Cnotes National Football League Week # 7 Rated Plays - Trends - News Etc. !!

[CNOTES]

Betting Recap - Week 6
October 19, 2015




Overall Notes


NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE WEEK 4 RESULTS


Wager Favorites-Underdogs


Straight Up 7-6
Against the Spread 3-10
Wager Home-Away
Straight Up 7-6


Against the Spread 7-6
Wager Totals (O/U)
Over-Under 9-3-1


The largest underdogs to win straight up
Panthers (+7, +260 ML) at Seahawks, 27-23
Steelers (+6, +205 ML) vs. Cardinals, 25-13


The largest favorite to cover
Jets (-7.5) vs. Redskins, 34-20
Kardiac Kids


-- The Cleveland Browns might not be winning games on a regular basis just yet, but they're sure giving their fans a lot of heart failure with the close games. For the second straight week they went to overtime, losing this time against the Denver Broncos. Each of their past three games have been decided by three points, going 1-2 SU and 3-0 ATS during the span. In addition, the 'over' has connected in all six of their games, making the Browns a favorite for bettors in 2015.
Mmm, mmm Good


-- The Miami Dolphins turned to interim coach Dan Campbell to 'soup' up the offense and turn things around after dismissing Joe Philbin during the bye. So far, so good. The Dolphins manhandled the Tennessee Titans in Nashville, 38-10, re-discovering its run game in the process. Miami's 38-point outburst was by far its largest of the season, with a previous best of 20 in a loss in Week 2 at Jacksonville. It was also the team's first cover since Week 1. The team's win might be overvalued a bit, however, as they opened as a five-point favorite against the Houston Texans in Week 7.


AFC vs. NFC


-- There were five intraconference tilts in Week 6, with the NFC edging the AFC 3-2 SU, and the AFC going 3-2 ATS. Home teams in these games went a perfect 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS, with the underdog cashing in three of the games. The more impressive was the win by the Pittsburgh Steelers, roughing up the visiting Arizona Cardinals 25-13 as six-point 'dogs at home. You always have to be mindful of those west-coast teams traversing three time zones going east, especially for a 1pm kickoff. It usually doesn't end well for the travelers. The 'under' went 3-2 in the five AFC vs. NFC games, and in the past three weeks that number is 8-5 for the 'under'. For the season the under is 15-8-1 (65.2%) in intraconference matchups.


Total Recall


-- Once again the game with the lowest total on the board (39.5) went 'over' rather easily. The Redskins-Jets game saw a combined 54 total points scored. The next lowest total (41) also easily went 'over', as Panthers-Seahawks had a total of 50 points. With or without overtime, Broncos-Browns (41.5) was also in the bag, as was Bengals-Bills (42.5). In other words, don't be dissuaded by those low total numbers. Those games have a good chance of hitting 'over', as was the case Sunday.


-- There was nothing deflated about the Patriots-Colts (53.5) total, as it was the highest on the board in Week 6. In fact, the two highest totals on the board were the Pats-Colts and Falcons-Saints (52) were both primetime battles. While the SNF game was a 'bad beat' for the line (see below), the 'over' easily connected. The Thursday night NFC South battle was a push. The Monday night game between the Giants-Eagles features a 51-point total.


-- Last weekend the primetime games had a 2-1 'over' mark, and this week it sits at 1-0-1 with Monday to go. So far this season the over is still just 7-10-1 (41.2%) through 18 games. In 2014, the over went 33-17 (66%) in primetime games, and the over was 28-22 (56%) in 2013.


Injury Report


-- Bills WR Sammy Watkins (ankle) was able to score a touchdwn against the unbeaten Bengals, but he suffered an ankle injury in the end zone while securing the ball.


-- Broncos WR Emmanuel Sanders (shoulder) left the overtime win at Cleveland on the final play of regulation, suffering a shoulder injury. DL Shane Ray (knee) also left with what is believed to be a rather serious knee injury.


-- Cardinals TE Darren Fells (shoulder) left the Week 6 loss at Pittsburgh due to a shoulder ailment.


-- Chargers WR Keenan Allen (hip) was en route to a record-setting day before leaving the Week 6 loss at Green Bay due to a hip ailment. He was one reception short of the single-game franchise record before departing.


-- Chiefs WR Jeremy Maclin (concussion) checked out of the Week 6 at Minnesota early due to a concussion.


-- Giants WR Victor Cruz (knee) continues to sit as he makes his way back from knee and calf injuries.


