Josh McCown said in March that he would take some time to decide if he wanted to continue his NFL career during the 2019 season and he announced that decision on Monday.McCown is retiring as a player after a career that saw him spend time with 10 NFL teams and the Hartford Colonials of the United Football League in a career that started as a Cardinals third-round pick in 2002. McCown started for some of those teams Vincent Taylor Jersey , served as a backup for others and failed to make the active roster of a couple, but he wrote in that he wouldn’t have done things any differently.“I guess it just goes to show that you don’t always get to choose your own path,” McCown wrote. “But looking back, I’m proud of how my career has gone. I don’t shy away from the journeyman label. I embrace it, full force. Because it’s been one heck of a journey.”In that letter, McCown suggested that coaching and broadcasting were areas he’d pursue in the future. Former Browns coach Hue Jackson offered McCown a coaching job in Cleveland after the 2016 season, but he opted to continue his playing career.McCown spent the last two seasons with the Jets and also had stints with the Browns, Buccaneers, Bears, 49ers Albert Wilson Jersey , Panthers, Dolphins and Lions after leaving Arizona. He started 76 games over the course of his career, completed 60.2 percent of his passes and had a 98:82 touchdown-to-interception ratio. DAVIE, Fla. (AP) — Going into the draft, the Miami Dolphins‘ plan was to win later.Josh Rosen will try to change that.If the Arizona Cardinals’ castoff quarterback shows the Dolphins this year that he can be a franchise QB, they’ll be ahead of schedule in their rebuilding project under first-year coach Brian Flores.And if Rosen is a bust for the second time in as many NFL seasons, the Dolphins will likely have a lousy 2019 record, which means they’ll be well-positioned to draft their quarterback of the future a year from now.The Dolphins traded a 2019 second-round draft pick and a 2020 fifth-round selection to Arizona for Rosen, a modest investment considering the potential payoff. Rosen was the No. 10 overall pick last year and had a rough rookie season for a team that went 3-13.He’ll likely beat out veteran newcomer Ryan Fitzpatrick for the Dolphins’ starting job this year, in part because they need to find out whether he’s a keeper.Here are things to know about other moves by the Dolphins during the draft:WHO THEY GOTThe Dolphins landed two players likely to start as rookies — Clemson defensive tackle Christian Wilkins in the first round Robert Quinn Jersey , and versatile Wisconsin offensive lineman Michael Deiter in the third round. Their third-day picks were Wisconsin linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel in the fifth round, Ohio State right tackle Isaiah Prince in the sixth round, and Auburn fullback Chandler Cox and Washington running back Myles Gaskin in the seventh round.“We’ve made some progress,” general manager Chris Grier said. “We feel better, but there’s still work to do. We’re not where we want to be, but we’re happy where we are.”SURPRISE MOVEThe Dolphins weren’t expected to use a high pick on a quarterback, because the crop of prospects in 2020 is more promising.“During his rookie season, obviously there were some ups, there were some downs,” Flores said. “That’s the case for all rookies. But this guy has a lot of arm talent.”HOW THEY DIDThe Dolphins began the draft in the market for an edge rusher T.J. McDonald Jersey , and they’re still shopping for one. There’s a significant need at the position because the Dolphins parted with three veteran defensive ends this offseason, including five-time Pro Bowl end Cameron Wake, while adding no marquee free agents.They’re also in the market for help at right tackle and cornerback, and depth is thin at most positions.WHAT’S NEXT?The Dolphins may plug some holes in post-draft free agency, but some long-term solutions will have to wait until 2020. That’s when Grier and Flores are expected to make a big splash, with a favorable salary cap situation next year and 10 picks in the draft, not including two possible compensatory choices.They could have seven picks in the first four rounds.“The plan was to get as many picks as we could going forward, to build this thing right,” Grier said. “We’ll see where it goes.”

KANSAS CITY Sammy Watkins Jersey , Mo. 鈥?The Kansas City Chiefs didn’t draft Patrick Mahomes merely to make the playoffs.Matt Cassel accomplished that, and quarterbacks Steve Bono, Elvis Grbac, Trent Green and Alex Smith went one better by making it to the divisional round. Smith even won a wild-card game, the first playoff victory by the long-suffering Chiefs since Joe Montana led them to the AFC title game in the 1993 season.No, the Chiefs didn’t trade up to select Mahomes just to make the playoffs.They did it to win in the playoffs.Now, Mahomes gets his first chance when the first-year starter leads the AFC West champions against the Colts 鈥?their longtime playoff nemesis 鈥?on Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium.Win and the young All-Pro quarterback has the Chiefs one game away from playing in the Super Bowl. Lose and Mahomes must wait a full year to get another crack at wiping away the stink of all those playoff failures.“A playoff run in general would mean a ton to everyone in this community, including us. I know the history,” Mahomes said Anthony Hitchens Jersey , “but at the same time, we are a different generation.”That may be true, but he was on the sideline last season for the latest postseason letdown.Mahomes was given his freshman season to learn the ropes under Smith, who ended a Chiefs streak of eight straight playoff defeats by beating Houston in the wild-card round in January 2016. But they lost the following week at New England to end their playoff run, then lost at home to the Steelers in the divisional round in 2017 and blew a big lead at home against the Titans in the wild-card round a year ago.Three defeats after that rarest of playoff wins.The sting has been even more brutal at Arrowhead Stadium, where the Colts have won just as many playoff games as the Chiefs (two apiece) over the years. Both of the Chiefs’ wins were in the wild-card round.They’ve never won a home playoff game in the divisional round or beyond.Yet if there’s any reason to believe that stretch of futility will end Saturday, it just may be the optimistic kid with the big arm and curly Mohawk. Bono, Grbac and the rest never put up the kind of numbers that Mahomes has this season, nor did they engender the same kind of confidence in their teams.Mahomes exudes poise. And the rest of the Chiefs can feel it.