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Imagine what kind of pressure it would put on the defense if the Cardinals ran RPOs (run/pass options) with David Johnson (and Chase Edmonds when he’s in the game). On a key third down Jamar Taylor Jersey , Josh Rosen could run with the ball to move the chains (on a slide) if the end crashes down...but most of all, Rosen can fake the handoff and then pass into the open areas behind the linebackers. The Vikings and Eagles did this very well last year with Keenum and Wentz/Foles.Why have a FB on the roster and not use him? So—-OC Mike McCoy is not keeping the LBers honest with RPOs—-he isn’t even running head-on iso blocks with a FG on them. Thus, the opposing linebackers might as well be playing in tuxedos. It’s Prom Night versus the Cardinals.You have to make life difficult for linebackers in the NFL. if you don’t—-chances are you are going to lose.Like Mark Schlereth said---the Cardinals were just running DJ into a stone wall. It’s maddening.If you move DJ around like the queen on a chessboard---the defense has to become acutely aware of where he is at all times and adjust their coverages and run defenses on the fly. But how often is DJ on the move in McCoy’s offense? Throwing to DJ only twice in the game is not only unthinkable—-it is irresponsible.Would it be so hard for Wilks and McCoy come to the conclusion that a 4-5 yard pass to DJ is better than a 2 yard run just for the sake of running the ball?Isn’t the whole point of having David Johnson on your team to find ways to get him the ball in space?When you watch the best offenses—-they PASS to set up the RUN---they don’t run to set up the pass. Plus, defending the pass gasses the defensive line and linebackers way more than defending the run, so by the 4th quarter you can run the ball better because you’ve (a) backed the defense off and (b) you’ve steadily worn them down.The Cardinals’ offense is playing as tight as a drum. The calls are predictable and they play right into the hands and the strengths of the defense. To play fast on offense you have to take the training wheels off and you have to play loose and with passion. Look at DJ---he looks like he’s playing in a straightjacket half the time because the defense is keying on him and loading the box and the Cardinals’ OC still runs the ball (without a FB in front of him to take out the first threat). In this offense, DJ is basically giving the defenders target practice.When the Cardinals started throwing on 1st downs they misfired too often---which then put them in 2nd and 10s---and it seemed that every 2nd and 10, McCoy called a run between the tackles, which then set up a series of 3rd and 7s---and several of the 3rd and 7 passes were high risk WR or RB screens that were easy for the defense to defend within the 7 yard box because the catches were at or behind the line of scrimmage.If you misfire on 1st down, take another shot on 2nd down. The Patriots once opened a game with 19 straight pass plays—-and they backed the defense off so far that by the end of the game, the Pats ended up with well over 100 yards rushing. As an OC you have to have answers for 3rd and 7s and 3rd and 10s---that’s where mismatches come into play. That’s what Kurt Warner was a genius at---knowing all week long what the WR, TE, RB mismatches were Cheap Budda Baker Jersey , so that when he saw them he could audible right into them. Often they were for #3 and #4 WRs like Steve Breaston and Jerhemy Urban. Carson Palmer did that a lot on 3rd downs with Jaron Brown.Essentially it all comes down to one simple principal---you take whatever the defense is giving you.But you have to have that worked out before the game---that is—-if you have studied your opponent well and if you know their matchup and scheme tendencies. The last couple of years it looked like BA was less prepared for each opponent as he was the first couple of years---he then confirmed that by saying “we do what we do.” It looks like McCoy mantra is the same thing---week after week he is doing what he does without showing a keen understanding of where the defenses are weakest.And then—-there are in-game adjustments that should be automatic---but Mike McCoy doesn’t seem to be making such adjustments. Like in the Bears. game, RCB Prince Amukamara was injured and yet McCoy didn’t pick on the new CB. Even worse, in the Seahawks game, it was all the more frustrating that McCoy got even more conservative after Earl Thomas got hurt. Those are opportunities a good OC takes advantage of.On the play sheet an OC should have sections for down and distance calls---and sections for which pass plays attack the perimeter (short, intermediate, deep) and the middle (short, intermediate and deep)---so, when he sees a starting CB, LB or FS go out of the game, bingo, he looks on his sheet and decides how to exploit the substitute.Being creative on offense is not as difficult as some think. You run misdirections to turn the defense around, just as in basketball you want to swing the ball from side to side and then exploit an opening. You run your offense based on the numbers—-if the defense is loading the box Deone Bucannon Jersey , the numbers are in the defense’s favor, but it leaves them more vulnerable to the pass. This is where defenses try to confuse QBs by giving a loaded box look when they are really going to back players off into coverage.But, by sending a man in motion—-you can get a solid on read on whether the defense is playing zone or man—-if they chase the receiver across the formation, it’s man—-if they don't chase then chances are you get an immediate cover mismatch even if the defense is disguising man coverage. Then—-there are always the gadget plays. The Eagles won the Super Bowl thanks in part to their “Philly Special.” There are all kinds of flea flicker options—-and throwback passes off sweeps or backward laterals (like the Giants ran yesterday with OBJ passing a wide open throwback TD to Saquon Barkley). One of the philosophies that BA had down pat is—-taking deep shots and running gadget plays keep the defense honest—-even if you don’t complete them, it backs the defense off a little and gives you more room to operate.Same way in basketball—-versus a full court man-to man deny-every-pass defense—-if you do not pose a deep threat—-all the defense has to do is defend half the court—-and with quick athletes it’s twice as easy to defend half the court than every inch of the full court.This is what the 2018 Cardinals are doing—-they are playing in the half court—-they are running far too many plays that allow the defense to be ultra aggressive in a 20-25 yard box—-the Cardinals’ one big play this week came on a first play bomb. But, by the 3rd and 4th quarters the 49ers’ defense was playing way up without any fear of getting beat deep.This is why it actually can be smart to take downfield shots late in games, rather than play ultra conservatively down the stretch.This was how BA taught the team how to win—-by being aggressive when the situation traditionally calls for being conservative.Bird Droppings: Arizona Cardinals respond to opening day boos, keeping options open at LB, happy with WR’s and more Happy Tuesday one and all, hope your week is going well.The Monday Night Football double header went the opposite of what we expected.The first game was a blowout, snoozer, while the second game gave us a good look at the Rams http://www.cardinalsfootballauthentics.com/deone-bucannon-jersey-authentic , while showing us the Raiders aren’t back.Now, we begin to wrap up the Redskins loss and get ready to focus on this ferocious Rams defense who will open up their home season against the Cardinals.Let’s get all the news from around the web on the Arizona Cardinals.Cardinals Won't Just Take Passing Glance At ProblemsWilks confident offense -- and defense -- will rebound going forwardPeterson - 'Too Many Missed Tackles'CB Patrick Peterson meets the media in the locker room following the Cardinals' loss in the season opener.Wilks - 'Put It Behind Us'Head coach Steve Wilks meets the media on Monday after reviewing the tape from Sunday's 24-6 loss.Lack of offensive rhythm left Sam Bradford out of sorts in loss - Arizona Cardinals Blog- ESPNThe Sam Bradford we saw against the Redskins wasn't the one players gushed about all summer or the one we saw in the preseason.Carson Palmer on Cardinals' opener: 'Give them some time'Former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer doesn't think there's reason to panic after watching his old team lose to the Washington Redskins.Cardinals focus on the gaps; Wilks remains confident in young WRsThe Arizona Cardinals are filling in the gaps of their defense by, well, fixing their gap integrity. That, plus coach Steve Wilks doesn't put blame on his young receivers.Cardinals vs. Redskins results: 4 positive player performances for AZNot everything about the game was a negative for the Cardinals.Cardinals vs. Redskins results: 5 disappointing AZ player performancesWhich players had a bad start to the 2018 season?WATCH: Larry Fitzgerald makes 27-yard leaping catch in Week 1His catch might have been the play of the game.Arizona Cardinals take responsibility for fans booing themThey vow to play better when they come back in Week 3.Severity of AZ Cardinals RT Andre Smith’s elbow injury still unknownThe team was awaiting the results of an MRI Monday.WATCH: David Johnson’s Week 1 highlights in return from injuryHe didn't get too many touches, but he had a few good plays in Arizona's season-opening loss.Arizona Cardinals little good, a lot of ugly vs RedskinsThe Arizona Cardinals are going to have to regroup after an embarrassing loss at home to open the season against the Washington RedskinsJohnson not to blame for Arizona Cardinals lossArizona Cardinals running back David Johnson did what a leader does, takes responsibility for a loss, however there was plenty of other blame to go aroundExpectations for Arizona Cardinals plummet following defeatAny positive vibes that were surrounding the Arizona Cardinals have gone out the window following their opening-day defeat

