It only looks like parity.

Consider it an April tradition: A new postseason Jonathan Quick Jersey , a new No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. This time, it’s Toronto doing the honors – the Raptors‘ win over Indiana on Friday makes them the seventh different club in the past seven years to get the top line on the East bracket, following Chicago, Miami, Indiana, Atlanta, Cleveland and Boston.

It’s an unprecedented run of top-seed diversity for the NBA, at least since the league started seeding by conference in 1973.

Of course, those top seeds usually find out that finishing ahead of LeBron James in April is much easier than ousting him in May.

”Listen, it doesn’t matter to me if I’m a 6 seed, or a 3 seed, or a 2 seed, or an 8 seed,” James said. ”If I come into your building for a Game 1, it will be very challenging.”

So make no mistake, the East still goes through James.

He is trying to reach the NBA Finals for the eighth consecutive season. James’ teams are 24-2 in East series as the higher seed, 6-2 in East series as the lower seed. And while the Raptors will be the favorites, there will be a certain amount of skepticism until someone knocks James off his perch atop the conference.

”What he does in a playoff series is very unique,” Atlanta coach Mike Budenholzer said.

It’s been almost predetermined for the past few years, regardless of who’s seeded where, that James’ team would be the one winning the East.

But this year, it might not be so simple.

”You’ve got to go through whoever it is anyway Christian Dvorak Jersey ,” Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue said.

The Raptors are enjoying their best season in history, with a franchise-record 57 wins and counting and now knowing that the road for anyone to win the Eastern Conference title will go through Canada. But while the Raptors haven’t exactly been sprinting across the finish line there have been some teams hitting their best stride, namely Cleveland and Philadelphia.

And when the East bracket is set, the Raptors know plenty of pundits won’t be penciling them in for a trip to the NBA Finals, even with the knowledge that Kyrie Irving – who has had some incredible playoff moments with James and Cleveland in recent years – won’t be playing for Boston in these playoffs because of knee surgery.

”We really just have to maintain focus on ourselves and not worry about who says this, that, what happens,” Toronto guard Kyle Lowry said. ”All we can do is focus on our team, our organization and the things that we do. We don’t really care to be talked about. We just go out there and have to prove what we need to prove.”

Thing is, in the East this year and with all due respect to the way James has been playing of late – so well, he has said he would vote for himself as the league MVP – it’s hard to envision any team being fearful of any other.

With the exception of Milwaukee, which was swept 3-0 by Miami, every team in the East has beaten every other playoff team in their conference at least once during this regular season. The Cavaliers are 15-10 against the other East playoff-bound clubs; the Bucks are 9-16 and the 76ers are 10-16 against the other East qualifiers.

Everyone else falls somewhere in the middle.

”Eastern Conference basketball,” Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said, ”it’s the height of competition.”

The West seems much easier to forecast.

Houston has separated itself from everyone, and Golden State – which has been decimated by injuries, but is hopeful of having Stephen Curry back by the second round – is probably still going to be thought of by many as no worse than a co-favorite to reach the NBA Finals for the fourth consecutive time.

The East probably has more teams capable of reaching The Finals.

But beating James four times is not going to be easy for any of them, regardless of home-court advantage.

”Toronto’s having a heck of a year, (so is) Boston and everything they’re doing with a lot of injuries themselves, and I think some of the teams in the middle and back of the pack are interesting,” Budenholzer said. ”But until somebody beats whatever team LeBron’s playing for, it always feels like the team that he’s playing for is the team to beat in the East.”

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Head coaching changes get the most attention Alex Killorn Jersey Kids , and new guys normally decide who their coordinators will be.

For 2018, most offensive coordinator alterations came from incumbent coaches.

Some former coordinators moved up: Matt Nagy from Kansas City to Chicago, Pat Shurmur from Minnesota to the New York Giants. Some OCs were canned: Pittsburgh’s Todd Haley, who landed in Cleveland; Mike Shula, going from the Panthers to the Giants. Others are returning to familiar ground: Joe Philbin in Green Bay, Greg Olson in Oakland.

Many simply got promoted.

Here are six intriguing new offensive coordinators:

Todd Haley, Cleveland – A former head coach with the Chiefs who spent the past six seasons in a love/hate relationship with Ben Roethlisberger in Pittsburgh, Haley faces a whole new set of challenges with the Browns.

Sure, he and Roethlisberger often quarreled, but they also won lots of games with a potent, dynamic attack. If you have a short memory, let us fill you in: Cleveland has won a single game, in total, over the past two seasons. Its offense has ranged from anemic to putrid.

So Haley steps in with the charge of grooming (or pushing rapidly) the first overall draft pick, Baker Mayfield, as the starting quarterback. The head man in Cleveland, Hue Jackson, also has a background on offense and some ideas of his own on how to move the ball. Of course, Jackson also has that 1-31 record.

”That is what appealed to me – the challenge and the people I was going to be working alongside of,” Haley said when hired.

Best of luck, Todd.

Norv Turner, Carolina – One of the most successful OCs in NFL history – not so much as a head coach Youth Pavel Zacha Jersey , with a 114-122-1 record – Turner tries to re-establish Cam Newton as an elite passer. Newton remains a dangerous runner and creator, but he’s never developed the fundamentals to be a true pocket passer, and as he gets later into his career, the 2015 league MVP needs those basics in his repertoire.

Turner has been an effective QB whisperer for decades, going back to helping Troy Aikman become a Hall of Famer. Turner has a strong relationship with Panthers coach Ron Rivera, and will get lots of leeway in running the offense, particularly in resurrecting the deep passing game.

”I think Cam gets that Norv is here to help,” Rivera said.

John DeFilippo, Minnesota – DeFilippo moves from the Eagles, where he masterfully helped Carson Wentz reach prominence, then was of immeasurable aid for Nick Foles in the Super Bowl run. DeFilippo was handed an expensive bauble, too.

The Vikings signed Kirk Cousins to the largest guaranteed contract in NFL history after discarding their three quarterbacks of 2018, including Case Keenum, who helped Minnesota reach the conference title game. With short-term 2018 sensation Dalvin Cook returning to the backfield, a solid and deep receiving group and a strong line, expectations in the Twin Cities are for the Vikes to take that next huge step.

”He’s been a great communicator, and I love his passion for the game,” Cousins said of DeFilippo.

Joe Philbin, Green Bay – From 2007-11, with the transition from Brett Favre to Aaron Rodgers a part of it, Philbin was the Packers OC. The team’s success, including a Super Bowl title Scott Laughton Jersey , got him the head job in Miami, where he went 24-28.

Following two seasons working in Indianapolis with the offensive line, Philbin Part 2 begins on the tundra.

Rodgers has been somewhat vocal about changes in Green Bay that didn’t quite meet his approval. So the symbiosis between A-Rod and Philbin will be critical.

”Change can be really good … any time you’re in a situation where you’ve had the same type of things going on for a number of years, it’s nice to change it up in some positions, yeah,” Rodgers said.

Matt LaFleur, Tennessee – LaFleur rapidly has gone from QB coach in Atlanta – Matt Ryan had his MVP season with LaFleur on hand two years ago – to overseeing the Rams‘ offensive turnaround. Having such success with Jared Goff and Todd Gurley in LA, he heads to Nashville, where the passing game has been dormant.

If Marcus Mariota is to become a franchise quarterback, it must happen soon. LaFleur doesn’t have a lot to work with in Music City, but he didn’t seem to in SoCal either. And unlike with the Rams, where coach Sean McVay called many plays, the offense is LaFleur’s baby now.

”This is something when you get into the coaching profession, you’re always looking for the next step,” LaFleur said.

Randy Fichtner, Pittsburgh – Roethlisberger should have a more peaceful co-existence with Fichtner, and the offensive tempo figures to speed up.

This should be the best attack in the AFC, anchored by RB Le’Veon Bell and WR Antonio Brown. Fichtner needs to ensure it is close to the top given the question marks on defense.

”He knows what we do well,” Brown said. ”He knows some things we can work on and some things that (we can do) better. But we’re in great hands with him.”

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A county medical examiner says Minnesota Vikings offensive line coach Tony Sparano died of heart disease.

The Hennepin County medical examiner’s office said Monday that the 56-year-old Sparano died of arteriosclerotic heart disease Jeff Skinner Jersey , or hardening of the arteries. The manner of death is listed as natural.

Sparano died Sunday in Eden Prairie, a Minneapolis suburb. He had been the Vikings’ offensive line coach since 2016.

