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The NFL Thread

Tusker said:
To all those cricket fans who understand American Footabl ... How does this Win (or the loss) compare with anything in Cricket ? Just curious.
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It's like giving up 400 runs in the first innings, being bowled out for 50 in the second innings, shutting down one of the world's best batting lineups in the 3rd innings and bowling them out for 50, and then scoring 401 on the final day.
 
GC,

Looks like we had a killer draft, honestly speaking in my 3 decades of watching Eagles football, I cant remember a time when I have been this excited or optimistic in regards to a draft..
 
Romali_rotti said:
GC,

Looks like we had a killer draft, honestly speaking in my 3 decades of watching Eagles football, I cant remember a time when I have been this excited or optimistic in regards to a draft..
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Very solid draft picks, really like the second rounder.

Speaking of the draft, I attended Friday night and it was amazing. Atmosphere was great and the crowd was excellent.
 
I want to see if Lamar has learned to throw better in summer camp. If things go well, ravens will have revolutionized how offense works in NFL
 
The Oakland Raiders have released wide receiver Antonio Brown just two days before the team's NFL season opener.

Brown, 31, was fined on Friday after a confrontation with Raiders general manager Mike Mayock but was expected to face the Denver Broncos on Monday.

The news came just hours after Brown posted a message on Instagram that ended: "Release me @raiders."

Brown became one of the NFL's highest-paid wide receivers when he joined Oakland from Pittsburgh in March.

He arrived from the Steelers on a three-year deal worth more than $50m (£41m) per season.

However, Brown has reportedly not received any money from the Raiders so far.

The team confirmed Brown's departure in a one-line statement on their official website.

Brown is not subject to waivers and can now sign for any team as a free agent.

"We are focused on the future and I will immediately work on signing him to a new team," Brown's agent Drew Rosenhaus told NFL.com.

"Antonio is looking forward to a new beginning."

Brown's release comes at the end of dramatic period for the player.

Since arriving at the Raiders, he has missed time because of frostbite-like injuries to his feet caused by entering a cryotherapy chamber without wearing proper footwear.

He then sat out a further period of the off-season during a dispute with the NFL over his helmet.

The altercation between Brown and Mayock ended with the pair having to be physically separated, according to reports, and led to Brown making an apology at a team meeting on Friday morning.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/american-football/49622264
 
Patrick Mahomes throws for 443 yards and four touchdowns as Kansas City Chiefs win 28-10 at Oakland Raiders
Chicago Bears beat Denver Broncos in last second, Los Angeles Rams win NFC Championship rematch with New Orleans Saints
Antonio Brown scores on New England debut as Patriots rout Miami Dolphins 43-0
Green Bay Packers hold off Minnesota Vikings in tense match, Seattle Seahawks edge Pittsburgh Steelers
49ers, Ravens, Cowboys & Bills also 2-0 after Sunday's early games

Highlights of Sunday's games.
 
New England Patriots have released wide receiver Antonio Brown after playing just one game for the franchise.

Brown, 31, signed a one-year deal with the Patriots on 7 September worth a reported £12.2m ($15m) including a £7.3m ($9m) signing bonus.

He scored a touchdown in his only appearance for the Patriots against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.

"We feel that it is best to move in a different direction at this time," read a Patriots statement.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/american-football/49777151
 
Bilal_103 said:
Lamar Jackson is looking real solid
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He could be special. Big game coming up against KC this Sunday. It was a great game the last time these two teams met.
Having said that, Lamar's QB development is offset by a relatively young defense squad - they lost some real experience last year. Time for Earl Thomas to earn his paycheck.
 
Bears face Raiders in first NFL game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (18:00 BST)
 
Just happen to catch the second half of Denver vs la chargers and what a game indeed Denver finally get their first win of the season winning by a score of 20-10. It's also Denver Broncos 500th win in franchise history
 
Quarterback Derek Carr said that the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is "possibly the best he's played in" after leading the Oakland Raiders to a thrilling win in the venue's first NFL game.

The Raiders led 17-0 at half-time before the Chicago Bears fought back with 21 unanswered points.

But a touchdown with under two minutes left saw Oakland win 24-21 in front of the arena's new record crowd of 60,463.

"Everything about it is first class, the detail's in every room," said Carr.

"This is one of the best stadiums I've ever played in in my life - if not the best."

Relive the action as Tottenham stages first NFL game
Sunday's game was over four years in the making, with the NFL announcing in July 2015 that they would stage a minimum of two games a season at Tottenham's new dual-purpose stadium over 10 years.

The first NFL game to take place at the 62,062-seater arena was scheduled for 2018 but it was put back because of delays in the completion of the £1bn venue, which ultimately opened this April.

Just five days after playing in Spurs' Champions League defeat by Bayern Munich, England striker Harry Kane was not only in attendance but took to the field to oversee the pre-game coin toss.

"I'm a soccer fan and it's cool to me that I got to talk to Harry Kane before the game," Carr added. "I told him I'm a huge fan and he said the same, and I'm like, 'How do you even know who we are?' I told him, 'I play as you on Fifa'."

But it was not the same turf Kane appeared on in midweek. The stadium had since been transformed, with the grass football pitch retracted beneath the south stand on enormous trays to reveal an NFL-ready surface below.

England cricketer Jonny Bairstow was also among the record attendance, which saw a scoreless first quarter before Josh Jacobs and DeAndre Washington ran in touchdowns against the Bears' vaunted defence, with Daniel Carson adding a field goal.

Yet the game turned at the start of the third quarter as a careless toss from Carr missed Jacobs in the backfield and ex-Raider Khalil Mack pounced on the loose ball before David Montgomery ran in a touchdown.

That brought the largely Bears-supporting crowd to life and within 12 minutes Chicago were in front for the first time, Allen Robinson catching for two touchdowns.

But in a tense finale, the like of which has not been seen in recent London games, the Raiders claimed a game-winning touchdown after Carr orchestrated a fine 97-yard drive.

One of the 13 plays was a fake punt on fourth down to keep the drive alive, before Foster Moreau made two catches to set up the position for Jacobs to leap into the end zone from two yards.



https://www.bbc.com/sport/american-football/49954966
 
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr has criticised a "ridiculous" NFL fine after it was ruled his "pants failed to cover the knee area" during a game.

The 26-year-old has been fined $14,037 (£10,848) for the "uniform violation" in Cleveland's 32-28 defeat by the Seattle Seahawks on 13 October.

NFL rules state "pants must be worn over the entire knee area".

"14k for some pants that are not gonna protect me from anything," he said.

He posted a letter received from the NFL on his Instagram story, adding: "This [...] is ridiculous."

The NFL says uniform rules help to "protect players from injury, maintain competitive balance, create a professional appearance and protect the league's business partnerships".

Pants "shortened or rolled up to meet the stockings above the knee" are prohibited.

Beckham Jr can appeal against the fine - the 13th of his career.

He was fined the same amount earlier in October for his "unsportsmanlike conduct" in an on-field fight with Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey.

In 2016, he was fined $18,231 (£14,089) for a uniform violation.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/american-football/50136117
 
Pete Rose said:
Ravens had a massive game against the Seahawks making them clear contenders to finish top of their division. Lamar had a great game and the defense came back to life. Hoping they can provide some much needed competition to the patriots in two weeks. Basically the AFC is all Patriots.
https://twitter.com/ravens/status/1186284184781967360?s=21
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I saw that game and it was amazing that game was all Lamar Jackson what a QB he is
 
nextover666666 said:
I saw that game and it was amazing that game was all Lamar Jackson what a QB he is
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He is a genuine playmaker. I love what he brings to the games. Having said that he was really shutdown well in the play offs by the chargers last year. They massed their cornerbacks on the LOS and took away his running. Patriots defense this year is playing like Ravens defense of the past. You can be sure Belichick’s guys will go hard at him.
 
Pete Rose said:
He is a genuine playmaker. I love what he brings to the games. Having said that he was really shutdown well in the play offs by the chargers last year. They massed their cornerbacks on the LOS and took away his running. Patriots defense this year is playing like Ravens defense of the past. You can be sure Belichick’s guys will go hard at him.
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Yes ur absolutely correct brother but I just admire the way he plays the game
 
One of most anticipated games of the season. Patriots vs Ravens - I hope it lives up to the hype.
 
Myles Garrett: Cleveland Browns player hits Steelers' Mason Rudolph with helmet

Cleveland Browns player Myles Garrett is facing a lengthy ban for a "totally inexcusable" attack on Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph.

With eight seconds left Garrett, 23, wrestled Rudolph to the ground after he had released the ball, ripped off his helmet and swung it at his head.

A brawl erupted and defensive end Garrett was ejected from the game.

Pittsburgh's Maurkice Pouncey, who was also ejected, said Garrett "could have killed" Rudolph.

"What if he'd hit in him the temple?," said the Steelers centre.

"That is embarrassing, what I did was foolish," Garrett said. "I made a mistake, I lost my cool and that's on me. It's going to come back to hurt our team."

Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield called his team-mate's behaviour "dangerous" and "totally inexcusable" while Rudolph called Garrett a "coward" and accused him of using the helmet as a "weapon".

"That's just endangering the other team. He's going to get suspended. We don't know how long and that hurts our team," added Mayfield.

Fox commentator Joe Buck, while covering the game, described the incident as "one of the worst things I've ever seen on a professional sports field".

The Browns beat Pittsburgh 21-7 for only their fourth win of the season - ending the Steelers' four-game winning streak.

The incident started when Garrett tackled Rudolph to the ground well after the quarterback had thrown the ball to running back Trey Edmunds.

Rudolph grabbed at Garrett's helmet. Garrett then did likewise and managed to rip off Rudolph's helmet before using it to strike the quarterback in the head.

