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It’s not often that a report emerges of an NFL player under contract with one team talking to an owner of another team about playing for that other team. On those rare occasions Casey Cizikas Jersey , alarm bells should ring at 345 Park Avenue.

The tampering policy has specific rules that apply in a case like this. Last cited when then-Vikings running back Adrian Peterson reportedly told Cowboys owner Jerry Jones that Peterson would like to play for the Cowboys at some point, the tampering policy requires the owner of the other team to immediately end the conversation and to report the comment to the owner that has the player under contract.

Although the NFL rarely makes an issue out of potential tampering violations, the report that Seahawks safety Earl Thomas communicated directly with Raiders owner Mark Davis about playing in Oakland prompted a walk-back report Adidas Taylor Hall Jersey , from Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

“Person familiar with conversation had different account,” Gehlken wrote Tuesday night on Twitter. “Earl Thomas, Mark Davis recently exchanged pleasantries in Las Vegas. Someone asked Thomas if holding out. Thomas responded in jest: ‘Why? You guys coming to get me?’ Regardless Adidas Blake Wheeler Jersey , Raiders an unlikely fit for his services.”

Whether the Raiders are a fit is irrelevant to whether Thomas said enough to trigger an obligation by Davis to call Seahawks owner Paul Allen and inform him that one of his players has communicated with Davis about playing for the Raiders. Ergo (that’s a word that doesn’t get used nearly enough) the follow-up report that slams the brakes on the idea that Thomas made a Shark Tank-style pitch to Davis, regardless of whether Davis was receptive.

Moving forward, this one probably will die. Unless Vernon Butler Jersey , for some reason, the NFL decides to break from its habit of looking the other way when evidence of potential tampering is hiding in plain view.

SEATTLE (AP) — Whether it was his first two stops in the NFL Adidas Connor McDavid Jersey , his time in college at Southern California or his first eight seasons in charge in Seattle, Pete Carroll has never started a season with three consecutive losses.

That’s 12 seasons in the pros and nine in college during which Carroll has been able to avoid a disastrous start to a new campaign. And it’s what the Seahawks will be trying to avoid Sunday when they host the Dallas Cowboys.

“There’s only a couple of undefeated teams in the NFC right now and let’s hang with that. Let’s hang with them,” Carroll said. “I don’t want to get behind that number right now, so we’ve got to get a win.”

What’s been called a roster reset multiple times by Carroll and other Seahawks has struggled to get started. Seattle’s offense has looked inept at times, its quarterback confused and its defense vulnerable. The Seahawks understand the rarity of dropping to 0-3 and still being able to turn around the trajectory of the season.

“I’m not going to give you a cliche. You don’t want to be 0-3,” Seattle linebacker Bobby Wagner said.

Dallas is still trying to solve all of its issues, but at least has a victory after knocking off the New York Giants at home last week. The Cowboys’ defense was exceptional against the Giants Jalyn Holmes Color Rush Jersey , holding rookie Saquon Barkley and New York’s run game to 35 yards on the ground, and sacked quarterback Eli Manning six times. The Cowboys are second in the NFL with nine sacks through two weeks, and now face the offense that’s surrendered a league-high 12 sacks so far, six in each game.

“We’ve continued to try to build the talent level on our front seven and try to create competitive situations where guys are fighting for roster spots and fighting for playing time and hopefully when they get out there that competition brings out the best in them,” Dallas coach Jason Garrett said. “Obviously, those can be very impactful plays.”

The Cowboys are 5-2 in September road games since 2014, one of those losses coming in the opener against Carolina. Seattle hasn’t lost a home game in September under Carroll Brian O'Neill Color Rush Jersey , going 13-0 since 2010.

RUN AROUND: For two weeks, the Seahawks have failed to follow through on one of their major offseason priorities of returning to being a run-first offense. The Seahawks had just 16 carries for 64 yards in the opener. After committing to running more in Week 2, they ended up managing only 74 yards on 22 carries against the Bears. There was also Carroll’s confusion about the conditioning of starter Chris Carson, who didn’t have a carry in the second half against the Bears.

SILENT ON SEATTLE: New Dallas secondary coach and passing game coordinator Kris Richard turned down interview requests before his reunion with the Seahawks. Richard spent the first eight years of his pro coaching career in Seattle, the past two as defensive coordinator. He was fired in a retooling of Carroll’s defensive staff.

The Cowboys have blitzed more the first two weeks than in the past under defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli. From the start, Richard has said the Cowboys embraced the idea of him bringing new concepts.

“I do think the DNA of both guys in terms of what they believe in coaching is real similar,” Garrett said. “I think that reflects on how they teach technique and the schemes that we use.”

WIN SOME http://www.panthersauthorizedshops.com/authentic-donte-jackson-jersey , LOSE SOME: Seattle is expected to get Wagner (groin), rookie starting cornerback Tre Flowers (hamstring) and guard D.J. Fluker (hamstring) back after missing time with injuries. Wagner and Flowers missed the loss to Chicago, while Fluker has been out since the third week of the preseason with the hamstring problem.

While those players appear set to return, the Seahawks could be without starting center Justin Britt (shoulder), while linebacker K.J. Wright (knee surgery) and wide receiver Doug Baldwin (knee) are still at least a week away from getting back on the field.

