Dein erstes Forum » hape. -- Adam TeicherOakland RaidersRaiders coa

The Giants vs. the Steelers. Or sometimes referred to as the Maras against the Rooneys for their family business roots.They meet in a huge game Sunday in Pittsburgh that could clear up some of the muddled playoff picture.New York (8-3) is among the hottest teams in football with six straight victories. Not that its helped the Giants move much closer to the Cowboys in the NFC East.But the Giants are in control of the NFC wild-card picture, even if their victories havent looked too pretty.We have everything right in front of us. We dont feel the need ... really inside of this locker room, we dont care about anyones opinion, running back Rashad Jennings says. Someone could put us best, someone could put us worst, it doesnt matter. We have to go out and find a way to win.The Steelers (6-5) are in a tighter spot, tied atop the AFC North with Baltimore, to whom they already have lost. When healthy, the Steelers have looked like a Super Bowl contender. But theyve also had some real duds.They will need to eliminate those stinkers and play solidly the rest of the way, Ben Roethlisberger says.Anytime you get to November, December, January football, you have to be at your best, you have to be hot, and we are playing one of the best football teams in the NFL, he says. They are coming to our place, it has a playoff feel and atmosphere, and it has to. I am sure that they feel the same way.You have to have that mentality at this time of the year because you really cant afford to lose any more games.The action began on a rare week with no division matchups with Dallas 17-15 victory at Minnesota on Thursday night.Dez Bryant caught four passes for 84 yards and the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter, helping Dallas improve to 11-1 with its 11th straight victory.Sam Bradford threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Jerick McKinnon with 25 seconds to play, but the 2-point conversion failed for the Vikings (6-6). They played without coach Mike Zimmer after he had emergency eye surgery Wednesday night. Special teams coordinator Mike Priefer directed the team.Off this week are Tennessee (6-6) and Cleveland (0-12).Kansas City (8-3) at Atlanta (7-4)Several emerging players are worth watching here as the Falcons try to stay alone atop the NFC South and the Chiefs pursue the Raiders in the AFC West.Chiefs rookie WR Tyreek Hill last week became the first player since Gale Sayers in 1965 to score on a kickoff return, a run and a catch in the same game.The Falcons, known for their powerful offense, are getting strong play from LB Vic Beasley Jr., second in the NFC with 9+ sacks, and safety Keanu Neal, who leads all rookies with 72 tackles and has four forced fumbles.Denver (7-4) at Jacksonville (2-9)Look for a low-scoring affair as the Jaguars try to snap a six-game slide. They have lost all four at home this season, placing coach Gus Bradleys job in serious jeopardy. But his specialty, defense, is coming on and the Jags rank sixth overall.We all know how good Denvers D can be, and heres a stunning stat: The Broncos have scored a league-high 93 points, or 35 percent of their season total, off turnovers. They have 20 takeaways; the Jaguars are a league-worst minus-15 in turnover margin.Denver has won 28 straight games when winning the turnover battle, the longest current streak in the NFL, and it leads the league in sacks (35) and quarterback hits (89).Tampa Bay (6-5) at San Diego (5-6)Not only have the Bucs won three in a row, but they beat Kansas City and Seattle the past two weeks, holding them to a combined 22 points. Rookie DE Noah Spence comes off a superb month in which he had 11 tackles, 2+ sacks and two forced fumbles.San Diegos Antonio Gates was blanked in the win at Houston, not even targeted for the first time in 77 games. Hes three TD catches short of breaking Tony Gonzalezs NFL record of 111 for a tight end.Los Angeles (4-7) New England (9-2)The spiraling Rams, who have given up 63 points over the past 64:02 of game action, are the perfect victim for Tom Brady to get his 201st victory, which would be an NFL record for quarterbacks. Hes currently tied with Peyton Manning.Its probably the most important stat. ... Theres no surprise, Saints QB Drew Brees says of Brady. Listen, hes earned it. He will go down as certainly one of the best, if not the best, for that reason. The guys a winner. Hes a proven winner. ... Theres been a lot of players come through there while hes been there and its been a very consistent result, all the time. Im sure theres a lot of people in that