Pittsburgh players were incensed, with Pouncey throwing a couple of punches at Garrett, before trying to kick him in the head after he was wrestled to the ground.

Pouncey and Larry Ogunjobi of the Browns will join Garrett in facing further NFL punishment after also being sent from the field.

"I've never seen that in my life," Cleveland coach Freddie Kitchens said. "I'm embarrassed, Myles is embarrassed. He understands what he did. He understands what he did is totally unacceptable."

Browns safety Damarious Randall had already been ejected in the third quarter for a helmet-to-helmet hit on wide receiver Diontae Johnson.

Pouncey told reporters afterward that Garrett should "absolutely" be suspended for the rest of the season.

"We'll see how serious the NFL is about their players," said Pouncey, who also said he didn't even remember what he did after Rudolph was hit.

Asked whether he faces a possible suspension, too, Pouncey replied, "At this point, who cares? My man got hit in the head with a helmet. I'll accept whatever penalty it is. At that point, it's bigger than football. It's protection."

The longest suspension for an on-field incident in NFL history is the five games that Albert Hanyesworth received in 2006 for stamping on another player's head.

Aside from the Garrett incident, Rudolph, 24, had a poor game as he completed just 23 of 44 passes for 221 yards with a touchdown and four interceptions as his team slipped to a 5-5 record.

The Steelers and Browns meet again on 1 December.

"A win's a win," Garrett added. "I don't think it's overshadowed by what happened in eight seconds."

The 23-year-old, the number one pick in the 2017 draft, has already been punished by the NFL this season.

He was fined $10,527 (£9,000) for an excessive facemask penalty in week one against the Tennessee Titans and then was fined $42,112 a week later for a roughing-the-passer penalty that injured New York Jets quarterback Trevor Siemian, ending his season.

Earlier this season, the Browns released safety Jermaine Whitehead after he sent threatening messages on social media to people who criticised him, which contained death threats and racial slurs.
https://www.bbc.com/sport/american-football/50430293
 
Cleveland Browns' Myles Garrett has lost his appeal against his indefinite ban from the NFL for hitting Mason Rudolph with the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback's own helmet.

Garrett hit Rudolph during the Browns' win over the Steelers last week.

The suspension - for at least the remainder of the season - was upheld by the NFL on Thursday.

He will not be paid during the ban and will only be reinstated with the approval of NFL officials.

With eight seconds left in the game, Garrett wrestled Rudolph to the ground after he had released the ball, ripped off his helmet and swung it at his head.

A brawl erupted and defensive end Garrett was ejected from the game.

Pittsburgh's Maurkice Pouncey, who was also ejected after the preceding scuffle, had his own ban reduced from three games to two.

Garrett said his actions at the end of his team's 21-7 victory were "selfish and unacceptable" in a statement last Friday.

"I made a terrible mistake," he added. "I want to apologise to Mason Rudolph, my team-mates, our entire organisation, our fans and to the NFL."

US media reported that during the appeal Garrett had accused Rudolph of using a racial slur immediately before the incident.

However the Steelers said in a statement that "Mason vehemently denies the report".

The NFL said there was no evidence Rudolph used racial a slur at Garrett.

Garrett, the number one draft pick in 2017, has previously been sanctioned by the NFL this season, picking up fines worth $52,639 (£40,753), including a sanction for a roughing-the-passer penalty that ended New York Jets quarterback Trevor Siemian's season.
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Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/american-football/50511623.
 
If lived up to the hype, arguably the best game of the year coming up tomorrow between the two 2012 season SB teams 49ers & Ravens - WOW! It should be a cracker. Niners' defense Vs Lamar. It would probably be the best overall defense Lamar gets to see this season. Even though Ravens are favorites, I believe Niners would be a better prepared team after getting put to the real litmus test against Seattle 2 weeks ago. It might well be this season's SB preview.
 
Free agent NFL wide receiver Terrelle Pryor has been arrested and is in stable condition after being stabbed in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, overnight, CBS Sports reports. Pryor was stabbed in the shoulder and chest, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

"Former NFL WR Terrelle Pryor underwent surgery this morning and is in critical condition after being stabbed last night at his Pittsburgh apartment in the shoulder and chest, per source," Schefter wrote on Twitter on Saturday morning. Pryor's agent says he was told the former Rose Bowl MVP is expected to make a full recovery, according to The Associated Press.

The stabbing occurred early Saturday morning at the Heinz Lofts apartment complex in the Troy Hill neighborhood, CBS Pittsburgh reports. Police arrested both Pryor and Shalaya Briston. Pryor is being charged with simple assault while Briston has been charged with criminal attempted homicide and aggravated assault. Briston "also received injuries" in the altercation, according to the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police.

According to criminal complaints filed with the Allegheny County District Attorney, Pryor was taken to the hospital by Briston and two unnamed witnesses. One witness described a "tussle" between Pryor and Briston, who the witness also said had been dating for about a year. The building manager of Heinz Loft Apartments also told police Pryor and Briston were living together, and both are on the lease for the same apartment.

It was unclear from witness accounts who stabbed Pryor, however, one complaint concludes, "Witness 2 said the only person tussling with [Pryor] when he was stabbed was Ms. Briston."

Police also noted that Briston had bruising on her nose.

Pryor is a native of Jeannette, Pennsylvania. After playing quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes, where he was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2008, he was by the Oakland Raiders in the third round of the 2011 NFL Supplemental Draft. He played five seasons with the Raiders, Seattle Seahawks, Kansas City Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals.

As a wide receiver for the Cleveland Browns in 2016, Pryor recorded 77 receptions for 1,007 yards and four touchdowns. He also holds the NFL record for the longest touchdown run by a quarterback (93 yards).

Pryor joined the Jacksonville Jaguars this offseason, but was released in September following a hamstring injury. He has not played in a regular season game since November 2018.
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Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/terrel...recovering-after-being-stabbed-in-pittsburgh/.
 
what a game it turned out to be as expected. we might see the two teams again soon and I hope they remain healthy for the rest of the season. The SB will be super spicy between these two teams.

Ravens in all likely hood will get thru. NFC is a tough conference. Niners though have as good of a chance to get there as Hawks, Saints, and Packers - 2 of the 4 teams might play in the conference final.
 
My Eagles are back in business, I have my green jersey avatar on repping my home town. Come on Carson, Playoffs here we come. FLY EAGLES FLY
 
Lets go Eagles, no one can motivate us better than Philly's favourite son: Sylvester Stallone....


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This is gonna be the best weekend for NFL followers. Never in my last 30 years I have seen parity like this in NFL. It will not be easy for the favorites like Niners and Ravens to move to the NFC/AFC championship without giving 100 percent. This goes to show how competitive these athletes are these days. I am expecting close finish for all 4 games. Go Niners.
 
Good job Niners playing solid football all around. Would the Titans be able to upset one of the other birds, we will see. They do look good tonight but Ravens are inching back. This is gonna be the better game of the day as the Vikings were dismantled completely by Niners. GO NINERS.
 
Oh well, the games did not turn out to be as close as I initially thought. Ravens though they would walk all over the Titans and got destroyed - A perfect rude awakening. My niners killed Vikes. Texans got complacent after a shocking start and got blown away. Mahome is a beast. The best game was hawks vs packs and Rogers did an awesome job to win it for its teams. Packs Vs Niners next weekend will be fun. I hope refs won't go worshipping Roger's to ruin it. Goodluck Niners to SB.
 
All right Niners...very well played. This team should win the SB. KS will be a tough opponent and their QB is amazing coupled with a good TE and Receiver but, Niners are the best most balanced team. It is a game and any of the teams can win it however, Niners should be able to win their 6th title. It has been a 25 years wait time. Go Niners!
 
Super Bowl LIV will see the Kansas City Chiefs come up against a San Francisco 49ers offense that ranked No 2 in scoring in 2019 - so we asked NFL defenders for their keys to stopping Kyle Shanahan's men.

Raheem Mostert led a dominant backfield with 772 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, followed by Matt Breida's 623 yards for one touchdown and Tevin Coleman's 544 yards for six scores.

So far in the post-season, the 49ers have registered an unmatched 471 yards rushing, with 220 coming courtesy of Mostert as he ran in for four touchdowns against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship game.

In comparison, quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has attempted just 27 passes in the playoffs, throwing six for 77 yards against the Packers. That said, it's likely been the success of the run game more than a reflection of Shanahan's faith in his quarterback at the root of his quiet outings.

Seattle Seahawks cornerback Shaquill Griffin cited the 49ers' threat on the ground as a priority for Steve Spagnuolo's Chiefs defense come Sunday.

Griffin said: "You've got to find a way to stop the run. Stop the run, then know that it's going to be a defensive game. Understand that you've got to get the ball and your defense is going to have to win the game for you.

"That's the main thing - with San Fran, if they get that run game started, it's tough to stop. So that's the main part. You want them to put the game in Garoppolo's hands - make him pass, make him make some bad decisions, so once you do that, that's half the battle. Then your defense has to win the rest."

Pittsburgh Steelers Joe Haden added: "Man with them, you've got to load the box up. Not to put any shade on Jimmy's name but I'd rather that.

"The running game is so powerful that you've got to try and make him beat you. The tight end (George) Kittle is special but the outside guys are good - but not Tyreek Hill and not Sammy Watkins, you know I'm saying? The thing with the Niners, you just bunch things up, put eight guys in the box, make sure you make the outside guys win."

Shanahan's heavy use of pre-snap motion has made life significantly more difficult for opposition secondary units, drawing defensive backs into unveiling details of their coverage. The disguise to his play-design has meanwhile given the 49ers an edge when it comes to threatening both play-action and a running play.