Training camp is in the books. The preseason is at the halfway point. And the 2018 season fast approaches. With what we’ve seen from this team so far Authentic Marshawn Lynch Jersey , there is plenty to be excited about. Here are the top five.1. Return of ChuckyThe return of Jon Gruden to the sideline is easily the most exciting new development. Gruden was beloved as Raiders head coach from 1998-2001. He took the Raiders to heights they hadn’t seen since their Super Bowl teams in the 80s and heights the franchise hasn’t seen since they lost to his Buccaneers team ripped out their hearts in the Super Bowl the year after he was traded. He was excited to be back on the sideline in Oakland in the preseason opener on August 10 and he is going to out of his mind excited to open at home on Monday Night Football against the Rams. That crowd is going to share his excitement.2. New energyA common question I have gotten asked is what has been the difference between this year’s training camp and the past three years under Jack Del Rio. My response is always ‘Energy’. And I don’t mean the players are drinking Red Bulls or something. I mean there is a different energy. They are genuinely having a good time and are excited each day to compete. They embody the spirit of their head coach.3. Derek Carr’s resurgenceIt’s not an automatic that Derek Carr is going to come firing out the gate with Gruden at the helm. After all, Derek’s best season was his only season with the same OC two years in a row (Bill Musgrave). Each time he’s had a new coordinator, he’s taken some time to find his groove. There’s a chance he could find his groove right away based on how quickly he appears to have picked up on Gruden’s offense and how well he has orchestrated it in practice. But whether he has instant success or not, we’re here to see how he progresses as Gruden’s ‘robot’ on the field.4. Beast ModeOver the second half of last season Marshawn Lynch averaged 4.6 yards per carry. He found his footing and thus earned the second season of his two-year deal. Though there’s always a possibility he could continue playing after this season, it’s very likely this is his final NFL season. You can bet he won’t be going gently into that goodnight. He will go out in full Beast Mode to the last snap.5. Guenther influence on stagnant DYou would have thought under a defensive head coach in Jack Del Rio that would be the one area that they would play well. But the defense was a mess. Even with the Defensive Player of the Year, it was terrible. Much of that can be attributed to the poor job Ken Norton Jr was doing as Defensive Coordinator. Sometimes it isn’t the players that are the problem Womens Derek Carr Jersey , but rather the coaching and the scheme. Many of the players on this defense have played better elsewhere. That goes for the slew of drafted players who underachieved. There is excitement to see if Guenther can get the best from his defensive players.Follow @LeviDamienRaiders Film Room: Rookie Maurice Hurst emerges Many Raiders fans were excited to see Maurice Hurst fall into Gruden’s lap in the 5th round of the 2018 NFL Draft.The highly touted Michigan defensive tackle Hurst was widely regarded as a first round talent with even some mock drafts having the Raiders taking him with their pick at 10 overall. But a question mark during a heart exam caused many teams to take him off their boards altogether, allowing him to be available into the 5th round.Hurst played big time football for 4 years at University of Michigan, winning in college with quickness and hand placement.His biggest knock was his lack of strength at the point of attack but four games into his NFL career he’s showed enough power to be a major cog in the Raiders defensive line rotation.After slow start Hurst had easily his best game this past Sunday against the Browns.He has been getting more and more pressure through the first four weeks of the season and has amassed two sacks on the season.His progress culminated in a very productive game against the Cleveland Browns, forcing a fumble, blocking a pass attempt, and making plays behind the line of scrimmage.Lets take a look at Hurst’s development through the first quarter of the season.Interior pass rushProviding a push inside is the reason why Maurice Hurst was drafted.Having a great pass rusher at defensive tackle is something most teams rarely ever have.Gruden has gone on record expressing his desire for the Raiders to develop the interior pass rush.Hurst has improved getting to the passer each week.Week 1 against the Rams Hurst got to see just how hard his job will be in the NFL.Against this double team Hurst tries a rip move to beat the guard inside. Hurst doesn’t do a good job of feeling the center come over to help and is immediately stymied at the line.During week 1 it was common to see Hurst struggle to string together pass rush moves.Welcome to the NFL rookie.By week 2 Hurst started to get more comfortable rushing the passer. Defensive Coordinator Paul Guenther lines Hurst up at 5 technique—outside the shoulder of the offensive tackle in this odd front blitz.Hurst uses a bull rush to walk the tackle back preventing Keenum from stepping up in the pocket.He is able to convert speed to power here with an explosive get-off http://www.oaklandraidersteamonline.com/rodney-hudson-jersey , and disengage from his blocker to notch his first NFL sack.By week 4 Hurst no longer needed exotic blitz schemes to get pressure on the passer.In this rep against the Browns, Hurst is lined up outside the right guard’s shoulder.Hurst bobs his head inside to stop the guards feet and uses a swipe/rip move to turn a tight corner.His presence of mind to reach out and strip Mayfield is the kind of thing elite pass rushers are able to do consistently and he is able to force a turnover.In this rep Hurst again gets doubled by the guard and center.This time he does a much better job anticipating the double team and gets his hands on the center.You see him continue to work his hands keeping the blocker out of his chest.This effort here gives him enough room to disengage and put his hand up in the passing lane to swat down a pass.The best interior pass rushers affect the quarterback in a variety of ways.It’s clear Hurst understands that the game of football is all about the ball and his savvy is starting to catch up to his natural abilities.If he continues on his current trajectory he should provide an excellent complement to Bruce Irvin and Paul Guenther’s blitz schemes around the edges.Defending the runWhen a rookie defensive lineman gets early playing time they better be prepared to be show they aren’t pushovers.Hurst was up to the challenge from the start of the season.He still can improve in this area but his detractors who said he wasn’t strong enough anchor in the NFL have been proven wrong.Hurst has made run stops in every contest so far in 2018.It is for this reason he has been able to see so much action early in his career.Take this play week 1 for example. Hurst is lined up on the outside shoulder of the Rams right guard.He explodes out of his snap and locks out the blocker with a great punch.His hand placement provides him the leverage to not be pushed off his block when the right guard doubles him.Hurst showcases impressive body control to reset his base while reading the run to make a stop for a short gain.It’s not just inside runs where Hurst does damage.No doubt the Raiders were prepared for the gadget screens and sweeps to wide-receivers.You see the linebackers call out this designed bubble screen to the right.Hurst does an impressive job reacting to the play, hustling down the line and making a 1-on-1 tackle against a much quicker player along the sideline.Hurst showed he’s strong enough at the point of attack, and his play recognition equals his hustle. In week 4 however he makes another impressive run stop but this time with finesse. Hurst’s bob and swipe will no doubt be his favorite move to use this season, especially if it continues to get him quick wins like it does on this rep.Hurst’s ankle flexibility here to turn the corner and get lateral allows him to make a tackle in the backfield.ConclusionHurst’s development is starting to heat up.The Cleveland game shows his confidence is continuing to grow and that will allow him to be loose and attack the offensive line with reckless abandon.Hurst was compared to Geno Atkins and even Aaron Donald before the NFL draft.He’s not yet that type of player however.While not as strong as those two he has similar length and tools which translates into playing style.Hurst should continue to get stronger the longer he stays in the league.Paul Guenther clearly has a lot of confidence in the rookie and in the plays above Hurst lines up at 1-Technique (shaded on the center), 3-Technique (shaded on the guard) Authentic Derek Carrier Jersey , and 5-Technique (shaded on the tackle).The football IQ and awareness Hurst has displayed so far are rare for a rookie.If Hurst can stay healthy and continue to improve from week to week, the Raiders have will have gained an exciting player and finally that interior pass rusher they’ve been needing.