WEAKNESS IN NUMBERS? The Cowboys are using 11 roster spots — roughly 20 percent of the 53 total — on receivers and tight ends. They added a receiver without releasing one this week by bringing back Brice Butler. He spent the past three seasons with Dallas before signing with Arizona in free agency. The Cardinals cut him at the end of the preseason.

The Cowboys are 30th in the NFL in passing in their first season without tight end Jason Witten and 2014 All-Pro receiver Dez Bryant. Dak Prescott has thrown for at least 200 yards just twice in the past 10 games going back to last season.

LOCKER ROOM VISIT: Garrett said it was a little strange when Seattle safety Earl Thomas approached him in the Dallas locker room following the Seahawks’ victory last December . During his offseason holdout, Thomas made it clear he wouldn’t mind the opportunity to play elsewhere, with Dallas possibly at the top of his wish list.

“I’ve never had that happen before Youth Chris Kunitz Jersey , an opposing player comes into your locker room. But we have great respect for him,” Garrett said.

Johnson was a borderline player to make Seattle's roster in competition for one of the final wide receiver spots. He had three catches for 44 yards in the preseason. Last year as a rookie with Philadelphia, Johnson appeared in 10 games and had five receptions. He was acquired in the offseason as part of the trade that sent Michael Bennett to Philadelphia.

It will be a return home for Daniels, who played at Washington. Daniels was signed by the Colts as an undrafted free agent before the 2017 season and appeared in 12 games. Daniels also played occasionally at fullback with the Colts and that versatility could be important for Seattle.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — The St. Louis Blues have activated forward Robby Fabbri off injured reserve before their first training camp practices.

Fabbri missed all of last season after re-tearing the ACL in his left knee. He originally tore the ligament Feb. 4 Dolphins Authentic Jerseys , 2017, causing him to miss a sizeable part of the 2016-17 season.

The 22-year-old put up 29 goals and 37 assists for 66 points in 123 games with St. Louis before knee injuries put him on the shelf. If healthy, Fabbri’s return gives the Blues another offensive piece up front after signing Tyler Bozak and Patrick Maroon and trading for Ryan O’Reilly.

The Blues on Thursday also announced forward Nikita Soshnikov will miss the start of camp with a concussion he suffered while training.

Ramsey announced Wednesday on his Twitter page that he would remain in Tennessee with his girlfriend Brandon Manning Jersey , Bre, and newborn daughter, Breelyn Scott Hartnell Jersey , while the team opens camp Thursday.

Over a picture from Disney's "The Lion King," Ramsey wrote "for me, family is among the most important things in my life Ronnie Lott Jersey , along with my faith and football. Today starts a new chapter in my life, as Bre and I are blessed to welcome our baby into this world."

He adds "as soon as I'm comfortable knowing my family is healthy and happy, I'll return to Jacksonville to rejoin my teammates on our quest to handle some unfinished business."

Coach Doug Marrone says Ramsey let coaches know about the potential conflict months ago.

CHICAGO — The Winnipeg Jets will go for their seventh win in a row when they visit the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday night at the United Center.

Winnipeg (47-19-10) has piled up 104 points in 76 games Authentic Da'Ron Payne Jersey , which already marks the most successful season since the franchise moved north from Atlanta before the start of the 2011-12 campaign. The Jets have clinched a playoff spot and secured home-ice advantage in the first round as they pursue the first Stanley Cup title in the city’s history.

“We’re trying to get ready for the playoffs, trying to get our game so we’re playing our best hockey at the end of the year,” Jets right winger Blake Wheeler said to the team’s official website.

The team’s six-game winning streak has included plenty of drama. Winnipeg has won each of its past four games either in overtime or in the shootout round. The latest was a 5-4 shootout win over the Boston Bruins.

Meanwhile, Chicago (31-36-10) has known for more than a week that it will not reach the playoffs. The Blackhawks shifted much of their focus toward younger players with an eye toward potential contributors next season.

The latest arrivals include forward Dylan Sikura, who is expected to make his NHL debut Thursday. The 22-year-old recently wrapped up a stellar career at Northeastern University and signed a contract through the end of next season.

“There’s no bad players at this level,” Sikura said to the Chicago Sun-Times. “It’ll be a little adjustment with the time and space with the puck out there, but I’m excited to get going.”

Defenseman Blake Hillman, also 22 Austin Seferian-Jenkins Jersey , is expected to make his NHL debut either Thursday against the Jets or Friday against the Colorado Avalanche. Hillman signed with the Blackhawks after playing at the University of Denver.

Goaltender Colin Delea also is awaiting his debut, which likely will arrive Friday against the Avalanche.

As Delea watches behind the bench, Blackhawks goaltender Anton Forsberg will make his third straight start. Forsberg is 10-16-4 with a 2.97 goals-against average and .908 save percentage this season. He allowed three goals on six shots in his only career appearance against the Jets.

Winnipeg will counter with either Connor Hellebuyck or Eric Comrie in net.

Hellebuyck boasts a remarkable record of 40-11-9 to go with a 2.38 GAA and a .923 save percentage. He is 5-4-0 with a 2.14 GAA and .932 save percentage in nine career games against Chicago.