“It’s the way he plays Mitchell Schwartz Jersey ,” Chiefs center Mitch Morse said recently. “Not only his talent, which is uncanny, but the way he prepares, the way he conducts himself in the huddle, and then the guy has got a swagger about him that’s infectious.”There is no denying this is a new experience, though. Mahomes played in only one bowl game in three seasons at Texas Tech, which would be the only thing even remotely close to an NFL playoff game with the entire football world watching.“So far I haven’t seen anything that’s too big for Pat. I’m not even worried about that,” coach Andy Reid said Monday, just before the Chiefs resumed practicing following a well-earned week off.“He’s going to get himself ready Juan Thornhill Kansas City Chiefs Jerseys , just like he does every week, to play against a good football team,” Reid said. “But I don’t think he’s wired the other way. I’m not predicting anything, I’m just telling you, matter of fact, how he’s wired, how he goes about his business.”That doesn’t mean Reid hasn’t pulled him aside for a few extra chats.“Everything is a little faster in the playoffs. That’s how things go,” Reid said. “At the same time, he has to be himself and continue to lead and play like he has been doing. I don’t think he will have a problem with that. I think he understands that. He is wired the right way to handle all of it.”Mahomes said he’s chatted with Smith about his postseason experience Kansas City Chiefs Jerseys 2019 , and he’s soaked up what he can from the veterans in his locker room. Defensive back Ron Parker, linebacker Justin Houston and fullback Anthony Sherman are among those who have been part of several postseason letdowns.As they take the field with Mahomes on Saturday, they have a chance to scribble over that history.“I mean, we are definitely ready. We know what it’s going to take,” Mahomes said. “It’s going to take a full effort from everyone, every single day, to the game and hopefully on. We know that you have to capitalize on every single play. You can’t let one play get you down for the next. The next play is the most important play. We are excited we get the chance to do that.”100View Gallery Gallery:View from the sidelines: NFL cheerleaders 2018Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports | Raj Mehta Steve Nelson to the Steelers should get it done for the Chiefs."The NFL’s compensatory-pick deadline passed on Tuesday of this week. From here on out, any player signed for the 2019 season will no longer count in the NFL’s method of calculation for determining compensatory draft picks for the 2020 NFL Draft.So with the compensatory-period signings locked in, NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein made pick projections for each team on Thursday. Based upon the Chiefs’ signings and players lost Juan Thornhill Jersey Cheap , Zierlein projects the Chiefs to receive an additional fourth-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.NFL Draft picks are officially awarded some time in February. This past year, the Chiefs received a sixth-round compensatory selection. As friend-of-the-site Brandon Kiley of 610 Sports Radio noted, the Chiefs let Steve Nelson walk, gained a fourth-rounder and brought in Bashaud Breeland—who shouldn’t cost them anything when it comes to compensatory picks—to replace him.If Zierlein is correct, here is how the Chiefs’ picks look for 2020:2020 NFL Draft picksFirst-rounderSecond-rounder (San Francisco 49ers’ pick or own selection; whichever pick is in a worse position goes to the Seattle Seahawks)Third-rounderFourth-rounderFourth-round compensatoryFifth-rounderSixth-rounderIf you’re wondering, the Chiefs traded their seventh-rounder for safety Jordan Lucas. Even now, I’d say they won that trade.

In a story Sept. 22 about former New England Patriots receiver Antonio Brown Womens Shaq Mason Jersey , The Associated Press reported erroneously that team owner Robert Kraft was arrested in connection with a prostitution and sex trafficking sting in a Florida massage parlor. Kraft was charged with two counts of solicitation of prostitution after police said he was twice videotaped during a paid sex act at the massage parlor, but he was never arrested.A corrected version of the story is below:In cryptic tweet, Antonio Brown appears to retire from NFLIn cryptic tweet, Antonio Brown appears to retire from NFL, takes shots at others previously accused of sexual misconductBy JIMMY GOLENAP Sports WriterFOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Antonio Brown went on a Twitter rant on his first NFL Sunday without a team, announcing he was done for good with the league that exiled him. Even though, he claimed, it had been more lenient toward others facing allegations of sexual misconduct.On the morning his most recent team was preparing to play without him, the fleet-footed but fleeting New England receiver said in a tweet: "Will not be playing in the NFL anymore" and took shots at Patriots owner Robert Kraft and longtime Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.Kraft has been charged in a prostitution and sex trafficking sting in a Florida massage parlor and has not been punished; "Different strokes different folks clearly," Brown wrote.Roethlisberger was suspended for four games in 2010 after he was accused of sexual assault for a second time. "4 games for Big Ben crazy world I'm done with it," Brown tweeted over a screenshot of a news article about the investigation.Several of the tweets had been deleted by the time the Patriots kicked off against the New York Jets a couple of hours later.One of the NFL's most prolific receivers for a decade, Brown was traded out of Pittsburgh and released in Oakland after wearing out his welcome in both cities.The Patriots signed him anyway, and just days later a former trainer filed a civil lawsuit in Florida accusing him of rape. He played in one game http://www.patriotslockerroom.com/authentic-malcom-brown-jersey , then was released after the team learned he tried to intimidate a second woman who accused him of sexual misconduct.Asked by CBS before the game what led him to end things, Patriots coach Bill Belichick declined to comment.Brown's first tweet on Sunday seemed to indicate that he will fight the Patriots' decision to withhold a $9 million signing bonus. The first installment is due on Monday, and the Patriots are attempting to void the deal even though they played him in one game despite knowing about two separate accusations of sexual misconduct.A person familiar with the process told The Associated Press that Brown has not yet filed a grievance, which the NFLPA would be obligated to pursue. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the grievance is not released to the public.Brown had also been guaranteed $29 million by the Raiders."Will not be playing in the @NFL anymore," he wrote. "These owners can cancel deals do whatever they want at anytime we will see if the @NFLPA hold them accountable sad they can just void guarantees anytime going on 40m 2 months will see if they pay up !"Brown also appeared to condone threats made against the Sports Illustrated writer whose article included the allegations that led to Brown's release. Over a news article describing the threats from some Patriots fans, Brown wrote, "System working effectively."That tweet also was deleted.A four-time All-Pro who caught 837 passes over nine seasons with the Steelers, Brown wore out his welcome in Pittsburgh after he went missing for two days before the 2018 season finale. The Steelers traded him to Oakland, which signed him to a contract that would have paid him up to $50 million over the next three seasons.But he never played a game for the Raiders, quarreling with the coach and general manager until they, too, released him. The Patriots signed him only a few hours later, giving him a one-year deal.Belichick also declined to comment on Brown after the 30-14 victory over the New York Jets. Special teams captain Matthew Slater wished the man who was briefly his teammate well."I wish everyone involved well," Slater said. "I'm not the type of person who would wish ill will on anyone. I always try to take a positive spin on things. That's where I'm going to leave it."AP Pro Football Writer Barry Wilner contributed to this report. Philip Rivers is willing to admit that Tom Brady‘s better than he is. And he’s also clear that Brady’s among the best of all time.But the Chargers quarterback thinks the result of individual games aren’t the best way to measure his Patriots counterpart’s greatness.During an interview on the Drew Bledsoe Jersey , Rivers pointed to the end of Super Bowl XLIX, when it was Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler‘s interception that sealed the win for New England over the Seahawks.“I remember thinking when the Patriots beat the Seahawks, when they had that interception against the Seahawks and that gave them what, their [fourth] championship?” Rivers said, via Matt Vautour of Masslive.com. “You know everyone said, ‘Well, he’s now the greatest of all time.’ And I thought to myself, I already thought he was already one of [the greatest] — I mean, how do you ever decide that?“It’s like the old Michael Jordan [debate], right? We could talk about that forever, too — but I already thought he was already one of the greatest of all-time, but because they intercepted the pass, he’s now the greatest of all time? What if the Seahawks were to run it in? And the Seahawks were to have won? Brady would have just played the exact same game. He didn’t do anything different, you know? . . . It is funny how that works Womens David Andrews Jersey , so I don’t look at that [Super Bowl wins].”The fact that Brady has stacked up six of them carries extra weight, but Rivers is right that the result of any one particular game can be random and overstated.Great quarterbacks (and great coaches) are the ones who keep their teams at the top of the pile for an extended period of time. The Patriots have done that better than anyone. But Rivers has kept the Chargers competitive for years, often in circumstances that wouldn’t suggest it. Andy Reid has a .611 winning percentage over 20 years, but like Rivers, has never won a title, so some are quick to dismiss him.Rivers said he thought Dan Marino, who also never won a Super Bowl, deserved to be in the conversation with Brady for the greatest quarterback of all time, while acknowledging that he’s not on that level.“A Brady-led team versus a Rivers-led team, we’re [winless],” Rivers said of the Chargers’ 0-5 record against the Patriots. “That’s just tells you a little bit head-to-head.”And even if Rivers won a Super Bowl, and beat the Patriots in the process, the big picture shouldn’t change in his view.

The Texans are going without a General Manager this season after firing Brian Gaine and being blocked in their bid to interview Patriots exec Nick Caserio Lamar Miller Jersey , which leaves the G.M. responsibilities divided between a variety of people in the organization.One of those responsibilities is handling trade discussions with other teams and that was a need that came up this week as the Texans moved to acquire running back Duke Johnson from the Browns.Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that head coach Bill O’Brien was the man in charge of making the deal happen on the Houston side. O’Brien worked with Browns G.M. John Dorsey and agreed to send a 2020 fourth-round pick with conditions that can bump it to a third-round choice to Cleveland in exchange for Johnson.O’Brien butted heads with Gaine about some personnel decisions and had a rocky relationship with Gaine’s predecessor Rick Smith as well. With control over the 53-man roster and trade decisions, O’Brien can only have beefs with himself about the team’s personnel this season. DeAndre Hopkins and J.J. Watt both publicly have expressed a desire to wear the Houston Oilers’ uniforms as a throwback. That, though Jadeveon Clowney Jersey , isn’t going to happen.The Titans own the rights to everything Oilers.“That’s very interesting, except the Oilers don’t have anything to do with the Texans,” Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk told Paul Kuharsky of paulkuharsky.com. “That’s a hard no.”Watt told Kuharsky on Thursday that he understood the Titans’ position but is disappointed. “People think I don’t understand that we have no rights whatsoever to the Oilers’ history or uniforms Johnathan Joseph Jersey , haha,” Watt said. “I understand it completely. It doesn’t mean I can’t still enjoy those uniforms and wish we did have the rights.”Instead, Strunk said the Titans could wear Oilers throwbacks one day. (The ultimate indignity would come if the Titans wore the Oilers’ uniforms for a game in Houston.)“I think that would be something I would take to the fans Charles Omenihu Houston Texans Jersey ,” Strunk said. “If they were on the board and excited. I mean, so many people love those uniforms, so maybe. Maybe we’ll put a survey out there and sometime if they love them and wanted it to happen Charles Omenihu Jersey 2019 , I’m sure we could make it happen.”Titans fans don’t seem nearly as excited to see the Houston Oilers jerseys as Houston Texans fans do, but the Titans are more likely to wear the throwbacks than the Texans are.

