intended. We do not gain any profit from our videos, and they are for entertainment and educational purposes only) “Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.”
WR J.J. Jones makes PFF’s Team of the Preseason Early Sunday morning http://www.chargersfootballauthentics.com/jahleel-addae-jersey-authentic , the fine people over at Pro Football Focus released their annual “Team of the Preseason”, which lists the highest graded players from the preseason at each position.On their All-Preseason defensive team, WR J.J. Jones was named as the team’s KR/PR after he graded out with an above-average 81.9 rating for his play in the month of August.As a kick returner, Jones took six kicks back for an average of 22.8 yards. As a punt returner, Jones returned seven kicks for an average of 12.8 yards but made his biggest splash by taking a punt 72 yards for a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks.It’s not entirely sure if Jones has completely won the return job over incumbent Travis Benjamin, but it would make the retention of Jones that much more confusing if not as he adds almost nothing to the team from a wide receiver standpoint. If anything, I think the team would like to see how Jones handles some returns in the regular season before deciding just how much he’s worth as a special teams player.Los Angeles Chargers Daily Links: Have the Chargers Fixed Their Run Defense? Have the Chargers done enough to fix the NFL's worst run defense? - Eric Williams"So I think now that we have been around these guys for a little bit, we have a better feeling now what they're all about, what makes them operate and how to coach them. Sometimes you can ask so much that you paralyze them. So you're trying to find that line of how much can you put on them http://www.chargersfootballauthentics.com/joey-bosa-jersey-authentic , and still allow them to play fast."Chargers GM Talks Henry, Gates, Draft - Ben Levine“Our run defense needs to improve. It comes from all 11 players on defense, not just the front 7. To give some perspective though, the top 5 teams in avg rushing yards allowed per game were: Browns, Broncos, Cards, Titans, and Eagles. Combined record 33-42 going into week 17. Worst 5 teams were: Chargers Youth Tyrell Williams Jersey , Patriots, Rams, Jags, and Steelers. Combined record 53-22. We never want to be in the bottom 5 in anything, and improvement is needed. But we have to be balanced and smart.”Bolts Buzz: Chargers Recap Game 1 of the NBA Finals - Hayley ElwoodAfter Cleveland tied the game with less than five seconds remaining, Cavs forward JR Smith rebounded a missed free throw and appeared to run out the clock instead of trying to score.The blunder sent the game to overtime.Don't sleep on wide receiver Artavis Scott - Travis WakemanBut I still believe Scott could be a great option in the slot and even if he doesn’t make the team this season, I see him having a much better summer, one that could lead to him playing for another team down the road if he doesn’t fit in Los Angeles.Chargers GM says rookie Derwin James brings presence everyone can ‘feel’ - Gavino Borquez“He just has a presence about him. Just the way he carries himself, that’s what I remember the most from that interview. Just that presence Womens Austin Ekeler Jersey , from the moment he walked in the room, you could feel it.”The 99 NFL players, coaches and themes that will define 2018 - Dan Graziano, Mike Sando & Kevin SeifertIngram and Bosa terrorizing QBs in L.A.: Even before safety Derwin James dropped into their laps at 17th overall in April's draft, the Chargers boasted a deep secondary with the likes of Jason Verrett and Jahleel Addae. And no team comes at you with a more fearsome edge-rusher tandem than Melvin Ingram and Joey Bosa.Social Media Information:BFTB Facebook Page: Click here to like our pageBFTB Twitter: Follow @BFTB_ChargersThe Lightning Round Twitter: Follow @Lightning_RoundThe Lightning Round Facebook: Click here to like our pageBFTB Manager: Richard Wade: Follow @RichardWade Custom Green Bay Packers Jerseys
Andrew Heaney feels awfully comfortable on the mound in Anaheim – and the results reflect that.
Heaney pitched seven solid innings in another quality start Eagles Richard Rodgers Jersey , leading the Los Angeles Angels to a 2-1 win over the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday night.
In his last six starts at Angel Stadium, Heaney is 4-1 with a 0.88 ERA. Since April 27, his home ERA is second-best in the majors to Jon Lester (0.56 ERA).
”I like pitching here,” Heaney said. ”It’s a familiar place. Pitched the majority of my career here. It’s a good place to pitch when you have our defense and the way the field plays, especially when you get later in the game, later at night, it’s a good place to pitch.”
Heaney (4-5) allowed just one run and nine hits, and struck out four with no walks. The left-hander has gone at least seven innings in three of his last four starts.
The Angels got on the scoreboard with a two-run first inning, giving Heaney all the support he would need. Justin Upton drew a two-out walk and Albert Pujols doubled him in. Luis Valbuena singled in Pujols from second to give the Angels a 2-0 lead.
The Blue Jays had things going in the seventh when Devon Travis hit a run-scoring double to right field to pull Toronto within a run at 2-1. But with runners on first and second, Heaney struck out Justin Smoak and got Yangervis Solarte to fly out to left field. Heaney punctuated Upton’s catch in left field with a fist pump – and his night was done.
Upton also made a fantastic, leaping catch against the left-field fence to rob Russell Martin of a potential home run in the second inning, which proved to be critical in a tight game.
”I try to catch every ball,” Upton said. ”I just got a good jump on that. I got a pretty good read on where it was going to be so I ran to that spot, found out where the fence was and went up to catch it.”
It was early in the game, but it would be a big factor in the final result.
”We threw some hits up there, we just couldn’t get that big one,” Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said. ”That was a big play with Upton catching Russ’ ball early in the game. You don’t realize at that time (it’s big). Marco (Estrada) did a great job. Heaney did a great job. It was one of those ballgames where a big hit could’ve made a difference.”
Estrada (4-7) had a fine start, too. He allowed just two earned runs and three hits in seven innings and struck out seven. He got Mike Trout out all three times he faced him, including two on called strikeouts.
”To be honest with you, that first inning I had the sun right in my face, I don’t know what it was JK Scott Jersey ,” Estrada said. ”There was a little opening at the top part of the stadium. I had no idea where the ball was going. It was really hard to see. Once that went away, I started making better pitches. Just elevated a lot. A lot of fastballs today up in the zone. That’s a really good lineup over there. I’ve struggled against them. Good to give the guys some innings and keep them in the game, but just came up short.”
