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PHILADELPHIA (AP) The Philadelphia Eagles are hitting the road for a long trip to the West Coast.

No suntan lotion required; it’s all business.

First up is a tough game at Seattle (7-4) on Sunday. The Eagles will then spend next week practicing in California before they play at the Los Angeles Rams (8-3).

”I’m focused on Seattle Eric Wood Jersey ,” coach Doug Pederson said Friday, sounding a lot like Bill Belichick. ”We’re just going to get on a plane and go to LA and we’re going to practice like normal out there. It’s like going to Lehigh (University) for training camp. We do it 100,000 times. I don’t want to talk about it, obviously, and I’m focused on this game Colton Schmidt Jersey , and I want to make sure our team is focused on this game.”

The Eagles (10-1) need a victory to clinch the NFC East title because Dallas (6-6) kept its division hopes mathematically alive by defeating Washington on Thursday night.

Winning the division crown is only the first step. Securing home-field advantage throughout the playoffs is No. 2 on the list. Capturing the Vince Lombardi Trophy for the first team in franchise history is the ultimate goal.

”Obviously it’s one of our goals to win the NFC East, but the bigger message is you’re still playing and fighting for home field,” Pederson said. ”The Eagles have also won a bunch of NFC East titles here, too. We’re proud of it. It’s a tribute obviously to the players, but there’s something bigger out there that we strive for.”

After dominating opponents the last four games – a 23-point margin was the smallest – the Eagles will face difficult tests against the Seahawks and Rams before they return home to prepare for a third straight road game at the Giants on Dec. 17.

Russell Wilson presents unique challenges for the league’s top-ranked run defense because he’s a scrambling quarterback who can make big plays with his arm and legs.

”Russell has a little bit of magic up his sleeves and that’s a team that’s real gritty and tough Cordy Glenn Jersey , and they always find a way,” defensive end Chris Long said. ”We’ve got to know the environment we’re walking into, a good football team with a tradition of winning and obviously a real dynamic quarterback.”

The defense fared well against a similar quarterback, Cam Newton, in a 28-23 win at Carolina in October. Newton threw for 239 yards and ran for 71 Jerry Hughes Jersey , but had three interceptions.

Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz compared Wilson to Hall of Famer Fran Tarkenton.

”He can run the designed quarterback runs, the zone reads, the keepers and things like that, and then he can also just create something off schedule,” Schwartz said. ”But he can threaten inside the pocket. He can threaten outside the pocket. But probably the thing he’s most dangerous in is threatening by running. He threatens the whole field.”

NOTES: LB Joe Walker is questionable with a neck injury. If he can’t play Preston Brown Jersey , veteran Dannell Ellerbe could see his first action since joining the Eagles. ”Ellerbe is still kind of getting the pieces of the defense together,” Pederson said.

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DAVIE Graham Gano Jersey , Fla. (AP) The Miami Dolphins are a middling team at the midpoint.

Sound familiar? It should.

For the fourth time in the past six seasons, including last year, the Dolphins are 4-4. They went on to the playoffs in 2016 but aren’t trending toward a repeat, with losses in the past two games and a tough second-half schedule that includes seven opponents who are above .500.

”We’re probably not exactly where we want to be,” coach Adam Gase said Monday. ”We’ve had too many ups and downs.”

Gase found cause for encouragement in the latest loss Charles Johnson Jersey , however. Squandered scoring chances and 11 penalties hurt in a 27-24 defeat against Oakland on Sunday night, but Miami’s offense showed signs of life , and quarterback Jay Cutler had one of his best games of the season.

Miami remains last in the NFL in yards per play and points per game. But Gase believes players responded well to his complaints about blown assignments and poor study habits, and he’s optimistic the Dolphins are well-positioned for a second-half surge, beginning against Carolina next Monday night.

”The guys last week prepared the right way. That’s what has me somewhat excited moving forward Andrew Norwell Jersey ,” Gase said. ”Everything is up for grabs. It’s who wants to do it right. Our guys have a great opportunity. You’ve got a shot. You’ve got eight games left. See what you’re made of.”