Sparano began his NFL coaching career in 1999 and had stints as a head coach with the Miami Dolphins and Oakland Raiders.

He was the Dolphins’ head coach from 2008-11 and went 29-32. He went 11-5 and won the AFC East in his first season with Miami.

Sparano also spent time with the Browns, Redskins Alex Pietrangelo Jersey Kids , Jaguars, Cowboys and 49ers.

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The Browns wanted Nick Foles, offering the 35th overall pick to the Eagles for the Super Bowl LII MVP Nathan MacKinnon Jersey , Mike Silver of NFL Media reports. The Eagles presented the deal to Foles, who said he would prefer to remain in Philadelphia.

That started the dominoes falling another way.

The Eagles reworked Foles’ deal, giving him a $2 million bonus and incentives that allow him to earn up to $14 million. He also now has a mutual option to remain in Philadelphia in 2019.

The spurned Browns turned to Plan B Phillip Danault Jersey , sending a third-round pick to the Bills for Tyrod Taylor. Cleveland then drafted Baker Mayfield with the No. 1 overall choice.

The Eagles still could trade Foles before the October 30 deadline if Carson Wentz has returned to form. Philadelphia’s starting quarterback was on the practice field Tuesday, although he didn’t participate in team activities as he continues to rehab his left knee.

Wentz’s goal is to start the September 6 season opener against the Falcons.

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Five days after the NFL tried to solve the anthem issue Bryan Little Jersey , it continues to be obvious that the NFL found a way to make things worse.

Already, two members of Congress on opposite sides of the anthem debate have chastised the NFL for its decision.

On Saturday, New York Representative Peter King complained about Jets CEO Christopher Johnson’s decision to foot the bill for any fines imposed on players who protest in violation of the new rule, which requires players unwilling to stand to stay in the locker room. Now, Minnesota Representative Keith Ellison has declared that he will ignore the NFL for stifling the players’ right to protest.

“Friends who know me, know that I love football,” Ellison said on Twitter, via TheHill.com. “But I won鈥檛 be watching this NFL season because of the unfair cowardly and idiotic kneeling ban. #BoycottNFL.”

And so it will likely continue, with those opposed to the protests finding fault with certain aspects of the NFL’s new anthem policy and those who support the right to protest finding fault with other aspects of the NFL new anthem policy. As NFL P.R. gaffes go Youth Corey Crawford Jersey , this one could ending up being one of the worst in recent years, and that’s saying something.

Police acknowledged Tuesday that a woman was assaulted during a home invasion at a suburban Atlanta house owned by NFL star LeSean McCoy, hours after graphic posts on social media accused the Buffalo Bills running back of bloodying his former girlfriend.

One female was treated and released from the hospital, while another sustained a minor injury during a targeted invasion early Tuesday, Milton police said in a release responding to requests by The Associated Press.

McCoy denied allegations posted on social media earlier in the day accusing him of hurting his former girlfriend.

”For the record, the totally baseless and offensive claims made against me today on social media are completely false,” McCoy said in a statement released on two of his social media accounts. ”Further more, I have not had any direct contact with any of the people involved in months.”

McCoy was responding to an Instagram post from a person who said she is friends with the injured woman. The post showed a graphic photo of the former girlfriend and accused McCoy of physically abusing her, his son and his dog Youth Brandon Carlo Jersey , as well as injecting steroids.

The woman who posted the accusations and the ex-girlfriend have not responded to messages left by The Associated Press, though both Instagram accounts showed pictures of the women together in London during a music festival, with comments on each other’s posts. The AP generally does not identify people who may have been victims of abuse.

Police said it’s not clear how many suspects were involved, but one demanded specific items from one of the women in the home.

Police spokesman Charles Barstow said he could not release any further details.

The Bills issued a statement saying they have been in contact with McCoy and the NFL and will continue gathering information. NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said the league is reviewing the matter.

McCoy turns 30 on Thursday and is preparing to enter his fourth season with the Bills. He spent his first six seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he led the NFL in yards rushing in 2013 before being traded to Buffalo in 2015. He has never been suspended by the NFL for using performance enhancing substances during his nine-year career.

Fulton County Magistrate Court records show that McCoy initiated eviction proceedings against the former girlfriend in July 2017, saying that the pair were no longer in a relationship.

Court records show two attempts to serve the former girlfriend with the document but no other action. Eviction paperwork was filed again last month with McCoy listed as the plaintiff and the woman and ”and all others” listed as the defendant.

The sworn statement to initiate the proceedings was signed by Tamarcus Porter, who played football with McCoy in college.

Porter was arrested with McCoy following a nightclub brawl involving off-duty police officers in Philadelphia in February 2016. No charges were filed after prosecutors said they could not prove who initiated the fight in which two officers were injured.

The sworn statement signed by Porter said McCoy is the owner of the house and that his ex-girlfriend was refusing to leave.

No attorney for McCoy is listed in court records for the June 6 filing.

The former girlfriend challenged the eviction June 22, saying she had been in a relationship with McCoy for at least two years and that she and her children have lived with McCoy at his house since October 2016, according to a motion filed by her lawyer.

A hearing on the woman’s motion had been scheduled for Tuesday afternoon Mario Lemieux Jersey , but her attorney requested a delay because of a family emergency. The judge issued an order resetting the case 30 days.

McCoy discussed marriage with her over Memorial Day and, on May 29, gave her ”a substantial gift,” the motion says. McCoy left Georgia the next day and had not returned, the motion says.

The woman went to Virginia on May 31 to attend her sister’s graduation. While she was gone, on June 1, McCoy had some of his friends, family members and others remove her furniture and furnishings without her knowledge, the motion says.

The woman saw this happening through security cameras that she could monitor on her cellphone and called the police Anders Lee Jersey , the motion says. The police stopped the removal.

The eviction papers were served on the woman’s 16-year-old son on June 11.

The woman’s lawyer argues that serving the eviction papers on a minor was improper and invalid and the proceedings should be quashed. The lawyer also argues that since Porter is not an attorney, the case should be dismissed.

The woman’s attorney claims the eviction action was ”completely falsified” by Porter, that McCoy never asked her or her children to leave the home. The last time the pair spoke was on June 1, when McCoy said he was going to meet the woman in Virginia for her sister’s graduation.

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Associated Press Writer Kate Brumback in Atlanta contributed to this report.

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Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis backed away from plans to retire after the 2018 season this spring and said in June that he is “very open to the possibility” of playing another year in 2019.

As it turns out Authentic Dougie Hamilton Jersey , Davis is wide open to the possibility and he’d like to continue as a member of the Panthers. Davis said on Monday that he will be back in 2019 “if the team is willing to have me back.” Davis went on to explain that the four-game suspension he’ll serve to start the year is a major factor in his decision.

“I look at the way things transpired this offseason and think back to, really, my legacy and the things that I’ve been able to do as a football player,” Davis said, via the team’s website. “I don’t want to leave on a sour note. You never want to walk away from the game knowing that you served a four-game suspension. That’s my mindset right now.”

Davis is not under contract for the 2019 season, but his long history with the organization likely means that a healthy and effective 2018 season would probably pave the way for at least one more year in a Panthers uniform.

When Emmanuel Sanders returned from vacation to start the Denver Broncos‘ offseason training program, he went straight to the team store and loved what he saw.

Hanging off the racks were No. 4 Case Keenum jerseys.

For the first time since Peyton Manning’s retirement after Super Bowl 50, the Broncos entered their offseason training program certain of who will be under center after signing Keenum to a two-year, $36 million deal and declaring him the starter.

”I appreciate it, for sure,” Sanders said Wednesday. ”This is the first time in two or three years that I’m not standing up here talking about a quarterback debate. I remember when I got out here Scott Hartnell Jersey , I went out to the team store and I saw Case Keenum jerseys . I was like, `Thank God, I don’t have to deal with that again.’

”Case is our guy. We can go from there. We can work our butts off, try to gain chemistry and try to put up points.”

On the day he signed his contract, Keenum was named the starter by general manager John Elway, who also traded Trevor Siemian, who had beaten Paxton Lynch for the starting quarterback job each of the past two summers, to Minnesota.

After the draft last weekend, Elway reiterated two things about Lynch, whom he traded up to draft in the first round out of Memphis two years ago:

-He still believes he’ll figure things out and become a starting NFL quarterback.

-He’ll have to beat out Chad Kelly this offseason to win the backup job.

If he doesn’t, it would mark the third straight summer that Lynch has failed to beat out a seventh-rounder for a job.