Cam Bedrosian threw a perfect eighth in relief, and Blake Parker pitched a perfect ninth to earn his ninth save.
”It’s been good to win and good to hold some leads and get a little momentum after a couple, I wouldn’t say bad outings, but a couple outings where I gave up some runs,” Parker said. ”I just wanted to stay aggressive and continue to throw quality strikes. It was a big win. The bullpen, in particular, would like to keep coming in and shutting it down and carry that on into the road trip.”
Asked about Upton’s leaping catch, Heaney said: ”It’s just what they do. It’s not abnormal. They do that all the time. You get numb to stuff that Simba (Andrelton Simmons) does over there. Valbuena has been playing great. We’ve got tons of guys who can make plays like that, so it’s great to have them behind me.”
RARE STRIKEOUT
Simmons struck out in the fourth inning, a rarity for the Angels shortstop. It was his first strikeout since May 18, a span of 90 plate appearances. It was the fourth-longest streak in club history.
SOMETHING TO IT
The Blue Jays have lost 13 of their 14 games against left-handed starters.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Blue Jays: RHP Danny Barnes (knee tendinitis) was placed on the 10-day disabled list. … OF Steve Pearce (left oblique strain) was activated from the 10-day disabled list. … INF Josh Donaldson (calf tightness) is rehabbing in Florida and not scheduled to return on the team’s road trip, but possibly the Blue Jays’ next homestand.
Angels: RHP Shohei Ohtani (elbow) stood in the batter’s box in the bullpen and watched pitches to work on his timing while he’s on the disabled list. He’s also running to stay in shape. He’s scheduled to have his elbow re-evaluated Thursday. … LHP Tyler Skaggs, who was scratched on the day of his scheduled start on Thursday with tightness in a hamstring, threw long toss and will throw a bullpen session on Saturday.
UP NEXT
Blue Jays: LHP Marcus Stroman (0-5, 7.71) is still looking for his first win of the season. It’s his first start since May 8, when he was placed on the disabled list with right shoulder fatigue.
Angels: RHP Jaime Barria (5-3, 3.57) is tied for the AL lead for rookies with wins. In his last start, he allowed a career-high six earned runs on six hits over four innings in a loss to Arizona.
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Mired in the worst slump of his career, George Springer has been trying everything to break out of it.
His latest tactic came on Thursday night when he swiped reigning American League MVP Jose Altuve’s bat to use in the ninth inning.
The change worked Sergei Boikov Jersey , with Springer hitting an RBI single in Houston’s two-run rally that helped lift the Astros to a 4-3 win over the Chicago White Sox.
”My bat wasn’t seeming to work, so I figured I would try somebody else’s bat so I went with the hit king. I went with (No.) 27,” he said of Altuve, who has led the AL in hits the last four seasons and is in first place this year. ”It’s mine now, but it has his name on it.”
The Astros trailed by 1 when Joakim Soria (0-3) walked pinch-hitter Tony Kemp with no outs in the ninth before advancing to third on a single by pinch-hitter Marwin Gonzalez. Springer snapped an 0 for 8 slump and tied it at 3-3 with his RBI single to shallow center field. It was a much-needed hit for the World Series MVP who has been struggling lately, going 6 for 70 since June 15.
”I didn’t execute my pitches when I needed to,” Soria said.
Manager A.J. Hinch noted that Springer’s clutch hit was even more impressive considering the success Soria’s had against right-handers this season.
”Tough matchup for any right-handed hitter, especially if you’re carrying the weight of 65, 70 at-bats that players do when they go through what George has gone through,” Hinch said.
Alex Bregman walked to load the bases and Altuve struck out before Yuli Gurriel sent a ball over second baseman Yoan Moncada’s head into right field to start the celebration.
Altuve hit a two-run homer in the fifth inning to help Houston to the victory.
Justin Verlander bounced back from his last start where he allowed nine hits and five runs – both season highs – in a loss to Tampa Bay with a solid outing. He yielded four hits and two runs and struck out 10 in seven innings.
Joe Smith (3-1) allowed one hit in a scoreless ninth for the win in his first appearance since June 6.
Omar Narvaez homered with two hits and Leury Garcia’s solo shot in the eighth inning put the White Sox up 3-2.
The score was tied at 2-all with one out in the eighth when Garcia sent a fastball from Chris Devenski into the bullpen in right-center to put the White Sox on top.
Chicago trailed 2-0 when Narvaez got Chicago within one with his solo homer to right field off Verlander to lead off the sixth. Moncada singled with two outs in the inning and Chicago tied it up when Yolmer Sanchez doubled to left field.
White Sox starter Carlos Rodon allowed five hits and two runs while tying a career-high with six walks in six innings.
Gurriel was on third base with one out in the eighth inning, but got caught in a rundown before Tyler White struck out to end the inning.
Rodon worked around singles by White and Jake Marisnick in the second inning and a pair of walks in the third. Houston couldn’t get anything going on offense until Bregman doubled with one out in the fifth inning and Altuve followed with his eighth homer of the season to make it 2-0.
Chicago’s Avisail Garcia went 0 for 4 with a strikeout to end his career-high 14-game hitting streak, which was the longest active streak in the majors.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Astros: Manager A.J. Hinch said SS Carlos Correa (back stiffness) is unlikely to come off the disabled list before Monday and he wouldn’t speculate on Thursday about whether he’ll return before the All-Star break. ”I don’t know how the next 11 days are going to go,” Hinch said. ”I know he’s probably not going to play this series. We’ll get to Monday and ask me again.”
White Sox: SS Tim Anderson left the game with one out in the bottom of the eighth inning after being plunked on the left forearm by Devenski in the top of the frame. He looked to be in quite a bit of pain, but remained in the game and stole second base before leaving in the bottom of the inning. ”It’s always the next day, the after effects of a blow like that,” White Sox manager Rick Renteria said. ”We’ll re-evaluate him (Friday). He’s day-to-day until I know more.”