It’s common knowledge in sports that http://www.atlantafalconsteamonline.com/matt-bryant-jersey , if you take care of your own business, you don’t have to worry about anybody else as far as the standings are concerned.While this is entirely true, getting some help along the way is never a bad thing. This column will be completely dedicated to the results of the other three NFC South teams throughout the season, and hopefully we’ll be able to bask in their failures together.Here is how the Falcons’ division opponents fared in Week 4:Chicago Bears 48, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 10The Tampa Bay Buccaneers crashed back down to earth after a superb three-week stretch by QB Ryan Fitzpatrick. The Bears got out in front and then kept pulling away, as Tampa Bay was baffled on both offense and defense.Fitzpatrick went just 9/18 and had 126 passing yards, no scores and an interception thrown when he was pulled at halftime. Jameis Winston, who had lost his starting job to Fitzpatrick, threw for 145 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions in the second half. DeSean Jackson had the lone good day on offense for Tampa, totaling 112 receiving yards as a consistent deep threat all afternoon.On the other side of things, Mike Smith’s defense had no answer for Mitchell Trubisky, who exploded for 354 passing yards and six touchdowns. Former Falcon Taylor Gabriel totaled 104 receiving yards and caught two of those touchdowns. Backup RB Tarik Cohen was a weapon in the passing game, going for 121 receiving yards.The Bucs go into their week five bye week following back to back losses. Starting TE O.J. Howard was injured and didn’t return.New Orleans Saints 33, New York Giants 18The Saints didn’t get off the best start in this one, surrendering a touchdown to Sterling Shepard on New York’s first drive of the game. Following that score, however, New Orleans would move the ball up and down the field, but would be held to four field goals in the first half.Alvin Kamara would then take over in the second half. The electric running back out of Tennessee scored three second-half rushing touchdowns, including one from 49 yards out to seal the game late in the fourth quarter. He finished with 181 total yards from scrimmage.Saquon Barkley accounted for a rushing touchdown to go along with 44 rushing yards on just 10 carries. Eli Manning was uninspiring with 255 passing yards and the touchdown strike to Shepard. Odell Beckham Jr. had 60 receiving yards and is still looking for his first TD of the season.NFC South Standings after Week 41. New Orleans Saints (3-1 overall record; 1-1 divisional record) - Next vs. Redskins (MNF)2. Carolina Panthers (2-1 overall record; 0-1 divisional record) - Next vs. Giants3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-2 overall record; 1-0 divisional record) - Next Bye4. Atlanta Falcons (1-3 overall record; 1-1 divisional record) - Next at SteelersAtlanta Falcons fantasy stud and dud from Week 2 The Falcons bounced back in a big way following last Thursday’s disappointment, with a 31-24 victory over the Carolina Panthers in a key divisional matchup. The offense woke up and scored four touchdowns in this one, repeatedly converting on each of their red zone trips.We have a lot of fantastic content analyzing the game here at The Falcoholic, but in this article, we’ll look at things strictly from a fantasy football perspective. Let’s look at Atlanta’s top fantasy performer and biggest fantasy disappointment from Week 2’s victory against the Carolina Panthers.Fantasy Stud/Dud 2018 History:Past Studs: Julio Jones (1)Past Duds: Devonta Freeman (1)Stud - Matt RyanStat Line: 272 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns Womens Logan Paulsen Jersey , 1 interception, 4 carries, 18 rushing yards, 2 rushing touchdowns: 30.68 standard league/PPR pointsMatt Ryan was a problem for the Panthers in this one; you could even say that he was as dangerous as a White Walker. In my start/sit column this week, I underestimated a couple of Falcons receivers, and didn’t really “hit” on as many players as I had hoped; one thing I did get right, however, was advising Matt Ryan fantasy owners to put him in their lineups this week.Ryan had an incredible bounceback game after getting scrutinized (justifiably so) for the past 10 days. He repeatedly sliced and diced a good Carolina defense up and down the field, utilizing eight different pass catchers. It was a vintage 2016 season performance.What was even more encouraging to see was four red zone touchdowns out of four attempts. Ryan accounted for all of those touchdowns, finding Calvin Ridley and Austin Hooper through the air, and rushing for the other two. A QB sneak from the 1-yard line and a gutsy 8-yard scamper left the Panthers in awe.This is the first game in which Ryan has accounted for three or more touchdowns (both rushing and passing) since that 2016 season. With how well offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian utilized him and his pass catchers, in play action especially, this may be a positive sign of things to come.Dud - Mohamed SanuMohamed Sanu: 2 catches, 19 receiving yards, 1 carry, -4 rushing yards: 1.5 standard league points, 3.5 PPR pointsMohamed Sanu may not have been in most people’s fantasy lineups (he’s owned in just 53.1% of NFL.com fantasy leagues, and started in even fewer), but with how good everyone else was this week, Sanu is the dud almost by default.The Rutgers product was nearly invisible in this one, much like he was in Week 1. The emergence of Calvin Ridley, as well as a productive game from Austin Hooper, left Sanu to settle for little more than scraps on a day when the Birds were on fire when in the red zone.Sanu was held to just two catches in this one, and went for under 20 yards once again. His lone rush came out of a wildcat formation on 3rd-and-short and resulted in a loss with the defense seeing the run coming from a mile away.An added emphasis on getting Ridley involved is great for the Falcons but dangerous for Sanu’s fantasy prospects moving forward. He may no longer be one of Matt Ryan’s go-to targets when Julio Jones is double teamed.