It’s a tough “dey” to be a Bengals fan. For months Tyler Boyd Jersey , this team sold the idea that, despite a coaching overhaul, this was a squad prepared to make an immediate playoff run in 2019. There were questions, but talent at the skill positions and a fresh approach from these coaches were supposed to reinvigorate everyone. Here we are a month and a half without a regular-season win and long-term questions abound. “Who Dey?!” and “New Dey” have turned to blase and “Groundhog Day”. Every fear that blossomed about the team’s 2019 viability has come to fruition at the kickoff of the Zac Taylor era. The offensive line and linebacker groups have been the team’s predictable Achilles Heel, while the amount and severity of injuries to important players have been downright laughable. As if Taylor and his staff didn’t have enough of a hill to climb with those factors, inexperience has reared its ugly head. Taylor, defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo and offensive coordinator Brian Callahan had only previously topped out as interim coordinatorsin the NFL, but they’ve been learning on the fly through the first five weeks. Taylor’s greenness was glaringly obvious last week, as he placed the team in precarious positions with his decisions. A questionable fourth-down attempt and play-call in Week 5 aside, Cincinnati’s red zone incompetency is reaching Scott Mitchell-esque levels. Even through the injuries and coaching gaffes, Cincinnati is nine points away from being 3-2. As it so happens, that is the record of the AFC North-leading Ravens, who host these Bengals on Sunday. Cincinnati is looking up to the other three teams from the cellar, but this division still appears to be wide open. Though the Bengals were stomped by Pittsburgh a couple of weeks ago, the Steelers are missing a number of offensive mainstays this year and it shows in the form of their 1-4 record.Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns were crowned Super Bowl champs before a preseason snap was even taken and are teetering on the brink of implosion. If Taylor’s inexperience has been noted, then Freddie Kitchens has been the captain of that ship. And now, Cincinnati can be within two games of the division lead with 12 games remaining at 1-5. They seem to have A.J. Green returning soon, along with others, which could result in a late-season momentum swing. After all, Marvin Lewis had the Bengals knocking at door of a playoff berth in his inaugural season after starting 1-4, so... Yeah.That can’t be how Cincinnati approaches this week, though. It’s about what’s right in front of them and finding something to build upon for the rest of 2019 and into next season. Last year after Lamar Jackson took over at quarterback, Baltimore employed an offense that resembled what could be seen on Friday nights at the local prep academy. Even so, they gouged the Bengals’ defense in Week 11 to the tune of 267 rushing yards. In 2019, the Ravens have upped their offensive game plan and confidence in Jackson, which has led to their top-dog position in the North. Jackson has developed as a passer, tossing 11 touchdowns against five interceptions. Mark Ingram has been a solid offseason acquisition Nick Vigil Jersey , as he’s averaged 5.0 yards per carry and six touchdowns on the ground to supplement the multi-dimensional talents of Jackson. Earl Thomas has also been a nice addition, as the team is 1-1 against their division rivals thus far. Interestingly enough, the Ravens’ trademark defense hasn’t been the dominant unit in which the league has become accustomed. Baltimore is a pedestrian No. 21 overall in defense, including a No. 28 ranking against the pass and 10th against the run. On the other side of the fence, most of the Bengals’ star players who have killed the Ravens over the years are out this week. Cordy Glenn, A.J. Green and Carlos Dunlap are all out this week, contributing to the continuous woes on both sides of the ball in 2019. Because of these absences and others, Andy Dalton has had an up-and-down year. In true Dalton-ian fashion, we’ve seen No. 14 reach a career-high in single game passing yards (418 in Week 1 versus the Seahawks), as well as a career-low in first half passing yards against the Cardinals last Sunday (22). Some are calling for Ryan Finley to get looks, as the season seems to be lost, but this is a year where the Bengals are evaluating Dalton’s long-term viability in Taylor’s system. A strong performance against the Ravens, including a win, could go a long way in silencing the critics. Even so, Cincinnati will need to find offensive balance. The Bengals have the 31st-ranked rushing attack this year, which is a bit surprising, given Joe Mixon being the AFC leader in rushing yards last year. But, the Bengals found creases last week, as Mixon had his most rushing yards (93) since Week 17 of last year. He’ll need to have some semblance of success this Sunday, if Cincinnati is to have a snowball’s chance in you-know-where. There really isn’t one facet that points to the Bengals this week, hence their being 12-point underdogs. It’s so grim in Cincinnati that they’re down to their fourth and fifth options at left tackle (Alex Redmond and John Jerry—both guards throughout their respective NFL careers) and even the kicking game disparity shows a massive talent chasm between the two teams this year. Coming into this week, Cincinnati is 2-14 over their last 16 contests. So, unfortunately, there appear to be two groups of unhappy folks this week: those who associate with the Bengals and those who put money on the Ravens to cover the spread. Bengals 20, Ravens 31AC — Getting worse before getting better. You can say the Bengals’ problems started with Marvin Lewis (or more specifically Mike Brown), but their issues went beyond their head coach of 16 seasons.There’s no better time for the organization known for its conservatism and love of continuity to continue deviating miles from their modus operandi than right now, and it appears they’re taking this advice.Under Lewis, the Bengals have dealt with plenty offseason transitions Jake Fisher Jersey , but none will be quite like the one they’re about to undergo. The Bengals have changed their offensive coordinator three times, defensive coordinators four times, and have drafted a quarterback in the first two rounds just twice in Lewis’ 16-year tenure. It’s possible that they do all three within the next