building that deserve credit, but none more so than him.As the Patriots chase home-field advantage in the AFC for the playoffs -- they lead the AFC East by two games over Miami, who they have beaten -- Brady has been sensational since returning from his four-game Deflategate suspension. Brady has 2,201 passing yards, 18 TDs, one interception and a 116.7 passer rating.Miami (7-4) at Baltimore (6-5)Miami has won six in a row, and hasnt taken seven straight since 1985, Dan Marinos third season. Solidly in the playoff race, the Dolphins are getting solid contributions from Ryan Tannehill throwing the ball and Jay Ajayi running it despite a banged-up offensive line.Baltimores defense has been superb as the Ravens have taken three of their past four games. Ranking second overall and first against the run, the Ravens will be a tough test for Ajayi especially.If it comes down to the kicking game, Baltimore has the leagues only perfect placekicker. Justin Tucker is 27 for 27 on field goals and has made all his extra points.Buffalo (6-5) at Oakland (9-2)The Black Hole is truly that for the Bills. Buffalo is 0-8 in Oakland since 1966.But a victory not only would be the Bills 400th regular-season win, it would boost their playoff chances somewhat. Remember, they havent been in the postseason since the 1999 campaign.Oaklands sensational comeback win against Carolina after blowing a huge lead kept the Raiders atop the highly competitive AFC West. It also solidified QB Derek Carrs credentials -- and guts. He left after badly damaging his right pinkie, then returned with a glove on his throwing hand to lead the rally.Detroit (7-4) at New Orleans (5-6)Matthew Stafford is having his best season, and hell need all of his skills and weapons to keep up with Drew Brees.Stafford has led seven game-winning drives in the fourth quarter or overtime in 2016; the Lions are the first team with seven wins when trailing in the fourth quarter in the teams first 11 games of a season. No QB has had eight such drives in one season.Thats one of the rare achievements Brees hasnt managed. Last week, he passed for 310 yards with four touchdowns, and rushed for a TD. He leads the NFL with 3,587 yards and 30 TDs passing. Its Brees ninth season with at least 30 TDs passing, tied for the record, and he has a TD pass in an NFL-record 60 straight home outings.Houston (6-5) at Green Bay (5-6)The Texans have the better record and lead their division, the weak AFC South. Yet nearly everywhere the perception is Green Bay, third in the NFC North, is the better team.Houstons $72 million, four-year investment in quarterback Brock Osweiler isnt paying off, so much so that after last weekends loss, coach Bill OBrien was asked about benching Osweiler.His slump is encouraging for the Packers suspect secondary.Meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers is on a terrific streak even while the running game has been mediocre and the blocking has been so-so.Indianapolis (5-6) at New York Jets (3-8), Monday nightWithout Andrew Luck, the Colts were no match for the Steelers on Thanksgiving night. Luck has gone through the NFLs concussion protocol and should be behind center for another prime-time affair.The Jets make just enough mistakes each week to be among the leagues biggest flops after going 10-6 in 2015. Many of their big-ticket players have let them down, and heres a chance to strut before a nationwide audience.Carolina (4-7) at Seattle (7-3-1)The last thing the Panthers need when facing Seattles stingy defense and strong pass rush is an injury-depleted offensive line. Unfortunately for Cam Newton and Carolina, thats the reality.Carolina stayed on the West Coast after the 35-32 loss at Oakland, while the Seahawks flew back cross-country from Tampa after a 14-5 defeat in which the offense was invisible. Russell Wilson, Doug Baldwin and Jimmy Graham should be more productive against the Panthers.Washington (6-4-1) at Arizona (4-6-1)The Redskins owned the second NFC wild-card spot heading into the weekend. Their offense has been dynamic recently, with Kirk Cousins to Jamison Crowder the main connection.Washington also can get after the quarterback, led by Ryan Kerrigan, and Carson Palmer has been sacked 32 times. Even worse for the Cardinals, inexperienced tackles D.J. Humphries and Ulrick John and guard John Wetzel figure to start.Philadelphia (5-6) at Cincinnati (3-7-1)Both teams can begin thinking about next season after recent slumps.The Eagles have lost four straight on the road, but theyre 9-1 vs. the AFC since 2014. Cincinnati is 1-5-1 in the past seven games, and a true sign of their malaise: Mike Nugent has missed his past three PAT kicks and four of the past eight.San Francisco (1-10) at Chicago (2-9)One of these teams will mess up their April draft standing by winning this. Or maybe these two will tie 0-0.