If Hellebuyck rests, look for Comrie to make his third start of the season and fourth of his career. The 22-year-old is 1-1-0 with a 3.00 GAA and .885 save percentage this season. He never has faced the Blackhawks.

Both teams have five skaters with at least 20 goals.

Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat lead Chicago with 26 goals apiece. Meanwhile, Nick Schmaltz (49 points) and DeBrincat (48 points) are looking to reach the 50-point milestone for the first time in their careers.

For the Jets, Patrik Laine leads the way with 43 goals. He is second only to Washington’s Alex Ovechkin for most in the NHL.

Wheeler ranks in the NHL’s top 10 with 86 points (20 goals, 66 assists) in 76 games. He has at least one point in each of his past seven games and eight of his past nine.

Quarterback Marcus Mariota is being evaluated after hurting his throwing arm, and two-time Pro Bowl left tackle Taylor Lewan is in the concussion protocol.

And that's just the latest injuries for the Titans.

Now Tennessee has to see who's healthy enough for the home opener Sunday against AFC South rival Houston (0-1) and adapt accordingly.

"What we're going to do every week is try to figure out what gives us the best chance to win Falcons Game Jerseys , personnel wise, who we have available, maybe who we're playing obviously," rookie coach Mike Vrabel said Monday.

"We'll be flexible enough to use any personnel that we think will help us win. I don't think we can commit to anything right now."

The Titans already are down starting right tackle Jack Conklin, who was inactive against Miami as he recovers from a torn left ACL repaired in January.

On defense, starting linebacker Derrick Morgan played only 14 snaps in the Titans' 27-20 loss in Miami as the Titans work the veteran back in after a preseason injury.

Tennessee's top two draft picks also are linebackers, and Rashaan Evans and Harold Landry both missed the opener with injuries.

Add to that the Titans are recovering from the league's longest game since the NFL/AFL merger in 1970 because of two lightning delays that made the matchup in Miami last 7 hours, 8 minutes from the opening kickoff to the final second ticked off.

Morgan said it wasn't easy warming up Authentic Orlando Brown Jr. Jersey , cooling down again and again, but thinks the Titans learned some mental toughness from the day that wouldn't end.

"Hopefully it never happens again and we never have to play football for eight hours straight," Morgan said.

Mariota is being evaluated after he lost sensation in his right hand after the game from his injured right elbow. He was intercepted twice 鈥?both after taking a hit from Dolphins defensive lineman William Hayes following a handoff. Vrabel said they're hopeful of getting a good report back on Mariota's arm needing everybody that's healthy and available.

Blaine Gabbert, signed this offseason, replaced Mariota and threw for 117 yards with an interception. The Titans do have rookie Logan Woodside on the practice squad, but will wait for a report on Mariota before deciding whether to add another quarterback.

Vrabel did say he told defensive coordinator Dean Pees to take note of how officials are handling quarterbacks carrying out a fake on a run-pass option.

"If that's legal, then we have to do it the same exact way," Vrabel said.

Lewan was resting Monday. Asked about Dolphins lineman Andre Branch's hit Youth Dallas Cowboys Jerseys , Vrabel said it probably wasn't dirty even if the coach thinks his left tackle "absolutely" was targeted.

The Titans put tight end Delanie Walker on injured reserve Monday and the tight end will have surgery on his right ankle in the next few days. Walker came into the season with the most catches in the NFL by a tight end between 2013 and 2017. He also has been Mariota's favorite target, leading the team in receptions in two of the past three years.

Vrabel said the Titans will evaluate Walker's potential to return this season after surgery. Jonnu Smith, a third-round pick out of Florida International in 2017, has 19 receptions and will be the first expected to fill in for Walker. Smith had talked to Walker and said the veteran was in good spirits.

"It is some big shoes to fill," Smith said.

On Friday afternoon the Nationals tweeted: ”tfw Bryce announces he’ll do the (at)MLB HR Derby if he makes the NL All-Star team…” accompanied by a GIF of Harper celebrating in the dugout.

The All-Star Game will be held July 17 at Nationals Park.

The 25-year-old Harper is second in the voting among National League outfielders behind Nick Markakis of the Braves. The top three in the voting will be starters.

Despite being in a slump that has dropped his average to .213 Authentic Dak Prescott Jersey , Harper entered play Friday leading the National League in home runs (19) and walks (55), and stood 10th in RBIs (45).

Harper last participated in the derby in 2013 at Citi Field in New York.

Green Bay hosts Chicago in the first Sunday night matchup on Sept. 9, while the Monday nighters on opening weekend feature the New York Jets at Detroit, followed by the Los Angeles Rams at Oakland.

The Eagles also will play at England's home of soccer when they take on the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 8 at Wembley Stadium.

That's one of four international games. The other match at Wembley will be the previous week with the Los Angeles Chargers hosting the Tennessee Titans. Tottenham Hotspur's new stadium, also in London, will be the site for a Raiders home game on Oct. 14 against Seattle.

For the third straight year Richard Panik Jersey , the NFL will stage a game in Mexico City: the Rams will host Kansas City in a Week 11 Monday night game.

Thanksgiving will provide a feast of divisional games. The traditional doubleheader in Detroit and Dallas has the Lions playing the Bears, followed by the Redskins at the Cowboys. At night, it will be Atlanta visiting New Orleans.