-- Jaguars WR Allen Robinson (leg) suffered a bruised leg in the Week 6 loss to Houston, and he was on crutches after the game.


-- Packers WR Ty Montgomery (ankle) left with an ankle injury against San Diego, while WR Davante Adams (ankle) continues to miss time. An ankle has also slowed RB Eddie Lacy (ankle). The bye comes at a great time for the Pack in Week 7.


-- Steelers QB Michael Vick (hamstring) suffered a hamstring injury in the win against the Cardinals, as QB Landry Jones came on and steered the offense to a win.


-- An MRI Monday revealed Titans QB Marcus Mariota (knee) suffered an MCL injury in Week 6 against the Dolphins.


Bad Beats


-- The Colts were up 34-21 in the final minutes of regulation, but the Colts drove the field and picked up the backdoor cover with a touchdown at 1:19 to go. To make matters worse, the Patriots blocked the extra point, which could have been returned for a score. Then, on the ensuing onside kick Rob Gronkowski recovered the ball and tip-toed down the sideline before stepping out of bounds. He was clearly upset he couldn't stay in and return in for a touchdown, and New England side bettors (myself included) felt his pain.


-- 'Under' (52) bettors (again, myself included) were stung by a Devonta Freeman touchdown reception with 1:29 to go in Falcons-Saints, turning what looked to be a solid 'under' into a push for most. The teams had combined for a total of 31 points before scoring three touchdowns in the final stanza, including 14 points in the final 8:02.


-- With a total of just 24 points heading into the final quarter, Texans-Jaguars (43.5) was a defensive battle. Then, the teams combined for 27 points in the final 11:20 to easily push the total over. A pick-six with 7:55 was the straw that broke the under bettor's back, and likely caused plenty of bad words.


-- The Titans did their part of the 'under' (44), but the Dolphins hurt bettors with a touchdown strike with 1:54 to go despite being up 31-10.


-- Ravens-49ers was a close shave on the total (43.5), and it looked to be trending under in the final minutes. 'Under' bettors were even helped out by the Levi's Field turf, as a hole caused Justin Tucker to miss a field goal. But two unwanted touchdowns in the final 10:52.


Looking Ahead


-- The Seahawks and 49ers lock horns in Santa Clara Thursday night, and they look to maintain their dominance in this series. Seattle limps in at 2-4, but a meeting with San Francisco could be the cure for their ills. They have won five of the past six meetings straight-up, and they're 6-0-1 in their past seven matchups including a playoff meeting. The last time the Seahawks did not cover against the 49ers was Dec. 24, 2011, and the last time Seattle didn't cover at San Francisco was at Candlestick Park Sept. 11, 2011. Seattle is favored by 5 1/2 points in this one as of Monday afternoon.


-- The Vikings and Lions battle for the second time this season. Minnesota won and covered in Minneapolis in Week 2, taking a 26-16 decision with an 'under' result. The under is a perfect 5-0 for the Vikings this season. These teams have been rather evenly matched over the years, with Minnesota edging Detroit 7-6 SU in the past 13 meetings. However, the Vikings have dominated against the number 8-3-2 ATS during the span, and the 'under' has cashed in four straight meetings. The under is 9-4 in the past 13 head-to-head battles, with the last 'over' Sept. 8, 2013. The Vikings are installed as a 2 1/2-point favorite with the total hovering around 44 1/2.


-- The Jets travel to New England to meet the Patriots, and the line opened at 10 and quickly fell to 8 1/2. While New York has lost seven of the past meetings straight up, the Jets have covered four in a row in the series, and six of the past nine. The Jets are also 4-1 ATS in their past five trips to Gillette Stadium, including a playoff win Jan. 16, 2011.


-- The Cowboys won an improbable game against the Giants back in Week 1, 27-26, as New York mismanaged the clock in the waning minutes allowing Tony Romo and the Cowboys to win. This time around there will be no Romo, as Matt Cassel is expected to lead the offense. One thing is certain about this series -- it is usually high-scoring. Each of the past six meetings have had an 'over' result. Dallas has also won five straight in the series, covering three. The last time the Giants won was Oct. 28, 2012 in Dallas, and the last time the Cowboys fell in New Jersey was a setback Jan. 1, 2012.