Sanders Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Jersey , who said he’s healthy after being bothered by an ankle injury almost all of last season, is a big fan of Keenum and of the Broncos’ decision to declare him the starter right away.

”He’s a leader,” Sanders said, adding that ”98 percent” of his passes so far have been on target. ”He’s confident in himself. He’s one of those guys that when he steps into the huddle, he’s that leader.

”You don’t have to second-guess what his thought process is. We’re going to complete this ball. We’re going to keep the ball moving. I’m liking what I’m seeing from him so far.”

Sanders and Demaryius Thomas were loath last season to complain about it, but they were clearly affected by the turnstile at quarterback as the Broncos churned through Siemian, Lynch and Brock Osweiler during a 5-11 season.

”You can sit back and say we’re all professional football players and you’ve got to deal with that situation, but at the same time, obviously you can’t gain the same chemistry,” Sanders said.

”You don’t have the same mindset. You have to talk to two different quarterbacks. When you’re going into individual routes, you have to go to one guy and then go with the next guy. You don’t really gain that chemistry. You’re not maximizing the opportunity.

”Now we’re maximizing the opportunity Brock Boeser Jersey , and hopefully it pays off.”

The Broncos also added some talent into their wide receiving depth, replacing free agent departures Cody Latimer and Bennie Fowler III with draft picks Courtland Sutton of SMU and DaeSean Hamilton of Penn State.

Sanders, who also played at SMU, worked out with Sutton over the winter and was delighted when the Broncos picked him in the second round.

At 6-4 and 218 pounds, he’s built like Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas.

”D.T. is big,” Sanders said, but Sutton ”looks like he belongs in the NBA. Working out with him, he has amazing feet. He’s very fluid for being so big. I’m looking forward to getting him in here and just working. Hopefully he can come up with some big plays for us this year.”

At 6-1 and 205 pounds, Hamilton is closer to Sanders’ size – 5-11, 180 – but still bigger.

”I’m going to teach those guys everything that I know,” Sanders said. ”That’s my job.”

Sanders Calvin de Haan Jersey Kids , who is 31 years old and will make $8.25 million this season, said he’s not concerned that the rookies will eventually unseat him.

”That’s going to happen sooner or later,” Sanders said. ”… All I can do is make plays every single day and show that if I become expendable here, just show some other team, hey, look, I still got it. I still got the juice.”

NOTES: The Broncos face a Thursday deadline to exercise OLB Shane Ray’s fifth-year option at more than $9 million, which seems unlikely given that he’s started 15 games in three seasons, missed most of last season with a wrist injury and watched Bradley Chubb fall to Denver with the fifth pick in the last week’s NFL draft.

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The 49ers spent most the preseason playing without running back Jerick McKinnon and it looks like he may be missing some of the regular season as well.

According to multiple reports Nikita Zaitsev Jersey Kids , McKinnon suffered an injury during a team workout on Saturday. The exact nature of the injury isn’t known at this time, but Ian Rapoport of NFL Media called it “concerning” and General Manager John Lynch is expected to speak to reporters once the team’s cuts to 53 players are in.

The 49ers ruled McKinnon out for the preseason after hurting his knee in a mid-August practice. The idea was to have him ready for Week One John Hayden Jersey , but that’s up in the air now.

Alfred Morris was signed after Matt Breida was also hurt this summer and it appears he may be playing a bigger role than expected.

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — The Baltimore Ravens have placed cornerback Stanley Jean-Baptiste and offensive tackle Greg Senat on injured reserve Authentic Daniel Sedin Jersey , ending their 2018 seasons.

Baltimore also put safety DeShon Elliott and defensive back Bennett Jackson on IR as part of a series of moves Friday that trimmed 17 players from the roster.

The final cuts will come Saturday.

Jean-Baptiste broke his arm in Thursday night’s 30-20 preseason victory over Washington. Senat has a foot injury.

Three players are on the physically unable to perform list and 10 were waived, including safety Kai Nacua http://www.officialcoyotes.com/authentic-adidas-clayton-keller-jersey , who returned an interception for a touchdown against the Redskins.

The other cuts: cornerbacks Jackson Porter and Robertson Daniel; offensive linemen Andrew Donnal and Justin Evans; defensive end Christian LaCouture; receiver DeVier Posey; tight end Nick Keizer; linebacker Alvin Jones; and long snapper Trent Sieg.

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David Humm Youth Matthew Tkachuk Jersey , a former star quarterback at Nebraska who had a long career as a backup in the NFL, has died. He was 65.

The Raiders announced Humm's death on Wednesday, calling him a true Raider for his seven years with the team.

Humm had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1988 and was in a wheelchair for more than 20 years. The Las Vegas Review Journal said he died Tuesday night at a hospital in Las Vegas.

Humm was a starter for three seasons at Nebraska, leading the team to top-10 finishes each season. He was a second-team All-American in 1974 when he finished fifth in the voting for the Heisman Trophy.

"I recall that getting Dave to Nebraska was one of the most intense recruiting battles we ever won," retired Nebraska coach Tom Osborne said. "At the time Cam Atkinson Jersey Kids , you could take as many visits as you wanted, and Dave took 12 or 13 visits, including one to Bear Bryant and Alabama."

Humm was a fifth-round draft pick by the Raiders in 1975 and was a backup on Super Bowl-winning teams in the 1976 and 1983 seasons. He played 95 games over 10 seasons with the Raiders, Buffalo and the Colts. He started one game for Baltimore in 1981 and threw for 753 yards in his career.

"Most importantly, Dave was a very good person Justin Faulk Jersey , and in our conversations he always talked about how great his life was despite the circumstances of battling multiple sclerosis for many years," Osborne said. "He was also a great father to his daughter, Courtney."

Humm also was part of the Raiders' radio broadcasts for several years after his career ended.

Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald will be back for a 15th season in 2018 and he said this offseason that he hasn’t come to a decision about whether it will be his last year as a player.

If Fitzgerald does decide to play another year, he’ll need to sign a new contract as his current pact with the Cardinals expires after this season. Life as a free agent doesn’t appear to be in the cards, however. Fitzgerald said on Monday that there won’t be any need for other teams to come up with sales pitches designed to lure him away from Arizona.

“If I’m not playing in Arizona Cory Schneider Jersey , I won’t be playing anywhere,” Fitzgerald said, via the Pioneer Press. “I’ve built a good life for myself down there. Playing in the same place for 15 years is a true blessing.”

With more than 100 catches and 1,000 receiving yards in each of the last three seasons, there’s little sign that Fitzgerald is losing the athletic skills that have made him a star. Assuming that doesn’t change and Fitzgerald avoids major injury Zdeno Chara Jersey , the team’s chances of having a successful 2019 season may wind up looming large in the wideout’s ultimate decision.

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FLORHAM PARK Zack Smith Jersey , N.J. (AP) — Even Broadway Joe thinks the New York Jets might finally have their next franchise quarterback.

Joe Namath met Sam Darnold on the field at MetLife Stadium before the team’s third preseason game and it provided quite the snapshot.

Past meets future — and, maybe, the present.

“I’ve seen Sam perform tonight,” Namath said during the TV broadcast, “better than I’ve seen any rookies I can remember.”

That’s high praise from the only man to quarterback the Jets to a Super Bowl victory.

And that came 50 seasons ago.

The stunning win over the Colts will be celebrated by the team and its fans this year. It’s also a brutal reminder of how long it has been since the Jets were on top of the football world.

Darnold, they hope, can someday end that drought.

“That’s the goal for everyone,” Darnold said a few weeks after being drafted No. 3 overall. “Anything short of that is a failure and we’re aware of that. Everyone is aware of that. Whatever my role is, I’m going to star in that role to work us toward that Super Bowl.”

The former USC star had a solid summer and impressed the coaching staff with his ability to quickly digest the playbook along with his veteran-like presence and approach.

Darnold was given every chance to win the competition that included Josh McCown and Teddy Bridgewater Marc-Andre Fleury Jersey , and he didn’t disappoint. Bridgewater was traded to New Orleans on Wednesday.

“He’s able to take the classroom knowledge and all the stuff he’s studied in the classroom and take it right to the field and execute it,” offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates said. “We’re throwing a lot of football at him and he’s been able to handle it.”

Darnold could become the 31st quarterback to start a game for the Jets since Namath’s last appearance for the franchise in 1976. That’s a lot of searching and a long time waiting.

There’s big-time hope that Darnold is the answer, and that has the Jets and their fans optimistic about this season — and the future.

“He did everything we’ve asked him to do,” coach Todd Bowles said.