 The post-Barry Sanders Detroit Lions and a running game go together like oil and vinegar. Try as they might every season http://www.lionsauthorizedshops.com/authentic-taylor-decker-jersey , but the Lions just cannot seem to establish the run. They’ve tried back after back and even offensive lineman after offensive lineman, but nothing seems to work.However, there finally seems to be some hope in Detroit. The Lions have a slew of talented backs headed into 2018, and many believe general manager Bob Quinn added the final piece of the offensive line puzzle by drafting Arkansas center/guard Frank Ragnow with his first-round pick this year. Throw in a brand-new, experienced offensive line coach and an exciting rookie running back and there’s reasonable justification to be excited about a running game in Detroit.But how high should expectations be after finishing as the league’s worst rushing attack over the past three years? How high could this running attack rank in 2018? To answer these questions, we went back to Football Outsiders’ Scott Kacsmar for some answers. If you missed Part 1 of our interview about head coach Matt Patricia’s bend-don’t-break defense, check it out there. Question 2. The Lions finally have some optimism surrounding their running game. What are realistic expectations for improvement in one offseason? Kacsmar: Kerryon Johnson was an exciting draft pick, and LeGarrette Blount seems to produce everywhere he goes except for Pittsburgh. The backs always get the headlines, but this was really more of an offensive line issue. The line ranked 21st or worse in adjusted line yards in every direction (left end, left tackle, mid/guard, right tackle, right end). No one had good rushing statistics behind that line last season. You have to hope that Taylor Decker stays healthy at left tackle, and that rookie Frank Ragnow is as good as advertised. They’re a much better line on paper this year, but it’s also true that players like T.J. Lang and Ricky Wagner are just better suited in pass protection. It’s still going to be more about Matthew Stafford and the receivers, but Detroit definitely needs to see a boost in the running game. Too many resources have gone into the offensive line and backfield for things to not improve there.For more content from Football Outsiders, check out their store Golden Tate III Jersey , which includes their always fabulous Almanac.Wednesday’s topic: Can the Lions’ defense succeed without a pass rush?Detroit Lions 53-man roster prediction: Preseason Week 3 depth chart The NFL is changing, and those changes have begun to bleed into things we consider normal in the preseason. With the Chicago Bears outright refusing to play starters in the third preseason game and others drastically cutting back on starter play, it won’t be too long before our first glimpse of the team’s starters is in Week 1 of the regular season. We aren’t there yet, however, and this week’s victory against the Buccaneers gave us a pretty good idea of where a majority of the roster stands. So we’re going to take another crack at a guess, with bolded players making the roster.QuarterbacksMatthew StaffordMatt CasselJake RudockChanges: NoneThis looks the same as it did in my last prediction and indeed in every prediction I’ve made since Matt Cassel was signed. That Rudock didn’t rep until late in the game against the Bucs is pretty telling, but the final nail will be watching Jake Rudock playing most of the final preseason game. He had a decent run, but this is likely the end. Running backsKerryon JohnsonLeGarrette BlountTheo RiddickAmeer AbdullahFB Nick Bawden (IR)FB Nick BelloreZach ZennerDwayne WashingtonChanges: NoneI stand by my previous assertion that Kerryon Johnson will be the starter sooner than later with Blount getting a large volume of carries and Riddick in his normal role. Ameer Abdullah continues to be used like someone who has a role in the offense, while that’s less true for Nick Bellore. When Nick Bawden went down for the season, I had assumed the team would bring in another true fullback to take his place, but they’ve mainly rolled with Bellore. Bellore’s role on special teams is still solid, but they’ve barely used him this preseason as a lead blocker and when they have it hasn’t been great.Wide receiverMarvin Jones Jr.Golden TateKenny GolladayTJ JonesBrandon PowellBradley MarquezJace BillingsleyTeo ReddingChris LacyDontez FordBrian BrownChanges: Powell and Marquez up, Billingsley and Redding down. While there has been no movement at the top, there’s been a bit of shuffling among the rest of the group. Brandon Powell’s emergence into the Jace Billingsley role of taking short dump-offs and slants for solid gains has pushed him up the depth chart while Marquez’s and Redding’s