four months, perhaps with the exception of drafting a quarterback — but they shouldn’t eliminate that possibility like they did for the last two years.For so long, familiar faces have populated the locker room and sidelines of Paul Brown Stadium along with Lewis. They’ve shared his successes, failures and everything in between with him. But with Lewis’ departure finally coming to fruition, some — if not most — of those players and coaches need to suffer the same fate if the Bengals want to truly move forward. This process has been a few years in the making, but the dial needs to be turned to 11 over the course of the next several weeks. Starting with the coaches, offensive coordinator Bill Lazor has shown his play-calling abilities rest somewhere between Ken Zampese and Jay Gruden. On a roster that oozes offensive talent and depth, he can produce competent results, but the team can do much better than him. Lazor has been interviewed for the head coaching gig as an in-house candidate, but he wasn’t the only one.Hue Jackson, perhaps more than anybody in this article, needs to be following Lewis out of the door. Jackson will also be interviewed for Lewis’ job, but he proved that he is not capable of leading an NFL franchise. Jackson and Lewis are obviously close friends, but Cincinnati would be best to part ways with him for good right now, while Jackson’s one connection has been terminated. Special teams coordinator Darrin Simmons is the third and final in-house interviewee and could prove to showcase his leadership skills with increased power, but they need to be thinking bigger. Simmons can keep his job though, no one would complain about that. But would he be able to do so under a brand new management?An out-of-house hiring no only needs to happen in Cincinnati, but he needs to be given the same power Lewis has accumulated for so many years. If the choice comes between promoting an assistant under Lewis and bringing in a new face that would likely purge the remaining staff for his own preferred coaches, then there isn’t a choice at all.Of course, the coaches shouldn’t be the only ones worried.Lewis was a player’s coach, there’s no denying that. Throughout the years he’s developed countless close relationships with players that he watched grow up before his own eyes. A good number of those players have established long careers in Cincinnati, or seemed to find their way back to Lewis’ Bengals after previously leaving. Sometimes this was an advantage to the team, other times it was a detriment. The vast majority of those players that have overstayed their welcome or received one-too many contracts to come back are gone or retired now, but there remains some notable players that could still play for the new coach in 2019. The defense is where we’ll find most of these players.10-year veteran Michael Johnson has played more games under Lewis than any other current Bengal (aside from specialists Kevin Huber and Clark Harris) and will become a free agent once more in 2019. He has developed into a quality defensive end, but his days of playing are winding down rapidly. He deserves all the respect in the world, but it’s time to move on for good.The linebacker position could see a mass exodus this offseason as well Tyler Kroft Jersey , and rightfully so. Vincent Rey hasn’t the number of career starts as Johnson, but should be equally respected for the way he’s composed himself. Hardy Nickerson, the son of a former player who played under Lewis back in the 90s, isn’t good enough to warrant a roster spot and like Jackson, he has no pull now that Lewis is gone.Vontaze Burfict of course is the primary focal point of this group, and his connection with Lewis cannot be understated. Burfict’s antics were tolerated under Lewis’ reign, but would they under a different coach? Even beyond his extra-curricular activities, Burfict’s concussions are the more pressing issues for him and they may just be enough to prohibit him from playing under his pricey contract, at least that’s how the new coach could look at it.Then, there’s Andy Dalton.The new coach will have a huge impact on the Bengals’ potential progression, but Dalton is still Dalton, and they’ll ultimately go as far as he takes them. There’s no need to deny the fact that Dalton has earned respect as an NFL starter, just like his clear limitations are just as obvious. The eight-year veteran will turn 32 next season, and over the past several years, he’s exemplified the threshold between a franchise quarterback, and a replaceable starter.When all the pieces were in place, Dalton performed well; when some pieces were taken out, he struggled accordingly. A new coach who doesn’t inherit a quarterback with multiple years left on his rookie contract will typically try to bring in one of his own sooner rather than later. Dalton’s contract doesn’t expire until the conclusion of the 2020 season, but he can now be cut without any cap penalties. Without a true heir on the roster (Jeff Driskel ain’t it), it’s more likely that the team will plan on keeping Dalton for as long as he’s the best option at the position. But that shouldn’t be for long. Is he safe for now? Yes. But as soon as the new coach gets settled in with his staff, he should be looking at future replacements immediately. No longer should the Bengals be solely focused on building around Dalton, they need to be thinking about the future beyond him.From a macro-perspective, the Bengals have a handful of foundation pieces that will help the transition to leadership. But the franchise will not be able to completely move on from the Marvin Lewis era until the numerous names that have long been associated with him are out of the picture. The Bengals’ organization needs a fresh start, not a re-tool — and they can’t do the latter anymore with Lewis gone.