---For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFL Black Friday Shoes Deals . Nigeria beat surprise package Ethiopia 2-0 in the second leg of their playoff for a comfortable 4-1 aggregate victory. Victor Moses converted a 20th-minute penalty after an Ethiopian handball, and Victor Obinna made certain of Nigerias place in Brazil with his powerful free kick in the 82nd at UJ Esuene Stadium. Black Friday Shoes Free Shipping . Vancouver Whitecaps and Toronto FC failed to make the postseason while Montreal Impact fell at the first hurdle losing heavily to Houston Dynamo in the Eastern Conference Knockout Round. http://www.shoesblackfriday.com/ . Numbers Game examines the deal that sees Michael Del Zotto and Kevin Klein switch places. The Predators Get: D Michael Del Zotto. Fake Black Friday Shoes .Y. -- Sabres defenceman Tyler Myers had no intention of changing his hard-hitting style before taking part in a disciplinary hearing for his illegal check to New Jersey forward Dainius Zubrus head. Black Friday Shoes China . A statement from the worlds top-ranked player says all checks "were satisfactory and showed positive evolution" regarding the injury, which contributed to his loss to Stanislas Wawrinka in the final in Melbourne. NFL Nation reporters assess the top storylines to watch for every team on Monday.NFC East | NFC North | NFC South | NFC West AFC East | AFC North| AFC South | AFC WestNFC EASTDallas CowboysCoach Jason Garrett has not decided whether he will?play Dak Prescott?on Thursday in the preseason finale against the Texans. With Prescott?elevated to the starters role with Tony Romo out, the Cowboys have to balance the risk of him getting hurt with the reward of the rookie getting much-needed playing time. If the starting offensive line is not going to play, it would be wise to let Prescott sit and be ready for the regular-season opener against the Giants. Jameill Showers would start if Prescott sits. The Cowboys are on the lookout for veteran backup help, but they will not be able to get a backup ready to play this week. -- Todd ArcherNew York GiantsThe Giants first-team offense with Eli Manning at quarterback has four first downs and 88 total yards in four preseason quarters. Thats not good enough. Coach Ben McAdoo knows it, and he intends to fix it beginning this week at practice. We need to jump back out there on the practice field, and we need to get better right from jump street, McAdoo said Sunday. It starts with the offensive line, which has struggled. That unit plans to concentrate on fundamentals and finishing. It will help to have starting left guard Justin Pugh (shoulder) back this week. -- Jordan RaananPhiladelphia EaglesQuarterback?Carson Wentz (rib) was able to go through a full workout prior to Saturdays game against the Colts. If everything checks out medically this week, he could very well play Thursday in the preseason finale against the Jets. Hes in a position to possibly play next week, coach Doug Pederson said. Hes still a little bit sore, so well monitor that. Well make sure hes rested here in the next couple of days. I dont want to jeopardize him by any stretch of the imagination. But at the same time, if hes ready to go, hell play next Thursday. -- Tim McManusWashington RedskinsOutside linebacker Ryan Kerrigan received good news from the MRI on his groin Saturday, but its uncertain if that means hell be able to practice Monday. Kerrigan left Fridays preseason game against Buffalo in the first quarter, needed X-rays and did not return to the game. With the starters not playing in the preseason finale, theres no need to rush Kerrigan. The Redskins have been cautious with players returning from injuries this summer, so if theres any doubt, hell return next week when regular-season practices begin. The Redskins cant afford to lose another outside linebacker, as they already lost Junior Galette for the season because of an Achilles injury. -- John KeimNFC NORTHChicago BearsCornerback Tracy Porters concussion on Saturday is the latest setback for the banged up Bears secondary. With starter Kyle Fuller (knee) on the sideline following an arthroscopic procedure, Porters situation further tests Chicagos dwindling depth at cornerback. Porter will be monitored closely, with the Bears regular-season opener less than two weeks away. The Bears also remain hopeful that tight end Zach Miller and wide receiver Eddie Royal