Here are some other things to know as the Jets enter the regular season:

WHOSE LINE IS IT?

While all eyes have been on the quarterbacks, the offensive line will be a major focus — no matter who’s calling the plays in the huddle.

The Jets signed center Spencer Long, who’s an upgrade over Wesley Johnson, but the rest of the line is back. And, it remains to be seen if that’s a good thing.

Inconsistency and injuries made for a shaky season, and depth this year could be an issue. Left tackle Kelvin Beachum dealt with an ankle injury most of the summer Womens Derek Dorsett Jersey , and right guard Brian Winters was in and out of the lineup with soreness.

“They’ve got to work together,” Bowles said of the line. “They have to be healthy, obviously, but I feel good about them when they are healthy.”

SEARCH CONTINUES

One of the priorities for the Jets during the offseason was to find a pass-rushing presence, particularly at outside linebacker.

No one emerged during training camp, and that could be something general manager Mike Maccagnan tries to address as the season goes along.

Leonard Williams is perhaps New York’s best overall player, but even he had only two sacks last season — although he racked up 28 quarterback hits. He needs help, though, and that means the likes of Jordan Jenkins Chris Wideman Jersey , Josh Martin and Henry Anderson must provide consistent pressure.

CATCHING ON

An under-the-radar strength might be the Jets’ receiving group, which might lack what some consider a true No. 1 talent but has good playmaking potential.

Robby Anderson had a breakout year in his second season, catching 63 catches for 941 yards and seven TDs while establishing himself as a deep threat. Jermaine Kearse led the Jets with 65 receptions after coming to New York from Seattle. Quincy Enunwa looked solid late in camp as he returned from a neck injury that sidelined him all last season. Terrelle Pryor, still working his way back from two ankle surgeries in the past year, showed flashes this summer of the player who was so promising in Cleveland in 2016.

SOLID SECONDARY

The Jets’ biggest offseason free-agent addition was cornerback Trumaine Johnson , who signed a five-year, $72.5 million deal. They’re hoping he and Morris Claiborne combine to form one of the NFL’s top cornerback combinations.

Add in the safety tandem of Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye, both coming off solid rookie seasons, and New York’s secondary could be a strength after struggling quite a bit the past few years.

“It’s all (on) what we do with it Youth Dion Phaneuf Jersey ,” Claiborne said. “We have all the pieces. We just have to find a way to put it together and go get some wins.”

PLAYOFFS OR BUST?

The Jets haven’t been to the postseason since the 2010 season — back when Rex Ryan and Mark Sanchez were all the buzz.

Yeah, it’s been a while.

But despite the drought, owner Christopher Johnson hasn’t set a playoff mandate for Bowles and Maccagnan. Johnson wants to see continued progression. The feeling is that the franchise is building toward next season, when the team has more than $100 million in cap space and could really make a playoff push.

John Tavares has been one of the most discussed superstars in the NHL over the past few months because of his looming contract extension. It's widely expected that Tavares will be seeking a contract with a yearly salary over the coveted $10 million per season mark and it's almost assured he will receive that type of contract from somebody because he is an amazing talent. With the New York Islanders recently getting a new聽arena approved near Belmont, it is believed by many experts that Tavares will re-sign with his current squad.聽 It also doesn't hurt that the Islanders are in playoff contention as I聽write this.

Just because the odds of Tavares being traded before the trade deadline this season don't appear to be high, doesn't mean that we can't talk about potential trades for him. The thought of blockbuster trades is the fun part anyways, right? This list takes a look at trades that each NHL team could potentially offer to the Islanders for Tavares. Some of these teams should absolutely not trade for Tavares, but we still offer some hypothetical possibilities of how they could acquire the superstar center. Could your team possibly make a major move for Tavares before the deadline? Find out below.

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>Oakland Raiders coach Jack Del Rio was fired Sunday after his third year when the impressive turnaround job he engineered for his hometown team collapsed with a disappointing six-win season.Del Rio said owner Mark Davis told him after the team’s season-ending 30-10 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers that he would not be retained as coach in Oakland.Del Rio had signed a four-year contract extension last February after Oakland ended a 13-year playoff drought with a 12-win season.“He told me he loved me and appreciated all that I did Mika Zibanejad Jersey , but felt like we weren’t going in the right direction,” Del Rio said.“He felt he needed a change, and I told him how much I appreciated the opportunity he gave me. I mean that. Very grateful. My childhood team, but it’s a results business. I understand that.“I appreciate the players and coaches and all the hard work, all the effort and energy. I do believe we have established a solid nucleus. Whoever comes in here has a chance to take that nucleus and go to special places, and I’ll be pulling for them.”The Raiders followed up the successful 2016 by becoming one of the league’s disappointing teams. Oakland went 6-10 for the second biggest one-season drop in wins in franchise history, leading to Del Rio’s firing.Davis said in a statement that he appreciated Del Rio’s effort in building the foundation for the future and thanked his family for contributing to the community.Davis said he will not have any other statement until after a new coach has hired, but speculation is already rampant that Jon Gruden will be back for a second stint.Gruden was traded by the Raiders to Tampa Bay following the 2001 season and beat Oakland for the Super Bowl title the following season. He was fired by the Buccaneers following the 2008 season and has been in the broadcast booth since then. ESPN reported Saturday that the Raiders were interested in bringing Gruden back.Davis has always been intrigued about a second stint with Gruden Tyler Toffoli Jersey , but it seemed unlikely the franchise would be in for another change heading into this season. Del Rio had been the ninth coach in Oakland since Gruden left but the only the second to get the team to the playoffs.That wasn’t enough to save his job.“I honor the owner’s decision,” Del Rio said. “It was a great honor for me to lead this organization and get this opportunity, and I understand it’s a results business. We had a great first two years and this year was a big disappointment. Can’t disagree with that.”Del Rio, who grew up in the East Bay city of Hayward cheering for the Raiders, took over a three-win team in 2015 and immediately changed the culture and helped Oakland win seven games that season.The Raiders had a breakthrough season in 2016 with 12 wins, but it ended in disappointment when a broken leg for quarterback Derek Carr in Week 16 cost the Raiders a chance at a division title and led to a first-round playoff loss.Expectations were high coming into this season with Carr and most of the key offensive pieces back, along with the addition of running back Marshawn Lynch and tight end Jared Cook.But Del Rio’s decision to fire coordinator Bill Musgrave after last season despite a dynamic offense and replace him with quarterbacks coach Todd Downing backfired.The offense regressed significantly this season as Carr struggled under Downing’s tutelage and the defense showed no signs of improvement before firing coordinator Ken Norton Jr. after 10 games.The Raiders had major drops in scoring (26 to 18.8), yards per game (373.3 to 324.1) and committed twice as many turnovers (14 to 28) this season as Carr took a major step back in his development after signing a $125 million Andre Burakovsky Jersey , five-year extension in the offseason.“We have to take our ownership as players,” Carr said. “That’s where we’re at right now. We’re kind of angry we let it get to that. We’re upset at ourselves. We understand the business part of it. As players our job is to come back better and hungry.”The defense became the first in NFL history to fail to record on interception in the first 10 games of the season and generated only 14 takeaways all season compared to 30 in 2016.That all led to the decision to fire Del Rio, whose 187 games as a head coach are the most for anyone without a division title in his career.Del Rio finished his stint in Oakland with 25-23 regular-season record. The Raiders won just 13 games in the three seasons before he arrived.“It’s tough,” cornerback Sean Smith said. “He was a coach that played the game and he was a player’s coach, you know what I mean, so you always like those kind of coaches because they relate to you easily.“Came to work with a smile every day, and definitely enjoyed playing for him, but it just sucks because he’s the coach. As a player Claude Giroux Jersey , we didn’t play up to our expectations, and he had to pay the price.”AP freelance writer Dan Greenspan in Carson, California, contributed to this report. A traveling nightclub that was designed to bring VIP experiences to the Minneapolis area during the Super Bowl has been cancelled.

Club Nomadic had been building its venue in a parking lot at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake.

A company owned by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community says that as the Super Bowl approached, it determined it would be impossible to ensure that an event at Club Nomadic would meet the tribe’s ”standards of quality.”

Most of the headline acts, including Gwen Stefani, Florida Georgia Line, The Chainsmokers and DJ Kygo Tom Kuhnhackl Jersey , will instead perform inside Mystic Lake.

Dakota February Events, a limited liability company owned by the tribe, didn’t elaborate on the reason for the cancellation. Messages left with representatives for Nomadic Entertainment Group weren’t returned.