Cutler agreed.

”A lot of football left to play,” he said. ”A lot of opportunities for us to put it together.”

Gase was satisfied with the new look of the offense following last week’s trade of Jay Ajayi. While the Pro Bowl running back rushed for 77 yards and a touchdown to help Philadelphia beat Denver 51-23, his replacements in Miami combined for 83 yards rushing and 82 receiving.

Kenyan Drake had a 42-yard run, Miami’s longest this year, and he and Damien Williams each caught six passes from Cutler.

”I like where that’s headed Daryl Williams Jersey ,” Gase said. ”Those guys out of the backfield in the passing game made a big difference. … We’re trying to find our way on offense. This last game felt a little more normal in what it should feel like.”

Another reason for optimism is the looming addition of two starters, left guard Ted Larsen and safety T.J. McDonald. Larsen returned to practice last week after recovering from a torn biceps, and McDonald is poised to make his season debut after serving an eight-game suspension for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.

Is McDonald ready to play?

”Run across the middle. You’ll find out,” Gase said. ”I think he’s pretty ready.”

Issues of concern include a defense that has backslid in recent weeks, with Miami allowing 95 points in the past three games. The Raiders threw for 300 yards and converted eight third downs.

”We gave up way too many points Mario Addison Jersey ,” defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh said. ”It’s not going to be winning football if they’re scoring 27 points.”

Gase figures the burden on the defense will be eased if the offense can become more potent. And he liked the swarming defense that forced two Raiders fumbles on a single play .

”That was us,” he said. ”That’s how we should play. It was 11 guys with their hair on fire.”

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INDIANAPOLIS (3-9) at BUFFALO (6-8)

Sunday Matt Bryant Jersey , 1 p.m. ET, CBS

OPENING LINE – OFF

RECORD VS. SPREAD – Indianapolis 6-6, Buffalo 6-5-1

SERIES RECORD – Bills lead 36-31-1

LAST MEETING – Bills beat Colts 27-14, Sept. 13, 2015 .

LAST WEEK – Colts lost to Jaguars 30-10; Bills lost to Patriots, 23-3

AP PRO32 RANKING – Colts No. 28 Matt Bosher Jersey , Bills No. 19

COLTS OFFENSE – OVERALL (27), RUSH (24), PASS (28)

COLTS DEFENSE – OVERALL (29), RUSH (13), PASS (32)

BILLS OFFENSE – OVERALL (26), RUSH (8) Ricardo Allen Jersey , PASS (30)

BILLS DEFENSE – OVERALL (27), RUSH (25), PASS (24)

STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES: Former AFC East rivals meet for sixth time since Colts moved to AFC South in 2002. Colts are 3-2 against Bills since realignment – both losses at Buffalo – and 7-2 in past nine. … Game features matchup between two of NFL’s top three leaders in yards rushing. Colts’ Frank Gore leads active list and last weekend moved into fifth overall with 13,697 yards. Bills’ LeSean McCoy is third on active list and 31st overall with 9,805 yards. … Gore hasn’t topped 100 yards rushing in 14 straight since 101-yard outing in 34-6 win at Minnesota on Dec. 12 Ryan Schraeder Jersey , 2016. His 41 career 100- yard games rushing are one short of tying O.J. Simpson for 16th on NFL list. … Colts have lost six of seven and will finish with losing record for first time in six years under coach Chuck Pagano. … QB Jacoby Brissett is 0-1 versus Bills in Patriots’ 16-0 loss last season when he started in place of Tom Brady, who was serving ”Deflategate” suspension. … Colts have allowed NFL-most 330 points and been outscored 120-28 in fourth quarter. … Bills have lost four of five and in jeopardy of missing playoffs for 18th straight season – longest active streak in North America’s four major professional sports. … QB Tyrod Taylor (bruised left knee) status uncertain, opening possibility of rookie Nathan Peterman making second career start. … In 54-24 loss at Chargers on Nov. 19, Peterman became first player to throw five interceptions in first half since AFL-NFL merger in 1970. … TE Charles Clay and WR Deonte Thompson are only two Bills to top 100 yards receiving this season. … Bills have topped 20 first downs just three times, matching fewest in one season since 2009. … In six wins, Bills allowed 476 yards rushing Andy Levitre Jersey , while forcing 15 takeaways (five forced fumbles, 10 interceptions). In six losses, Bills allowed 971 yards rushing and forced five takeaways (two fumbles, three interceptions). … Fantasy Tip: Avoid this game if possible, though Gore will have chance to find holes against defense allowing average 177 yards rushing in past five.