-- The Chargers host the Raiders, and that usually means a win. San Diego has won six of the past seven meetings, although Oakland is 4-1 ATS in the past five. The 'under' has also hit in three of the past four matchups, and the 'under' is 8-1-1 in the past 10 meetings in San Diego dating back to the 2004 season.

 

[CNOTES]

NFL Week 7 Essentials
October 19, 2015




This Week 7 slate features a number of excellent duels. Rapidly approaching the NFL season’s halfway point, it already feels like teams are playing do-or-die games in an effort to stay relevant. Get a load of this first one.


Thursday, Oct. 22


Seattle at San Francisco:


Even though the Kam Chancellor holdout drama prevented a smooth start, the Seahawks couldn’t have envisioned entering this Thursday night game with a 2-4 record. Seattle has already lost more games than it has in a single season since 2012. Worse yet, it has dropped consecutive games with fourth-quarter meltdowns where its vaunted secondary has failed to get a stop.


Meanwhile, Colin Kaepernick threw for 340 yards to lead the 49ers past Baltimore as a motivated Torrey Smith and Anquan Boldin combined for eight catches and 198 yards against their former team. If the 49ers have overcome their early struggles in the passing game, they’ve got the ingredients to put together a formidable offense. Kaepernick has historically struggled against the Seattle secondary, coming in 2-4 in regular-season games with two TDs against seven interceptions. He was also memorably picked off twice in the fourth quarter of the 2013 NFC Championship game. You get the feeling the season prospects for both these teams hinges on the outcome here.


Sunday, Oct. 25


Buffalo at Jacksonville:


We’re back at London’s Wembley Stadium for an early morning kickoff as the Bills look to get back above .500 against the struggling Jaguars. It remains to be seen whether Tyrod Taylor can return from his knee injury, but backup EJ Manuel held his own against a solid Bengals defense, passing and running for scores in a 34-21 loss. The Jags hope to have running back TJ Yeldon in the lineup after he sat against the Texans with a groin injury.

Cleveland at St. Louis:


The Browns have played consecutive overtime games and have been involved in four epic finishes since Josh McCown returned from a concussion that cost him a Week 2 start. Their last three contests have each ended on game-winning field goals. Considering how effective McCown was in moving the ball against Denver, one of the NFL’s top defenses, it’s a safe bet he’ll hold on to the QB job as long as he stays healthy. Another fierce defense awaits as the Browns visit the Rams, who come in fresh off a bye week.


Pittsburgh at Kansas City:


The Steelers will either have Ben Roethlisberger back or be forced to turn to third-stringer Landry Jones, since it sounds like Mike Vick is a no-go due to a small tear in his hamstring. Roethlisberger says he won’t know if he’ll be able to play until we get deep into the week, so Jones will likely get the bulk of the snaps in preparation for his first NFL start. He threw for a pair of touchdowns in the 25-13 win over Arizona, picking up the win despite Pittsburgh trailing 10-6 when he took over for Vick. The sloppy Chiefs predictably struggled in their first action without Jamaal Charles, losing 16-10 in Minneapolis after failing to score a single point through the first three quarters.


Houston at Miami:


The Dolphins finally got the anticipated production out of their front seven against Tennessee, wreaking havoc in the backfield and emerging with Week 6’s most lopsided win. With J.J. Watt and the Texans also coming off a win, both teams here view this underrated matchup as an opportunity to get the ball rolling on a winning streak. Brian Hoyer validated Bill O’Brien’s decision to go back to him at QB over Ryan Mallett by throwing for 293 yards and three touchdowns, connecting with DeAndre Hopkins 10 times. That combination will need to remain among the NFL’s most productive for the Texans to get a win in South Florida.


N.Y. Jets at New England:


The Patriots knew that with every team in the division seemingly improved, winning the AFC East for a seventh consecutive time wouldn’t be as easy as it has been. The Jets have emerged from the pack as the top contender, led by Darrelle Revis' return to the secondary and improved QB play they’ve gotten from Ryan Fitzpatrick, so this looms as Week 7’s marquee matchup. New England will be playing in Foxboro for the first time since Sept. 27 but are beginning a stretch of three in a row at home. Bill Belichick has beaten the Jets in eight of the last nine meetings, but this will be his first look at the Todd Bowles-led version.