intermediate field ability is completely wasted with Matt Cassel and Jake Rudock having to heave with all their might to get the ball five yards downfield. Tight endsLuke WillsonHakeem VallesLevine ToiloloMichael RobertsSean McGrathMarcus LucasChanges: Valles way up, Roberts downWhile we thought, at first, that this group was all locked up Authentic Sylvester Williams Jersey , they went ahead and made it tough for us. Luke Willson is still the presumed starter, but Hakeem Valles has made it tough to keep him off the field. Levine Toilolo has a role due to his upper-tier blocking, but Michael Roberts has done everything in his power to play his way off of the roster. What little value Sean McGrath brought to special teams isn’t enough for a roster spot while Marcus Lucas’ only real hope is to latch on as a practice squadder. Offensive lineLT Taylor DeckerLG Frank RagnowOC Graham GlasgowRG T.J. LangRT Rick WagnerReserves:Tyrell Crosby (OT/OG)Leo Koloamatangi (OC/OG)Corey Robinson (OT/OG)Wesley Johnson (OC/OG)Kenny Wiggins (OG/OC)Joe Dahl (OT/OG/OC)Brian Mihalik (OT)John Montelus (OG)Dan Skipper (TP (tall person))Beau Nunn (OG)Jamar McGloster(OT)Changes: None to starters, Crosby and Koloamatangi up, Wiggins way downThis is a group I have very little faith in, both faith in predicting it and faith in its value if called upon. Tyrell Crosby looks like a steal if his college injury concerns don’t creep up, while Koloamatangi has been one of the Lions’ best players for a second preseason in a row, if only against reserve players. Beyond that, it’s varying degrees of bad. Defensive EndsEzekiel AnsahAnthony ZettelKerry HyderCam JohnsonJeremiah ValoagaChanges: Cornelius Washington cut, Cam Johnson upNot the most inspiring group, but it is what it is. Zettel and Hyder have looked promising, which is a good thing, but mostly only when flipped inside on passing downs. Cam Johnson has been uninspiring, but they’re really repping him like someone who’s making the team. Valoaga is likely headed back to the practice squad.Defensive TackleRicky Jean FrancoisDa’Shawn HandA’Shawn RobinsonJeremiah LedbetterChristian RingoChanges: Hand up, Robinson downOur prediction of Hand becoming a starter soon seemed to be as close as you can come to confirmed against the Bucs when he started alongside Francois in four-down sets and was on the field a ton. The big story is A’Shawn Robinson who has been put in a very favorable position this offseason but has managed to lose ground at every step. After being a huge part of the defense in 2017, he may be relegated to obvious run situations only.Nose TackleSylvester WilliamsToby JohnsonJosh FatuChanges: NoneNothing new here. Williams is coming off his best action this preseason and camp, so hopefully that’s a good sign. Pass Rushing LinebackerDevon KennardAlex BarrettEli HaroldFreddie BishopChanges: Eli Harold addedNot a lot of movement in terms of who’s repping where Youth Jarrad Davis Jersey , but the addition of Eli Harold is going to make things a bit interesting. Devon Kennard figures to be a big part of the defense, but his play hasn’t justified that move so far. It leaves room for someone else to step up, but who makes that move?LinebackerJarrad DavisChristian JonesJalen Reeves-MaybinJonathan FreenySteve Longa (IR)Miles KillebrewChad MeredithDarnell SankeyTrevor BatesChanges: Longa to IR, Killebrew to LBNo significant changes in this group aside from injury, but holy cow have they been bad. Christian Jones and Jarrad Davis were competing to see who could make the most boneheaded plays against the Buccaneers while Jalen Reeves-Maybin has continued to look like a steep regression in coverage is likely. It’s a bad sign for him, but opens the door for Miles Killebrew to sneak back into roster safety now that he’s joined this group. But again, holy crap this group is bad from top to bottom.CornerbackDarius SlayDeShawn SheadQuandre Diggs (Nickel)Nevin LawsonJamal Agnew (Nickel)Teez TaborMike FordChris JonesSterling MooreDexter McDougleJosh OkonyeChanges: No movement in order, but a bunch of churning at the bottomOnce thought to be a strength, this group was thrashed by Ryan Fitzpatrick. Even Slay put on a bad showing, though it wasn’t nearly the horror show Nevin Lawson put on. Despite the poor game, Slay is still a top-tier cornerback, but the rest of this unit looks nearly as bad as the linebackers. SafetyGlover QuinTavon WilsonTracy WalkerCharles WashingtonRolan MilliganMarcus CromartieChanges: Added CromartieThe addition of Marcus Cromartie does nothing to this unit. They’ve actually performed alright, but the lack of pass rush is going to cause them fits as the season goes on.Special TeamsLS. Don MuhlbachK. Matt PraterP. Sam MartinK. Ryan SantosoNothing to see here.