The 49ers have not won a Super Bowl since their era of dominance in the 80s and 90s. Can they return to glory on Sunday?
For all that has been said about Garoppolo's usage, it's worth noting he finished 2019 with a fifth-ranked completion percentage of 69.1 and an eighth-ranked passer rating of 102.

The story behind Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his record-breaking career start.

Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes advised: "Stay in your run gap. You've got to be disciplined. Those guys, they've got a lot going on - they try to mess with your eyes as a defense. You've got to not look at it, just play your defense and play your gap.

Green Bay Packers nose tackle Kenny Clark continued: "You've got to be great with your eyes when you play against that system. Stay light on your feet - they get guys running, you've got to just make sure you stand square and knock back the offensive linemen.

"You see a lot of the time, they get to the edge and those running backs, they create great action for them. They can press the line of scrimmage and cut back inside so you've got to have great eyes against that system because it's all motions, fly sweeps and all kinds of stuff.

Minnesota Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter added: "You just got to stay stout on defense, stay in your gaps because what it is, it's all about if somebody gets out that gap that's when somebody makes a big play. It's all about just staying in the gap and keeping the integrity of the defense."

https://www.skysports.com/nfl/news/...co-49ers-offense-nfl-defenders-have-their-say
 
The streets of Miami are ringing with talk of $5,000 tickets, hype around arguably the best player in the game today and being in the sights of more than 150m people worldwide. Not to mention JLo and Shakira - yep, it's Super Bowl time!

But who's playing, who are the favourites and where will the game be won and lost?

In the red corner are the San Francisco 49ers, who won five Super Bowls in 13 years across the 1980s and early 90s. Think Jerry Rice, Joe Montana and Steve Young. Since then - a long wait.

It's 25 years since their last Super Bowl win, coincidentally in the same stadium in Miami, with their last appearance at the end of season party ending in thrilling defeat at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens seven years ago.

In the, err, also red corner, are the Kansas City Chiefs, who make the Niners' 25-year wait for glory seem like a mere blip. (Both sides normally wear red but as the designated 'home' team in Miami, it's the Chiefs who will be in their usual colours, meaning the 49ers will have to wear white.)

It's 50 years since the Chiefs' sole Super Bowl win and their fans have understandably hit Miami in numbers. Will they be celebrating come full-time though? It's a tough game to call this year.

It's reductive to bring the Super Bowl down to the two quarterbacks but the fact remains that they are often the key players on the night. After all, a quarterback has been named Superbowl MVP on 29 occasions from the previous 53 events.

In Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs may well have the best QB in the business. Last year's overall MVP has been in sparkling form again, slinging no-look passes and making plays with his left hand - and his feet too. Check out his superb touchdown in the play-off win against Tennessee.

Mahomes is still only 24 - he'll be the fifth-youngest QB to start a Super Bowl, and would be the second-youngest to win it - and his 87 touchdown passes so far are the most for any player in their first 35 games. His baseball background makes him unorthodox and exciting to watch.

"His performances have been no surprise," wide receiver Tyreek Hill said this week.

"I saw it on day one in training camp, he was making some crazy throws. In the rookie year most guys are happy just to be there, not him.

"He had the right mindset, right attitude, he wasn't scared to make a throw. To be part of this offense is a blessing for me, my job is easy. I just go out there and run and the MVP QB finds me."

Colin Kaepernick was quarterback last time the 49ers reached the Super Bowl but this year their hopes are pinned on Tom Brady's former back-up with Hollywood leading man looks - Jimmy Garoppolo.

Expect a very different approach from Mahomes though - while the Chiefs' playmaker throws the ball to all avenues, Jimmy G attempted just eight passes in the 37-20 win over the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship game, the fewest in a post-season game since Miami Dolphin Earl Morrell in Super Bowl VI (six).

Garoppolo and the Niners may rely again on their superb running game, but the quarterback is more than capable of taking the ball in his own hands if needs be.

"I'm still progressing, still learning and growing as a quarterback," he said.

"There is a long way to go, I'm just getting started. A year ago I was learning how to run again [after a serious knee injury sustained against the Chiefs], it makes you realise how special this moment is. You don't know if you're ever going to be back again."

The contrast between the franchises extends to the men under the headsets - the Chiefs are coached by Andy Reid, a 61-year-old veteran boasting nearly 30 years of NFL experience and with more NFL wins under his belt than any coach not to win a Super Bowl.

He coached the Eagles when they lost in 2004 and could become the fourth man to coach multiple Super Bowls without a win. Much of the media chatter around him in Miami this week has been about the 'l word' - legacy.

In the other corner is a man who knows all about that - Kyle Shanahan is just 40, in his third season as a head coach but son of a Super Bowl-winning coach in Mike Shanahan.

They could become the first father and son duo to win a Super Bowl, come Sunday - Kyle was a ballboy when the 49ers last won the trophy and has grown up around the game's showpiece event.

"I always know how big a deal it is to get here," he said. "You know how big a deal this is all around the world, it's always been my favourite time of the year.

"I used to try and take a week off school, my parents wouldn't let me but mentally I did."

The 49ers hardly threw the ball against the Packers when they booked their place at this Super Bowl - they didn't have to.

Raheem Mostert, a running back on his seventh NFL team in just five years, rampaged through the Packers, scoring four touchdowns and rushing for 220 yards, the second-most ever in an NFL post-season game.

The keen surfer, born in the shark-bite capital of the world just 260 miles north of Miami, is some character. He worked night shifts in Burger King after failing to make the grade and carries a list of the six teams who cut him to every game for motivation - not to mention the fact that he has a bible verse tattooed on his chest.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for God is with me.

"I honestly thought at the start of the season I would seize my moments to help the team win, I wasn't expecting this breakout year," he said.

"There are no 'me' guys on this team. We are like a locomotive, we all work as one. You will see that come Sunday."

Mostert will have his grandfather in attendance on Sunday, his biggest fan who used to record all of his games onto VCR but will upgrade to a digital copy for his grandson's Super Bowl show.

Raheem Mostert
Mostert became the first player in NFL history to have 200+ rush yards and 4+ rush touchdowns in a play-off game
'You have to have some mental stability'
Everywhere you look on Sunday there are weapons. Mostert is one man to watch, the Chiefs have star wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who's so quick he wants to run in the Olympics, while tight ends Travis Kelce and George Kittle and Chiefs' running back Damien Williams could all prove to be game winners. Not to even mention on the defensive stars on both sides.

And yet it could all come down to one kick.

Robbie Gould is the kicker for the 49ers, as individual a role as it can get in a team game but backed by 18 family members in Miami. Miss a few in a row and you lose your job. Boot the winning points on Sunday and you're a hero.

"I played soccer in centre midfield and didn't start playing NFL until my sophomore year at high school - now I'm at the Super Bowl," he said.

"It's hard, there are only 32 spots in the league as a kicker, you have to have some mental stability and not think that your next kick could be the end of your career.

"Trust your training, go out and have fun and be confident."

Gould told me he didn't care if he kicked the winning points or if the Niners won by 30 points, as long as they won.

I didn't believe him. But somebody will be the hero by the end of play deep into the small hours of Monday morning, UK time. Make sure you watch.
https://www.bbc.com/sport/american-football/51334679
 
American Football is a team oriented game. As we saw earlier that even brilliance of Lamar Jackson could not earn Ravens the SB ticket. KC is blessed to have arguably one of the greatest QBs Patrick Mahomes in the making and as Lamar, he can be used in Read Option play calling. Mahomes is blessed to have great athleticism. He will be supported by the fastest receiver in NFL Tyreek Hill and another fantastic TE Travis Kelce.

49ers on the other hand are a complete TEAM. They are the fastest team on the ground. Their OL is the quickest KC will see this year. KC will see the option play they have not seen yet. SF defence and special teams are also faster than KC.

Kyle Shanahan and Andy Reed are great coaches having the ability to read the game and make necessary adjustments in the 2nd Half. Let see who gets ahead first.

On paper, 9ers should win it with a reasonable margin despite being underdogs.
 
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Niners always get very conservative closing the first half. They had a minute to take lead but played safe. Andy Reed has taken more chances and is rewarded. As a Niners fan, I would like Kyle to be a little more aggressive.
 
Two middle aged women trying to be as sassy as they could. Oh well, I guess people like it.
 
Good job Andy Reed for some aggressive play calling and thoroughly deserving the SB. Another wait for me. Kyle got too conservative and will learn. 49ers still have good core of group to come back strong next year. Goodluck Niners.
 
49ers I felt like got nervous when it was 17-20 there was no reason too and how good was Patrick damn he is young and is only going to get better and the comeback was amazing wasn't at his best at first but got his s*'+t together later. That controversial touchdown I think was the wrong call and that call just demoralized the 49ers who were a bit nervous to begin with.
 
CricVet said:
Two middle aged women trying to be as sassy as they could. Oh well, I guess people like it.
Click to expand...

What's wrong with a lil sass and I don't know what's the point to bring up her age
Jlo's performance was mind blowing everyone of her songs were amazing and definitely one of the better halftime performance of recent times except for Beyonce's
 
Bigboii said:
What's wrong with a lil sass and I don't know what's the point to bring up her age
Jlo's performance was mind blowing everyone of her songs were amazing and definitely one of the better halftime performance of recent times except for Beyonce's
Click to expand...

Stop getting all worked up. You are entitled to your opinion. 1/2 time show to me was just meh. If you enjoyed it, good for you.
 
Super Bowl 2020: Kansas City Chiefs pull off a sensational comeback to beat San Francisco 49ers

Patrick Mahomes produced a staggering fourth-quarter performance to guide Kansas City Chiefs to their first Super Bowl win in 50 years as they came from 10 points behind to stun the San Francisco 49ers 31-20 in Miami.

Quarterback Mahomes, 24, had endured a difficult evening under the pounding pressure of the 49ers and looked set to miss out on the big prize.