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INDIANAPOLIS (3-9) at BUFFALO (6-8)

Sunday Matt Bryant Jersey , 1 p.m. ET, CBS

OPENING LINE – OFF

RECORD VS. SPREAD – Indianapolis 6-6, Buffalo 6-5-1

SERIES RECORD – Bills lead 36-31-1

LAST MEETING – Bills beat Colts 27-14, Sept. 13, 2015 .

LAST WEEK – Colts lost to Jaguars 30-10; Bills lost to Patriots, 23-3

AP PRO32 RANKING – Colts No. 28 Matt Bosher Jersey , Bills No. 19

COLTS OFFENSE – OVERALL (27), RUSH (24), PASS (28)

COLTS DEFENSE – OVERALL (29), RUSH (13), PASS (32)

BILLS OFFENSE – OVERALL (26), RUSH (8) Ricardo Allen Jersey , PASS (30)

BILLS DEFENSE – OVERALL (27), RUSH (25), PASS (24)

STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES: Former AFC East rivals meet for sixth time since Colts moved to AFC South in 2002. Colts are 3-2 against Bills since realignment – both losses at Buffalo – and 7-2 in past nine. … Game features matchup between two of NFL’s top three leaders in yards rushing. Colts’ Frank Gore leads active list and last weekend moved into fifth overall with 13,697 yards. Bills’ LeSean McCoy is third on active list and 31st overall with 9,805 yards. … Gore hasn’t topped 100 yards rushing in 14 straight since 101-yard outing in 34-6 win at Minnesota on Dec. 12 Ryan Schraeder Jersey , 2016. His 41 career 100- yard games rushing are one short of tying O.J. Simpson for 16th on NFL list. … Colts have lost six of seven and will finish with losing record for first time in six years under coach Chuck Pagano. … QB Jacoby Brissett is 0-1 versus Bills in Patriots’ 16-0 loss last season when he started in place of Tom Brady, who was serving ”Deflategate” suspension. … Colts have allowed NFL-most 330 points and been outscored 120-28 in fourth quarter. … Bills have lost four of five and in jeopardy of missing playoffs for 18th straight season – longest active streak in North America’s four major professional sports. … QB Tyrod Taylor (bruised left knee) status uncertain, opening possibility of rookie Nathan Peterman making second career start. … In 54-24 loss at Chargers on Nov. 19, Peterman became first player to throw five interceptions in first half since AFL-NFL merger in 1970. … TE Charles Clay and WR Deonte Thompson are only two Bills to top 100 yards receiving this season. … Bills have topped 20 first downs just three times, matching fewest in one season since 2009. … In six wins, Bills allowed 476 yards rushing Andy Levitre Jersey , while forcing 15 takeaways (five forced fumbles, 10 interceptions). In six losses, Bills allowed 971 yards rushing and forced five takeaways (two fumbles, three interceptions). … Fantasy Tip: Avoid this game if possible, though Gore will have chance to find holes against defense allowing average 177 yards rushing in past five.