THEY SAID IT
Narvaez on homering off Verlander after going 0 for 5 in his career against the right-hander: ”I had three years facing him and I haven’t gotten any hits. It was kind of exciting.”
UP NEXT
Houston’s Lance McCullers (9-3, 3.55 ERA) opposes Chicago’s Reynaldo Lopez (4-5, 3.68) when the series continues on Friday night. McCullers allowed three hits in seven innings of a 1-0 win over Tampa Bay for his third straight win in his last start. Lopez yielded seven hits and two runs in 6 1/3 innings of a 10-5 win over Texas his last time out.
The Washington Nationals have activated right-hander Jeremy Hellickson from the 10-day disabled list and will start him against Philadelphia.
The Nationals made the move before playing at Citizens Bank Park on Saturday. Reliever Sammy Solis was sent to Triple-A Syracuse.
Hellickson is 2-0 with a 2.28 ERA in nine starts this season. The veteran right-hander has been sidelined since June 4 with a right hamstring strain. He was 6-5 for Philadelphia last year.
Solis is 1-1 with a 4.50 ERA in 40 games this season. In 28 innings Juuse Saros Jersey , the left-hander has allowed 22 hits with 30 strikeouts and 15 walks.
Also, Washington transferred third baseman Ryan Zimmerman, who has been out since May 10 with a strained right oblique, to the 60-day DL.
The Nationals reinstated catcher Raudy Read from the restricted list and optioned him to Triple-A Syracuse. Read, who appeared in eight games last season, is coming off an 80-game suspension after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.
St. Louis pitcher Carlos Martinez found his rhythm early, both on the mound and at the plate.
It was another encouraging sign for the right-hander, who struggled through a rough May and wound up on the disabled list for the first time in his career.
Martinez pitched seven effective innings for his third consecutive win and doubled in the Cardinals‘ first run in a 3-2 win over the San Francisco Giants 3-2 on Saturday.
”You could tell he found something in the `pen that he carried right onto the mound in the first inning,” St. Louis manager Mike Matheny said. ”That’s a great place for him to be and he just kept building on it. Now it looks just like he was before he got hurt.”
Martinez missed 23 games while sidelined with a right lat strain and was only marginally effective upon his return. In his last three starts Youth Matt Irwin Jersey , however, Martinez has a 2.36 ERA while allowing five runs in 19 innings.
”Right now my arm is great so I don’t have any pain in there,” Martinez said. ”I have focus always and I believe in myself.”
Martinez allowed one run on six hits with three strikeouts and did not walk a batter for the third time this season.
Kolton Wong had two hits and scored a run, disgruntled outfielder Dexter Fowler added a sacrifice fly and Francisco Pena singled in a run.
Martinez (6-4) was steady most of the afternoon and only allowed one runner past first base until the sixth inning. He got Brandon Belt to pop out with a runner on third in the first, stranded runners on base in the second and fourth and then got Brandon Crawford to ground out after Belt’s RBI double in the sixth.
Jordan Hicks allowed a run in the eighth and Bud Norris retired three batters for his 17th save.
”The last outings I’ve had really good focus and I’m comfortable with myself,” Martinez said. ”All my pitches are moving, and today I was trying to throw right in the middle because I’ve got a lot of movement on my two-seamer and my cutter.”
Belt had three hits and drove in both runs for the Giants. San Francisco has been held to two runs or fewer in five of its last six games.
Jeff Samardzija had an uneven outing in his first start since May 29. Activated off the disabled list before the game, Samardzija (1-5) gave up three runs in five innings and repeatedly pitched with runners on base.
”The mistakes aren’t because of the arm,” Samardzija said. ”They’re just because of the execution of the pitch Roman Josi Jersey , and that’s always a good thing.”
FOWLER’S FUNK
Fowler went 0-for-3 to drop his batting average to .168. Earlier this week, Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak appeared to question Fowler’s effort but later backed off those comments.
”That’s a big run right there,” Matheny said, adding that Fowler has been taking better at-bats. ”I know he’s looking for results right now and the fact that we can get a run in, that’s a result. But I know he’s looking for some hits to fall in, just like everybody else.”
TRAINER’S ROOM
Cardinals: Yadier Molina was given the day off after experiencing soreness in his right shoulder. LHP Tyler Lyons (elbow strain) began his rehab assignment and threw 13 pitches in one scoreless inning for Triple-A Memphis. Lyons has been out since June 6. RHP Luke Gregerson (shoulder impingement) threw nine pitches in a rehab appearance with Double-A Springfield.
Giants: 2B Joe Panik was placed on the 10-day disabled list with a left groin strain he injured while running from first to third during Friday’s game. Closer Hunter Strickland (broken hand) was transferred to the 60-day disabled list. INF Chase d’Arnaud was called up from Triple-A Sacramento and RHP Chris Stratton was optioned down.
UP NEXT
Giants LHP Madison Bumgarner (1-3, 2.58 ERA) pitches the series finale Sunday against Cardinals RHP Jack Flaherty (3-4, 3.19). Bumgarner has lost five of his last six starts against St. Louis. Flaherty allowed five runs in four innings during his only career appearance against San Francisco in 2017.
With closer Edwin Diaz needing some work, Seattle manager Scott Servais had to deliver the bad news to Leake.
”Very tough, very, very hard,” Servais said. ”I told him: `Mike, 99 percent of the time I wouldn’t take you out of this game, but we need to get Eddie out there.”’
Leake (8-4) gave up three singles, struck out five and walked two six days after he allowed five runs and took the loss against the Red Sox at Safeco Field. Diaz gave up two runs in the ninth.
”I wanted it,” Leake said. ”I was ready, but they wanted to give Diaz work, so there’s no fight there.”
His last shutout was on Sept. 30, 2015, for San Francisco against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Nelson Cruz had three hits and scored twice a night after hitting two homers and driving in seven runs for Seattle, which went on its skid after beating Boston two straight at home last weekend.
J.D. Martinez had two singles for Boston after going 4 for 5 with five RBIs when the Red Sox collected a season-high 20 hits in a 14-10 victory Friday.
Eduardo Rodriguez (9-2) gave up five runs, four earned, in four innings, snapping his personal six-game win streak. The Red Sox were 13-1 in his starts this season.