can officially pass the NFLs concussion protocol. Miller and Royal have missed almost the entire preseason but could, in theory, return for Thursdays exhibition finale in Cleveland. There likely will be an update Monday on guard Kyle Long (shoulder), who spent the weekend rehabbing his injury and doing cardiovascular work. -- Jeff DickersonDetroit LionsEric Ebron (ankle) remains the most interesting question for the Lions on Monday. At some point, Detroit needs to see what he can do in practice heading into the regular season, and this is the last non-preparation week to do so. Although it would be stunning if he played against Buffalo on Thursday, having him practice and get reacquainted with the offense would?be helpful. The other player to watch is tight end Brandon Pettigrew. He has been on PUP recovering from a torn ACL. Its not clear if hell start the season on PUP, but he hasnt done much yet. -- Michael RothsteinGreen Bay PackersWide receiver?Jordy Nelsons preparation for the regular season should ramp up this week. Even though he wont play in Thursdays preseason finale against the Chiefs, the Pro Bowl receiver expects to take part in 11-on-11 drills for the first time since he tore his ACL more than a year ago. Its important for Jordy to get a ton of work this week with Aaron [Rodgers], and thats really the focus, Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. Nelson worked only selected individual drills when he returned to practice last week. -- Rob DemovskyMinnesota VikingsGiven the fact that their starters played a full half on Sunday, it seems unlikely that the Vikings will put many of their first-string players back on the field Thursday night against the Rams. As such, the first round of cuts for the Vikings could have plenty to do with which players they want to keep for depth on Thursday. The final week of the preseason could create opportunities at safety, for example, where both Antone Exum and Michael Griffin left with injuries on Sunday. Seventh-round pick?Jayron Kearse, who made his second interception of the preseason Sunday, could get plenty of playing time Thursday in his bid to make the roster. -- Ben GoesslingNFC SOUTHAtlanta FalconsWide?receiver Julio Jones, who suffered an ankle injury in last weeks preseason loss to the Dolphins, wasnt on the practice field Sunday. Even so, coach Dan Quinn wasnt concerned about Jones status. Quinn already said Jones should be fine for the season opener and theres no need to play him in the final preseason game against Jacksonville. He did not participate in anything today, and well see if hes able to do something [Monday], he said following practice. Meanwhile, Quinn said he expects pass-rusher Dwight Freeney?(back) to return to practice Monday, though?Freeney is not expected to play against the Jaguars. -- Vaughn McClureCarolina PanthersOn Sunday, the Panthers began putting in their game plan for the Sept. 8 opener at Denver, but they didnt have?punter Mike Scifres, who injured his right knee in Friday nights exhibition loss to New England. Scifres is scheduled to meet with a doctor. If the news isnt good, the Panthers likely will be shopping for a punter. The only other one on the roster is Kasey Redfern, who hasnt kicked in a regular-season game. -- David NewtonNew Orleans SaintsCoach Sean Payton said last month that winning preseason games would be important because the Saints needed to build confidence and a winning culture after back-to-back 7-9 seasons. Well, theyre 0-3. But Payton insisted he isnt concerned about a spiraling effect. This is a good group. Theyre working hard. The key is that we just recognize the things, he said. Weve still got more time here, but weve got to have a sense of urgency about some of these things that have shown up more than just one game. -- Mike TriplettTampa Bay BuccaneersThe Bucs are coming off a big game against the Browns. Among the positives: a punt return for a touchdown, eight sacks and just 13 points allowed on defense, quarterback?Jameis Winston threw two touchdowns, and wide receiver?Mike Evans had 115 receiving yards. Plus, the Bucs had only three penalties all game. Thats some great momentum for the starters heading into the regular season. For players fighting for roster spots, Thursdays game is crucial, and several position groups remain undecided: wide receiver, tight end, running back, offensive line, corner, safety, defensive line and linebacker. -- Jenna LaineNFC WESTArizona CardinalsA common refrain around the Cardinals about their subpar offensive performance this preseason has been that its just the preseason, and when the regular