Minnesota at Detroit:


The Lions became the final team to break through and earn a win this season, beating Chicago in OT on Sunday. They’ll wrap up their three-game homestand against a Vikings squad they fell to 26-16 in Week 2, so we’ll know whether to write them off prior to their trip to London to face Kansas City next week. Matthew Stafford wound up throwing for 405 yards and four touchdowns against Chicago, but the fact beating the Bears in the final minutes of OT required that much production and a controversial touchdown tells you all you need to know about where the Lions find themselves entering this one. The Vikings are quietly running sixth in the NFC, in line for a playoff spot but have plenty of room for offensive improvement. Teddy Bridgewater threw a pair of interceptions and Adrian Peterson managed just 60 yards on 26 carries against Kansas City as the defense was forced to bail out an anemic attack. Rookie WR Stefon Diggs did make seven grabs for 129 yards and could emerge as weapon going forward.


Atlanta at Tennessee:


After dropping their first game in New Orleans, we’ll see how the Dan Quinn gets his Falcons to bounce back from adversity. With Devonta Freeman leading the NFL in touchdowns and Julio Jones battling through injuries to remain among the league’s top targets, Atlanta doesn’t lack for firepower. Still, it has struggled with turnovers for a couple of weeks, dating back to requiring OT to get past Washington at home. The Titans haven’t won since the season opener despite the fact they’ll be playing their fourth consecutive home game. Marcus Mariota has been hit hard during his rookie season and will be down a key offensive lineman with center Brian Schwenke lost to a fractured ankle.


Tampa Bay at Washington:


Jameis Winston’s pro career got off to a rocky start against Mariota’s Titans, but he’s now currently ahead in wins and could get his team back to .500 by pulling out a win here. This is a big game for head coaches Lovie Smith and Jay Gruden, each trying to gain traction in their second season at the helm. Unlike Smith, who is coming out of a bye week and has had more prep time, Gruden is heading into his after this contest, which puts added pressure on Washington to win and avoid taking a three-game losing streak into their break. Kirk Cousins struggled again last week against the Jets and has failed to capitalize on the momentum of his fourth-quarter comeback against Philadelphia.


New Orleans at Indianapolis:


With Drew Brees’ injured throwing shoulder feeling better, the Saints’ prospects have dramatically improved as they go in search of their first road win. The Colts got Andrew Luck back and had some positive stretches in Sunday night’s loss to New England, so they’ll be looking to get things together here and keep the sharks from circling around beleaguered head coach Chuck Pagano. If they lose, Indianapolis would be staring at a 3-4 start with games at undefeated Carolina and home against unbeaten Denver prior to its bye week.


Oakland at San Diego:


The Chargers have dropped consecutive games to the Steelers and Packers that they came tantalizingly close to winning, but no one on that offense is quitting on Philip Rivers. The key variable here will be Keenan Allen’s availability, as the NFL’s leader with 53 receptions left the field on Sunday with a hip flexor injury that may require him to miss a game. The Raiders are coming off their bye week and are eager to snap a two-game losing streak and get back to .500. Since Denver is running away with the AFC West, this takes on increased importance since it lumps the loser in with last-place Kansas City in a seemingly insurmountable hole.


Dallas at N.Y. Giants:


It sounds like Dez Bryant is going to try and be a part of this one, as the injured Cowboys wide receiver has been back on the field for conditioning drills in aiming to return from foot surgery earlier than expected. He’ll have a new quarterback in Matt Cassel, who takes over for an ineffective Brandon Weeden. The Cowboys have also promised to increase new running back Christine Michael’s responsibilities, so the Giants will essentially be seeing a new-look squad that has had a bye week to heal up and implement new wrinkles.


Philadelphia at Carolina:


Fresh off a thrilling win in Seattle, the Panthers will look to slow down Chip Kelly’s Eagles on Sunday night. Cam Newton is playing like an MVP candidate and a defense that got LB Luke Kuechly back from a lengthy battle with concussion symptoms has a primetime stage to put their talent on display. Although Carolina certainly benefited from a light early schedule, beating the Seahawks on the road opened up a post-bye stretch that the team was pointing towards as a national coming out party. The Panthers host Indianapolis next Monday night and then welcome in the Packers on Nov. 8, so the tests intensify. If they’re able to thrive at home, their Super Bowl odds should drop dramatically. Entering the week, Sportsbook.ag had them 11-to-1 to win the NFC and 22-to-1 to win SB 50.