But then, with his side 20-10 down heading into the fourth quarter, last year's MVP found two superb throws on third down to continue a season of comebacks as the Chiefs scored 21 unanswered points in four minutes and 57 seconds to take home the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

Damien Williams' second touchdown of the final quarter put the gloss on the scoreline as the Chiefs capped their wonderful late rally before celebrating a famous win in emotional scenes.

"We never lost faith. Everybody on this team, no one had their head down and we found a way to win in the end," Mahomes, who was named Most Valuable Player, said in a TV interview as his team-mates celebrated under a cloud of confetti.

"The defence got some big stops for us and we found a way to win. Coach [Andy] Reid told me 'keep firing, keep believing' and he gave me a lot of confidence to go out there no matter what.

"The 49ers have an amazing defence, one of the best defences I've played against so far and I'm just glad our guys kept fighting. This team has heart, coach pushes us to be the best we can be. We did it baby!"

Throughout a forensic week of pre-match questioning, Mahomes had found himself under scrutiny like never before. After another season of brilliance, including no-look passes and a touchdown pass with his left hand, he found himself in the bizarre position of being compared with some of the all-time greats of the game while also being asked if he may choke on the biggest stage.

After three quarters of an excellent game those questions seemed reasonable enough - despite the superstar quarterback running in the game's opening score.

Mahomes only threw five interceptions in the whole of the regular season but coughed up two in back-to-back drives as the incessant pressure from the 49ers defence took its toll and the team from the west coast looked set for a record-equalling sixth win.

The Chiefs were up against it, 20-10 down, but found resilience in the form of their star man and the fact that they had already won twice on this post-season run after being at least 10 behind.

At 3rd & 15 on their own 35-yard line, Mahomes evaded a tackle and launched a 44-yard bomb downfield to find Tyreek Hill and start the ball rolling.

That turned into a touchdown for Travis Kelce - after another huge throw on third down from Mahomes - to cut the deficit to three.

After the 49ers were shut out in response, Mahomes found Williams for a score which had to be reviewed, but was given to put the Chiefs ahead.

Williams then sprinted in for a second as the 49ers crumbled to cap a memorable win.

Richard Nixon was in the White House, Diana Ross was still in the Supremes and Paul McCartney hadn't quit the Beatles last time the Chiefs won the Super Bowl.

And McCartney was among the galaxy of stars in the house to see that run come to an end in Miami on a superb Sunday night.

The 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan was a ballboy at this very stadium when San Francisco won their fifth Super Bowl trophy back in 1995.

His father Mike was on the coaching staff, and went on to win two Super Bowls as a head coach with the Denver Broncos.

His son seemed set to join him after a fine defensive display and a neat performance at quarterback from Jimmy Garoppolo.

Touchdowns from Kyle Juszczyk and Raheem Mostert looked like sending the 49ers home with the trophy once again, but Mahomes' MVP-winning final 15 minutes knocked the stuffing out of them.

It was to be big night deja vu for Shanahan, who was offensive co-ordinator at Super Bowl 51 when his Atlanta Falcons blew a 28-3 lead to lose to Tom Brady's New England Patriots.

"It was a tough loss and it hurts everybody in that room losing," said Shanahan. "We had opportunities to win and came up short. They were better than us today, we can deal with that but we're obviously disappointed.

"I felt real good at 10-10 at half time, especially with us having the ball for the start of the second half.

"Kansas can score very fast, they are hot and cold, that's how that team is.

"They're just hurting, the guys put it all out there. Guys put their heart into the season and came up one game short."

Super 2020: Shakira & J-Lo light up Halftime Show in Miami
Shakira & JLo deliver
This was a Super Bowl that delivered during half-time as well.

After last year's Maroon 5 performance failed to inspire, the organisers had turned to Shakira and Jennifer Lopez to deliver an all-female co-headline show.

The pair had promised more songs than ever before during their 12 minutes in the spotlight, and rattled through around 20 hits between them.

The show also incorporated a tribute to basketball legend Kobe Bryant, who died alongside his daughter and seven others in a helicopter crash last weekend.

As Lopez's daughter performed the opening bars of Let's Get Loud, a giant cross illuminated the field of Miami's Hard Rock stadium in yellow and purple, the colours of Bryant's team, the Los Angeles Lakers.

Nearly 50 years to the date of their last Super Bowl appearance (11 January 1970, Super Bowl 4), Chiefs have their first world championship in five decades.

Coach Andy Reid has won his first Super Bowl. Reid has 222 career wins, including post-season. Only five coaches in the history of the league have more victories, including the post-season
Mahomes is the second-youngest quarterback ever to win a Super Bowl after Ben Roethlisberger in Super Bowl 40
The 49ers won the toin coss in Miami - the last five teams to win the coin toss have lost the Super Bowl
Mahomes is the third quarterback to win Super Bowl MVP despite throwing multiple interceptions, joining Terry Bradshaw (three INTs in Super Bowl XIV) and Tom Brady (two in Super Bowl XLIX).

https://www.bbc.com/sport/american-football/51352326
 
What an incredible, emotional time for Kansas City. I've lived here all of my adult life and I can't begin to describe what football means to the people of this city. We won the MLS in 2013, World Series in 2015 but nothing gets bigger than the Superbowl for KC. One of the most underrated cities in the country in so many ways. We will celebrate this one for a long, long time.

This is a fantastic group of players and coaches and I hope they stay together for a while. The Royals lost too many of their good guys just after the World Series win.
 
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omairsiddiqui said:
What an incredible, emotional time for Kansas City. I've lived here all of my adult life and I can't begin to describe what football means to the people of this city. We won the MLS in 2013, World Series in 2015 but nothing gets bigger than the Superbowl for KC. One of the most underrated cities in the country in so many ways. We will celebrate this one for a long, long time.

This is a fantastic group of players and coaches and I hope they stay together for a while. The Royals lost too many of their good guys just after the World Series win.
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Kc wouldn't have won if it was not for the stupid refree, how are you going to call that a touchdown and 49ers are such mental midgets couldn't hand the big game,
I agree with you that there is more to come from KC because Patrick is still young and if there are no major injuries he is there for a long time and I just think he has the potential of a hall of famer, good times ahead for KC fans
 
Quarterback Tom Brady has announced he is leaving the New England Patriots after a 20-year spell with the team, which has seen him win six Super Bowls.

Brady, 42, was drafted by the Patriots in 2000 and helped them win the Super Bowl in 2001, 2003, 2004, 2014, 2016 and, at the age of 41, in 2018.

He has also been on the losing team in the Super Bowl on three occasions.

"Pats Nation will always be a part of me, I don't know what my football future holds," said Brady.

"It is time for me to open a new stage for my life and career.

"Although my football career will take place elsewhere, I appreciate everything we have achieved and am grateful for our team accomplishments."

Brady is a free agent this off-season and was able to speak to rival teams from Monday with the full free agency window opening on Wednesday.

In a statement posted on social media, Brady added: "I wanted to say thank you to all of the incredible fans and Patriots supporters.

"MA [Massachusetts] has been my home for 20 years, it has truly been the happiest two decades I could've envisioned in my life and I have nothing but love and gratitude for my time in New England.

"The support has been overwhelming, I wish every player could experience it."

'The greatest quarterback of all time'
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, who has been at the team throughout Brady's career, said: "Tom was not just a player who bought into our program, he was one of it's original creators - he lived and perpetuated our culture and on a daily basis he was a tone setter and a bar raiser.

"He didn't just perform, he didn't just win, he won championships over and over again.

"Tom and I will always have a great relationship built on love, admiration, respect and appreciation and his success as a player and his character as a person are exceptional. It has been a privilege to coach Tom Brady for 20 years.

"Sometimes in life, it takes some time to pass before truly appreciating something or someone but that has not been the case with Tom. He is a special person and the greatest quarterback of all time."

Patriots chairman Robert Kraft also released a statement and said: "I love Tom like a son and I always will. He has brought so much happiness to me personally and to all our fans.

"I had hoped this day would never come, but rather Tom would end his remarkable career in a Patriots uniform after yet another Super Bowl championship.

"Unfortunately the two sides were unable to reach an agreement to allow that dream to become a reality.

"While sad today, the overwhelming feeling I have is appreciation for his countless contributions to our team and community. He has been an exemplary team-mate and leader - there simply will never be another Tom Brady."

Where could Brady go?
One place Brady will not be going is New Orleans. Drew Brees, the only man with more all-time passing yards and touchdown passes than Brady, has confirmed he will stay with the Saints, whose back-up quarterback Teddy Bridgwater is now a free agent.

But the Los Angeles Chargers need a new QB with veteran Philip Rivers leaving, while Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians has named Brady as a potential target after Jameis Winston became the first man to go 30 for 30 - throwing 30 touchdown passes and 30 interceptions in the same season.

The Raiders are relocating from Oakland to Vegas and may consider trading Derek Carr in favour of a big name to help fill their new 65,000-seater stadium and create a buzz around Sin City.

Tennessee was touted as a possible destination until Ryan Tannehill, who took the Titans to within one game of the Super Bowl after becoming the starter mid-season, signed an extension on Sunday.

Who would replace Brady?
Rivers and Winston are both free agents, and Andy Dalton could be made available too. The Cincinnati Bengals have this year's first draft pick and are expected to choose highly-rated QB Joe Burrow, allowing Dalton to move on.

Surprisingly, the San Francisco 49ers, who were less than three minutes from winning Super Bowl 54, have emerged as a potential suitor for Brady. It's been rumoured that Brady's boyhood club are interested in bringing him home to California and trading his former back-up Jimmy Garoppolo back to the Patriots.