”Today was just the command with the pitches, you know what I mean?” he said.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Rodriguez’s lack of command with his cutter was the difference from last weekend when he was solid against the Mariners. He said both of Haniger’s doubles came off the pitch.
Playing on a cool, misty night, the Mariners managed to close out the Red Sox after blowing two five-run leads during their slide, including Friday.
Seattle broke it open with three runs in the fourth. Haniger made it 4-0 with a two-out, two-run double off the Green Monster. He scored from second on Kyle Seager’s infield hit when Rodriguez slipped covering first and turned late for the plate.
Haniger also had an RBI double in the first.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Mariners: SS Jean Segura missed his third straight game with a right forearm infection. ”The swelling has gone down quite a bit,” Servais said. The plan was for him to hit and field to see where he’d be for Sunday afternoon’s game.
Red Sox: Cora said LHP Drew Pomeranz (10-day DL, left biceps tendinitis) felt better after throwing off a mound on Friday. He threw lightly on Saturday and Cora said he ”might do another bullpen” on Monday. … 3B Rafael Devers fouled a ball of his foot and came out after completing his at-bat. ”He’s OK,” Cora said.
SHORT-HANDED SOX
Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts and shortstop Xander Bogaerts were both out of the lineup.
Cora said Betts was ”a little bit under the weather. He had no energy.” The All-Star outfielder entered Saturday with a .342 average, second-best in the majors, with 19 homers and 39 RBIs.
Bogaerts left Friday’s game after he sprained his left index finger on a headfirst slide to second.
YOU AGAIN
For the second straight game, both starters had faced the same team in their previous start. Rodriguez earned the win, allowing only two runs in six innings last Sunday in Seattle.
”It does make it a little bit more challenging for the pitcher in my mind,” Servais said before the game.
Cora said: ”You have to make an adjustment just to make an adjustment.”
UP NEXT
Mariners: LHP Marco Gonzales (7-4, 3.80 ERA) is slated to start the series finale Sunday. He’s 6-2 with a 2.88 ERA in his last 11 starts.
Red Sox: LHP Chris Sale (6-4, 2.74) is set to start. The ace has allowed one or no runs in nine of 17 starts this season and is 5-1 with a 2.09 ERA in his career against Seattle.
Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon said Saturday’s sweltering conditions at Wrigley Field were the worst he’s experienced during a major league game.
The Minnesota Twins were in no position to disagree.
Minnesota’s Eddie Rosario, Bobby Wilson and Max Kepler all left early because of heat illness on a scorching afternoon, and the Cubs beat the Twins 14-9.
Rosario homered in the top of the fifth inning, then was pulled from left field shortly after fielding a hit by Anthony Rizzo in the bottom half. The Cubs said it was 96 degrees at the time with a heat index of 107 – that’s a calculation of how hot it actually feels, with the humidity factored in.
There was a short break in the sixth after Wilson drew a walk. A couple of cups of water were brought out for him to sip and douse himself to cool off. Wilson eventually scored and was replaced at catcher after the inning ended with the score tied at 9.
”I just couldn’t catch my breath,” he said. ”My heart was fluttering. I felt dizzy. Started getting a headache. Just couldn’t even hold a conversation in the dugout.”
All three Twins players were treated with IVs.
Jason Heyward had four of the Cubs’ 20 hits, Ben Zobrist had three RBIs and Chicago had a pair of five-run innings. The Cubs rallied from 3-0 and 7-4 deficits and have scored at least 10 runs in three straight games for the first time since April 2003.
Albert Almora Jr. had three hits and drove in two runs as the Cubs won their third in a row. He exited in the fifth after experiencing leg cramps related to dehydration.
Joe Mauer had two hits and three RBIs for the Twins.
Plate umpire Hunter Wendelstedt worked with a towel draped around his neck and frequently left the field between innings.
”It was just tough,” Minnesota manager Paul Molitor said. ”We couldn’t keep them off base. There were a lot of singles. They kept hitting them in the right spot.”
Chicago broke open a tie game with a five-run seventh.
David Bote led off with a walk and Ian Happ doubled off reliever Trevor Hildenberger (1-2). It was Chicago’s 15th hit to that point – and first extra-base hit despite the wind blowing out.
”Home runs are pretty cool,” Almora said, ”but the way we produced runs today was special.”
After pinch-hitter Kyle Schwarber was intentionally walked to load the bases, Heyward hit a soft liner that just scooted over the head of shortstop Ehire Adrianza – with the infield playing in – for an RBI single and a 10-9 lead Baez hit a grounder up the middle, just out of Adrianza’s reach with the infield playing in, for two more runs.
Justin Wilson (2-2) pitched a scoreless inning for the win.
STRONG DEBUT
Willians Astudillo, primarily a catcher in the minors, made his major league debut – replacing Rosario – and wound up playing center field for the Twins, his first time at that spot as a pro. He hit an RBI single in his first at-bat.
”I just went out and had fun,” Astudillo said through a translator. ”It’s just great to be here.”
TRAINER’S ROOM
Twins: CF Byron Buxton (fractured left big toe) has been on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Rochester since June 19 and there’s no timetable for when he’ll be activated from the DL. Buxton was hitting .206 with a homer and four RBIs in nine games with Rochester before Saturday. If he continues to struggle, there’s a chance he could be optioned to Rochester when his rehab assignment ends on July 8.
Cubs: RHP Carl Edwards Jr. (right shoulder inflammation) threw 19 pitches and got two outs during a rehab outing with Triple-A Iowa on Friday. Maddon said the reports were positive and that his ”velocity was normal.” Edwards is expected to pitch again either Sunday or Monday.
UP NEXT
LHP Jon Lester (10-2, 2.18 ERA) opens the July schedule after winning all five of his June starts, compiling a 1.13 ERA during that stretch. RHP Lance Lynn (5-6, 4.81) starts the finale of the three-game series for the Twins.
MINNEAPOLIS — After wearing the same uniform for the past four seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays Kody Clark Capitals Jersey , Alex Cobb and Jake Odorizzi face off Sunday as Cobb’s Baltimore Orioles try to avoid a sweep when they take on Odorizzi and the Minnesota Twins at Target Field.