DALLAS (11-6) at LOS ANGELES RAMS (13-3)Saturday Bobby Evans Jersey nfl draft , 8:15 p.m. ET, FoxOPENING LINE — Rams by 7 1/2Article continues below ...RECORD VS. SPREAD — Dallas 9-7-1, Los Angeles 7-7-2SERIES RECORD — Cowboys lead 17-16LAST MEETING — Rams beat Cowboys, 35-30, Oct. 1, 2017LAST WEEK — Cowboys beat Seahawks, 24-22; Rams had bye, beat 49ers 48-32 on Dec. 30AP PRO32 RANKING — Cowboys No. 11, Rams No. 2COWBOYS OFFENSE — OVERALL (22) Bobby Evans Los Angeles Rams Jerseys , RUSH (10), PASS (23).COWBOYS DEFENSE — OVERALL (7), RUSH (5), PASS (13).RAMS OFFENSE — OVERALL (2), RUSH (3), PASS (5).RAMS DEFENSE — OVERALL (19), RUSH (23), PASS (14).STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES – These NFC mainstays’ first playoff meeting since January 1986 in Anaheim Los Angeles Rams Jerseys Stitched , when Eric Dickerson rushed for 248 yards and two TDs in 20-0 win for Rams. Franchises have split eight postseason games. Rams are most frequent playoff opponent for Dallas. … Cowboys hold training camp in Southern California and have huge local fan base, as America’s Team does everywhere. … Two elite running backs showcased. Dallas’ Ezekiel Elliott won second NFL rushing title, while LA’s All-Pro Todd Gurley led league in TDs and finished third in rushing race. … Rams All-Pro DT Aaron Donald led NFL with 20 1-2 sacks, nearly twice as many as Cowboys leader Demarcus Lawrence’s 10 1-2. Rams had 41 team sacks to Cowboys’ 39, yet Rams had 97 more sack yards. … Rams finished third in NFL with 18 interceptions. Cowboys were 26th with just nine, fewest among playoff teams. … Rams defensive coordinator Wade Phillips was Cowboys’ head coach from 2007-10, going 1-2 in playoffs. Veteran defensive mastermind still speaks fondly of Dallas, stays in touch with Jerry Jones. … Cowboys haven’t won playoff game on road since January 1993. … Cowboys haven’t won two playoff games in same season since 1995-96 on the way to last Super Bowl title. Dallas beat Seattle last week in wild-card round. … Cowboys are on five-game losing streak in divisional playoff round. … Dallas’ next playoff victory will be 36th, tying Pittsburgh for most in NFL history. Patriots enter weekend with 34. … Win over Seahawks was Dallas’ 62nd playoff game Bobby Evans Jersey nfl draft , passing Steelers for most in NFL history. … QB Dak Prescott hurt Seahawks on ground, rushing for three first downs in fourth quarter and plunging for winning TD. Rams could be similarly vulnerable with subpar rushing defense. … Cowboys punt returner Tavon Austin spent first five NFL seasons with Rams as first-round pick. He was LA’s leading receiver in 2016, but used largely as ball carrier by coach Sean McVay last season when he couldn’t crack starting receiver group. Traded to Dallas in April. … Rams haven’t won playoff game since 2004-05 season. … Rams finished tied for NFL’s best record at 13-3 after winning second straight NFC West title, earning bye. … LA is second team in NFL history to host playoff game in temporary stadium, and first to do it in back-to-back seasons. … McVay seeking first career playoff victory at 32 years old. He’s led LA to 24 wins in two transformative seasons. … Rams are averaging 32.8 points per game against NFC East opponents under McVay. … Rams went 7-1 at Coliseum this season, losing only to Philadelphia. … LA led NFC with 421.1 yards and 32.9 points per game. … Gurley expected to play first game in four weeks. He sat out final two regular-season games to rest injured knee, seeks his first career playoff victory. So does QB Jared Goff, who finished fourth in NFL with 4,688 yards passing to earn Pro Bowl selection. … Backup Rams RB C.J. Anderson rushed for 299 yards in two games with Gurley out. McVay expected to use both backs. … Donald also led NFL with 25 tackles for loss in self-described best season. Was only unanimous selection for All-Pro team. … First playoff game with Rams for veterans CB Aqib Talib Bobby Evans black jersey , CB Marcus Peters, DT Ndamukong Suh. Talib has two career interceptions against Cowboys, returning one 103 yards for TD in 2017. Plenty of scoring and close games are good for business in the NFL.Teams are scoring at a record pace. The number of points (4,489), touchdowns (504) and touchdown passes (328) are the most in league history through six weeks.And, games are coming down to the end.Sixty-nine percent of all games (64 of 93) have been within one score in the fourth quarter. A total of 54 games have been decided by one score — eight points or less. That's tied for the most in league history at this point. There have been 28 games decided by three points or fewer, second-most at this point. At least one game has reached overtime the first six weeks for the first time since extra time was instituted in 1974."I don't think there has been a better time to be an NFL fan," Commissioner Roger Goodell said Wednesday. "The quality of the games and the enjoyment that comes with that, I hear it from the fans all the time — that is No. 1 for them. From our standpoint Bobby Evans Jersey Mens , we look at this as a great moment for us, the tremendous growth and the tremendous popularity of our game."One of the key factors contributing to the scoring output is the emphasis on calling defensive holding penalties. The total is up to 36 from 11 through six weeks last season. The increase in roughing-the-passer penalties and eliminating use of the helmet to initiate hits are also important factors.League officials also point to an influx of talented young quarterbacks. However, scoring could taper off once defenses make adjustments and weather could affect games later in the season.Here's a look inside more numbers going into Week 7:MORE THIELEN: Vikings receiver Adam Thielen has at least 100 yards receiving in each of Minnesota's first six games this season. Only Charley Hennigan had more with seven in 1961 for Houston. Thielen's 58 catches lead the NFL and he's on pace for 155 receptions.BREEZING UP: Drew Brees broke Peyton Manning's career record for yards passing last week and now is one TD pass away from joining Manning (539), Brett Favre (508) and Tom Brady (501) in the 500 TD club. The Saints visit the Ravens on Sunday.CHASING LT: Rams running back Todd Gurley has 11 TDs rushing and receiving. He's on pace for 29. Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson set the record with 31 in 2006 for the Chargers.THE KICKING GOAT: Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri is 10 points away from breaking Morten Anderson's scoring record. Anderson had 2,544 points on 565 field goals and 849 extra points. Vinatieri has 2,535 points and already broke Anderson's record for most field goals. He's at 570 and counting.PAT'S STATS: Patrick Mahomes has 18 TD passes in his first seven career games. Only Kurt Warner (21) and Deshaun Watson (20) had more through eight.BIG PLAY TY: Mahomes' teammate on the Chiefs, wide receiver Tyreek Hill, already has 14 career TDs of 50 yards or more. Only Gale Sayers (16) and Randy Moss (15) had more before age 25.