Other intriguing matchups include Cleveland, which lost all 16 games last season, hosting archrival Pittsburgh on opening day; New England at Jacksonville in a rematch of the AFC title game in Week 2; the Eagles and Vikings in an NFC championship game redux in Philly on Oct. 7; and the Steelers vs. Patriots in Pittsburgh in Week 15.

"We like to open at home in front of our great fans and this will be the second season in a row we do it against the Steelers," Browns coach Hue Jackson said. "We start with the best in our division."

Fox, which will do 11 Thursday night games Womens Jared McCann Jersey , begins its package in Week 4 with the Vikings at the Rams. Those contests also will be televised by NFL Network and in Spanish on Fox Deportes. NFL Network has seven exclusive broadcasts.

Flexible scheduling in which a Sunday afternoon game can be switched to the evening because it is a better matchup than the previously planned game will be in use for Weeks 11-17. But two Sundays in Weeks 5-10 also can have a game flexed to night.

In a new twist, flex scheduling will be used for Saturday games in Weeks 15 and 16. In Week 15, two games will be played on Saturday, Dec. 15: Houston at the New York Jets and Cleveland at Denver, with game times of 4:30 p.m. EST and 8:20 p.m. EST to be determined. In Week 16, two of four possible matchups will be scheduled for Saturday: Baltimore at the Chargers, Jacksonville at Miami Kyle Connor Jersey , the New York Giants at Indianapolis, or Washington at Tennessee. Start times for Saturday games for Week 15 and 16 will be announced no later than following Week 8, with the contests not chosen for Saturday to be played on Sunday on the 16th weekend.

No Sunday night game has been scheduled for the last day of the season, Dec. 30. That will be chosen after Week 16 games conclude.

The 2018 schedule has three three-game road trips, down from seven last year. The Saints, Rams and Ravens will have those three-game journeys, but the Ravens and Rams also have three-game homestands. In all Nazem Kadri Jersey , 12 franchises are home for three straight weeks, and Baltimore and Indianapolis have a bye in there, meaning neither club will leave home for a month.

Also, no team plays a road game following a road Monday night match. That occurred last year five times.

Teams make mistakes all the time Authentic Oscar Fantenberg Jersey , unfortunately 15 teams made poor decisions this offseason. There is so much pressure teams when it comes to free agency, considering players can come off the boards at any moment. Unfortunately, with that rush to get a player before another team, some teams may not fully think decisions through. And of course, there are teams who may believe a player is a right fit Devan Dubnyk Jersey , although there鈥檚 a better fit out there.

Pressure from fans, players, coaches, and other people around the league. It鈥檚 uncontrollable, it鈥檚 the Super Bowl for those in the front office. While the season goes on and these guys can sit back and relax a little bit Bobby Orr Jersey , players go out and play their hearts out. Everything the front office works on to bring guys to the team, and drafting guys all lead up to the season. And then, there鈥檚 those players who may be a decent fit, but the price tag may not necessarily fit what the players actually deserve.

So, instead of just looking at the bad decisions that these teams made Authentic Connor Brickley Jersey , we鈥檙e also going to look at the better player that these teams should have signed. During the offseason, there鈥檚 always other options, and sometimes it may be the lesser talented player. Because you never know if the lesser talented player fits better in your system, even if they don鈥檛 have as great of an impact as you need. There鈥檚 so many logistics that go into these decisions, so let鈥檚 just look at some players that teams shouldn鈥檛 have signed Derrick Henry Jersey Big , and who they should鈥檝e signed instead.

Two people familiar with the situation said Tuesday the Bears have decided to decline their option on Sitton for next season and release Freeman. The people spoke on the condition of anonymity because the team has not announced the moves.

A four-time Pro Bowl lineman, the 31-year-old Sitton spent the past two seasons in Chicago after an eight-year run with Green Bay. He signed with the Bears after the Packers released him just before the 2016 season. Sitton dealt with rib and ankle injuries last season and missed three games.

The 31-year-old Freeman suffered a season-ending pectoral injury in the opener last year and was suspended for violating the league's policy against performance-enhancing drugs in each of his two seasons with the Bears. The second violation resulted in a 10-game suspension in late October.

Freeman said on Twitter at the time that he also suffered a potentially career-ending concussion in the opener, providing context to the drug violation. He said he downplayed the severity of his head injury to family and friends.

Freeman led Chicago with 110 tackles in 2016 despite serving a four-game suspension for his first violation. He played for Indianapolis from 2012-15.

The Bears went 5-11 last season and finished last in the NFC North for the fourth straight year. Chicago fired coach John Fox and replaced him with Matt Nagy.

NFL Network first reported the Bears are declining Sitton's option, while Pro Football Talk was first with the news on Freeman.

DETROIT LIONS (9-7)

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: DTs Haloti Ngata and Jordan Hill; LBs Tahir Whitehead Kevin Hayes Jersey , Nick Bellore, Dwight Freeney and LB Paul Worrilow; CBs D.J. Hayden and Nevin Lawson; C Travis Swanson; Ss Don Carey and S Tavon Wilson; TE Darren Fells; OTs Greg Robinson and Don Barclay; RB Mike James.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: WR TJ Jones; LB Brandon Copeland; OL Zac Kerin; RB Zach Zenner.