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Cleveland Browns linebacker Mychal Kendricks was released by the NFL team Wednesday night Jeff Skinner Jersey , hours after he was charged by federal prosecutors in Philadelphia with insider trading.

Kendricks, who signed a one-year contract with the Browns in June after winning a Super Bowl title last season with the Eagles, allegedly used tips from an acquaintance to make about $1.2 million in illegal profits on four major trading deals, federal prosecutors said.

The 27-year-old issued a statement earlier in the day admitting to his guilt and apologizing. He expressed regret and accepted “full responsibility” for his actions.

However, the Browns decided after learning more about the case that they couldn’t go forward with Kendricks, who was going to start for the team. The Browns issued a statement after traveling to Detroit for Thursday night’s exhibition finale against the Lions. Kendricks did not make the trip.

“Prior to signing Mychal, we were informed that there was a financial situation that he had been involved with in 2014,” Browns general manager John Dorsey said. “We were told Mychal had fully cooperated with investigators as a victim. From what was communicated at that time and based on the numerous questions we asked and further due diligence on our part, including checking with the league office, there was no information discovered that conveyed otherwise.

“Recently, we were provided an update on the matter and the circumstances have changed. We are now dealing with a different set of facts and the additional information we’ve gathered has led us to the decision to release Mychal from our team.”

Kendricks is facing possible prison time and further discipline from the NFL for violating its personal conduct policy.

NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said the league is reviewing the situation.

Prosecutors allege his co-defendant, Damilare Sonoiki, was paid $10 Womens Jared McCann Jersey ,000 in kickbacks in the scheme from 2014-2015, as well as perks like tickets to Eagles games and tagging along to a music video shoot or nightclub appearances, said U.S. Attorney William McSwain.

Sonoiki had been working as a junior analyst at an unnamed investment bank in New York, prosecutors said. An IMDB profile lists him as a former writer on the popular TV series “Black-ish” as well as other movies and TV shows.

In a statement released by his lawyer, Kendricks said he was sorry and takes full responsibility for his actions.

“While I didn’t fully understand all of the details of the illegal trades, I knew it was wrong, and I wholeheartedly regret my actions,” he said in the statement. He also claimed he didn’t take any of the profits for himself but didn’t elaborate on where the money went. I am committed to repaying all of the funds gained illegally and accept the consequences of my actions.”

Kendricks said he has been cooperating with authorities since the investigation began.

McSwain along with representatives from the FBI and the Securities Exchange Commission— which filed a separate complaint — said Kendricks and Sonoiki used coded language in messages to try to hide their actions. McSwain said Sonoiki, who had limited trading powers at the time, would gave non-public information to Kendricks about acquisitions and other deals that would affect the price of securities for at least four different companies.

Stephanie Avakian, co-director of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Division of Enforcement, said in one message when Sonoiki was asking for payment, he told Kendricks that he liked Philadelphia bread used in cheesesteaks more than the bread in New York and asked that Kendricks bring him some.

They also had a conversation pretending to be talking about changing the number on Kendricks’ jersey to 80 Morgan Rielly Jersey , meant to signify the amount of money that should be deposited into a new trading account, she said.

If the men are convicted, they could face up to 25 years in prison and a fine of up to $5.25 million as well as the seizure of any profits made from the insider trading.

The Browns signed Kendricks as a free agent, bringing him in to upgrade their linebacker corps following an 0-16 season. Kendricks spent six years with the Eagles, who drafted him in the second round in 2012 after he played at California.

The 5-foot-11, 240-pounder recorded a team-high eight tackles in last season’s NFC Championship against Minnesota and had four in Philadelphia’s Super Bowl win.

The Chicago Cubs will try to extend their season-best winning streak to seven games when they host the Cincinnati Reds on Friday afternoon to open a three-game series at Wrigley Field.

Chicago (49-35) has outscored opponents 56-35 during its six-game winning streak, which has pushed the team 14 games above .500 for the first time this season. The Cubs have scored at least five runs in eight straight games.

Through 84 games, the Cubs’ plus-104 run differential is by far the best in the National League.

“We’re all just trying to pass it along to the next guy,” Cubs outfielder Kyle Schwarber said recently to The Athletic. “We obviously want to have our at-bat and help out the team in some way. Get on base somehow, drive in guys, get the guy over. Whatever it is, we want to do that. And then it’s up to the guy behind us.

“We have full faith in everyone on this team. That’s the bottom line, we want to pass it on to the next guy.”

Cincinnati (38-49) has enjoyed the same type of positive momentum in recent weeks and is playing its best baseball of the season as it arrives to Chicago’s North Side. The Reds have won four of their past five games and 13 of 17 after concluding a three-game series with the Chicago White

During the past 17 games Scott Laughton Jersey , the Reds have scored at least five runs 14 times.

“It’s our offense, we’re never down,” Reds pitcher Sal Romano said to the Cincinnati Enquirer. “Doesn’t matter how many runs we’re down, they’re able to come back and swing it.”

The rejuvenated Reds have won or tied each of their past five series.

“I think that it’s getting to the point now where teams, when they come to play us or when we come to play them, there’s a little bit of, ‘Oh, shoot, we’ve got the Reds,'” Reds pitcher Jared Hughes told the Enquirer. “That’s what we want.”

Cincinnati has won six of nine games against Chicago this season, including a four-game sweep in June.

Cubs left-hander Mike Montgomery (3-2, 3.55 ERA) is slated to make his eighth start. The 29-year-old has provided much needed stability in the rotation after highly touted free-agent signing Yu Darvish went to the disabled list.

In 14 career appearances (four starts) against the Reds, Montgomery is 1-1 with a 3.38 ERA. He has walked 11 and struck out 29 in 37 1/3 innings.

Cincinnati will turn to right-hander Tyler Mahle (6-6 Viktor Arvidsson Jersey , 3.83), who is set to make his 18th start of the season and the 22nd start of his career. The 23-year-old is 3-0 with a 2.18 ERA in his past six outings.

This will be Mahle’s third career start against the Cubs. In his first two meetings, both of which took place this year, he went 1-1 with a 3.00 ERA.

Cubs hitters Ben Zobrist, Javier Baez and Schwarber each have gone deep against Mahle this season. Baez has been almost perfect against the pitcher, going 4-for-5 with a triple to go along with the homer.

However, the Cubs are focused on making hard contact rather than blasting long home runs.

“We’re not trying to hit home runs,” Cubs manager Joe Maddon said to The Athletic. “We’re moving the baseball. We’re hitting it to all fields.”

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During a short press conference that started after the NFL released a statement on its new national anthem policy Authentic Oscar Lindberg Jersey , NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said the policy was adopted after a unanimous vote by the league’s 32 teams.

Not all of the teams voted, however. 49ers CEO Jed York said that he abstained from the vote because he believed it required further study that, per Steve Wyche of NFL Media Brendan Leipsic Jersey Kids , includes discussion with players. The 49ers employed Colin Kaepernick in 2016 when his decision to not stand for the anthem started us down the road to Tuesday’s vote.

York also suggested that the change in policy, which calls for all on the field to “stand and show respect” will also lead to a change in procedures at the concession stands at Levi’s Stadium.

“I don鈥檛 think we should be profiting if we鈥檙e going to put this type of attention and focus on the field and on the flag,” York said Authentic Alexander Radulov Jersey , via Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times.

That would seem to be a reasonable approach for the teams that voted for a new policy emphasizing respect for the national anthem on Tuesday and it’s sure to be among the questions for other owners in the wake of the change.

The Jaguars were among the teams starting the OTA phase of their offseason programs on Tuesday and the team took the field without their starting cornerbacks.

Neither A.J. Bouye nor Jalen Ramsey was in attendance on Tuesday, which continues a trend from the earlier stages of the team’s voluntary work this year and head coach Doug Marrone said any explanation for their absence would have to come from the players themselves.

鈥淥ne of the things that I鈥檓 big on is not to create messages through the media, me as a head coach doing that Casey Cizikas Jersey ,鈥?Marrone said, via the Florida Times-Union. 鈥淚 have been communicating with them, and I鈥檓 sure when the time is right they will explain their reasons. I don鈥檛 think it is for me to sit up here and explain their reasons.鈥?/p>

Bouye is entering the second year of the five-year Mathieu Perreault Jersey , $67.5 million contract he signed in Jacksonville last year while Ramsey is still a year away from being able to negotiate an extension with the team, so it seems unlikely that contract issues will be part of any eventual explanation.