season starts Sept. 11, the offense will be fine. But two more interceptions by quarterback?Carson Palmer, two by Matt Barkley and five turnovers overall dont look good for a team that wont play its?starters again until the regular season begins. -- Josh WeinfussLos Angeles RamsPractice has become crucial for star running back Todd Gurley, who will finish the preseason having taken part in only one drive. Gurley sat out the third preseason game Saturday and will also sit out the fourth one on Thursday. When he takes the field for the Sept. 12 opener against the 49ers on Monday Night Football, Gurley will have gone 23 days without seeing game speed. The Rams need him to simulate that as best as possible during practice -- without getting hurt and probably without even getting tackleed.dddddddddddd -- Alden GonzalezSan Francisco 49ersQuarterback Colin Kaepernick spoke to the media on Sunday and said he will continue to sit during the national anthem until there is change when it comes to racial oppression in the United States. Asked what that would look like, Kaepernick indicated that he wasnt sure, but hed know it when he sees it. Thats a tough question because theres a lot of things that need to change, a lot of different issues that need to be addressed, he said. Thats something that its really hard to lock down one specific thing that needs to change currently. -- Nick WagonerSeattle SeahawksThird-round pick C.J. Prosise (hamstring) looked the part in his first preseason action, as he rushed four times for 23 yards against the Cowboys. He had a couple nice runs, and were just going to keep going, coach Pete Carroll said. This is a big week for him. Its just a big week to have him in practice again, but the game will be important. Hell play quite a bit this game. The Seahawks are hoping Prosise can emerge as their third-down back for the regular season. -- Sheil KapadiaAFC EASTBuffalo BillsThe Bills added a fourth quarterback to their 90-man roster Sunday, when they signed?Austin Trainor. Why the late addition? The Bills need an extra arm to get through Thursdays preseason finale in Detroit. The team plans to sit Tyrod Taylor and the rest of its starters, and rookie Cardale Jones is still nursing a sore shoulder. -- Mike RodakMiami DolphinsThis is an important week for Dolphins cornerback?Xavien Howard (knee) and running back?Kenyan Drake (hamstring). After they missed most of training camp, Miamis rookie second- and third-round picks will make their debuts in Thursdays preseason finale against the Titans. The next two days of practice are important to prepare for this game. -- James WalkerNew England PatriotsWill veteran defensive tackle Terrance Knighton still have a job at the end of the day? Signed in the offseason to a one-year contract with a maximum value of $4 million, Knighton didnt play a single defensive snap in the teams third preseason game Friday at Carolina. He said after the game that he was leaving Bank of America Stadium with an uncertain feeling about his future with the team. -- Mike ReissNew York JetsThe Jets, who trimmed their roster to 78 on Sunday, still have three moves to make before Tuesday. They have six outside linebackers on the roster, with veteran Trevor Reilly squarely on the bubble. His status could be impacted by Josh Martin, who is on crutches after an ankle injury. Theres a chance rookie Jordan Jenkins (calf) could return this week. -- Rich CiminiAFC NORTHBaltimore RavensQuarterback?Joe Flacco didnt mince words after Benjamin Watson tore his Achilles on Saturday. Thats going to be really tough on us, Flacco said. That leaves the Ravens with one healthy, experienced tight end:?Crockett Gillmore. Baltimore will be fine at tight end as long as Dennis Pitta (fractured finger) and Maxx Williams (undisclosed injury) can stay healthy, but thats a big question mark. Pitta hasnt played in a game since September 2014, and Williams dealt with knee and ankle injuries as well as a concussion as a rookie last season. -- Jamison HensleyCincinnati BengalsThe Bengals came out of Sunday nights game against the Jaguars with injuries to wide receiver A.J. Green (knee), cornerback Adam Jones (calf) and running back Cedric Peerman (arm). Thats not a good sign with the regular season approaching. They will play again Thursday against the Colts, with most of the starters unlikely to see a snap. -- Katherine TerrellCleveland BrownsCornerback Justin Gilberts effort to make the roster will be slowed. The top-10 pick in the 2014 draft?was diagnosed with a concussion Friday in Tampa and is in the leagues protocol. -- Pat McManamonPittsburgh SteelersTwo