Kelly released a statement Thursday through his publicist saying he is ”shocked and deeply saddened” by the news Rashaan Gaulden Color Rush Jersey , and vows to once again fight to overcome the disease. He did not go into specifics on the diagnoses except to say the cancer was discovered following a test.

”As our family has faced many trials and triumphs throughout the years, you have blessed us with your prayers. We are asking for those prayers once again,” Kelly said. ”With all of you by my side, we will fight and win this battle together.”

Kelly then closed his statement by saying: ”Staying `Kelly Tough’ and trusting God will carry us through this difficult time.”

The diagnosis comes a few weeks after Kelly celebrated his 58th birthday.

Kelly had been cancer-free since September 2014  Aleksander Barkov Jersey , but had been required to undergo routine follow-up testing.

He was first diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, which led to him having surgery to have a portion of his upper jaw removed in June 2013.

Senzatela worked out of a first-inning jam en route to throwing seven scoreless innings in his first start of the season Terrell Owens Jersey , Nolan Arenado hit his National League-leading 22nd home run and the Colorado Rockies beat the San Francisco Giants 8-1 on Tuesday night.

Colorado’s Charlie Blackmon had three hits, including his first homer since June 20. Trevor Story had an RBI triple for the Rockies, who have won five of their last six games.

D.J. LeMahieu added a run-scoring double for Colorado, which has beaten the Giants in 14 of the past 16 games at Coors Field dating to Sept. 7, 2016.

Senzatela, recalled earlier in the day from Triple-A Albuquerque, struck out four and walked none while limiting the Giants to three hits but two of them came in the first inning. He got out of the two-on, two-out jam by retiring Pablo Sandoval, getting him to pop-out on a 2-0 changeup.

”To get out of that inning with a zero, stranding those runners, was huge,” Senzatela said through a translator. ”I settled down pretty nicely and I’m glad I gave the team a chance to win.”

Arenado said Senzatela’s ability to work out of first inning trouble helped set the tone for the rest of the game.

”Getting out of that first inning with no runs was huge,” Arenado said. ”I feel like sometimes we always give up a run in the first and lately they haven’t. He was just great, pounding the zone, throwing strikes getting ahead of guys. It was awesome. Our pitching in general lately has been huge for us and I think that’s why lately we have been playing better.”

Senzatela started in the spot vacated by struggling Jon Gray, who started for the Rockies in their season opener but was optioned to Albuquerque last weekend.

Senzatela (3-1) made the team out of spring training and began the season in the Rockies’ bullpen before being optioned on May 2 to Albuquerque Authentic Leighton Vander Esch Jersey , where he went 3-1 with a 2.15 ERA in eight starts prior to his recall. As a rookie last season, Senzatela had most of his success as a starter, going 10-5 with a 5.03 ERA in 20 starts.

Chris Stratton (8-6) went 5 2/3 innings and allowed eight runs on 11 hits, including Blackmon’s solo shot in the first inning as well as Arenado’s three-run drive.

”His fastball command wasn’t real sharp tonight,” Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. ”Fastballs missed their spots there. That’s usually his forte, he commands it so well. He threw some good fastballs to Arenado and the changeup stayed in the middle. He wasn’t real sharp with his command. He threw strikes but he needed to work the edges.”

The Giants broke through for a run on Alec Hanson’s RBI single in the eighth off reliever MikeDunn.

The Giants were trailing 3-0 when Arenado broke the game open in the fifth with a three-run homer. Stratton walked LeMahieu to start the inning and Blackmon singled before Arenado drove a 3-2 offering over the left-center field wall.

GIANTS NEMESIS

Arenado has driven in 90 runs in 100 career games against the Giants, the second most among active players. Matt Kemp leads with 93 career RBIs against the Giants. Said Arenado: ”I think they bring out the best in all of us. They bring out the best in me – three World Series rings and they’ve always been one of the top tier teams in our division. It’s always a tough place to play and I always want to beat them because I always feel like they’ve beaten us in the past, a lot.”

TRAINER’S ROOM

Giants: The team’s starting rotation is nearing full strength again. Manager Bruce Bochy said that RHP Johnny Cueto is slated to be reinstated from the 60-day disabled list on Thursday, when he’s scheduled to start against the St. Louis Cardinals. Cueto was placed on the DL, retroactive to April 29, because of a right elbow sprain. RHP Jeff Samardzija is slated to start Saturday’s game against St. Louis after being reinstated from the 10-day DL. Samardzija went on the DL after leaving a May 30 start against Colorado following one inning due to tightness in his pitching shoulder.

Rockies: RHP Chad Bettis has gone on the 10-day disabled list with a blister on his right middle finger. Bettis left his last start on Sunday against the Los Angeles Dodgers after three innings because of the finger injury. Senzatela was recalled from Albuquerque to fill Bettis’ roster spot and started Tuesday against the Giants in the place of RHP Jon Gray, who was optioned Saturday to Albuquerque.