With the Rays in a full-blown rebuild, both pitchers found new homes this past spring. Odorizzi was traded to Minnesota early in spring training while Cobb was one of the many free agents who waited out an unnerving winter before eventually signing a four-year, $57 million deal with Baltimore late in camp.
Now, only a week away from the All-Star break, neither pitcher — nor his team — is having the kind of season they anticipated Opening Day.
It’s been especially painful for Cobb (2-10, 6.53 ERA), whose deal was the largest offered to an Orioles pitcher. The right-hander was expected to be a stabilizing force in a rotation that had designs on a postseason berth but instead, he slumped out of the gate and went 2-9 with a 7.14 ERA through his first 12 starts in an Orioles’ uniform.
Through that, there have been flashes of the pitcher Baltimore had in mind when it made the deal. He’s held opponents to three earned runs or fewer in eight of his 15 starts overall, including his last time out when he held the Phillies to three while striking out five in 6 2/3 innings.
“Alex is going to be a good pitcher,” Orioles manager Buck Showalter said. “He is a good pitcher at times this year. It’s hard. It’s hard. He’s hardened from pitching in the American League. He knows the fine line between success and failure.”
With his team holding baseball’s worst record and buried in the basement of a division dominated by the Yankees and Red Sox, Cobb knows the playoffs aren’t even a pipe dream at this point. But he still has a goal of finishing the season strong and setting the stage for a bounce-back campaign in 2019.
“I don’t want to say take it almost spring training-like, but we have to do whatever it takes for each and every one of us to get better going forward,” Cobb said. “When you get hung up on results http://www.brownsauthorizedshops.com/authentic-antonio-callaway-jersey , I think that you let that cloud the process that’s going on to make yourself get better. I don’t want it to be framed to any fans or front office, coaching staff, that we’re not going out there trying to win ballgames. We absolutely are, every single night.
“But we also need to not be so result-oriented and take the small progressions that we’re making and get better. If we want to compete later on this year, next year, we need to get better each and every one of us — individually.”
Cobb is 2-0 with a 2.20 ERA in three starts versus Minnesota.
Things haven’t been much better in the Twin Cities, where Odorizzi (3-6, 4.57 ERA) was expected to be a key addition to a Twins team that was thought to be a contender with Cleveland for the AL Central title after making an unexpected trip to the American League wild-card game a year ago.
He opened the year on a high note, going 3-2 with a 3.17 ERA through his first 10 outings but has struggled with consistency since, posting a 6.81 ERA over his last eight starts.
“It’s upsetting and frustrating … it’s not something I take lightly,” Odorizzi said of his struggles late last month. “I take a lot of pride in getting guys out. Trust me, I’m more frustrated about this than anybody in this clubhouse. This has been one of the tougher stretches in my short big-league career.”
Odorizzi has shown signs of bouncing back in his last two outings. He held the White Sox scoreless for six innings, allowing three hits while striking out eight, but took a no-decision June 28 in Chicago and followed that with a strong showing in Milwaukee where the Brewers managed only two runs while striking out nine times over five innings.
Xander Bogaerts hit a three-run homer during a six-run fifth inning, J.D. Martinez and Eduardo Nunez also went deep, and the Boston Red Sox beat the Washington Nationals 11-4 on Tuesday.
Martinez drove in four and leads the majors with 26 homers and 71 RBIs. Boston has won 17 of its last 19 interleague games.
Washington has lost four straight and 16 of 21 to fall to 42-42, its first time at .500 since it was 17-17.
Red Sox starter Brian Johnson allowed two runs in 4 2/3 innings. Brandon Workman (1-0) pitched a perfect seventh.
Nationals starter Tanner Roark (3-10) allowed a career-high nine runs in seven innings and is 1-8 with a 5.19 ERA in 12 appearances (11 starts) since May 5.
YANKEES 8, BRAVES 5
NEW YORK (AP) – Giancarlo Stanton, Aaron Hicks and Kyle Higashioka each homered and New York went ahead early and hung on to beat Atlanta.
Aaron Judge had two hits and a walk, and he stole two bases for the first time in his career. Hicks also walked twice as New York drew eight free passes.
The Yankees improved to a major league-best 21-6 against left-handed starters and remain a game behind Boston for the majors’ best record.
Nick Markakis and Ender Inciarte each hit two-run homers for Atlanta, which ended a four-game winning streak. Braves starter Sean Newcomb allowed five runs in 2 2/3 innings in the shortest start of his career.
A.J. Cole (2-0) pitched 1 2/3 innings of shutout relief to earn the win.
DODGERS 8, PIRATES 3
LOS ANGELES (AP) – Clayton Kershaw earned his first win in 2 months, five Dodgers homered including Max Muncy with a pair, and Los Angeles beat Pittsburgh.
Ivan Nova (4-6) became the first pitcher in Pirates history to give up five homers in a game. Pittsburgh has been outscored 25-4 in the first two games of the series.
The Dodgers have 11 homers three days into July and 122 so far this season after slugging a major league-leading and franchise-record 55 in June.
Kershaw (2-4) allowed two runs and four hits in six innings of his third start since coming off the disabled list. The left-handed ace struck out two and didn’t walk anyone to earn his first victory since April 15 at Arizona. He had two losses and four straight no-decisions since then.
Kershaw had not gone as late as July 3 with just one win since his rookie year in 2008. That year he didn’t earn his second victory until Aug. 7.
MARINERS 4, ANGELS 1
SEATTLE (AP) – Wade LeBlanc allowed one run over seven innings and Seattle beat Los Angeles for its eighth straight victory.
The Angels’ Shohei Ohtani was activated from the 10-day disabled list and went 0 for 4 with two strikeouts in his return. He had been sidelined since June 8 with a Grade 2 ulnar collateral ligament sprain.
The Mariners announced they signed LeBlanc (4-0) to a contract extension before his start and the soft-tossing left-hander showed them they made a good decision. LeBlanc allowed three hits, struck out four and retired his final 11 batters.
PHOENIX (AP) – Paul Goldschmidt hit a three-run homer, Zack Greinke pitched effectively into the seventh inning and Arizona ended a four-game losing streak by beating St. Louis.