NEEDS: Lions’ weakness is defensive line and improving it will be priority under first-year coach Matt Patricia. Former New England Patriots defensive coordinator also might want to bolster offensive line to protect QB Matthew Stafford and help boost poorly performing running game.

AVAILABLE SALARY CAP SPACE (approximately): $28 million.

—

Ben Simmons topped LeBron James in a triple-double battle to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to their 13th straight win in their biggest game in six years, 132-130 over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night.

With a buzz in the city over the Sixers that hasn’t been felt since the pre-Process days, they romped toward a 30-point lead over the Cavs in the first half and scored 78 points at the break.

Simmons had 27 points, 15 rebounds and 13 assists. James had 44 points (17-of-29 shooting), 11 assists and 11 rebounds, bringing the Cavaliers to the brink of an epic comeback.

The Sixers (49-30) moved into third place in the Eastern Conference over the Cavaliers (49-31).

RAPTORS 92, PACERS 73

TORONTO (AP) – Serge Ibaka scored a season-high 25 points, DeMar DeRozan had 12 and Toronto beat Indiana, clinching first place in the Eastern Conference for the first time in team history.

Jakbo Poeltl scored 10 points as the Raptors set franchise records for wins in a season (57) and home wins (33).

Kyle Lowry had nine points and nine assists Authentic Josh Manson Jersey , and Jonas Valanciunas added 12 rebounds for Toronto, which never trailed in its ninth consecutive home victory over the Pacers. Indiana last won north of the border on March 1, 2013.

Glenn Robinson III scored 12 points and Trevor Booker had 11 for the Pacers. Indiana shot 26 for 87 (29.9 percent) and set season-lows in points, made field goals, and field goal percentage.

CELTICS 111, BULLS 104

BOSTON (AP) – Greg Monroe came off the bench and had 19 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists, and Boston defeated Chicago.

It is Monroe’s second career triple-double. Jaylen Brown finished with a career-high 32 points and four rebounds.

With Al Horford and Jayson Tatum given the night off to rest, Boston went deep into its bench against a Chicago team that’s one of the worst in the NBA.

Chicago led by as many as 11 in the first half before Boston trimmed it to 58-55 at the half. But the Celtics outscored the Bulls 56-46 over the final two quarters.

Sean Kilpatrick led the Bulls with 24 points. Lauri Markkanen added 20 points and five rebounds.

TIMBERWOLVES 113, LAKERS 96

LOS ANGELES (AP) – Jimmy Butler scored 18 points in his return from right knee surgery Womens Antonio Brown Jersey , Jeff Teague had 25 points and eight assists, and Minnesota beat Los Angeles.

Butler played 22 minutes and was 7 for 10 from the field in his first game since getting hurt against Houston on Feb. 23. He had surgery two days later for a cartilage injury and missed 17 games.

Minnesota moved into sole possession of eighth place in the Western Conference.

Taj Gibson also scored 18 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, while Karl-Anthony Towns had 14 points and 11 rebounds for the Timberwolves, who were on the second night of a back-to-back. They lost to the Denver Nuggets on Thursday.

Julius Randle scored 20 points and added 10 rebounds for the Lakers, who have lost nine of their last 13. Brook Lopez had 18 points and six rebounds, while Josh Hart tallied 20 points and 11 rebounds off the bench.

HAWKS 103 WIZARDS 97

WASHINGTON (AP) – Taurean Prince scored 23 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter, and Atlanta beat Washington.

Washington dropped its fourth straight game and fell into eighth place in the Eastern Conference.

Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 32 points.

Wizards point guard John Wall sat out what was the second of back-to-back games for Washington, and forward Markieff Morris left with 4:11 remaining in the first quarter when he picked up two quick technical fouls.

Six Hawks scored in double figures. Reserve Tyler Dorsey had 22 points, including 13 in the second half for the Hawks T.J. Oshie Jersey , who had lost two straight.

Kelly Oubre Jr. scored 13 points for the Wizards and Otto Porter Jr. had 10.

PELICANS 122, SUNS 103

PHOENIX (AP) – Nikola Mirotic scored a season-high 31 points and tied a season best with 16 rebounds, Anthony Davis had 33 points and 11 boards, and New Orleans beat Phoenix.

Jrue Holiday added 22 points and 10 assists to help the Pelicans move into a tie for the Western Conference’s fifth seed with idle San Antonio and Oklahoma City. New Orleans (45-34) won its second straight after losing four in a row.

The Pelicans led by double digits throughout the entire fourth quarter.

Marquese Chriss led Phoenix with 23 points and Josh Jackson added 22 points and 11 rebounds. The Suns have lost 16 of 17 and are closer to clinching the NBA’s worst record.

PISTONS 113, MAVERICKS 106, OT

DETROIT (AP) – Reggie Jackson scored 12 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter and overtime and Detroit beat Dallas.

Andre Drummond added 19 points and 16 rebounds for the Pistons, who had six scorers in double figures.

Johnathan Motley led the Mavericks with career highs of 26 points and 12 rebounds.

Detroit led 101-98 with a minute left in regulation, but Dallas coach Rick Carlisle kept starters Harrison Barnes, Dwight Powell and Dennis Smith Jr. on the bench.