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NEW YORK GIANTS (2-12) at ARIZONA (6-8)

Sunday Frostee Rucker Jersey , 4:25 p.m., ET, Fox

OPENING LINE – Cardinals by 6

RECORD VS. SPREAD – Giants 5-9, Cardinals 5-8-1

SERIES RECORD – Giants lead 80-43-2

LAST MEETING – Cardinals beat Giants 25-14, Sept. 14, 2014

LAST WEEK – Giants lost to Eagles 34-29; Cardinals lost to Redskins 20-15

AP PRO32 RANKINGS – Giants No. 31, Cardinals No. 22

GIANTS OFFENSE – OVERALL (24) Jared Veldheer Jersey , RUSH (28), PASS (17)

GIANTS DEFENSE – OVERALL (32), RUSH (31), PASS (31)

CARDINALS OFFENSE – OVERALL (21), RUSH (30), PASS (15)

CARDINALS DEFENSE – OVERALL (7), RUSH (6) Tyvon Branch Jersey , PASS (14)

STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES – Giants, Cardinals were in NFL or NFC East together from 1950-2001, playing each other twice a year (with two exceptions). … Giants QB Eli Manning returns to scene of Super Bowl MVP performance vs. New England in 2008. … Manning has 13 consecutive 3,000-yard passing seasons, tying brother Peyton for third-longest streak in NFL history. Brett Favre did it for 18 straight seasons, Drew Brees 14. … Manning’s 434 yards passing last week vs. Eagles was his ninth career 400-yard game. … Orleans Darkwa’s four rushing TDs through Week 15 are most by Giants RB in single season since 2014. … Giants are 3-2 playing on Christmas Eve since 1989. … New York allowed 106 points combined in losses to NFC West teams 49ers (31-23) J. J. Nelson Jersey , Rams (51-17) and Seahawks (24-7). …Giants one of three teams (along with Bears and Patriots) that Arizona has not beaten at University of Phoenix Stadium. … Cardinals have faced Giants more times than any other team. … Series dates to 1926, Cardinals’ third oldest behind Bears, Packers. … Arizona loss would clinch second straight losing season after three winning years since coach Bruce Arians arrived. … At 34, Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald needs eight catches and 18 yards to become oldest player to have 100 receptions, 1,000 yards receiving in single season. … Arizona Pro Bowl OLB Chandler Jones leads NFL in sacks (15), 1 1-2 behind Cardinals franchise record by Simeon Rice in 1999 … Cardinals CB Patrick Peterson has made Pro Bowl in each of his seven NFL seasons A.Q. Shipley Jersey , first on special teams, last six as CB. … Arizona has gone 10 quarters without TD. … Cardinals return to Drew Stanton at QB after Blaine Gabbert went 2-3 as starter. Stanton is 7-4 as starter for Arizona, 1-1 this season. … Arians needs one victory to tie Ken Whisenhunt for most in Cardinals history at 49. …. Fantasy Tip: Manning has completed 68 of 103 passes (66 percent) in two starts since one-game benching for 662 yards, four TDs, three interceptions.

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PHILADELPHIA (AP) When Carson Wentz went down for the Philadelphia Eagles Antonio Garcia Jersey , the pressure fell on backup Nick Foles and everyone else to step up.

The defense rose to the challenge in the first playoff game.

They harassed Matt Ryan, contained Julio Jones and made a goal-line stand at the end in a 15-10 victory over the Atlanta Falcons.

”We know defense wins championships. You say it all the time. You hear it. It’s clich锟?but it’s true, especially where we are now at home,” Pro Bowl safety Malcolm Jenkins said.

The strong defensive effort helped the underdog Eagles (14-3) advance to the NFC championship game for the sixth time since 2001. They’ll host the Vikings (14-3) next Sunday. Minnesota advanced with a thrilling 29-24 win over New Orleans.

”We don’t even care,” linebacker Nigel Bradham said about a preferred opponent. ”Obviously Derek Rivers Jersey , we’ll see a good game and get ready to prepare for whoever we’re going to play next.”

Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz’s unit was No. 1 against the run, 17th against the pass and fourth in points allowed.

They held the Falcons to 281 yards, no points in the second half and Atlanta’s only touchdown drive came after a fumbled punt at the Eagles 18.