And the likes of Cam Newton, Joe Flacco and Nick Foles, who have all led teams to the Super Bowl in the last seven years, may also be given the chance to start afresh after poor form and injuries. The speculation is just getting started.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/american-football/51930150
 
Six-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady has signed for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after leaving the New England Patriots.

The quarterback said on Tuesday that he is ending an unprecedented 20-year spell of success with the Patriots.

The 42-year-old then announced on Friday that he is joining Tampa Bay.

"Excited, humble and hungry," he said. "I'm starting a new football journey and thankful for the Buccaneers for giving me an opportunity to do what I love to do."

Brady became a free agent for the first time this off-season, allowing him to speak to rival teams from Monday before the free agency signing period opened on Wednesday.

He is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time having won the Super Bowl more times than any other player - in 2002, 2004, 2005, 2015, 2017 and 2019.

Brady has made a total of nine Super Bowl appearances and been named the championship game's Most Valuable Player (MVP) four times - both NFL records.

He was named as the league's MVP in 2007, 2010 and 2017, and is second on the all-time list for touchdown passes and passing yards behind New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees.

The Patriots had not won the Super Bowl before choosing Brady with the 199th pick in the 2000 draft but they now have a joint-record six Super Bowl victories - level with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Bucs have only won the Super Bowl once in their 45 years in the NFL and are owned by the Glazer family, who also control Manchester United.

Their general manager Jason Licht was a member of the Patriots' scouting staff when Brady was drafted.

"Through this process it became very clear that his desire to be a champion burns as strong today as it ever has," he said. "He possesses the type of rare natural leadership qualities that will immediately impact our entire organisation."

Brady will replace Jameis Winston as the Bucs' starting quarterback, with Winston also becoming an unrestricted free agent. The 26-year-old led the league last season with 5,109 passing yards and threw 33 touchdown passes but also 30 interceptions - becoming the first man to go 30 for 30 in the same season.

Brady's switch to Florida is the biggest move at the start of free agency, although Todd Gurley, the NFL's rushing touchdown leader in two of the past three seasons, has agreed terms with the Atlanta Falcons after being released by the Los Angeles Rams.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/american-football/51968792
 
Tom Brady was asked to leave a park in Tampa that is closed because of the coronavirus pandemic after being found exercising alone by patrol staff.

The six-time Super Bowl winner joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in March after 20 years with the New England Patriots.

Tampa mayor Jane Castor said the quarterback, 42, was seen during a routine patrol of the park in Florida.

"A staff member saw an individual working out in one of our downtown parks," said Castor.

"She went over to tell him it was closed and it was Tom Brady."

Brady is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, having won the Super Bowl more times than any other player - in 2002, 2004, 2005, 2015, 2017 and 2019.

He has made a total of nine Super Bowl appearances and been named the championship game's most valuable player (MVP) four times - both NFL records.

The City of Tampa messaged Brady on Twitter after Castor revealed the news during her daily coronavirus update on Monday.

"Sorry Tom Brady - our Tampa parks and recreation team can't wait to welcome you and our entire community back with even bigger smiles," it said.

"Until then, stay safe and stay home as much as you can to help flatten the curve."

Source BBC
 
Joe Burrow said it was a "dream come true" to be picked first by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2020 NFL draft.

The quarterback, 23, was expected to be top pick in the remotely held draft after an award-winning college season.

Defensive end Chase Young was drafted second by the Washington Redskins with the Detroit Lions taking cornerback Jeff Okudah as third pick.

"To jump up to number one overall is crazy to me," said Burrow.

At the start of last season, Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was expected to win the Heisman Trophy for the best college player but Burrow claimed the award after leading Louisiana State University to the national championship.

Tagovailoa, 22, suffered a dislocated hip in November but was still taken by the Miami Dolphins with the fifth pick, after former Ohio State pair Young and Okudah, both 21.

It is the third straight year that the Heisman Trophy winner is the top pick - after Kyler Murray (2019) and Baker Mayfield (2018) - and Burrow joins Cam Newton (2011) as the only quarterbacks since 1967 to win the Heisman and the national championship in the season before being the first overall pick.

The draft is the second biggest event in the NFL calendar but, because of the coronavirus pandemic, this year's event is being held virtually with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announcing each pick from his home in New York state and the prospects, commentators and team officials taking part in the broadcast remotely.

The 32 NFL teams select 255 players from the best of last season's college talent. The three-day event began with the first round on Thursday, with the Bengals having the first pick as they had last season's worst NFL record.

War rooms swapped for living rooms

Around 500,000 fans attended the 2019 event in Nashville and this year's bash was expected to be even bigger as it was due to take place in Las Vegas.

But plans to build a stage over water at the Bellagio hotel fountains had to be abandoned, along with the traditional 'war rooms', where team officials discuss their strategy throughout.

While the unique circumstances meant the draft lacked its usual razzmatazz, it more than made up for it by offering fans a rare glimpse into the homes and lives of some of the game's biggest names.

Tom Brady's new boss, Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians, conducted business from a rocking chair on his patio, while Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones appeared in a cavernous white room that would not have looked out of place on the Starship Enterprise.

Tennessee Titans coach Matt Vrabel was upstaged by someone in his house wearing a blue and white onesie while Andy Reid, whose Kansas City Chiefs had the last pick of the day having won Super Bowl 54, followed proceedings in a Hawaiian shirt.

Commissioner Goodell, who presented the whole event from his "man-cave", also joined in the fun, at one point leading Minnesota fans in a 'Viking clap' via video link.

For the most part, the first round went just as the draft 'gurus' predicted.

One of the few surprises saw the New York Giants take offensive tackle Andrew Thomas at number four while the Buccaneers traded up to 13 for offensive tackle Tristian Wirfs to give some protection to their new quarterback Brady.

The six-time Super Bowl winner's old team the New England Patriots opted against trying to remedy his departure with a first-round pick, trading away the 23rd pick.

Philip Rivers has left the Los Angeles Chargers so they took quarterback Justin Herbert at six, and late in the day Jordan Love was the fourth QB off the board, with the Green Bay Packers seemingly set to groom him to be Aaron Rodgers' long-term successor.

But the day's biggest winner could be the Arizona Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury after the team posted a picture of his stay-at-home set-up.

It proved the envy of Twitter, even the Super Bowl's most valuable player Patrick Mahomes. "I'm trying to have a crib like Kliff!" tweeted the Chiefs quarterback.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/american-football/52408462

https://www.bbc.com/sport/american-football/52408462
 
Philadelphia Eagles surprise with Jalen Hurts pick on day two of NFL draft

After giving Carson Wentz a playmaker, the Philadelphia Eagles drafted his backup.

The Eagles selected Oklahoma quarterback Jalen Hurts in the second round of the NFL draft on Friday night, a stunning move for a team with more pressing needs.


The NFL's virtual draft was dry, boring and everything we needed right now
Read more
Philadelphia hoped it filled a big void in the first round, taking TCU wide receiver Jalen Reagor with the 21st overall pick. But the team passed on other receivers and defensive players to add Hurts at No 53.

“Quarterback is the most important position in sports,” Eagles executive vice president and general manager Howie Roseman said. “We have shown how we feel about Carson by our actions, by the amount of picks we put into him, and we showed it by the contract extension. We believe this is the guy to lead us to our next Super Bowl championship. But for better or worse, we are quarterback developers. We want to be a quarterback factory.”

Hurts transferred from Alabama to Oklahoma and became a Heisman Trophy finalist last year when he threw for 3,851 yards and 32 touchdowns.

“The opportunity to go there, be part of the organization, it’s surreal,” Hurts said about playing in Philadelphia. “It’s an opportunity to grow, learn and be best quarterback I can be. I’m ready to go to work. I’ve always been about the grind.”

Hurts will provide insurance for Wentz, who started 16 games last season and led the Eagles to the NFC East title but was knocked out of a wild-card playoff loss to Seattle with a concussion.

Wentz, the No 2 overall pick in 2016, helped Philadelphia secure the NFC’s No 1 seed in his sophomore season but tore two knee ligaments and watched Nick Foles lead the Eagles to the franchise’s first Super Bowl title. Wentz injured his back in 2018 and Foles stepped in again and led the team to a playoff win.

Roseman said he spoke with Wentz about picking Hurts earlier in the day. Wentz, who finished third in NFL MVP voting in 2017, signed a $137m contract extension last season.

“We think Carson is a phenomenal player and nobody is going to be looking at a rookie quarterback taking over for a Pro Bowl quarterback who was on the cusp of being an MVP,” Roseman said.

Hurts, 6ft 1in and 218lbs, led two elite programs to the College Football Playoffs and put up big numbers both passing and rushing. His passing accuracy and consistency were the biggest questions entering the draft.

Hurts went was 38-4 as a starter, including 26-2 for the Crimson Tide and was the Southeastern Conference player of the year as a freshman. Then he was benched at halftime of the national championship game against Georgia, with Tua Tagovailoa leading the comeback victory and ultimately winning the starting job for the 2018 season.

Round two heavy on receivers
While only one quarterback, Hurts, was taken in the second round of the NFL draft Friday, the guys who haul in passes were everywhere.

Starting with the top two selections on day two – Clemson’s Tee Higgins to Cincinnati and Southern California’s Michael Pittman to Indianapolis – seven wideouts were drafted. Add that to the six who went in the opening session, and it set an NFL record through two rounds.

The NFL these days is built on passing offenses. This draft is loaded with outstanding pass catchers. Many teams had both Higgins and Pittman rated as top-32 talent.

So the Cincinnati Bengals held firm atop the second round by grabbing Higgins to catch Joe Burrow’s passes. The pair worked out together heading toward the draft.

And Higgins idolizes Bengals star receiver AJ Green.

“I actually model my game after him,” Higgins said. “Man, it’s crazy. I was just talking about this to my good friend – I could end up with the Bengals and be his teammate one day. Now that this moment is here, it’s surreal.”