Luke Kennard missed a clinching 3-pointer, and after Dallas turned the ball over Chris Tierney Jersey , Jackson missed a shot that would have made it a five-point game with 30 seconds left.

Motley tied the score with a 3 with 10.1 seconds left, and Jackson’s buzzer-beater bounced off the front rim.

Detroit moved ahead 110-105 with 1:29 in overtime, and after a Dallas offensive foul, Jackson’s floater sealed the victory.

KINGS 94, GRIZZLIES 93

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) – Bogdan Bogdanovic connected on a 16-footer with a second left to help Sacramento escape with a victory over Memphis.

Bogdanovic’s jumper capped a close game between two  Philadelphia Eagles Jerseys

It certainly did for running back Todd Gurley, who signed a four-year, $60 million contract extension in July after running for 1,305 yards and scoring 19 total touchdowns last season behind that familiar front five.

"Whoever said money don't make you happy lied," Gurley said with a smile Wednesday.

The Rams expect even greater stability on offense to translate into continued success in head coach Sean McVay's second season, a belief that has been reinforced during the start of training camp.

At this same stage last year, the Rams were working in new additions at left tackle, center and wide receiver while learning the basics of a new offense, and were still weeks away from trading for wide receiver Sammy Watkins. They return 10 of 11 starters for this year's workouts at UC Irvine, with new acquisition Brandin Cooks replacing Watkins as the big play threat in the passing game.

Quarterback Jared Goff said the familiarity is paying dividends, especially during the transition from teaching the offense in the first few days to refining each element of a system that produced an NFL-leading 29.9 points per game.

"We feel like we're in a good spot," Goff said. "Offensively, we've been starting to click. I think today was the first day you really felt that consistency starting to gel. We're not so much installing anymore, we're running the same plays over and over again and starting to get a good feel with it."

"It makes everyone so much more comfortable just to come out here and just play our game. You don't have to think about too much, and that's what it is all about Authentic Erik Karlsson Jersey Kids ," Gurley said.

For Goff, his increased comfort level entering his second season as the starter manifests in a better understanding of what opposing defenses are trying to do.

"It just continues to slow down," Goff said. "Your pre-snap process is a lot smoother, and you're more under control of everything and are seeing things better."

While Goff is playing faster, there has been no deceleration by Gurley after signing a contract featuring the most guaranteed money for a running back in NFL history. Goff and McVay both praised his relentlessness in practice, with a prime example coming when Gurley kept running towards the end zone as McVay was setting up the next play in the sequence.

"I got what I want, now let's keep going," Gurley said. "Nothing doesn't stop. The grind continues. It's going to be even harder now, obviously, to be able to do what I did last year, and teams are going to game plan for it. It's my job to go out there, put myself in a great position and try to work as hard as I can. As long as I do that, I feel comfortable with the players around me and the coaches around me to put me in a great position."

With so much familiarity returning, Gurley is ready to build on his best season to date. But he understands his individual production is the result of what the offense does together, declaring that every running back is the beneficiary of the blocking he gets before Gurley backtracked.

"Obviously Nathan MacKinnon Jersey , Barry Sanders is going to do what he do, but it doesn't matter what other running back you have back there. If you don't have all 11 doing one thing, then it's not going to work," he said.

NOTES: Outside linebacker Matt Longacre left practice early because of an undisclosed injury. . Kicker Greg Zuerlein made a 63-yard field goal during a simulated two-minute drill.

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Quarterback Nathan Peterman never lost faith in himself following the most difficult moment of his young NFL career. What's more important, neither did Bills coach Sean McDermott.

In 10 months, Peterman has gone from throwing five interceptions in the first half of his first career start, to being chosen Monday as Buffalo's season-opening starter. Though the job is his until rookie first-round pick Josh Allen is deemed ready, Peterman's ascension from being counted out to being counted on is a testament to the second-year player's perseverance.

"I believe he's a resilient young man. He's certainly come through some times of adversity throughout his career," McDermott said shortly the Bills announced Peterman would be their starter at Baltimore on Sunday. "Usually, if you go through some adversity early in life, you're that much more prepared for it when it comes around later."

Peterman is aware of the critics he attracted following a 54-24 loss at the Los Angeles Chargers on Nov. 19 in which McDermott's decision to start him ahead of Tyrod Taylor backfired. And Peterman was grateful for the opportunity to prove himself during a three-way competition that was trimmed to two once AJ McCarron was traded to Oakland last weekend.

"It means a lot. I'm thankful for the people that stood by my side through hard times," Peterman said.

"When you have obstacles, hard things in your life, that doesn't mean you should quit," he added. "Maybe that's the way some people think Authentic Kevin White Jersey , but that's not the way I think. For me, it just amps me up even more and gives me a lot of desire and drive to go accomplish those goals."

McDermott based his decision on how the Peterman handled himself upon arriving at the team's facility in April, and his steady performance in three preseason appearances.

Peterman put up the best passing numbers during the preseason, 33 of 41 for 432 yards with three touchdowns and an interception.

In the meantime, the start of the Allen era is on hold after the strong-armed but raw quarterback showed he requires more development.