”We don’t point fingers,” defensive end Brandon Graham said. ”Just stay the task and keep playing your technique. Keep playing with effort. The second half, we went out there and did that. Nobody gave us a shot. We have another 60 minutes next week. I’m happy with this team because we are a great team. We stay together even through adversity.”

Eagles coach Doug Pederson showed his confidence in the defense when he chose to have Jake Elliott kick a 21-yard field goal instead of going for fourth-and-1 at the Falcons 3 with a 12-10 lead and 6:05 remaining.

The defense had forced two three-and-outs and held Atlanta to only 49 yards in the second half. But Ryan led the Falcons on a long drive Nate Solder Jersey , converting a fourth-and-6 along the way. Atlanta had a first down at the Eagles 9 with 1:19 left.

Ryan threw incomplete to Jones and T.J. Ward. After a 7-yard pass to Jones to the 2, the season came down to one play.

Falcons offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian inexplicably called a rollout, taking half the field away for Ryan.

The defense read the play when they saw the formation, pressured Ryan and forced him to throw it up to Jones in the corner of the end zone. Jalen Mills had tight coverage and the ball sailed over Jones’ hands.

”We probably had three guys calling out the play on that one just based on our preparation, our study Devin McCourty Jersey ,” Jenkins said.

Jones had nine catches for 101 yards, but Mills and Ronald Darby kept him out of the end zone.

”The whole motto and the slogan was just `do your job,”’ Mills said. ”Nobody has to go out there and be superman. Know what you have to do for one, then go out there and execute.”

The defense did its part. The defense will have to do it again next week because the offense isn’t going to win a shootout.

”It was on us and we wouldn’t want it any other way,” Bradham said. ”That’s how you feel when you’re on (defense) and you feel like we lead this team. We set the tone for this team and we set the pace for this team. That’s how we feel. We feel like all the energy and everything comes through us and everybody feeds off of it.”

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WASHINGTON (AP) Kirk Cousins‘ time with the Washington Redskins is about to end after they chose not to use the franchise tag on the quarterback as expected.

The Redskins have agreed to acquire Alex Smith from the Kansas City Chiefs Nick Boyle Jersey , effectively pushing Cousins into free agency following a tumultuous six years with the club the drafted him. Cousins will be the top free agent available when the league year opens in mid-March and should have no shortage of suitors.

”Next week is now officially the first time since 2007 that I’ll be choosing where to play football,” Cousins posted on Twitter. ”I’m open to suggestions.”

The 29-year-old Cousins is coming off his third consecutive 4,000-yard passing season. In his time as a full-time NFL starter, he has completed 67 percent of his passes for 81 touchdowns Terrance West Jersey , 36 interceptions and a 97.5 QB rating.

Despite previously saying Washington could win with Cousins, coach Jay Gruden said at the scouting combine that ”it’s time for us to move on” and find some continuity at the position.

The Redskins now seemingly have that in Smith, who will join the Redskins once the trade becomes official March 14 and has agreed to a four-year extension with $71 million guaranteed.

Cousins could easily command more than that on the open market with the New York Jets, Denver Broncos Mike Wallace Jersey , Minnesota Vikings, Arizona Cardinals and Cleveland Browns among the teams interested in upgrading at quarterback.

After becoming the first QB in NFL history to play two consecutive seasons on the franchise tag – making almost $44 million in the process – Cousins is looking for long-term stability in the wake of almost-weekly questions about his future in Washington persisted over the past few years. Agent Mike McCartney declined to comment on the plans of the Cousins camp in an email to The Associated Press on Tuesday.

This is perhaps the first time in Cousins’ football career that he has been No. 1 on any list. He did not have any scholarship offers as a high school senior, was not considered a top prospect after four years at Michigan State and got picked in the fourth round in 2012 by the Redskins – the same draft they traded up to make Robert Griffin III the No. 2 pick.