In addition to finding what they hope will be their franchise quarterback in LSU’s Burrow with the first overall pick, the Bengals (2-14 last season) added a threat who can make the spectacular reception.

Pittman takes his 6ft 4in, 224lb frame to Indianapolis. The Colts had no first-rounder, and they quickly gave new quarterback Philip Rivers a target in Pittman, whose father also played in the NFL.

“I think they brought me in to make an impact right now and they have Philip Rivers, who I think is a Hall of Famer,” Pittman said. “I’m happy I get to start with like a Hall of Fame quarterback.”

Two positions barely or not addressed at all in the first round got some attention directly after Higgins and Pittman were selected. Georgia’s D’Andre Swift became the second running back chosen, by Detroit. LSU’s Clyde Edwards-Helaire was the only RB who went in the opening round, last to Super Bowl champions Kansas City.

Swift is a dynamic playmaker unlike anyone the Lions have had in the backfield in years – maybe since Hall of Famer Barry Sanders, who retired in 1998.

Four more running backs went in the round.

Safety was ignored on Thursday, but immediately was addressed by the Giants in round two with Alabama’s Xavier McKinney. New York’s secondary has been a sieve.

“He also has that ability to be a quarterback on the back end, a signal caller for the defense,” coach Joe Judge said. “He fits the mold of a smart, tough, fundamentally sound guy we are looking to build with.”

New England finally surfaced with the 37th overall spot after trading out of the first round. Coach Bill Belichick was nowhere in sight – his dog appeared to be manning his laptop – as the Patriots chose Kyle Dugger, a safety from Division II Lenoir-Rhyne. Dugger not only was the first player not in FBS to be selected, but only the second from a non-Power Five conference. Utah State quarterback Jordan Love, who went 26th overall to Green Bay, was the other.

After a record 15 of the 32 players in the first round came from the Southeastern Conference, another 10 SEC players came off the board in Round 2. And that’s not including Hurts, who transferred to the Big 12 for his final season.

Other teams making their initial selections Friday night saw:

TCU defensive tackle Ross Blacklock going to Houston
Chicago adding a 10th tight end to its roster in Cole Kmet of Notre Dame
Another Irish player, wideout Chase Claypool, a Canadian, to Pittsburgh
Florida State’s Cam Akers to the Rams, who had released their standout running back, Todd Gurley last month, with Gurley surfacing in Atlanta
Buffalo adding to an already solid defense with Iowa end AJ Epenesa, one of the Big Ten’s outstanding defenders

Second-round picks

33. Cincinnati, Tee Higgins, wr, Clemson
34. Indianapolis (from Washington), Michael Pittman Jr, rb, Southern Cal
35. Detroit, D’Andre Swift, rb, Georgia
36. NY Giants, Xavier McKinney, s, Alabama
37. New England (from LA Chargers), Kyle Dugger, s, Lenoir-Rhyne
38. Carolina, Yetur Gross-Matos, de, Penn State
39. Miami, Robert Hunt, ot, Louisiana-Lafayette
40. Houston (from Arizona), Ross Blacklock, dt, TCU
41. Indianapolis (from Cleveland), Jonathan Taylor, rb, Wisconsin
42. Jacksonville, Laviska Shenault Jr., wr, Colorado
43. Chicago (from Las Vegas), Cole Kmet, te, Notre Dame
44. Cleveland (from Indianapolis), Grant Delpit, s, LSU
45. Tampa Bay, Antoine Winfield Jr, s, Minnesota
46. Denver, KJ Hamler, wr, Penn State
47. Atlanta, Marlon Davidson, de, Auburn
48. Seattle (from NY Jets), Darrell Taylor, de, Tennessee
49. Pittsburgh, Chase Claypool, wr, Notre Dame
50. Chicago, Jaylon Johnson, cb, Utah
51. Dallas, Trevon Diggs, cb, Alabama
52. L.A. Rams, Cam Akers, rb, Florida State
53. Philadelphia, Jalen Hurts, qb, Oklahoma
54. Buffalo, AJ Epenesa, de, Iowa
55. Baltimore (from New England via Atlanta), JK Dobbins, rb, Ohio State
56. Miami (from New Orleans), Raekwon Davis, dt, Alabama
57. L.A. Rams (from Houston), Van Jefferson, wr, Florida
58. Minnesota, Ezra Cleveland, ot, Boise State
59. NY Jets (from Seattle), Denzel Mims, wr, Baylor
60. New England (from Baltimore), Josh Uche, lb, Michigan
61. Tennessee, Kristian Fulton, cb, LSU
62. Green Bay, AJ Dillon, rb, Boston College
63. Kansas City (from San Francisco), Willie Gay Jr, lb, Mississippi State
64. Carolina (from Kansas City via Seattle), Jeremy Chinn, s, Southern Illinois

Third-round picks
65. Cincinnati, Logan Wilson, lb, Wyoming
66. Washington, Antonio Gibson, wr, Memphis
67. Detroit, Julian Okwara, de, Notre Dame
68. NY Jets (from NY Giants), Ashtyn Davis, s, California
69. Seattle (from Carolina), Damien Lewis, g, LSU
70. Miami, Brandon Jones, s, Texas
71. Baltimore (from L.A. Chargers via New England), Justin Madubuike, dt, Texas A&M
72. Arizona, Josh Jones, ot, Houston
73. Jacksonville, DaVon Hamilton, dt, Ohio State
74. New Orleans (from Cleveland), Zack Baun, lb, Wisconsin
75. Detroit (from Indianapolis), Jonah Jackson, g, Ohio State
76. Tampa Bay, Ke’Shawn Vaughn, rb, Vanderbilt
77. Denver, Michael Ojemudia, cb, Iowa
78. Atlanta, Matt Hennessy, c, Temple
79. NY Jets, Jabari Zuniga, de, Florida
80. Las Vegas, Lynn Bowden Jr, wr, Kentucky
81. Las Vegas (from Chicago), Bryan Edwards, wr, South Carolina
82. Dallas, Neville Gallimore, dt, Oklahoma
83. Denver (from Pittsburgh), Lloyd Cushenberry, c, LSU
84. LA Rams, Terrell Lewis, de, Alabama
85. Indianapolis (from Philadelphia via Detroit), Julian Blackmon, s, Utah
86. Buffalo, Zack Moss, rb, Utah
87. New England, Anfernee Jennings, lb, Alabama
88. Cleveland (from New Orleans), Jordan Elliott, dt, Missouri
89. Minnesota, Cameron Dantzler, cb, Mississippi State
90. Houston, Jonathan Greenard, lb, Florida
91. New England (from Seattle via Houston and Las Vegas), Devin Asiasi, te, UCLA
92. Baltimore, Devin Duvernay, wr, Texas
93. Tennessee, Darrynton Evans, rb, Appalachian State
94. Green Bay, Josiah Deguara, te, Cincinnati
95. Denver (from San Francisco), McTelvin Agim, dt, Arkansas
96. Kansas City, Lucas Niang, ot, TCU

Compensatory selections
97. Cleveland (from Houston), Jacob Phillips, lb, LSU
98. Baltimore (from New England), Malik Harrison, lb, Ohio State
99. NY Giants, Matt Peart, ot, Connecticut
100. Las Vegas (from New England), Tanner Muse, s, Clemson
101. New England (from Seattle via NY Jets), Dalton Keene, te, Virginia Tech
102. Pittsburgh, Alex Highsmith, lb, Charlotte
103. Philadelphia, Davion Taylor, lb, Colorado
104. LA Rams, Terrell Burgess, s, Utah
105. New Orleans (from Minnesota), Adam Trautman, te, Dayton
106. Baltimore, Tyre Phillips, g, Mississippi State
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/apr/25/nfl-draft-picks-day-two-jalen-hurts
 
My Eagles making it clear, Carson Wentz is not the future with the Hurts pick.. I saw this coming, Wentz for all his talent is damaged goods physically..
 
Romali_rotti said:
My Eagles making it clear, Carson Wentz is not the future with the Hurts pick.. I saw this coming, Wentz for all his talent is damaged goods physically..
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C'mon you're better then that. That's something I'd expect from Philly sports talk. They gave him a $100 M+ contract because he is the future.

I don't like the pick. Would have preferred trading it to move up and get Lamb if they were going to burn it like this.
 
Gotham Cronie said:
C'mon you're better then that. That's something I'd expect from Philly sports talk. They gave him a $100 M+ contract because he is the future.

I don't like the pick. Would have preferred trading it to move up and get Lamb if they were going to burn it like this.
Click to expand...

Good to see you, its been a while, hope you are keeping safe.. Back to the topic, if Carson did not have such an injury history I would be against this pick however, to be brutally honest Carson is battered and bruised. Whats this rumor I am hearing, Carson may be contemplating retirement ? Surely there is no smoke without a fire somewhere, maybe Howie and co know something we don't ?
 
Romali_rotti said:
Good to see you, its been a while, hope you are keeping safe.. Back to the topic, if Carson did not have such an injury history I would be against this pick however, to be brutally honest Carson is battered and bruised. Whats this rumor I am hearing, Carson may be contemplating retirement ? Surely there is no smoke without a fire somewhere, maybe Howie and co know something we don't ?
Click to expand...

Likewise, brother.

I think that's a bit unfair on Carson after he just started 17 games and a cheap shot to the head took him out.

7tg5rva2gvu41.jpg

If there are thoughts he would retire, then wouldn't a more polished QB like Love have made sense?
 
The 2020 NFL draft wasn’t quite a live sporting event, but it was enough to distract fans from the global pandemic that has kept major leagues indefinitely suspended. Here are the teams that we think did the best and worst jobs of improving their future.