Allen went 24 of 44 for 210 yards and two touchdowns in three preseason appearances, and particularly struggled in a 26-13 loss to Cincinnati on Aug. 26 in his only preseason start. The 22-year old managed three first downs on seven-plus series while getting little protection from a patchwork offensive line and being sacked five times for 39 yards.

"As a competitor, you want to play," Allen said. "To not play, that's going to hurt anybody's feelings, but at the end of the day, it's football. We're part of the team. I can't say anything bad about the decision. Nate played well in the preseason. Now I'm here to help him in any way possible."

The Bills traded up five spots to select the Wyoming product seventh overall 鈥?the highest draft position Buffalo has ever selected a quarterback.

McDermott declined to get drawn into making comparisons between the two quarterbacks. He described Allen's development as being on schedule and said the rookie can learn plenty from watching regular-season games from the sideline.

"I expect Josh will be ready to go when his number's called, whenever it is called. And that's his focus now," McDermott said.

The Bills are starting over at what's been an unsettled position since Hall of Famer Jim Kelly retired after the 1996 season. Peterman will become the 11th quarterback to start a season, including Matt Cassel, who took the first snap in 2015.

Peterman has a track record of bouncing back from adversity.

In his first college start at Tennessee http://www.officialsabres.com/authentic-adidas-jack-eichel-jersey , Peterman had a hand in four turnovers 鈥?two interceptions, a fumble while being sacked and a botched handoff 鈥?before being pulled during a 31-17 loss at Florida as a redshirt freshman in 2013.

He then transferred to Pittsburgh following his sophomore year and excelled in his final two seasons. At Pitt, Peterman completed 378 of 619 attempts for 5,142 yards with 47 touchdowns and 15 interceptions in 26 games, which led Buffalo to select him in the fifth round of the draft.

Peterman doesn't look toward starting against Baltimore as a chance to ease the memories of what happened against Los Angeles.

"Every time I've gotten back on the field it's a new opportunity," he said. "You're not tied to your past failures."

He's also not looking beyond this weekend, when reminded the Bills' home-opener is against the Chargers on Sept. 16.

"Yeah, that's two weeks away. And like I say, it's day to day," Peterman said. "It's about the Ravens."

NOTES: McDermott said Ryan Groy has earned the starting spot at center. ... DT Kyle Williams (right knee) practiced, though he's not sure he'll be ready to play Sunday. ... The Bills filled out their 10-player practice squad by signing offensive lineman Ruben Holcomb and defensive tackle Robert Thomas.

ARIZONA CARDINALS (8-8)

New faces: Coach Steve Wilks http://www.officialcapitals.com/authentic-adidas-evgeny-kuznetsov-jersey , QB Sam Bradford, QB Josh Rosen, RG Justin Pugh, RT Andre Smith, S Tre Boston, CB Jamar Taylor, WR Brice Butler, WR Christian Kirk, RB Chase Edmonds, C Mason Cole, CB Bene Benwikere.

Key losses: Coach Bruce Arians, QB Carson Palmer, S Tyrann Mathieu, QB Drew Stanton, C A.Q. Shipley (injured), QB Blaine Gabbert, WR Jaron Brown, WR John Brown, OL Earl Watford, DT Frostee Rucker Jeff Skinner Jersey , DT Josh Mauro, TE Troy Niklas, ILB Karlos Dansby, OG Alex Boone, CB Justin Bethel.

Strengths: With return of RB David Johnson and addition of Bradford, Wilks and offensive coordinator Mike McCoy, Cardinals are building offense emphasizing running and short passing game. Johnson, NFL leader in yards from scrimmage and TDs two seasons ago, missed 15 games last season with fractured left wrist but returns healthy and hungry for new contract. Waiting on sideline is 10th overall pick Rosen should Bradford repeat his history of injury. Cardinals also are impressed with Edmonds, fourth-round pick out of Fordham, who could provide 1-2 punch behind revamped offensive line. Defense, with switch to 4-3 scheme, looks solid, particularly in secondary, where second-year player Budda Baker plays big role in “nickel” setup. With more zone play, Patrick Peterson might get more shots at making plays. He’s been mostly avoided by quarterbacks who take aim at receivers guarded by someone other than star cornerback. DE Chandler Jones led NFL in sacks last season (17). For what it’s worth, Arizona’s first three preseason opponents committed 16 turnovers.

Weaknesses: Arizona has great wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, who enters 15th season after finishing second in NFL in catches (109) one year ago. But position is question mark behind him. Kirk, second-round pick from Texas A&M, has emerged as big-play threat in preseason and Chad Williams has shown improvement after rocky rookie year. Butler is looking to prove himself after parting less than amicably with Cowboys. But there is no consistent Tuukka Rask Jersey , proven receiver beyond Fitzgerald. Other main concern is lack of depth at linebacker and on offensive line.

Fantasy players to watch: Johnson, of course. He was just about everybody’s No. 1 fantasy pick in 2017, only to go down in opener. He returns in best shape of life and motivated to remind people how good he is. As reminder, Johnson rushed for 1,239 yards and caught 80 passes for 875 yards in 2016. He topped 100 yards from scrimmage in first 15 games that season, only player in NFL history to so. He also led NFL with 20 TDs.

Vegas Says: Super Bowl 120 to 1. Over/under wins 6.