Only 39-year-old Drew Brees, who’s expected to re-sign with the New Orleans Saints Eric Weddle Jersey , threw for more yards last season than Cousins, who is the best option available in a crop that includes Case Keenum, Sam Bradford and Josh McCown. Though during the 2017 season it was reported that Cousins could set a record for QB contracts, it’s unclear how close he might come to the $135 million Matt Judon Jersey , five-year deal with $92 million guaranteed that Matthew Stafford signed with the Detroit Lions.

NOTE: The Redskins re-signed safety Deshazor Everett to a multiyear deal and waived running backs Dare Ogunbowale and Kenny Hilliard and tackle Kevin Bowen.

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Aaron Rodgers’ season may have ended after an injury Frostee Rucker Jersey , just a week after the same thing happened to J.J. Watt and Odell Beckham Jr.

It’s been a painful stretch for some of the NFL’s biggest stars.

Rodgers broke his collarbone Sunday in Green Bay’s 23-10 loss to Minnesota, and the Packers’ Super Bowl hopes could be lost right along with him.

Watt wrote on Twitter that he was “gutted” for Rodgers, who led the Packers to the NFC championship game last season and had them off to a 4-1 start this year.

”Losing Aaron Rodgers speaks for itself,” Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. ”In my opinion, he’s the best player in football. This is the ultimate team game. We need to be better with the 11 people on the field that we have, regardless of the phase that we’re in. Ultimately that’s my responsibility.”

Jameis Winston also was lost early in Tampa Bay’s game at Arizona Jared Veldheer Jersey , though the Buccaneers made a spirited surge after he left before falling 38-33.

The Packers couldn’t do anything behind Rodgers’ replacement, Brett Hundley, who finished 18 of 33 for 157 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions. Practice squad player Joe Callahan is the only other quarterback on the roster, but McCarthy indicated the Packers won’t be out looking for a big-name veteran such as Colin Kaepernick.

”Brett Hundley and Joe Callahan, that’s what we’re going with,” he said.

Rodgers was hurt when linebacker Anthony Barr drove him into the turf after he got rid of a roll-out pass. Rodgers writhed on the turf as McCarthy argued for a roughing-the-passer penalty.

For the first time this season Tyvon Branch Jersey , the Packers’ starting offensive line was intact, though that lasted about half of the game. Right tackle Bryan Bulaga was knocked out of action with a concussion and left tackle David Bakhtiari’s hamstring injury flared up. He missed the past four games.

The Packers, who were already missing three starting defensive backs, lost backup cornerback Quinten Rollins to an ankle injury.

If he can’t make it back, Rodgers joins the likes of Watt, Houston’s defensive leader who broke his leg J. J. Nelson Jersey , and Beckham, who broke his ankle in the Giants’ loss last week.

Like Rodgers, Winston hurt his throwing shoulder when he was tackled. X-rays were negative and he will have an MRI to determine the extent of the injury.

He said he’s had the injury before.

”I’ll be back soon,” Winston said.

Jacksonville’s Leonard Fournette also expects to be fine after leaving the Jaguars’ loss to the Rams with a right ankle injury. He had a 75-yard touchdown run earlier in the game and finished with 130 yards on 21 carries before departing late in the game.

Already without Jeremy Maclin, the Baltimore Ravens lost another receiver when Breshad Perriman went out with a second-quarter concussion. Tight end Maxx Williams also hurt his ankle while losing a fumble and did not return, but the Ravens nearly rallied before falling 27-24 in overtime to the Chicago Bears. Baltimore came back with a punt and a kickoff return for touchdowns against a Chicago team that lost special teams captain Sherrick McManus to a hamstring injury.

Pittsburgh linebacker Vince Williams had a pair of sacks in Kansas City but left in the second half with a hip injury. The Steelers also lost right tackle Marcus Gilbert A.Q. Shipley Jersey , who had missed three weeks with a hamstring injury, in the first half after he aggravated it.