The Boston Red Sox are celebrating their football neighbors today White Sony Michel Jerseys , but several key Patriots faces won’t be there.According to Phil Perry of NBCSportsBoston.com, owner Robert Kraft, coach Bill Belichick, and quarterback Tom Brady won’t be present when the Patriots are honored at today’s celebration at Fenway Park.Both teams are celebrating titles (pity the long-suffering Boston sports fans, who have to wait three months between championships), but at least for Kraft, it’s time to lay low after charges of solicitation of prostitution emerged.Their offseason program doesn’t start until next week Sony Michel Jerseys 2019 , so it’s unclear how many players will be there. But retired tight end Rob Gronkowski said he’d be there (he would not miss a good party), along with cornerback Stephon Gilmore. Lawrence is an athletic defensive tackle in the mold of Vince Wilfork who can not only play right away, but also succeed Lawrence Guy as the main DT on the team."WhitePatriots News Opinion and Analysis Contribute! FanPostsFanShotsAbout the Site List of Patriots Twitter AccountsWrite For Pats Pulpit!New User Welcome and Commenting GuideCommunity GuidelinesMastheadTopics Patriots Off-Season CoveragePatriots Opinion/AnalysisPatriots NewsPatriots Draft CoverageSportfolio ManagementTop 10 Patriots Draft Fits #4: Clemson DT Dexter LawrenceNew,56commentsLawrence is an athletic defensive tackle in the mold of Vince Wilfork who can not only play right away, but also succeed Lawrence Guy as the main DT on the team.EDTShareTweetShareShareTop 10 Patriots Draft Fits #4: Clemson DT Dexter LawrenceThomas J. Russo-USA TODAY SportsThe Patriots are mostly set with the DT position as they’ve got 3 solid rotational players in Lawrence Guy, Mike Pennel, and Adam Butler. Guy and Pennel are more early down run stuffers with moderate pass rush upside whereas Butler is better at pushing the pocket than anchoring against the run. This year’s draft has a handful of solid DT prospects the Patriots should have a chance on Byron Cowart Jersey Boys , with only Quinnen Williams, Ed Oliver, Christian Wilkins, and Jerry Tillery likely being off the board before the Patriots pick at 32. One player that was once considered a Top 10 prospect before the previous college season that could be available is Wilkins’ Clemson teammate in Dexter Lawrence.Combine DataHeight: 6’4”Weight: 342Arm: 34 3/4” 40: 5.05StrengthsCan play almost any interior DL position1 and 2-gap versatilityFreak athleteStrong anchor vs. runVirtually unblockable in 1-on-1 situationsDisruptive rusher by collapsing the pocket WeaknessesHas out-athleted every one to this point, technique will need workMore of a disruptor than playmakerGets a bit lazy at timesReasons Why the Patriots Will Draft HimPatriots haven’t had an athlete on their DL like this since taking Vince Wilfork 21st overall in the 2004 draft. Lawrence profiles very similar to Big Vince, who fell out of the top 10 and right into the Patriots laps that year. Lawrence being more of a disruptor than playmaker may allow for some teams to pass on him (their mistake) and the Patriots to target Lawrence in the early to mid 20s as a potential trade up target. Even if Lawrence isn’t going to make enough plays to be a defensive player of the year candidate, his skill set strongly profiles for what the Patriots want in their interior defensive linemen. Reasons Why the Patriots Will Not Draft HimSimply not being available is the biggest reason I can think of. If Lawrence is available when the Patriots are on the board White Duke Dawson Jerseys , I think they pull the trigger on him regardless of other needs. Another thing to note is also the Patriots don’t necessarily have to prioritize a DT in the first round either given the team is 3-deep at the position although an injury makes the position rather thin as well. Lawrence also was barred from college postseason play in 2018 after testing positive for ostarine, a known PED, although he denies knowingly taking the substance. Who He Needs to Beat Out: Frank Herron, David Parry, Keionta DavisThere isn’t much competition for Lawrence if we’re talking about the 4th DT in the rotation behind Guy, Pennel, and Butler. Lawrence would already be the most talented player in the room.Rookie Year ProjectionLawrence would be able to play right away as a major factor in the Patriots DT rotation. Lawrence should also be leaning on Guy and Pennel as two players who were late round picks that had to fight for every opportunity they got and ultimately cashing in with New England. Lawrence should see roughly 30-40% snaps as a rookie barring injuries. Long Term ProjectionLawrence will eventually work his way to being the top DT in the rotation by the end of Year 2 Duke Dawson Jerseys 2019 , which is when Guy, Pennel, and Butler are all about to hit free agency. His size and strength would make him a tough guy to double up and beat in the run game. Grade: 5/5 Day 1 StarterRound: 1st

Texans receiver Will Fuller has a torn knee ligament and will miss the rest of the season Ibraheim Campbell Jersey , a big blow to a team that has won five in a row and is coming off a high-scoring victory.He was injured during the fourth quarter Thursday night against Miami when he became entangled with a defender and tumbled to the ground.Coach Bill O'Brien said Friday he doesn't know when Fuller will have surgery to repair the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee."I'm very disappointed for Will because Will's a great guy," O'Brien said. "He's really been playing at a high level."Fuller had a season-high 124 yards receiving with a 73-yard touchdown on Thursday before the injury. He had 503 yards receiving and four touchdowns in seven games this season. The third-year player was a first-round pick in 2016.The Texans ran up a season-high 42 points against the Dolphins and have recovered from their 0-3 start to the season. At 5-3, they are leading the AFC South."If you go through every team, everybody's dealing with injuries," O'Brien said. "It's such a cliche, but the coaching staff, the players, we all have to pitch in and figure it out and figure out how we're going to construct the offense. And maybe some things will be the same and maybe some things will be a little bit different."The loss of Fuller is the latest setback for a team which played without receiver Keke Coutee on Thursday night. The rookie, a fourth-round pick Bradley Roby Jersey White , injured his hamstring last Sunday against Jacksonville after missing the first three games of the season with a different hamstring injury.Since Houston doesn't play again until a trip to Denver on Nov. 4, there is a possibility that Coutee will be healthy by then."We'll see where he's at ... he's a guy who had been playing well for us, and hopefully he can come back at some point," O'Brien said.Coutee has 21 