UP NEXT

Giants: LHP Andrew Suarez (3-4, 4.18 ERA) is coming off a strong outing in which he allowed one run on seven hits over six innings in a 2-1 win against Arizona.

Rockies: LHP Tyler Anderson (5-3, 4.23 ERA) has gone 1-3 with a 5.26 ERA in eight previous starts at Coors Field this season.

During a season in which very little has worked in their favor, the Orioles withstood a long rain delay to beat the Washington Nationals 3-0 Wednesday night.

Baltimore led 2-0 after four innings when play was stopped. After a wait of 2 hours, 43 minutes, the game resumed with a few hundred fans from the announced crowd of 32,153 sprinkled around the lower seating bowl.

Mark Trumbo homered for Baltimore, and Andrew Cashner and four relievers combined on a five-hitter in a game that ended long after midnight.

”It was nice,” Trumbo said. ”I’m glad that we actually kept the game going. Had we not been able to, it might have been a wash. But it ended up being pretty big for us.”

Baltimore ended a six-game losing streak to Washington that began last May, won for only the fourth time in 20 games and improved the majors’ worst road record to 10-28.

This one was worth the wait.

”It’s never easy, especially when you get over the hour mark, two-hour mark Bobby Orr Jersey ,” Trumbo said. ”Then you have to restart. It’s almost two games in one, so, great job by our guys tonight.”

The Nationals managed only two hits following the delay, both in the ninth inning.

”It happens. You can’t do anything about the rain,” manager Dave Martinez said. ”You’ve got to come out and get yourself ready to play. I’m not going to make any excuses.”

The rain delay cut short a solid pitching performance by Cashner, who allowed three hits and no walks over four innings in his return from an 11-day stay on the disabled list with back spasms.

Miguel Castro (2-2) followed with two hitless innings, Darren O’Day pitched a perfect seventh and Zach Britton got four outs.

Brad Brach allowed the Nationals to load the bases with two outs in the ninth before striking out Mark Reynolds .

Trumbo hit a two-run homer in the second inning off Gio Gonzalez (6-4), and for a while it appeared the drive would be washed out by the rain.

”One pitch. That was the whole game,” Gonzalez lamented. ”That was it.”

Indeed, it all ended well for the Orioles, who added a run in the sixth when Adam Jones doubled off Shawn Kelley and scored on a sacrifice fly by Danny Valencia .

BRYCE STRUGGLES

Nationals OF Bryce Harper went 0 for 4, dropping his batting average to .209.

Martinez said Harper has been working hard with batting coach Kevin Long, and the manager expects the five-time All-Star to end his prolonged slump with a flourish.

”He’s going to hit. I know he’s going to carry us for a month or two or for whatever Cardinals Game Jerseys ,” Martinez said.

WAITING FOR DAVIS

Now in the third year of a seven-year, $161 million contract, Baltimore’s Chris Davis is batting .150 with four homers and 15 RBIs in 57 games. He last played on June 11, when he went 0 for 5 with three strikeouts against Boston.

Since then, Davis has been working on his swing and improving his mental outlook. His return appears imminent.

”A couple of days,” manager Buck Showalter said. ”We’re pretty close to it.”

OH, BROTHER

With Cashner coming off the DL, the Orioles optioned infielder Corban Joseph to Double-A Bowie. That ended the 24-hour, feel-good story of Corban and catcher Caleb Joseph as brothers on the same team.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Orioles: 3B Tim Beckham (core surgery) went 1 for 4 with 3 strikeouts in a rehab game with Triple-A Norfolk. … RHP Chris Tillman (back) began his rehab assignment by giving up three runs in two innings for Class A Aberdeen.

Nationals: Martinez said patience is the key in awaiting the return of RHP Stephen Strasburg (shoulder). ”We’re really going to take our time and make sure he’s 100 percent,” the manager said. … 1B Ryan Zimmerman (oblique) is taking grounders and some swings. … C Matt Wieters (oblique) caught in the bullpen but is not yet running at full speed.

UP NEXT

Orioles: Kevin Gausman (3-6, 4.48 ERA) pitches the finale of the three-game series Wednesday night.

Nationals: Max Scherzer (10-3, 2.06) tries to avoid his first three-game losing streak since August 2015.

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Washington has won three straight and scored a combined 35 runs since calling a players-only meeting on Wednesday after falling under .500 for the first time since May 2.

Reynolds (5 for 5) tied his career high for hits and equaled the Nationals’ RBI record.

Reynolds hit a two-run homer in the second inning into the same visitors’ bullpen where his walk-off homer landed on Friday. He followed that up with an RBI double in the second, a two-run single in the fifth, a three-run homer in the sixth, and a two-run single in the seventh.

Washington, which has won 14 straight against Miami, broke it open by batting around the order and scoring a season-best seven runs in the fifth inning.

Scherzer (11-5), who was 0-4 in his previous five starts Authentic Customized Raiders Jerseys , pitched seven innings, allowing four runs on four hits – three of which were home runs. The Nationals had been shut out in three of Scherzer’s previous five starts.

Miami starter Wei-Yin Chen (2-6) lasted 4 1/3 innings, allowing seven runs on seven hits.

Bryce Harper had three hits and an intentional walk.

Starlin Castro and J.T. Realmuto hit the first back-to-back home runs of the season for the Marlins in the fourth inning. Yadiel Rivera hit his first homer of the season in the seventh.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Marlins: OF Brian Anderson was out of the lineup for the first time this season. After playing in Miami’s first 90 games, manager Don Mattingly said it was time for a breather. . Mattingly said OF Lewis Brinson (right hip) is still sore and ”doing a little treatment, and that’s all.”