Redskins cornerback Bashaud Breeland will have an MRI on his left knee after being on the receiving end of a low block in a 26-24 victory over San Francisco. Coach Jay Gruden said it was an MCL issue.

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CLEVELAND (AP) Clock management hurt the Browns again.

And this time Nick Boyle Jersey , it cost them a quarterback.

Failing to get the necessary paperwork to the NFL offices by Wednesday’s 4 p.m. trade deadline, Cleveland’s proposed deal to get Cincinnati quarterback AJ McCarron fell apart in the final minutes, the latest misstep for a team unable to solve its quarterback riddle.

The teams had an agreement in place, sending McCarron to Cleveland for draft picks, but the required documentation – paperwork signed by both clubs – arrived in New York too late Terrance West Jersey , said league spokesman Brian McCarthy. He did not provide any further detail about why the transaction wasn’t finalized.

The Browns have spent much of the past two decades in a failed search to find their franchise quarterback. McCarron might not have been that answer either, but the 27-year-old could have provided leadership and another option while the team develops rookie DeShone Kizer, who has had an uneven first seven starts.

The administrative glitch comes one day after the New England Patriots traded Jimmy Garoppolo – a quarterback on Cleveland’s radar for months – to the San Francisco 49ers for a 2018 second-round pick. The Browns, who have three second-round picks in next year’s draft, had previous discussions about Garoppolo but were unable to strike a deal.

On top of that Mike Wallace Jersey , Browns fans have had to watch Carson Wentz and Deshaun Watson, two players the team could have drafted in the past two years, excel in Philadelphia and Houston, respectively, while Cleveland has gone 0-8 this season and 1-23 under coach Hue Jackson.

Jackson’s history with McCarron is what drew the Browns toward the Bengals backup Eric Weddle Jersey , who made three starts, including one in the playoffs, when Andy Dalton was injured in 2015. McCarron could have helped the Browns plug the gap while Kizer develops or until the team drafts another QB.

The 6-foot-3, 220-pound McCarron has completed 66 percent of his passes for 854 yards with six touchdowns and two interceptions with Cincinnati.

Jackson’s future in Cleveland is uncertain as he Browns enter their bye week winless at the season’s halfway point for the second year in a row. He has been criticized for his handling of Kizer, who has been benched three times Matt Judon Jersey , as well as some head-scratching decisions during games.

Cleveland’s front office, led by Sashi Brown, is also under pressure as a plan to turn around the team has shown minimal progress.

Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam have professed patience, but it will be tested by the group’s inability to complete even a basic trade.

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KANSAS CITY Eric Wood Jersey , Mo. (AP) Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was so disheartened after his five-interception performance against Jacksonville last week that he half-jokingly talked about having lost it.

Running back Le’Veon Bell subtly criticized the Steelers’ play-calling this week, and wide receiver Antonio Brown was just a couple of weeks removed from his own sideline temper-tantrum.

The ”Killer B’s” had become the ”Dysfunctional Dudes.”

Well, they got back to normal Sunday.

Roethlisberger ripped apart the Kansas City Chiefs for 252 yards and a touchdown, forcing the ball into some near-impossible windows. Bell hammered away for 179 yards and a score, his patient running style causing Kansas City headaches all afternoon. Brown hauled in eight passes for 155 yards Colton Schmidt Jersey , the big highlight a tipped 51-yard touchdown reception late in the fourth quarter.

The result was a 19-13 victory that could very well turn around Pittsburgh’s entire season.

”I guess,” Roethlisberger said, ”this old cowboy has got a little left in him.”

The Steelers (4-2) appear to have a little left in all of them.

They certainly had their detractors after the Jaguars romped to a 30-9 victory, the Steelers’ worst home defeat in a decade. Throw in an overtime loss to the lowly Bears and all the drama surrounding some of their biggest stars, and some wondered whether a team with legitimate Super Bowl aspirations was in danger of coming apart at the seams.

Their performance against the red-hot Chiefs answered any lingering questions.