receptions for 196 yards and a touchdown this season."Keke's a very versatile guy," O'Brien said. "You've seen us put him in the backfield. He's played on the outside and obviously he plays on the inside. So he's got versatility. A little bit different than Will, no doubt about it. Every guy's different. But he does a lot of (good) things."With Fuller out, the Texans could look for increased production from Sammie Coates and Vyncint Smith or get their running backs and tight ends more involved in the passing game.O'Brien also didn't rule out the possibility of the Texans signing a player to help fill in."I know there's guys in the locker room that can do certain things," O'Brien said. "Obviously if they could do them like Will, they would have been out there like Will. But there's definitely guys who can do some things. We've got a lot of good players in that locker room." Deshaun Watson matched his career high with five touchdown passes to lead the Houston Texans to their fifth straight victory Corey Moore Jersey White , 42-23 over the Miami Dolphins on Thursday night.The Texans (5-3) have left their 0-3 start behind with their longest single-season winning streak since reeling off six victories in a row in 2012.Watson threw touchdown passes of 13, 2, 73, 49 and 2 yards to give him 34 career scoring passes to move ahead of Dan Marino (32) for second-most through in NFL history after 15 games.Miami’s Brock Osweiler, who had one tough season in Houston after signing a $72 million contract in 2016, threw for 241 yards with an interception in his third straight start in place of injured starter Ryan Tannehill.Kenyan Drake had a touchdown run and touchdown reception for the Dolphins (4-4). They lost for the second straight week.Rookie Jordan Thomas caught the first two touchdown passes of his career, DeAndre Hopkins had 82 yards receiving and two scores and Will Fuller added 124-yards receiving and a touchdown.Texans running back Lamar Miller, who grew up in Miami and spent his first four seasons with the Dolphins, had 133 yards rushing and a touchdown for his second straight 100-yard game.Houston led by 8 when Watson threw a 49-yard touchdown pass to Hopkins on the first play of the fourth quarter to make it 35-20.Watson found the speedy Fuller in front of the defense for a 73-yard touchdown that left Houston up 28-17 late in the third quarter. It was the longest touchdown pass of Watson’s career and the longest reception of Fuller’s. Fuller has caught 11 touchdown passes in 11 career games with Watson.The Dolphins used a 41-yard field goal to cut the lead to 28-20 with less than a minute left in the third quarter. That score came after a drive featuring a crazy 46-yard pass by Osweiler . He threw the ball to Jakeem Grant Womens Greg Mancz Jersey , who lost it after being hit by two Texans defenders, but it sailed down the field and into the hands of DeVante Parker for the big gain.A 58-yard run by Miller got the Texans to the 9-yard line early in the third quarter. Houston extended the lead to 21-10 when Watson found Thomas again, this time on a 2-yard pass.The Dolphins used some trickery later in the third quarter when Osweiler pitched a lateral to Danny Amendola, who threw a 28-yard touchdown pass to Drake to cut the lead to 21-17.Hopkins scored his second touchdown on a 2-yard reception with about eight minutes left in the fourth quarter, but his most impressive play of the night came on a catch that didn’t count. Hopkins reached back and grabbed the ball with one hand and weaved it between his legs in the air before crashing to the ground. But it was brought back after he was called for pass interference.INJURIESHouston CB Johnathan Joseph injured his ankle in the first quarter and didn’t return. … ILB Zach Cunningham left in the first quarter with a knee injury and didn’t return. … Fuller left the game after injuring his knee in the fourth quarter.ANTHEMMiami defensive end Robert Quinn again raised his right fist during the anthem as he has done in past weeks.UP NEXTDolphins: Host the New York Jets on Nov. 4.Texans: Visit Denver on Nov. 4.

It may have taken the Cincinnati Bengals a while to find a defensive coordinator for new head coach Zac Taylor Womens Jake Fisher Jersey , but the rest of the coaching staff is now rounding into form.The team announced on Thursday the hiring of Nick Eason (defensive line), Tem Lukabu (linebackers), Brad Kragthorpe (offensive assistant) Womens Carl Lawson Jersey , and Jordan Kovacs (defensive quality control) to their coaching staff with Todd Hunt and Garrett Swanson joining the team as assistant strength and conditioning coaches.All six coaches come to the Bengals from positions in college football, though Eason and Lukabu have prior NFL coaching experience.Eason spent 2018 at Austin Peay University and had accepted a job at Vanderbilt for 2019 before joining the Bengals. He previously spent four years with the Tennessee Titans as a defensive line coach from 2014-17.Lukabu was the linebackers coach at Mississippi State last season. He has previously served as a defensive quality control coach with the San Francisco 49ers (2016-17) and defensive assistant with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2012-13).Kragthorpe was an offensive coaching analyst at LSU last season after spending the prior two seasons at Utah State.Kovacs was a graduate assistant under Jim Harbaugh at Michigan the last two seasons. He played three seasons for the Miami Dolphins at safety (2013-15).Hunt and Swanson come to the Bengals after being with the University of Illinois. Defensive coordinator Paul Guenther was the loudest voice in favor of bringing linebacker Vontaze Burfict to the Raiders this offseason and he believes Burfict will “resurrect his career” in Oakland.Proof of that will have to wait until September, but Burfict’s presence is paying off in one way already. He played for Guenther in Cincinnati and has been using that experience to aid teammates as they learn a defense that the linebacker calls “kind of complicated.”“It helps a lot having a guy that is extremely familiar with the scheme for the most part of his career http://www.thebengalslockerroom.com/authentic-kevin-huber-jersey ,” linebacker Tahir Whitehead said, via NBCSportsBayArea.com. “Six years he was in the system. Being in the system for that length of time, you know the nuances of the defense and all of the checks http://www.thebengalslockerroom.com/authentic-randy-bullock-jersey , all of the calls and just having Vontaze has definitely been a huge help.”Guenther said last year’s defense was lacking “a quarterback that you’ve coached in there so you can get in and out of calls at the line of scrimmage.” He believes Burfict can fill that role, although he’ll need to be on the field more often — 36 missed games over the last five years — in order for it to make a real difference.