Nationals: Manager Dave Martinez said that RHP Stephen Strasburg (shoulder inflammation) is scheduled to go on a rehab assignment Tuesday with the goal of throwing 50-60 pitches. . OF Victor Robles (hyperextended left elbow) and RHP Koda Glover (right shoulder tendinitis) both played in a Gulf Coast League game Friday. Martinez said Glover is ”progressing well” but that he wouldn’t be pitching in back-to-back games. . C Matt Wieters (left hamstring strain) went 1 for 4 in a rehab start with Double-A Harrisburg and is expected to play again on Sunday before being re-evaluated.

UP NEXT

Marlins: Rookie RHP Trevor Richards (2-5, 5.26 ERA) makes his first start against the Nationals in the series finale.

Nationals: RHP Tanner Roark (3-10, 4.60 ERA) is looking for his first win since June 6. Roark is 5-8 with a 3.99 ERA in 22 games against the Marlins.

McCoy spoke to the media on Thursday for the first time since suffering the injury in Sunday’s 22-16 win over the Miami Dolphins. He has yet to practice this week Richard Rodgers Color Rush Jersey , but did participate in stretches Thursday before leaving the field with a trainer.

”I’m definitely happy with how things are working out so far, but there is a lot more room for improvement, especially with where I want to be,” McCoy said. ”I know my body, I know myself, especially the way I play is more cutting and running.

”It’s been feeling a lot better. I’m out of the boot and I can walk around without any pain. So that’s a plus.”

McCoy has been Buffalo’s most explosive and most consistent playmaker, finishing the year with 1,138 rushing yards and six touchdowns. His absence would leave a hole in Buffalo’s offensive attack; the Bills finished the regular season with the 31st-ranked passing attack in the league.

”I just want to be able to cut well enough where I don’t have a lot of pain when I’m cutting Authentic Mitchell Marner Jersey ,” McCoy said. ”I just want to be close or the best as far as 100 percent as I can get. But the type of game like this, you’ve got to lay it all on the line. If I can’t get 100 percent, as long as I’m out there and I can run effective enough I’ll do it. So we’ll just see.”

McCoy was quick to mention previous times when he tried to play through injuries in Buffalo and had limited success. McCoy has attempted to play through hamstring injuries in each of the past two seasons. Each time, his production significantly dropped.

”I don’t want to make any promises,” McCoy said.

The Bills have no established running back behind McCoy on the depth chart. Marcus Murphy was promoted from the practice squad ahead of the Week 17 win over the Dolphins, rushing for 41 yards on seven carries. Buffalo also has veteran fullback/running back Mike Tolbert.

”I think we’re moving in the right direction,” Bills coach Sean McDermott said of McCoy. ”Will we be able to get there in time? We’ll see.”

It’s important to consider the opposing bullpen when selecting hitters in daily fantasy leagues http://www.coltsauthorizedshops.com/authentic-tyquan-lewis-jersey , both the quality of the team’s bullpen as a whole and the differences in quality between its individual pitchers.

The best bullpens in the league, like the Astros, have very little drop off in quality from their best relievers to their worst. That means whether a game is competitive or not, Houston’s opponents are facing high-end relief pitching. The Astros have five relievers with expected fielding independent pitching (xFIP) below 3.00, a measurement similar to ERA that strips away defense and some luck.

This isn’t the case with the bullpens in the middle of the league’s rankings. Some are top heavy while others are balanced. In daily fantasy baseball, top-heavy bullpens are the ones to take advantage of when they are large underdogs. The hope is that if your offense plays from ahead, you will avoid the elite relievers in a top-heavy bullpen. A balanced opposing bullpen won’t have as much of a difference in quality of reliever based on the game situation.

Take for example the Reds bullpen, which diminishes quickly. The Reds bullpen xFIP is 4.16 but when they play from ahead opponents will often see some combination of Amir Garrett (3.10 xFIP), Jared Hughes (3.41 xFIP), and Raisel Iglesias (3.30 xFIP). However, if they get behind the bottom of the bullpen contains Wandy Peralta (5.83 xFIP) and Michael Lorenzen (4.34 xFIP).

On the other hand, the Angels have a team bullpen xFIP of 4.15 but maintain a much more balanced bullpen. Their top six relievers all have xFIPs between 3.42 and 4.22. That makes it less important to identify game situations against the Angels.

Let that difference play to your advantage when top-heavy bullpens are underdogs – that improves your odds of facing the weakest relievers.

GOLF

TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm is this year’s host for the Quicken Loans Invitational, hosted by Tiger Woods. TPC Potomac also hosted the 2017 version of this event, while previous years it was held at the nearby Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland. Because of the limited sample size, fantasy players shouldn’t put much weight in course history this week.

Last year, the Quicken Loans Invitational played as the fourth most difficult event on tour and played harder than the U.S. Open and Players Championship, so birdies will be hard to come by. When courses feature few birdies, the finishing position makes up more of the fantasy scoring and paying up for the tournament favorites can be a profitable strategy. Last year, strokes gained tee-to-green was the biggest differentiator between players as 22.5 percent of strokes were gained off the tee and 36.6 percent of strokes were gained on approach compared to tour baselines of 15 percent and 34.8 percent, respectively.

While Woods headlines the field for public rooting interest, Rickie Fowler is the class of the field with a 42 percent chance to finish inside of the top 10 this week. Fowler is ranked first in the field in strokes gained total, 10th in strokes gained tee-to-green and first in DraftKings scoring. On a week where capturing the top end of the leaderboard will prove critical, Fowler will anchor many winning DraftKings lineups.

In order to have the salary cap space to pay for Fowler, finding a cheap complementary player is required. Adam Hadwin is our favorite value selection this week on DraftKings and his $7,300 price lets you comfortably roster Fowler. There are 40 golfers priced more expensive than Hadwin, whose 75 percent odds to make the cut are inside of the top 20 made cut probabilities. While Hadwin is ranked outside of the top 50 in strokes gained off the tee, he rates inside of the top 20 in strokes gained approach and 10th in total strokes gained over the last 50 rounds.

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This column was provided to The Associated Press by DailyRoto,