Goldschmidt followed a four-hit night Monday with a three-run homer off Jack Flaherty (3-4) in the fifth inning. The NL player of the month for June, Goldschmidt is hitting .413 with 11 homers and 28 RBIs his past 26 games.
Greinke (9-5) gave up two runs in the second inning to end his 13-inning scoreless streak but was otherwise sharp in winning his fourth straight game. Yoshihisa Hirano needed one pitch to get a groundout with the bases loaded in the seventh and extend his team record with a 26th straight scoreless appearance.
Brad Boxberger worked around a walk in the ninth for his 20th save in 24 chances.
INDIANS 6, ROYALS 4
KANSAS CITY (AP) – Yan Gomes hit a sixth-inning grand slam as Cleveland rallied to beat Kansas City.
The Indians lead the AL with eight grand slams. Francisco Lindor hit a grand slam Monday.
Edwin Encarnacion led off the sixth with a walk and Brandon Guyer was hit by a pitch from Danny Duffy (4-8). Yonder Alonso’s infield single loaded the bases. Gomes drove a 1-0 Duffy pitch into the left-field bullpen.
Chad Allen got the final four outs for his 17th save in 18 chances. He stranded two runners in the ninth after a single and a walk.
Shane Bieber (4-0) picked up the victory and remains undefeated in his first five big league starts.
PHILLIES 3, ORIOLES 2
PHILADELPHIA (AP) – Zach Eflin pitched seven strong innings for his sixth straight victory and Andrew Knapp had the winning hit for the second straight game.
Rhys Hoskins had a two-run double for the Phillies, who have won 11 of 16.
Mark Trumbo homered for Baltimore, which has dropped eight of nine.
The game was delayed at the start 1 hour, 25 minutes due to rain and mostly played under a persistent drizzle.
Eflin (7-2) allowed two runs on five hits with six strikeouts and no walks to become the first Phillies pitcher since Cliff Lee in 2011 to record six consecutive wins.
Orioles starter Alex Cobb (2-10) gave up three runs on four hits with five strikeouts and three walks in 6 2/3 innings.
CUBS 5, TIGERS 3
CHICAGO (AP) – Anthony Rizzo drove in his second run of the game in the seventh inning to snap a tie, Kyle Schwarber followed with a solo homer in the eighth and Chicago rebounded from an early three-run deficit to edge Detroit f
That’s if the 60,000-plus capacity stadium, which has been designed to accommodate soccer and NFL, is completed in time for Week 6.
While Tottenham is sure that building work is on schedule on the White Hart Lane site where its previous stadium was demolished last year, the NFL has contingency plans to move the Oct. 14 game to Wembley Stadium.
The home of the England national soccer team is where the NFL will be staging another two games after Raiders-Seahawks match-up, giving London three consecutive weeks of American football for the first time.
The Philadelphia Eagles will play the Jacksonville Jaguars, and the Tennessee Titans will take on the Los Angeles Chargers. The NFL is yet to decide which game will be on Oct. 21 in Week 7 and which slots into Week 8 on Oct. 28.
”It’s a great learning for us, it’s another test for us http://www.brownsauthorizedshops.com/authentic-chad-thomas-jersey ,” Mark Waller, the NFL’s executive vice president of international, said Thursday at the site of Tottenham’s new stadium. ”If we were ever to put a franchise in the UK we would need to know we can do three consecutive weekends.”
The NFL had planned to stage two games in the 2018 season at Tottenham, which was runner-up in the Premier League last season. But Tottenham, which is using Wembley as its own temporary home this season, doesn’t want the burden of two NFL fixtures when it is still settling into its new, unnamed stadium.
”We have created something very unique,” Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy said at the announcement of fixtures. ”We still have another six or seven months of really hard work of construction.”
Tottenham has signed a 10-year contract for games with the NFL.
”We very much hope there will be a franchise in London and we would very much like this stadium to be used for that club Jake Rudock Jersey ,” Levy said. ”We haven’t assumed there is going to be a franchise. It’s very much our desire.”
The new stadium was designed with NFL-sized changing rooms and to ensure the grass soccer pitch can be retracted and kept under lights below the stands when the artificial surface is required for NFL.
Waller said they ”don’t want to alienate” fans of Tottenham’s rivals by being so closely associated with one Premier League team.
”We will need to get that right,” Waller said. ”But we are also playing at Wembley so there will be plenty of other opportunities for fans to go elsewhere as well. It also puts an onus on us to ensure we are thoughtful about how we manage all our relationships.”
By the end of the year, 29 of the NFL’s 32 franchises will have played in London since regular-season games were first played in the British capital in 2007.
”When we played the first game here we had no idea if we were ever coming back,” Waller said.
—
Tom Brady passed for three touchdowns and 337 yards, and the New England Patriots cruised past the Tennessee Titans 35-14 on Saturday night to advance to their seventh consecutive AFC championship game.
New England (14-3) will host the winner of Sunday’s divisional matchup between Jacksonville and Pittsburgh.
It was Brady’s 10th career postseason game with at least three TD tosses, moving him past Joe Montana for the most in NFL history. James White caught a touchdown pass and ran for another, and Danny Amendola had 11 catches for 112 yards.
The Titans (10-8) took an early 7-0 lead, but New England scored 35 straight points to take control.
Marcus Mariota completed 22 of 37 passes for 254 yards and two touchdowns Marvin Jones Jr Jersey , but was under duress for most of the second half. He was sacked eight times, a Patriots playoff record. New England also held Derrick Henry to just 28 yards rushing on 12 carries.
New England’s victory came on the heels of a week filled with drama following reports of turmoil involving Brady, coach Bill Belichick and team owner Robert Kraft. None of that showed on the field Saturday.
EAGLES 15, FALCONS 10
PHILADELPHIA (AP) – With Nick Foles engineering several long drives, Jake Elliott converting three field goals, and the defense getting stingy in the tightest spot, Philadelphia moved into the NFC championship game with a victory over the Atlanta Falcons.