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CINCINNATI (AP) — Whenever Andy Dalton is spotted by a Bills fan Marc-Andre Fleury Jersey , he’ll hear another “thank you” for helping Buffalo break its long streak of playoff futility.

This weekend, Dalton and his foundation are saying “thank you” in return.

Dalton, his wife Jordan and their foundation will donate to the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo while the Bengals are in town to play a preseason game on Sunday.

Dalton became one of the most popular sports figures in Buffalo on New Year’s Eve when his 49-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Boyd with 49 seconds left sent the Bengals to a 31-27 win in Baltimore. The fourth-down pass eliminated the Ravens and gave the Bills their first playoff appearance since 1999.

Buffalo’s playoff drought was the longest in the NFL and the longest among the four major professional sports in North America. Immediately, Dalton began getting donations to his foundation from fans in Buffalo. He’s been thanked in person countless times by Bills fans over the months.

“I’ve heard I should run for mayor,” Dalton said . “I’ve heard I’ll never have to pay for anything in Buffalo. So we’ll see.”

It wasn’t a fad. Donations continued after the Bills lost their playoff game against Jacksonville. So have the in-person shows of gratitude.

“If I go anywhere and there’s somebody from Buffalo, they’re going to come up to me and tell me they’re a Bills fan or they come from Buffalo or have some tie to Buffalo,” Dalton said. “That hasn’t gone away since the play happened.

“It’s really cool and crazy that it’s a completely different fan base that has a lot of love for me Kyle Turris Jersey , and obviously for Tyler, too.”

On a fourth-and-12 play, Dalton found Boyd open just inside the Ravens 25-yard line. The receiver slipped through an attempted tackle on his way to the winning touchdown, which set off a wild celebration in the Buffalo locker room.

Dalton said that as of this week, his foundation has received 17,000 donations for more than $450,000 that can be traced to the Buffalo area. The Andy and Jordan Foundation helps seriously ill and physically challenged children.

Boyd estimates he has received more than $100 Jay Beagle Jersey ,000 in donations that went to a youth sports league in his hometown of Clairton, Pennsylvania.

Dalton thinks the Bengals will be warmly welcomed Sunday when they take the field for the third preseason game. The teams have deepened their connection in the offseason: The Bengals traded with the Bills for left tackle Cordy Glenn and signed linebacker Preston Brown, and the Bills signed former Bengals quarterback AJ McCarron and center Russell Bodine.

“If you’re looking at social media, I think there will be a pretty good ovation,” Dalton said.

Bills coach Sean McDermott is touched by how fans have responded to Dalton, and also by how the Bengals quarterback is giving back to Buffalo.

“What a strong moment,” McDermott said. “It gives me chills just to think about it. So many times … you get http://www.officialhockeyjetsshop.com/authentic-adidas-jacob-trouba-jersey , ‘Hey, this is this team and that team,’ and you kind of get on your own individual islands and everyone’s on their own island and team.

“But what a great testament to paying it forward and what Andy and his wife have decided to do and give back to our community that gave to them.”

FOCUS ON LINE: The right side of the Bengals’ offensive line struggled against the Cowboys last week, but coach Marvin Lewis was upbeat about it Wednesday, saying the line overall is much better than a year ago.

“I feel really good where we are, no doubt about it,” Lewis said.

MUM ON EIFERT: Lewis declined to tip his hand whether tight end Tyler Eifert would make his preseason debut in Buffalo. He had another back procedure last season and wasn’t cleared to practice when training camp opened. Eifert was one of only three active Bengals who didn’t get into the game at Dallas.

Terry McAulay is the latest referee to leave the field for the booth.

McAulay has joined NBC Sports and will serve as the rules analyst on Sunday Night Football Victor Mete Jersey , NBC announced this morning. McAulay will attend Sunday night NFL games and work in the booth during the action as well as appear on set in pregame and halftime, and on PFT Live on Monday mornings when there are big officiating controversies to discuss.

McAulay spent 20 years as an NFL official and has also worked in officiating administration at the college level, and he was an on-field college official before getting his NFL job. McAulay will also work Notre Dame games for NBC.

McAualay was the referee for three Super Bowls and nine conference championship games.

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Oakland Raiders offensive lineman Vadal Alexander has been suspended without pay for the first four games next season for a violation of the league policy on performance-enhancing drugs.

The Raiders made the announcement Tuesday Marc-Andre Fleury Jersey , attributing the information to the NFL. Alexander won’t be eligible to play until an Oct. 7 road game against the Chargers. He can return to practice Oct. 1, a day after the Raiders host Cleveland.

The 24-year-old offensive guard played in 15 games for Oakland last season with four starts and has appeared in 24 games overall with nine starts in two NFL seasons.

A seventh-round draft pick in 2016 out of LSU Mario Lemieux Jersey , Alexander can take part in offseason workouts with the team, preseason practices and preseason games.

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Cardinals linebacker Deone Bucannon did not practice on Friday as he goes to get a test on a knee injury.

Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks said that Bucannon hyperextended his knee during Thursday’s practice and will go for an MRI to assess the damage. The feeling around the team was that Bucannon avoided a serious injury.

“He’s fine. He’s a tough player and I’m not worried about him T.J. Oshie Jersey ,” defensive coordinator Al Holcomb said, via the Arizona Republic. “He’s fine.”

The fact that he’s getting an MRI suggests that not everyone is entirely convinced that Holcomb’s read is correct.

Bucannon John Gibson Jersey , a 2014 first-round pick, is set to call the defensive plays for the Arizona defense in the final year of his rookie contract.

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Ezekiel Elliott never lobbied publicly for a few snaps once the Dallas Cowboys decided to sit their healthy star running back for the entire preseason.

Frank Gore actually got two plays with the Miami Dolphins Alex Ovechkin Jersey Kids , and the 35-year-old going into his 14th season wanted more. Coach Adam Gase wouldn't have it.

"I heard about it during the game that he wasn't real happy," Gase said after the third preseason game, when starters usually get their most action before sitting in the finale. "When we went three-and-out, I'm kind of going, 'You got a catch, so does this count? He has a carry and a catch. Can I get him out of the game?'"

Sending able-bodied starters into the regular season without a game-speed snap isn't all that unusual, nor is the inevitable hand-wringing and second-guessing every time an important player gets injured in an exhibition.

It's all part of the age-old balance of getting players ready for that first big hit or full-speed burst while protecting important pieces of Super Bowl hopes. The regular season starts Thursday night with Atlanta visiting defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia.

"It's kind of hard to say you shouldn't or should play in them," said Cowboys receiver Cole Beasley, who nursed a sore groin most of training camp but got 13 snaps in Dallas' third preseason game. "You can get hurt in a regular-season game just like those. It's just football, man. It happens."

Several teams rested at least one offensive starter throughout the preseason. The Los Angeles Rams didn't play 10 of their 11, the exception being right guard Jamon Brown because he will be suspended for the first two games and needed extra work.

While Sean McVay preferred to get third-year quarterback Jared Goff some playing time, he didn't want it to be behind backup offensive linemen because it was more important to the coach to rest the veteran starters up front.

Plus, McVay is counting on familiarity with 10 returning starters, including running back Todd Gurley Youth Brandon Carlo Jersey , from a unit that led the Rams to the playoffs last season.

"I've been around a lot of players that have gone through preseasons where they haven't played and seemed like they were ready to go," McVay said. "I think the reason that we felt like this was best was because of the continuity that we did have, specific to the offense."

Coaches who sit healthy stars in the preseason will say they believe their practice tempo gets them ready. Cowboys right guard Zack Martin, a Pro Bowler in each of his first four seasons, would slightly disagree, even after a preseason scare with a knee injury in the second game against Cincinnati that ended up not being serious.

"You need those reps," Martin said. "You're in training camp. Obviously those are good reps, but you're going against the same guys, the same defense. Just the fact that you get to see new guys, new moves, new defenses. That's a big part of it. I think that's huge."

Receiver Julio Jones and running back Devonta Freeman sat the entire preseason for the Falcons despite being healthy.

Pittsburgh receiver Antonio Brown didn't play while nursing a minor injury and Odell Beckham Jr. sat out for the New York Giants coming off a broken left ankle that sidelined him most of last season.

It appeared Tennessee was protecting Delanie Walker before revealing that the 34-year-old tight end sustained an undisclosed injury during joint practices with Tampa Bay and was unavailable for the final three exhibitions.