Winners

Baltimore Ravens: Baltimore didn’t have many needs after winning 14 games in 2019, but general manager Eric DeCosta and head coach John Harbaugh maximized their positioning during the draft’s first two days.

After losing linebackers Patrick Onwuasor and Josh Bynes in free agency, the Ravens tapped rangy LSU linebacker Patrick Queen with their first pick (28th overall). Queen is undersized for the position, but possesses blistering sideline-to-sideline speed and strong pass coverage abilities. After Queen, Baltimore added Ohio State running back JK Dobbins, an exciting addition to Baltimore’s record-breaking rushing attack who should effectively spell 30-year-old starter Mark Ingram and backup Gus Edwards.

Instead of Queen or Dobbins, it was third-round pick Justin Madubuike that excited draft analysts the most. Some experts thought the brawny Texas A&M defensive tackle would go early in the second round, but he instead fell to Baltimore at pick No 71. When asked what his favorite part of playing football is, Madubuike told USA Today “I love putting my hand in somebody’s throat and pushing them all the way backward.” Add in fellow third-round pick Devin Duvernay, who logged 106 catches and nine touchdown receptions last year at Texas, and the Ravens left the 2020 draft looking like the biggest winners.

Dallas Cowboys: The question that vexes every team when drafting is whether you select the best player available or the player that fits your biggest need. The Cowboys entered the draft with one of the league’s most loaded offenses but still spent their first-round pick on Oklahoma wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, one of three standout receivers in the 2020 class. Dallas had more glaring needs at defensive back and defensive line, but wily owner and team president Jerry Jones decided on Lamb, who has the explosiveness, strength and route precision of a future superstar.

The gamble on Lamb may be worth it after Dallas unexpectedly landed Alabama cornerback Trevon Diggs in the second round. Diggs is a former receiver who converted to defensive back and excelled in 2019 with three interceptions, 11 pass breakups and is a player many scouts considered a first-round talent. Third-round pick Neville Gallimore is a mammoth interior defensive lineman that Dallas may have lucked into at pick No82 and fourth-round cornerback Reggie Robinson gives them depth at one of their weakest positions.

Indianapolis Colts: The Colts drafted some of the best players available and filled some of their biggest needs even without a first-round pick. Second-round pick Michael Pittman is one of the many stud receivers of this draft class; the USC product is a sturdy 6ft 4in with excellent hands and enough speed to become the Colts’ top receiver within the next few seasons. Running back Jonathan Taylor is one of the most successful college players of all-time – he became the first player in NCAA history to rush for over 6,000 yards in a three-year span – and possesses the strength and field vision consistent with the NFL’s most successful running backs. There is some concern about the amount of carries he took in college and whether that will hurt his durability, but his explosiveness and physicality give him one of the highest ceilings of any skill player in the draft.

Fifth-round selection Jacob Eason certainly looks the part of a future NFL starting quarterback – the Washington product stands 6ft 6in and has excellent arm strength – but must overcome the streaky tendencies that affected his 2019 season. He won’t play next year, but head coach Frank Reich may work to groom him as Indianapolis’s future starting QB.

Losers

Green Bay Packers: It’s impossible to anoint any true “losers” before the drafted players begin their NFL careers, but Green Bay’s selections were extremely confusing for a team looking to win a title while the 36-year-old Aaron Rodgers is still one of the game’s best players. Widely expected to pick one of the many elite receivers in the draft, general manager Brian Gutekunst instead traded up from pick No 30 to select Utah State QB Jordan Love, who the team presumably expect to replace Rodgers in two or three years. In the second round, Gutekunst and coach Matt LaFleur drafted bruising running back AJ Dillon even though the Packers already have two proven rushers in Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams. Perhaps the front office expects Jones and Williams to leave town once they become free agents after next season, but it was still odd to see Green Bay spend their top two picks on positions they didn’t need to address.

Any angry Packers fan should read this 2012 assessment of the Seattle Seahawks draft– one that calls Russell Wilson “the worst pick in the entire draft” – before declaring this draft a failure. Even so, there doesn’t appear to be a player besides third-round tight end Josiah Deguara who looks primed to make an impact in 2020.

Las Vegas Raiders: The Raiders maintained their eccentric draft-day tendencies with a host of confusing selections despite holding two first-round picks. Speedy Alabama receiver Henry Ruggs was one of the three elite players at the position (along with Lamb and Jerry Jeudy) but considered the least polished of the three. It was a forgivable selection, but few thought that Ruggs would be the first of a historically deep receiver class off the board.

It was eight picks after Ruggs when the Raiders stumped anybody who follows the draft: defensive back Damon Arnette was a strong defender on a loaded Ohio State defense, but most draftniks didn’t have him as a first-round player. Time will tell if Arnette becomes one of the better players on the Raiders secondary, but Mayock probably could have traded the 19th overall pick and stockpiled assets instead of spending it on a player nobody valued highly.

While the Raiders are always one of the most entertaining teams to follow on draft day, their inconsistency remains the only consistent thing about them.

Denver Broncos: Team president John Elway clearly wanted to supply new starting quarterback Drew Lock with weapons, which explains his selection of receivers Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler with Denver’s first two picks. The problem is that he didn’t do much to assure that Lock will be properly protected and given adequate time to get the ball to his new studs. While Elway drafted his center of the future in LSU’s Lloyd Cushenberry, Denver didn’t select an offensive tackle. That means the inconsistent, penalty-prone Garett Bolles will likely be the starting left tackle in Week 1.

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2...losers-ravens-wisdom-to-the-new-aaron-rodgers
 
Gotham Cronie said:
Likewise, brother.



If there are thoughts he would retire, then wouldn't a more polished QB like Love have made sense?
Click to expand...

In theory yes, but Howie is seeing Russel Wilson part 2 in Jalen Hurts. He feels with a cpl of years under his belt behind Wentz, Hurts can take over.. This is McNabb and Kolb all over again :)), only that Hurts is a much much better prospect..
 
Romali_rotti said:
In theory yes, but Howie is seeing Russel Wilson part 2 in Jalen Hurts. He feels with a cpl of years under his belt behind Wentz, Hurts can take over.. This is McNabb and Kolb all over again :)), only that Hurts is a much much better prospect..
Click to expand...

Let's see. Howie has hardly earned the benefit of the doubt with his drafting.
 
Quarterback Jameis Winston - who was replaced by Tom Brady at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers - has signed a one-year contract with the New Orleans Saints.

The 26-year-old will be competing with Taysom Hill, who signed a $21m (£16.87m) deal on Sunday, to be second-choice quarterback behind Drew Brees.

American Winston led the NFL with 5,109 passing yards in 2019.

He also became the first player in league history to throw for at least 30 touchdowns and 30 interceptions.

"It's a compliment to Jameis Winston to understand where he's at in this world and sign a one-year deal here and learn behind Drew," Saints assistant general manager Jeff Ireland told ESPN.
 
The NFL has cancelled the four games scheduled to take place in London later this year.

Two fixtures involving the Jacksonville Jaguars were scheduled for Wembley, with two more matches due to be played at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

They will now be held in the US after organisers decided it was impossible to arrange games in a different continent because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The London games were set for autumn 2020, but no firm dates had been set.

It will be the first time an NFL regular season game has not been played in London since 2006.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell made the decision after consultation with a number of stakeholders including clubs, local governments and medical authorities.

The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said it was "absolutely the right decision to ensure the safety of everyone involved in the sport", while Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy said they "fully appreciate the difficult decision that the NFL has had to make".

The NFL had also been planning to play one game at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico, but that too will now take place in the USA.

NFL UK managing director Alistair Kirkwood added: "The NFL's London Games have become a major part of the NFL season and the UK sports calendar.

"But the uncertainty in the current sporting landscape and the tremendous amount of long-term travel and planning required to stage successful London games mean this is the sensible decision to make."
 
The National Football League (NFL) has announced its 2020 season game lineup, despite questions about whether the pandemic will interfere with the autumn schedule.

The first game of the year will be held on 10 September in Kansas City.

The schedule is going ahead as normal, but the league says it has contingency plans to move back the finals - and even the championship Super Bowl game - in case of any delay due to the ongoing pandemic.

Meanwhile National Basketball Association (NBA) training facilities began to reopen on Friday.

Extra social distancing measures have been put in place for basketball players as they train, according to the league
 
NFL's Deandre Baker and Quinton Dunbar charged with armed robbery

Florida police are searching for two NFL players after they allegedly robbed people at a house party.

Deandre Baker of the New York Giants and Quinton Dunbar of the Seattle Seahawks are said to have robbed other guests at gunpoint.

About $12,000 (£9,850) in cash and watches worth up to $25,000 were taken.

Neither man has been arrested yet. A police spokeswoman said authorities were in touch with the NFL and a lawyer for one player.

"Obviously, there are attempts to get them to turn themselves in," Miramar police spokeswoman Tania Rues told the New York Times.

According to the police arrest warrant, the incident occurred after an argument broke out at the house party, where guests were playing cards and video games.

Baker allegedly took out a gun before he, Dunbar and another man - described as wearing a red mask - started taking valuables and cash from people.

The man in the red mask is not fully identified in the reports. Baker allegedly asked this person to shoot one witness, but the red masked man did not do so.

All three then made off in separate vehicles - a Mercedes Benz, a Lamborghini and a BMW.

The police affidavit said one witness was "under the impression this was planned out", as the three getaway vehicles "were later pre-positioned to expedite an immediate departure from the area".

Baker, 22, is facing eight charges in total, four for armed robbery and four for aggravated assault with a firearm. Dunbar, 27, has been charged with four counts of armed robbery.

The NFL says it is aware of the incident but has not commented. A statement issued by the New York Giants said they had been in touch with Deandre Baker and they had no further comment.