Foles directed brilliant marches of 74 and 80 yards in the second half – one into the whipping wind, the other with it – and Elliott atoned for missing an extra point by converting from 53 yards at the end of the second quarter Graham Glasgow Jersey , 37 and 21 in the second half. Then, the Eagles (14-3) held when Atlanta (11-7) got to the 9-yard line with a first down, and to the 2 on fourth down.
When Matt Ryan’s final pass sailed over Julio Jones’ head in the end zone, Philly could celebrate its first playoff victory since the 2008 season.
Next Sunday, the Eagles will host either Minnesota or New Orleans for the conference crown. The Eagles last made the Super Bowl in the 2004 season, losing to New England.
Authorities say a former major league All-Star pitcher held two people at gunpoint after they took mail from his mailbox.
The Bibb County Sheriff’s office said on Facebook that deputies responded just after 2:30 p.m. Wednesday to a call from Kevin Brown in Macon.
The Telegraph newspaper reports Brown saw two men in a white sports car take his mail before speeding off twice Tuesday. The next day http://www.billsauthorizedshops.com/authentic-russell-bodine-jersey , he waited with a gun and detained the pair when they tried again.
The sheriff’s office arrested two brothers from Miami, one 30 and one 15. They face charges of mail theft and forgery, and the older brother is charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
The 53-year-old Brown was 211-144 with a 3.28 ERA in 486 games in 19 seasons with Rangers, Orioles, Marlins, Padres, Dodgers and Yankees. The six-time All-Star last pitched in the majors for the Yankees in 2005.
The bottom line does not tell the story of Michael Fulmer’s last start.
Fulmer then gave up back-to-back homers on what he felt were well-located sliders. Scooter Gennett, who badly missed a Fulmer slider earlier in the at-bat, golfed a two-run shot over the right-field wall. Eugenio Suarez followed with a blast over the left-field wall.
Fulmer wound up with his sixth loss of the season.
He’ll hope for some better luck in a Thursday matinee against the Oakland Athletics.
The Tigers will be trying to break an eight-game losing streak after dropping the first three games of the series while Oakland will attempt to get its first four-game sweep of Detroit since 2001.
“Last start, everything was kind of on cruise control and then Gennett hit a good pitch out,” Fulmer said. “But people don’t see the pitch, they see the results. They look at the linescore and that’s it.
“They don’t see that my fastball velo is up, my sinker’s moving more http://www.billsauthorizedshops.com/authentic-marshall-newhouse-jersey , my slider has been a lot sharper as of late,” Fulmer continued. “That’s the problem from a player’s standpoint and a spectator’s standpoint. ‘Oh, he gave up two home runs in one inning last start, it wasn’t a very good start.’ Don’t worry about the other five innings where I did really well. Sometimes, people don’t think just to give the hitters credit.”
Fulmer (3-6, 4.17 ERA) limited Minnesota and Cleveland to one run in seven innings in each of his previous two outings. He’s throwing as hard as ever, with his four-seamer and sinker averaging over 97 mph this month.
“I’m not frustrated with the way I pitched or my stuff,” said Fulmer, who is 2-0 with an 0.57 ERA in two career starts against Oakland. “I’m frustrated with the results and that’s the way it’s kind of been for me so far this season. I’m still very positive. I still trust everything, I feel like we’re very close to being dominant for a full game.”
The Tigers could certainly use one of those outings.
Left-hander Sean Manaea (7-6, 3.40 ERA) will oppose Fulmer after having his scheduled start pushed back a day. He has delivered three consecutive quality starts following a rough patch in May. Manaea allowed four or more earned runs in five of his six May starts but he’s held opponents to a combined six runs in his last three outings.
“I was trying to be too perfect and it was causing me to overthink things,” he said. “Now, I’m trying to keep things simple.”
Manaea has walked just one batter in those three starts while collecting 17 strikeouts. He held the Chicago White Sox to one run on five hits in seven innings during his last start. He lost his only career start against Detroit while giving up three runs in six innings.
Oakland’s streak of hitting a homer in 27 consecutive road games http://www.bengalsauthorizedshops.com/authentic-cordy-glenn-jersey , a major league record, ended on Wednesday but it still came away with a 3-0 victory. Jed Lowrie has seven hits in the series, including two homers and two doubles.
Lance McCullers pitched seven strong innings Anthony Duclair Jersey , Jake Marisnick homered and the Houston Astros beat the Tampa Bay Rays 1-0 on Thursday night to tie a franchise record with their 11th straight road win.
McCullers (9-3) gave up three hits while striking out seven. The Astros have won his last six starts and have won 18 of 21 overall. Their 11th straight road win matched the club record set last May 14-June 5 on the way to winning the franchise’s first World Series title.
The Rays, who had won five straight overall and eight straight at home, had runners on first and third with none out in the eighth against reliever Chris Devenski, but Matt Duffy lined into a double play and Jake Bauers grounded out.
Hector Rondon pitched the ninth for his fifth save in seven opportunities.
Marisnick’s homer in the fifth came off Ryan Yarbrough (7-4) and was his seventh of the season. It ended the Rays’ streak of 26 scoreless innings, the second-longest in franchise history.
RED SOX 4, ANGELS 2
BOSTON (AP) – Jackie Bradley Jr. hit a two-run homer and Rafael Devers had a solo shot to help Boston beat Los Angeles.
Boston completed a season sweep of the Angels for the first time since they joined the American League as an expansion club in 1961.
The Red Sox have won four straight and six of seven as they head to New York to open three-game series between the rivals on Friday night with first place in the AL East on the line.
Hector Velazquez (6-0) pitched two scoreless innings of relief. Craig Kimbrel earned his 24th save with a scoreless ninth inning.
Andrelton Simmons hit a solo homer and Albert Pujols had an RBI single for the Angels, who have lost six straight. Los Angeles was up 1-0 until Devers led off the fifth with his 13th homer, to center off of Jamie Barria (5-4).
DODGERS 11, CUBS 5
LOS ANGELES (AP) – Anthony Rizzo’s three-run double and Addison Russell’s two-run homer highlighted a seven-run seventh inning as Chicago broke loose after Los Angeles starter Clayton Kershaw exited.