"I am very confident that I'll be ready," said Walker, a three-time Pro Bowler. "I have been playing 13 seasons, and I've played in a lot of preseason games. So when you only get like five plays in a preseason game Youth Colin Miller Jersey , I don't know if that helps you or not."

Stephen Jones, executive vice president of personnel for the Cowboys and owner/general manager Jerry Jones' son, doesn't think it helps. Even without a name being mentioned, he knew the question was specifically about Elliott, his third-year back who led the NFL in rushing as a rookie in 2016.

"I'm sure every back is different," Jones said. "I've read quotes from other backs in the league that they don't think they need it. I don't know what five snaps does in a preseason game."

Jones, however, disagrees with his dad on shortening the preseason. NFL football operations chief Troy Vincent says teams are polled every year on that idea, and are usually split about down the middle. Stephen Jones believes it's important for younger players to get a chance to show what they can do in games.

"I know the fans may not love it as much," he said. "I understand that, but there are a group of fans out there who really enjoy watching these young players develop."

Vincent, a defensive back for 15 seasons, remembers playing in multiple exhibitions 鈥?and sometimes skipping the preseason entirely.

"To get into football shape 鈥?true football shape 鈥?the only way to do that is on the field, and the best way is in game action Niklas Hjalmarsson Jersey ," Vincent said. "I really feel for the coaches and putting together a roster because they have to make sure the players are getting in the work to be evaluated."

But there are plenty of players who don't need to be evaluated. Elliott is obviously among them after leading the league in yards rushing per game for the second straight year while missing six games on a suspension over domestic violence allegations.

"This is the most comfortable I have felt in this offense," Elliott said at halftime of the preseason finale in Houston. "I believe I have had a great camp and enough reps that I'm ready to play."

AP Pro Football Writers Teresa M. Walker and Barry Wilner and Sports Writers Greg Beacham, Will Graves, and Steven Wine contributed to this report.

Shaquem Griffin had walked away from his cellphone, on his way to use the restroom, when it buzzed. His twin brother, Shaquill, recognized the 425 area code that flashed on the screen and started charging after his brother.

”I think I was more scared of him tackling me in the bathroom and not knowing what was happening than anything,” Shaquem said.

What already was the feel-good story of the NFL draft got an even better storybook ending on Saturday when the Central Florida star linebacker whose left hand was amputated when he was child was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the fifth round.

The phone call from Seattle general manager John Schneider set off a wild celebration within the Griffin family , which had gathered at a hotel in the Dallas area after Shaquem spent the first two days at the draft in Arlington, Texas, waiting for a phone call that never came. It was the Seahawks – the team that showed the most interest in Griffin from the start – who gave Shaquem the chance at his professional aspirations and with it a chance to be reunited with his brother.

Shaquill, who was a third-round pick by the Seahawks in 2017, became a starter in his rookie season. The brothers played together throughout their youth and at UCF before Shaquill entered the NFL a year earlier.

”I couldn’t ask for anything (else) in the world than the opportunity to be back with him http://www.officialislanders.com/authentic-adidas-nick-leddy-jersey ,” Shaquem said.

Added Shaquill: ”I was going to be happy no matter what team that gave him the opportunity. At the end of the day that’s all I wanted for him: for a team to give him a shot and give him an opportunity and take a chance on someone that is great.”

For Seattle coach Pete Carroll what stuck out as the interview the Seahawks conducted with Griffin at the scouting combine.

”He was just so expressive and so open to tell his story and tell what this opportunity meant to him in a way that moved us all,” Carroll said. ”Just like those of you that have watched him he’s an extraordinary young man. He has a lot of messaging that he’s going to stand strong with and we’re all going to grow from I think. And aside from that he’s a really good football player.”

Griffin was the player everyone was hoping would get a shot in the NFL after being a star at UCF despite playing with just one hand. He was the American Athletic Conference defensive player of the year in 2016 and the MVP of UCF’s Peach Bowl victory against Auburn last season when the Knights went 13-0.

A groundswell of support got him an invitation to the scouting combine in Indianapolis, where he stunned onlookers by bench-pressing 225 pounds a staggering 20 times with a prosthetic left hand and then covered the 40-yard dash in 4.38 seconds. The performance at the combine turned Shaquem into a star, but it didn’t guarantee a team would give him a shot.

”It’s just so much. I’m extremely blessed,” Shaquem said. ”It definitely was a tough three days. A lot of anxiety these few days, but I am ready to get up there and go to work and start something great.”

Shaquem’s position in the NFL is still to be determined. He was a force as an outside linebacker rushing off the edge at UCF, but at 6-foot and 227 pounds with blazing speed, he could transition to being the bigger safety Carroll likes to have on his defense. Carroll said the intent is to start Griffin at weakside linebacker and let him use his speed in different areas on the field.

Griffin’s college coach Scott Frost tweeted ”About time,” after the pick was made. Seattle general manager John Schneider said there was no extra pressure felt to draft Shaquem with his brother already on the roster.

”I think the thing that stood out to me was somebody told me they had sat down with (Shaquem) for five minutes and they gained the same inspiration from him as they did the first time they were able to sit down with John Wooden,” Schneider said.

Griffin was waiting patiently in the green room through the first two days of the draft. He chose to spend the last day with his family at a nearby hotel watching. He sat through the entire fourth round without getting a call, but three picks into the fifth round the Seahawks called.

”It was up and down. The excitement, it’s crazy because you’re around so many great guys in that setting and you’re in the green room and you’re moving around and seeing how the anxiety is building up. Sometimes the pressure like that can break you and it is a lot of pressure,” Shaquem said. ”But I knew how it was going to go. I knew I wasn’t going to be a first-round pick or anything like that. It was me making sure I was enjoying the moment that I was here in Dallas.”

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MIAMI — The New York Mets have their staff ace Authentic Justin Bailey Jersey , at least for the next few weeks. The Miami Marlins hope they begin finding their next ace Friday night.

Rookie Sandy Alcantara is scheduled to make his season debut and his first major league start Friday night when the Marlins host the Mets in the opener of a three-game series between the two teams battling to stay out of the National League East basement at Marlins Park.

Both teams are coming off losses in their most recent games. The host Marlins fell Thursday afternoon to the Arizona Diamondbacks 4-0. The Mets were off Thursday after suffering a 5-3 loss Wednesday night to the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates.

The present is pretty bleak for the Mets (32-46) and the Marlins (32-50), who have the two worst records in the NL.

But both teams may get a glimpse at things to come when the 22-year-old Alcantara steps to the mound against perhaps the best pitcher in baseball, New York ace Jacob deGrom (5-3, 1.69 ERA).

For the Marlins, who acquired Alcantara from the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for outfielder Marcell Ozuna last Dec. 14 as part of the organization’s latest teardown, Friday marks the latest step in the development of a pitcher believed to have upper-rotation potential.

Alcantara, who entered the season as Baseball America’s 70th-ranked prospect, throws in the high 90s and also offers an above-average curveball, slider and changeup. He was 5-3 with a 3.71 ERA in 14 starts with Triple-A New Orleans, for whom he exceeded 95 pitches in each of his final six appearances.

“He’s got all the weapons, so for him it’s just being able to sequence (pitches), stay ahead in counts and then the other part is managing the game holding runners Scott Laughton Jersey , things like that,” Marlins manager Don Mattingly told reporters Thursday.

Alcantara didn’t get a decision and posted a 4.32 ERA in eight relief appearances last season with the Cardinals.

As for deGrom, the next month should determine whether or not he becomes the Mets’ building block for the future, or the player whose trade sparks the organization’s rebuilding efforts.

John Ricco, who became one of the three men filling the general manager’s role with the announcement Tuesday that Sandy Alderson is taking an indefinite leave of absence to focus on his cancer treatments, said Wednesday that moving deGrom and/or Opening Day starter Noah Syndergaard is not something the club is necessarily looking to do. But he also admitted that he, Omar Minaya and J.P. Ricciardi need to entertain all possibilities as the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline approaches.

The Mets have a bottom-five minor league system and deGrom, who turned 30 earlier this month, has a 2.81 ERA in 123 career starts and does not become a free agent until after the 2020 season, would likely bring back the biggest haul of any pitcher on the market over the next month.

“For me, everything has to be on the table,” Ricco told reporters. “But you have to look long and hard before you move a game-changing Mike Reilly Jersey , top-of-the-rotation pitcher.”

Alcantara has never faced the Mets. DeGrom is 4-4 with a 3.62 ERA in 14 career starts against the Marlins.

Marcedes Lewis wasn't sure if the Green Bay Packers were the right fit for him. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers and tight end Jimmy Graham made him feel at home at Lambeau Field.