Both men play as cornerbacks for their respective teams.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-52675230
 
As discussions are being held to restart American Football in the US, conversation has turned towards safety.

With social distancing clearly not an option for many team sports, NFL Players Association medical director Thom Mayer told The Adam Schefter Podcast that the league is working on an alternative.

He suggested that the face masks being designed may contain surgical or even N95 material, adding "they've got some prototypes".

"There will probably be a recommendation" for the league to use a type of face mask, he said.
 
Disney World has emerged as the front-runner to host NBA teams and games if the 2020 season resumes
 
The NFL has pledged $250m (£198m) over a 10-year period to help combat systemic racism in the United States.

The fund will "support the battle against the ongoing and historic injustices faced by African Americans".

Last week, the NFL said players should be allowed to protest during the national anthem.

Kneeling for the anthem, a practice started by ex-San Francisco 49er Colin Kaepernick, was banned in May 2018, with the policy put on hold in July.

From Kaepernick kneeling to NFL apology - timeline of a U-turn
Earlier this month, NFL players including Patrick Mahomes and Odell Beckham Jr called on the league to "condemn racism and the systemic oppression of black people".

Protests have taken place across the US and worldwide over the past three weeks following the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, while being restrained by a white police officer in Minneapolis on 25 May.

The NFL said: "The NFL and our clubs will continue to work collaboratively with NFL players to support programs to address criminal justice reform, police reforms, and economic and educational advancement.

"In addition to the financial commitment, we will continue to leverage the NFL Network and all of our media properties to place an increased emphasis on raising awareness and promoting education of social justice issues to our fans and help foster unity."The NFL has pledged $250m (£198m) over a 10-year period to help combat systemic racism in the United States.

The fund will "support the battle against the ongoing and historic injustices faced by African Americans".

Last week, the NFL said players should be allowed to protest during the national anthem.

Kneeling for the anthem, a practice started by ex-San Francisco 49er Colin Kaepernick, was banned in May 2018, with the policy put on hold in July.

Earlier this month, NFL players including Patrick Mahomes and Odell Beckham Jr called on the league to "condemn racism and the systemic oppression of black people".

Protests have taken place across the US and worldwide over the past three weeks following the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, while being restrained by a white police officer in Minneapolis on 25 May.

The NFL said: "The NFL and our clubs will continue to work collaboratively with NFL players to support programs to address criminal justice reform, police reforms, and economic and educational advancement.

"In addition to the financial commitment, we will continue to leverage the NFL Network and all of our media properties to place an increased emphasis on raising awareness and promoting education of social justice issues to our fans and help foster unity."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/american-football/53020478
 
NFL star Patrick Mahomes has signed a 10-year contract extension with the Kansas City Chiefs worth a record $503m (£403m).

The extension will keep the 24-year-old quarterback at the Chiefs until 2031 and is the richest contract in the history of North American team sports.

Mahomes was named Super Bowl MVP for his performance in guiding the Chiefs to their first championship in 50 years in February, producing a stunning fourth-quarter display in a 31-20 win over the San Francisco 49ers.

"Chiefs kingdom, you've been with me since the beginning - from rookie year," Mahomes wrote on Twitter.

"You helped us overcome adversity to become Super Bowl champs and we're staying together for a long time. We're chasing a dynasty."

Mahomes was named the NFL's Most Valuable Player in 2018, in his first full season in the league.

"He's an extraordinary leader and a credit to the Kansas City community, and I'm delighted that he will be a member of the Chiefs for many years to come," said Chiefs chairman and chief executive Clark Hunt.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid added: "I've had the privilege of coaching a lot of incredible athletes and special people in my career, and Patrick is without question on that list of players."

Mahomes, the 10th overall pick in the 2017 NFL draft, averages 302.4 passing yards per game, including play-offs, which is the most in NFL history.

He completed 319 of 484 passes for 4,031 yards and 26 touchdowns in the last regular season after throwing a league-high 50 touchdowns in 2018. He has also thrown 13 touchdowns in five career post-season games.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/american-football/53315723
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The NFL Players' Association has confirmed 59 players have tested positive for coronavirus as of July 22.</p>— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkySportsNews/status/1285823095014674433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
New York Giants' Nate Solder will not play in the 2020 NFL season because of concerns over his and his family's health during the coronavirus pandemic.

An agreement was reached last week between the NFL and its Players' Association allowing players to opt out of the season if they wished.

Left tackle Solder, 32, is a cancer survivor and his five-year-old son is also undergoing cancer treatments.

In a statement, Solder said his family decided to "pause for this season".

"We fully recognise that being able to make a decision like this is a privilege," he said.

"Our family has health concerns, most notably our son's ongoing battle with cancer, as well as my own bout with cancer.

"We also welcomed a new addition to our family this spring, a baby boy. With fear and trembling, we struggle to keep our priorities in order and, for us, our children's health and the health of our neighbours comes before football."

Solder was set to earn more than £10m this season. Players considered high risk who opt out can earn $350,000 (£270,000) and an accrued NFL season.

He added: "I will deeply miss my team-mates, coaches and everyone in the Giants organisation. I want to thank them and all my friends and fans who continue to support me and my family through the highs and the lows."

Solder is the most high profile of the players to have opted out of the NFL season, which is due to begin on 10 September.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/american-football/53591812
 
Former New England Patriots wide receiver Antonio Brown has been suspended for eight games without pay, the NFL has announced.

The free agent can sign for a team but will be suspended for half the season.

Brown, 32, was investigated by the NFL for several off-field incidents, including two sexual misconduct allegations that he denies.

An NFL statement said the suspension was for "multiple violations" of the league's personal conduct policy.

In June, Brown was given two years of probation and 100 hours of community service, as well as being ordered to attend a 13-week anger management course, after being charged with burglary and battery.

Brown said he would not play in the NFL again when he was released by the Patriots after just one game in September.

But should he rejoin the league, the NFL says Brown will have to continue a programme of counselling and future violations will result in a heavier punishment.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/53546100
 
NFL 2020: Kansas City Chiefs will host fans at reduced capacity

The Kansas City Chiefs plan to allow fans inside Arrowhead Stadium at 22% capacity when the 2020 NFL season begins.

The Chiefs, who won their first Super Bowl in 50 years in February, play the Houston Texans on 10 September.

Supporters will be required to wear face masks and will also be separated into grouped pods inside the stadium.

The Chicago Bears, however, announced that Soldier Field will be closed to fans when play kicks off.

In a statement the Bears said: "After discussing a draft plan with City health officials, the Bears and the City of Chicago agreed the health metrics show that it is not the right time to welcome fans back to Soldier Field."

The Kansas City Chiefs said the plans to accommodate fans during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic were made in conjunction with the NFL as well as Kansas City mayor Quinton Lucas.

In July, Chiefs offensive lineman Laurent Duvernay-Tardif became the first player to opt out of the upcoming NFL season because of coronavirus fears.
 
Patrick Mahomes breaks passing record as Kansas City Chiefs beat Baltimore Ravens

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes reached 10,000 passing yards in 34 games - the fastest in NFL history - as he guided his side to a 34-20 victory at the Baltimore Ravens.

Mahomes, 25, completed four touchdown passes and a rushing touchdown for the defending Super Bowl champions.

In contrast, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson struggled with 97 passing yards and a lone touchdown pass.

"The guys executed at a very high level," Mahomes said.

"Our training camp prepared us for a hot start, we have the Patriots next and we are going to keep moving."

In a highly anticipated contest between 2018 NFL Most Valuable Player Mahomes and Jackson, the man who succeeded him last season, it was the Chiefs who dominated the main plays.

Mahomes entered the game with 9,925 passing yards and surpassed Kurt Warner's previous record of 10,000 yards in 36 games, with a pass to Travis Kelce in the second quarter.

The Chiefs, who now have a 3-0 win record for the season, had five players make more than 60 receiving yards while their defence finished with four sacks.

The visitors trailed by 17 points at half-time but rallied to make it 27-20 in the third quarter following Jackson's five-yard touchdown pass to Nick Boyle, but the Chiefs soon restored their healthy lead as the Ravens' challenge faded.

"I mean, you know, they don't give that guy a half a billion dollars for no reason," Ravens defensive lineman Calais Campbell said, in reference to Mahomes' record-breaking 10-year £403m Chiefs contract.

"He's an incredible talent and he just made play after play."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/american-football/54336817
 
I still can't understand how Falcons keep blowing leads

Rams vs bills was a nice game but bills got a lucky win
 
New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton has tested positive for coronavirus and will miss their next game against Kansas City Chiefs, ESPN reports.

The Patriots confirmed in a statement a player was in self-isolation, but did not announce their name.

The NFL later announced Sunday's game would be rescheduled for Monday or Tuesday.

Newton, 31, joined the Patriots from the Carolina Panthers in July.

"The health and safety of our team, as well as our opponent, are of the highest priority," the Patriots said.

"We are in close consultation with the NFL, as well as our team of independent doctors and specialists and will follow their guidance regarding our scheduled trip to Kansas City and game against the Chiefs."

The Patriots also said that any players, coaches and staff who came into close contact with the player had been tested for Covid-19 and that the results had come back negative.

An NFL statement said that the decision about when to reschedule the game "will be made with the health and safety of players, team and gameday personnel as our primary consideration".

Newton has thrown for 714 yards, with two touchdown passes, in his first three games for New England.
 
This KC Vs NE was supposed to be the game of the week I was looking forward to watch. Oh well, I hope it gets postponed till TUE so more days to watch games and especially this one - the best coach in NFL VS the best QB!

As far as my Niners are concerned. ideally they should be able to chuck Eagles further down the abyss in no time even with all the back ups. Go Niners....
 
Eagles season on the line this week, we lose this one and we are done for. Gotham Cronie, where you at boy ? Fly Eagles Fly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
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