The Cubs pounded out 15 hits, including four by Rizzo. Russell drove in four runs in the final regular-season meeting between the teams that played each other in the NL Championship Series the last two years.
They met seven times in 10 days, with the Cubs winning four games over the two series.
The Dodgers staked Kershaw to a 3-1 lead before he departed after five innings because of a pitch limit.
The Cubs jumped on reliever Walker Buehler (4-2), who arrived earlier in the morning from Triple-A Oklahoma City, where he had been set for a rehab assignment. Albert Almora Jr. homered on Buehler’s second pitch and Russell’s sacrifice fly tied it at 3 in the sixth.
Steve Cishek (2-0) got the win with 1 2/3 innings of relief.
ROCKIES 9, GIANTS 8
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – DJ LeMahieu hit a two-run homer in the ninth inning and set a career best with five RBIs Jared Spurgeon Jersey , rallying Colorado past San Francisco.
Nolan Arenado hit his 19th home run, tying him for the NL lead with Washington’s Bryce Harper. Trevor Story added three hits for Colorado, which had lost four straight at San Francisco.
The Rockies blew leads of 5-2 and 7-5 and were down 8-7 before scoring twice off closer Sam Dyson (2-2) to avoid a series sweep.
Adam Ottavino (4-1) gave up two runs but retired three batters to win. Wade Davis pitched the ninth for his 22nd save.
DIAMONDBACKS 4, MARLINS 0
MIAMI (AP) – Zack Greinke pitched seven innings and was an offensive dynamo, too, helping Arizona beat Miami.
Greinke singled twice, drove in a run, stole a base and scored. He leads Arizona pitchers this year with four RBIs and four runs, raised his season average to .300, and is now 7 for 7 lifetime in steal attempts.
As for pitching, Greinke (8-5) won for the fifth time in his past six starts.
Paul Goldschmidt continued his recent tear with three hits, and Nick Ahmed added two hits. Each scored and drove in a run.
Trevor Richards (2-5) allowed three runs in four innings. Miami rookie Brian Anderson went 0 for 4 to end his 24-game on-base streak, which had been the longest active string in the National League.
PHILLIES 4, NATIONALS 3
PHILADELPHIA (AP) – Aaron Nola pitched into the eighth inning to win his 10th game of the season Riley Sutter Capitals Jersey , Rhys Hoskins homered again and Philadelphia started a pivotal division series by beating Washington.
Hoskins hit a two-run shot in the seventh inning for his 13th home run of the year and a 4-1 lead that propelled the Phillies within two games of idle Atlanta for first place the NL East. Both the Phillies and Nationals entered this four-game set within striking distance of the Braves.
Nola (10-2) struck out eight and walked only two over 114 pitches and 7 2/3 innings. He has won seven straight decisions at home dating to last season.
Tommy Hunter allowed two runs in the ninth before Seranthony Dominguez got the final two outs for his sixth save.
Tanner Roark (3-9) struck out five over seven innings for the Nationals, who fell to 4-12 since June 9.
BREWERS 6, REDS 4
CINCINNATI (AP) – Eric Thames hit a three-run homer in the seventh inning and Milwaukee slowed Cincinnati’s best surge of the season.
The game included a benches-clearing incident in the third inning as Cincinnati’s Joey Votto exchanged words with Brewers catcher Erik Kratz.
Thames gave the Brewers a 5-4 lead when he homered in the seventh inning off reliever Amir Garrett (0-1).
Eric Sogard added a sacrifice fly in the ninth.
Junior Guerra (4-5) gave up Jose Peraza’s second career leadoff homer and Jesse Winker’s two-run shot while The Kansas City Chiefs are trading Pro Bowl cornerback Marcus Peters to the Los Angeles Rams for what is expected to be a package of draft picks, according to published reports.
ESPN.com first reported the trade, which will not become official until the start of the new league year on March 14. It’s the second major trade involving the Chiefs that will occur that day following the deal that will send quarterback Alex Smith to the Washington Redskins.
The Chiefs have been aggressively seeking to trade Peters, an All-Pro during the 2016 season, as part of both a youth movement and shift in locker room culture.
The 25-year-old Peters emerged as one of the NFL’s best cover cornerbacks, picking off at least five passes each of his first season in the league. But he also carries significant character concerns, beginning with getting thrown off his college team at Washington after a run-in with his coaches.
Peters has drawn the ire of some fans for refusing to stand for the national anthem, even though he has never explained why he is protesting. He’s been involved in shouting matches with assistant coaches on the sideline, bizarre and sometimes divisive locker room antics, and was even suspended for a game last season after tossing an officials’ penalty flag into the stands.
Peters thought he was ejected after that incident against the New York Jets and left the field, only to run back out – not wearing socks – when he realized he was not disqualified.
None of those character concerns was evidently enough to dissuade the Rams from making a deal, though. They were desperate for a shutdown cornerback for defensive coordinator Wade Phillips http://www.ravensauthorizedshops.com/authentic-anthony-averett-jersey , especially with Trumaine Johnson due to hit free agency after spending two seasons playing on the franchise tag.
The Rams’ slot cornerback, Nickell Robey-Coleman, also is expected to hit free agency, and No. 2 cornerback Kayvon Webster will be trying to return from a ruptured Achilles tendon sustained in December.
Peters will count $1.74 million toward the salary cap this season, the final year of his rookie deal, and the Rams will have until May 3 to decide whether to pick up his fifth-year option.
The Chiefs will obtain a potential replacement for Peters when the Smith deal becomes official. As part of their pending trade with the Redskins, the Chiefs will receive coveted cornerback Kendall Fuller, who many believe is on the verge of stardom, along with a third-round draft pick.
Prior to the trades, the Chiefs were only scheduled to have four picks in the upcoming draft, which would have significantly hampered new general manager Brett Veach’s chances of upgrading the roster.
They were granted a sixth-round compensatory pick Friday for allowing quarterback Nick Foles to sign with the Philadelphia Eagles last offseason, and are expected to get additional choices from the Rams. But it’s unknown whether those will occur in April’s draft or in following years.
The Rams are already without a second-round after their trade for Sammy Watkins last year.
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23.02.2019 07:38