key linemen are setting a toughness tone for the Steelers. Defensive end Cam Heyward (high ankle sprain) and offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert (hyperextended elbow) both have significant injuries but are saying theres no way they miss Week 1 at Washington. The Steelers dealt with injuries all of last season, and Gilbert and Heyward are well-respected veterans who wont take no for an answer. No way Im missing that first game, Gilbert said. Dont expect these two to practice in the next two weeks, but they promise to rehab vigorously. -- Jeremy FowlerAFC SOUTHHouston TexansAlthough quarterback?Brock Osweiler and the Texans offense had a great day against the Cardinals, the defense struggled in several areas. Without J.J. Watt, the defensive line got pushed around, and the defense as a whole missed several tackles. The Texans also struggled with tackling in the first preseason game against the 49ers, but they improved last week against the Saints. As it was after the preseason opener, expect tackling to be a focus during practice this week ahead of the teams final preseason game. -- Sarah BarshopIndianapolis ColtsRunning back Stevan Ridley will have his first practice with the Colts on Monday after he signed with the team over the weekend. The Colts are looking for solid backup behind starter Frank Gore. The backups behind Gore have combined to rush for only 91 yards on 49 carries in three preseason games. Ridley has rushed for 1,203 yards total in the past three seasons after rushing for 1,263 yards in his second season with the Patriots. -- Mike WellsJacksonville JaguarsThe Jaguars really felt the loss of nose tackle Roy Miller against the Bengals on Sunday. He suffered a quad injury last week and likely wont play in the preseason finale. The Bengals ran for 49 yards in the first quarter against the Jaguars first-team defense with Abry Jones and Richard Ash playing in his place. Miller is the key to the Jaguars rush defense. -- Mike DiRoccoTennessee TitansThe Titans will open the season with Quinton Spain as their left guard. The open spot never really got competitive, and Spain and the starting line were very solid against the Raiders in the third preseason game. Coach Mike Mularkey said he wants to see Spain progress with experience but was pleased with the way the former undrafted free agent?came back from an average effort in Week 2. -- Paul KuharskyAFC WESTDenver BroncosAt every opportunity, coach Gary Kubiak has tried to tell folks that he has more decisions to make than the one at quarterback. Although the collective response outside the team might seem like, yeah, whatever, to Kubiak, he is right. As roster cuts come, the Broncos have tough decisions at running back, wide receiver and particularly at linebacker where Dekoda Watson, with 2.5 sacks against the Rams on Saturday, and Zaire Anderson, who had two forced fumbles against the San Francisco 49ers last week, made cases to make the roster. Watson leads the team in sacks in the preseason?with 4.0. -- Jeff LegwoldKansas City ChiefsThe challenge for the Chiefs now that safety Eric Berry has signed and will join them at practice on Monday is to prepare him for the regular season. That preparation probably wont include any playing time in Thursdays final preseason game against the Packers. Otherwise, the Chiefs wont waste any time. Hell be in the starting lineup in practice. Well get him back in there and get him into football shape now, coach Andy Reid said. Hes in great shape. Its just [a matter of] getting him back into football shape. -- Adam TeicherOakland RaidersRaiders coach Jack Del Rio is still a linebacker at heart, so yeah, he felt a bit shaken at the lack of quality tackling by his team against the Titans on Saturday. I take it real personal, he said. I dont know what to tell you. I dont have a good alibi -- it bothers me. You cant be a great defense doing that ... its got to be a whole hell of a lot better than what I saw out there tonight. -- Paul GutierrezSan Diego ChargersThe Chargers lost a playmaker on offense, and the teams top returner when Branden Oliver went down with an Achilles tendon tear. Coach Mike McCoy confirmed after the game that Oliver was done for the year. Its a tough blow for Oliver, who finished last year on the injured reserve with turf toe. You see what he went through to get back and its a shame, McCoy said about Oliver. The Chargers have backups such as?Dreamius Smith or Kenneth Farrow?on the roster who could help fill the void left by Olivers absence, but they could also add a player after final roster cuts. -- Eric D. Williams ' ' '