They dominated the first half in every facet Cordy Glenn Jersey , pounding away with Bell and keeping the NFL’s top scoring offense on the sideline. Kansas City only ran 11 plays and gained 6 yards in the first quarter, and was still searching for solutions when the break rolled around.

When the Chiefs finally got on track, the Steelers had an answer every time.

”The thing about Kansas City, they do what they do,” Bell said. ”We made the right calls in the right situations and sometimes they made the right calls and got us off the field. It was kind of a chess match Jerry Hughes Jersey , but it’s always a good game when we come here.”

The Chiefs knew what they were going to get from Pittsburgh, too. It just didn’t matter.

”They were not afraid of us. They beat us twice last year,” Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson said. ”Regardless of what happened with them and the Jags, hat’s off to them. They were a tough team today.”

The Steelers’ season is starting to resemble last year, when four consecutive losses left them 4-5 in late November. But they leaned on Bell and Brown down the stretch and ripped off seven straight wins to reach the playoffs Preston Brown Jersey , then trounced the Dolphins before beating the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium.

That game bore plenty of similarities to Sunday, too. Bell churned for 170 yards. Brown caught six passes for 108. And the Steelers’ defense held the Chiefs in check in an 18-16 victory.

”It was all about our team today,” Brown said. ”We rode in together. We came into a hostile environment; we beat a great opponent on the road, an undefeated opponent. That speaks volumes about this group. It speaks volumes about the guys in this locker room.”

The fact that Pittsburgh’s biggest stars shone the most brightly should be no surprise.

That’s what they’re paid to do.

Roethlisberger is making nearly $22 million. Bell’s franchise tender makes him the league’s top-paid running back at $12.1 million. Brown is the top-paid wide receiver at $17 million.

The trio earned those paychecks against the Chiefs.

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PHILADELPHIA (AP) For better or worse Nick Boyle Jersey , Doug Pederson is aggressive.

The second-year coach goes for it on fourth down more than anyone else in the NFL since he joined the Philadelphia Eagles last year.

It doesn’t always make sense and fails half the time. But Pederson isn’t changing his philosophy.

His decision to go on fourth-and-8 from the Giants 43 late in the second quarter with Philadelphia leading 7-0 last Sunday backfired. Carson Wentz was sacked and New York drove to the 1 before a goal-line stand stopped them.

The gutsy call didn’t cost the Eagles any points and they won 27-24 on rookie Jake Elliott’s 61-yard field goal , but Pederson has been criticized all week for the move. He went for it two more times on fourth down against the Giants with only 1 yard to go. Wentz got both on sneaks.

”Sixty-seven percent on fourth down in a game is pretty good,” Pederson said. ”I stand by my decision.”

Pederson relies on an assistant coach in charge of analytics to tell him the percentages. He communicates with the guy during the week and throughout the game.

When it comes down to it Terrance West Jersey , Pederson makes the tough decision on the spot.

”I trust those guys to the standpoint of they’re going to give me every piece of information that I want because I have to make the decision, and it’s ultimately my decision,” Pederson said.

”It’s like going for two (points). I want to know what it says Mike Wallace Jersey , what the analytics say. I still have to trust my gut instinct. I still have to look at a lot of factors to make sure that it’s right to make that decision, and it’s still ultimately up to me. We continue to study these things every week. Our guys are right on point with it.”

Even though it didn’t work, the play call was fine. The execution was the problem.

It wasn’t Pederson’s fault Wentz got sacked because two receivers were open. Nelson Agholor was open beyond the first down marker Eric Weddle Jersey , but Wentz would’ve had to make a perfect throw. LeGarrette Blount also was open a couple of yards short of the sticks so he would’ve needed to break tackles to get it.

”Just trying to make a play there,” Wentz said about holding the ball too long and taking a sack. ”Yeah, LeGarrette was short of the sticks. In my mind Matt Judon Jersey , I’m just `Take it over.’ Wanted to make a play.”

Pederson was 13 for 27 on fourth downs in 2016 and 2 for 3 this year so he’s 50 percent.

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