Expectations: Judging from Vegas and national predictors, expectations aren’t very high. But Wilks, former Carolina defensive coordinator, has worked to install tough, physical mentality and is building around team’s top players: Johnson, Peterson, Bradford, Fitzgerald, Jones. Still, it’s uphill climb in NFC West. Don’t expect Rosen to play unless Bradford goes down with another injury, or team slumps. Schedule is brutal, with non-division games at Minnesota, Kansas City, Green Bay and Atlanta. Cardinals might exceed Las Vegas’ expectations, but most likely not by much.

EAGAN P.K Subban Jersey , Minn. (AP) Already owning one of the strongest defensive lines in the league, the Minnesota Vikings have made another addition to their front four this summer.

He even was a former first-round draft pick.

Anthony Barr has established his place as the strong side linebacker, an integral part of coach Mike Zimmer’s pressure-driven scheme. This switch is not by any means complete or permanent, considering the value Barr has given the Vikings while rarely missing a snap in the middle of the defense with former college teammate Eric Kendricks. With Brian Robison capably spelling Everson Griffen and Danielle Hunter at the defensive end spots, there’s not a glaring need for one.

Sliding Barr and his athleticism and speed to the front, though, provides yet another way Zimmer and the Vikings can attack an offense.

”Definitely, it could be a change-up for us,” Barr said. ”Hopefully I can get a couple more opportunities to do that, and we’ll see where it goes. It’s something I’m going to continue to work on and get better at. I’m excited for it.”

The Vikings have used passing-situation packages this offseason that include cornerback Terence Newman at safety while making Harrison Smith a hybrid linebacker. Put Barr at defensive end, and Everson Griffen can move inside. Or Barr could simply line up as a fifth down lineman. Either way, that’s the potential for quite the fierce pass rush.

”We are just trying to utilize our guys the best way we can,” Zimmer said. ”If a guy has a skill set of being possibly a pass rusher, then we’re going to look at him and see if he can be a pass rusher. If a guy’s a great inside cover guy, then we’re going to try and look at him there.”

Barr has taken plenty of turns with the defensive linemen during individual drills in training camp so far, evidence that this is more than just a token experiment.

”It’s a conscious effort in getting him into rush situations where he knows what to do,” Zimmer said. ”I really don’t have any concerns when he’s rushing on a back, but sometimes when he gets on a bigger stronger guy and gets in certain positions, he has to know what to do.”

Barr was the first player the Vikings drafted after hiring Zimmer in 2014, the ninth overall selection out of UCLA who spent only two years with the Bruins on defense after beginning his college career as a running back. With 10 sacks Jake Guentzel Jersey Kids , six forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and one interception over four seasons, Barr has left himself plenty of room to improve on such modest statistics. There are many more ways to contribute than those basic measurements, of course, but Zimmer’s matter-of-fact assessment in 2016 that Barr ”has a tendency to coast a little bit” still hovers over his trajectory.

Across the NFL, Barr is known mostly for his hit on Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the sixth game of the year that led to a broken collarbone and set the NFC North rivals on opposite courses in 2017. Interestingly, referee Pete Morelli told reporters at Minnesota’s practice facility on Thursday that the league’s stricter rules about targeting defenseless players would now make that play a 15-yard penalty.

Barr is the only core player left on an expiring contract, with extensions recently signed by wide receiver Stefon Diggs, defensive end Danielle Hunter and Kendricks. Barr’s salary for 2018 is a little more than $12.3 million, and he hinted at disappointment when spring practices began without a new deal. He didn’t address the subject in his first remarks to reporters at training camp.

”My focus is here at camp, getting better with the team, and we’ll let that figure itself out,” he said.

If this defensive end thing works well, Barr’s price will only go higher.

”I’ll never talk business out in the open or in public,” general manager Rick Spielman said. ”I’ll just tell you he fits everything that we want as a Minnesota Viking.”

—

 http://www.officialusafootballs.com/miami-dolphins

Le'Veon Bell disputes telling some teammates he will report to the Steelers on Monday.

“Don鈥檛 believe the fake news Alex Pietrangelo Jersey Kids , I never said anything to no one,” Bell tweeted Tuesday afternoon.

Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that some Steelers expect Bell to show up six days before the team’s season opener. The star running back arrived six days before the Steelers’ first game last season.

Bell played in the victory over the Browns to open the 2017 season but gained only 32 yards on 10 carries and 15 yards on three receptions.

The sides again failed to come to terms on a long-term extension by the July deadline Patrik Laine Jersey , prompting his holdout for a second consecutive year. He has yet to sign the $14.5 million franchise tender.

Golden State’s victory over Houston on Monday night to earn a fourth straight trip to the NBA Finals averaged 14.8 million viewers for the TNT telecast Authentic Gustav Nyquist Jersey , with the peak audience from 11 to 11:15 p.m. EDT. The network says Tuesday that only its coverage of the 2016 West finals Game 7 between the Warriors and Oklahoma City drew a larger audience for an NBA game on cable.

Overall, TNT’s 42 live playoff games averaged 4.9 million viewers Authentic Kirk Cousins Jersey , the network’s most-watched playoffs coverage since 2011.

ESPN averaged 13.3 million viewers for Cleveland’s Game 7 victory over Boston on Sunday, its second-best number ever behind only Miami’s clinching victory over Boston in 2012.