Lewis visited Green Bay last week thinking he wanted to explore his options during his first stint as a free agent following 12 years with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He received calls from other teams, but he said that the Packers were the most persistent so he made Lambeau his first stop.

He never made another visit.

"This was the only place I took a trip ... I took my trip, and Aaron was here in the locker room. I started talking to him," Lewis said Thursday. "I started talking to Jimmy and I kind of made my decision that day.

"When I came down here, I didn't expect to sign anything," Lewis added. "I was just coming down here to get a feel. Once I saw Aaron and Jimmy, it was a no-brainer after that."

Lewis, 34, was released by the Jaguars in March after the team had picked up his one-year, $3.5 million option in February. His signing filled a glaring need - a blocking tight end - and gives the Packers another veteran at the position with Graham, a five-time Pro Bowler, and Lance Kendricks.

"I don't think we've had this much experience at the tight end position in my time here Cody Eakin Jersey ," said Packers coach Mike McCarthy, who called Lewis a "prime-time player."

"An on-the-line tight end is something we haven't had a lot of, as far as the way we've played over the years," McCarthy added. "He can block any defensive end on the league, and that's definitely a huge asset."

Lewis, who said he felt he got a "raw deal" from the Jaguars, started 157 games for Jacksonville. He has 375 career receptions, including 24 for 318 yards and five touchdowns last year.

Still, Lewis hasn't caught more than 25 passes in a season since 2012, when he had 52 receptions. His best season came in 2010, when he earned his lone Pro Bowl selection by catching a career-high 58 passes for 700 yards and 10 touchdowns.

The 6-foot-6, 269-pound Lewis said he takes the "blocking tight end" moniker as a compliment Authentic Conor Sheary Jersey , but added that "I pride myself on being a really good all-around tight end, whatever it is that I'm called upon to do."

It's the type of attitude that Rodgers loves to hear. Lewis' ability to help slow down pass-rushers should help an offensive line that has questions on the right side.

"Obviously, I'm a really good blocker, but don't get it mistaken. I didn't come here to be a tackle. ... Be on the other side of Jimmy doing some good things," he said. "It's going to be trouble out there."

Graham's strength is making tough catches. Kendricks provides experienced depth.

"Jimmy's not known as a blocking tight end, but he's willing. He will get in the way. He will punch you in the mouth," Lewis said. "So it's going to be interesting. We get in that personnel with three tight ends on the field and (defenses) have to leave base on the field, it's not going to be good."

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By rule Luca Sbisa Jersey , any substitute checking into an NBA game must first report his intentions to the scorer’s table. Denver’s Jamal Murray was on his way there during a game last month, then got derailed when an errant pass came flying his way.

That’s when referee Jason Phillips intervened.

Phillips could have easily been a stickler for rules and told Murray – who never made it to the table – that he had to wait until the next stoppage of play. But Phillips knew Murray was on his way to checking in long before the play was dead and allowed him to enter the game.

”Thank you,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said, and Phillips nodded.

There were moments of civility like this between referees, players and coaches this season. They just were overshadowed way too often. Now everyone is watching to see how things unfold in the playoffs.

The league wants to avoid more headline-grabbing confrontation with the playoffs starting Saturday and stakes and emotion becoming even higher, so officials met with all 30 teams , the last of those on Monday.

”We all make mistakes,” Toronto coach Dwane Casey said. ”It’s a game. We’re all a part of it. We’re all in the NBA. The officials are part of the NBA. So we have to understand that we’re all under the same corporation.”

There have been instances where they have looked more like combatants.

Referee Courtney Kirkland was taken off the floor for a week for getting too aggressive with Golden State’s Shaun Livingston. Warriors star Kevin Durant – who’d been ejected once in his first nine seasons – got kicked out of five games. Even LeBron James got tossed for the first time in his 15-year career.

It all led the NBA to announce in late January its plan to improve how players and referees get along. Former referee Monty McCutchen, now an NBA vice president overseeing referee development and training, and NBA senior vice president Michelle Johnson met with clubs to listen to their perspective.

McCutchen’s biggest hope is finding a way to make communication better, on all sides. He stressed to teams that he wasn’t meeting with them solely to defend and protect officials.

”Our league needs strong officials,” McCutchen said. ”What we’re trying to shoot for is this idea that you can have strength without arrogance and you can show humility without having to give into weakness. And that sort of Goldilocks moment Youth Corey Crawford Jersey , where the porridge is just right, is the balance in which we can start to disagree about the play without being demeaning or condescending or arrogant to one another.”

That hasn’t been the case at times this season.

It’s rare that a call will truly decide a game, and the NBA is sticking to its pledge of transparency by continuing to release reports about calls made in the final two minutes of close games. The Last 2 Minute Reports have been widely panned by players and coaches, especially when those reports show that a big call didn’t go their way in a close loss.

For the 400-plus games that have met the criteria for such a report being publicly issued this season, the NBA has said 97.4 percent of the calls made – in other words, 39 out of every 40 – are correct. When factoring in no-calls, what the NBA defines as ”event accuracy” drops to 93.9 percent.

But there have also been some difficult moments.

Livingston and Kirkland butted heads in a game at Miami, earning the Warriors guard a one-game suspension and Kirkland’s discipline after the league determined they were both in the wrong in their argument over a non-call. Through Sunday, there were 79 ejections this season – up considerably from the 61 last season. The NBA said 902 technicals were called last season; that figure has also been topped this season, albeit only by about 30.

Draymond Green, who isn’t shy about getting technicals, has complained. So has Chris Paul Shane Doan Jersey , the president of the National Basketball Players Association.

”To be honest, we need to kind of just go out there and play, and not worry about anything but that,” Toronto guard Kyle Lowry said. ”We can’t worry about what happened, even legitimately. We have to just go play and not say anything and just do our jobs. I think that’ll be a focus for the rest of the season for our team.”

But Lowry knows, starting Saturday, everything gets magnified.

”You can’t get distracted or obsess on the officials or things that happen during the game that you can’t necessarily control,” Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said. ”You can’t cross the line consistently and expect to develop the right mental toughness that you need to win.”

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Ndamukong Suh won’t become a New York Jet.

Acting owner Christopher Johnson said Sunday the team has rescinded its offer to the free agent defensive tackle.

Johnson was vague on reasons for the move, admitting though that it ”didn’t seem to be in keeping with our long-term plan.”

Suh has said the Jets made the largest offer, something Johnson couldn’t confirm. The owner said he discussed the offer with the former Lions and Dolphins player with general manager Mike Maccagnan ”and I think our thinking changed a bit. It was a pretty high offer; all these good guys will be a lot of money.”

New York has plenty of cap space to afford Suh, particularly after losing out in the bidding for quarterback Kirk Cousins, who chose Minnesota. But Johnson Keith Yandle Jersey , in charge of the Jets while his brother, primary owner Woody Johnson, serves as ambassador to the United Kingdom, indicated the team is comfortable having the room to afford big-ticket players next year.

Johnson was not part of the process when Maccagnan made the original offer to Suh.

”Saying I stepped in is somewhat overstating the case,” Johnson said. ”Looking into what our plan is, it was apparent to the two of us that this didn’t work.”

The Jets have a need on the defensive line after releasing Muhammad Wilkerson, now with the Packers, and previously trading Sheldon Richardson. They own the third overall pick in next month’s draft, having traded up from the sixth spot, but Johnson indicated – while, he joked, trying to keep a ”poker face” – that the Jets will select a quarterback there.

Suh Womens Marian Hossa Jersey , 31, is a five-time Pro Bowler who was released by Miami at the start of free agency.

Suh was halfway through the $114 million, six-year deal he signed when he joined the Dolphins in 2015. Along with the incentive of creating $17 million in cap space this year, the move was widely seen as part of coach Adam Gase’s attempt to improve the locker room culture following a 6-10 season.

Suh’s standoffish personality raised questions about his leadership, and he has never been on a team that won a playoff game.

Johnson said there is no mandate on Maccagnan and coach Todd Bowles to make the playoffs this season. The Jets were 5-11 in 2017 with an under-talented roster and actually had a shot at a .500 record until veteran quarterback Josh McCown broke his left hand in December.

”I think it’s counterproductive,” Johnson said. ”It can’t happen fast enough; I want this team to be deep in the p layoffs, the type of team that can go to the playoffs year after year. I don’t want to load up on people who can get you there, not keep you there.”

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AP Sports Writer Steven Wine contributed to this report.

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