Monday, Oct. 26


Baltimore at Arizona:


The Ravens are 1-5 and a sizeable underdog to go down again here. Between injuries, inconsistent play from Joe Flacco and an inability to get stops against opposing passers, Baltimore looks destined to miss the playoffs for the second time in three seasons. Aside from their 2013 demise, the Ravens have won a postseason game every year since 2008, so we’ll see if John Harbaugh finds a way to get his team to at least go down swinging. The Cardinals come off a loss in Pittsburgh but are 9-2 at University of Phoenix Stadium under head coach Bruce Arians.

 

[CNOTES]

Falcons open week with healthy Jones
October 19, 2015


FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) Julio Jones has opened the week on the practice field instead of in the trainer's room.


A healthy Jones is the first sign that three straight off days could move the Atlanta Falcons closer to full strength for Sunday's game at Tennessee.


The Falcons are hoping to have starting center Mike Person (ankle) and linebacker Justin Durant (elbow) back this week. Person and Durant worked on the side in Monday's practice after missing Thursday night's 31-21 loss at New Orleans.


Coach Dan Quinn says he hopes Person and Durant can practice on Wednesday.


Jones has played in every game despite missing some practices the last four weeks with toe and hamstring injuries. The star receiver missed last week's first practice.

 

[CNOTES]

It's going wrong for some NFL slumpers
October 19, 2015


There are slumps in the NFL, and there are SLUMPS.


Sure, the Jaguars, Titans, Browns, Bears and Redskins have poor records so far. That was pretty much expected.


What is going on in Seattle, Baltimore, Kansas City and Detroit, those are major flops so far.


And no, we're not writing off the Seahawks as an NFC contender; conference teams have learned the past two years how unwise it is to underestimate what Seattle is capable of.


Still, the struggles those supposed Super Bowl candidates are experiencing are mind-boggling.


Pete Carroll recognized that after the Seahawks' latest debacle, yet another blown lead in the fourth quarter in a 27-23 loss to Carolina. At home, no less.


Carroll immediately addressed Seattle's standing at the bottom of the NFC West.


''We're a team that has tremendous expectations,'' he said. ''To be where we are right now it puts us in a position of tremendous adversity for a team. It calls on you a lot of stuff, but it calls on us to believe in the guys in the locker room and believe in what we're doing and hang together until we get things right.''


Most NFL observers believe the Seahawks will get things right, at least to the point they won't be languishing with the dregs of the league for long. They get their first chance to make amends Thursday night at bitter rival San Francisco.


Here's a look at what has ailed the most disappointing teams of 2015, and what might be ahead.


SEATTLE (2-4)


Surprisingly, the play of the defense has been most distressing. The Legion of Boom doesn't have as much bite - All-Pros Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas were left to stare at each other in disbelief after a wide-open Greg Olsen caught the winning TD pass Sunday. The pass rush is so-so, and when middle linebacker Bobby Wagner, another All-Pro, is hobbled or out of the lineup, the D struggles.


Only recently has TE Jimmy Graham begun to fit in the offense, whose line has been a huge problem; does Seattle miss center Max Unger, dealt for Graham, more than it is helped by the tight end's presence?


Seattle also appears to be playing with too much confidence; yes, that can happen. Players believe their talent naturally will win out rather than working to make sure it does.


''We've been through too much together,'' Carroll said. ''We've got tremendous leadership, guys that really care. Not just about the game of football, but about one another. With all of the history that we've had, there isn't anything over.''


There's enough talent, know how, coaching acumen and pride for the Seahawks to right the ship. But it must be soon.


BALTIMORE (1-5)


This is more of a mess than Seattle.


The Ravens desperately miss their prime playmaker on defense, Terrell Suggs (torn Achilles tendon). When there's no pass rush, their secondary gets carved up, surrendering huge gains.


Like Seattle, they can't close out games. The passing attack is patchwork, especially when Steve Smith is out or playing hurt. QB Joe Flacco looks as if he is forcing things.


''Execution in the clutch moments and giving up big plays when we can't afford to,'' cornerback Jimmy Smith said. ''There's no excuse. I'm not going to say it's because we've been playing from behind. We're in every single game, so that means we have the opportunity to win. It's more magnified when we're losing games.''


Turning this around will be extra tough: The AFC North is strong and the Ravens already are five games behind Cincinnati.


KANSAS CITY (1-5)


The Chiefs' demise is particularly depressing because their best offensive player, Jamaal Charles, is done for the season, and the rest of their weapons pale in comparison. They've become undisciplined, too, and such standouts on defense as All-Pro linebacker Justin Houston and safety Eric Berry aren't having much impact.


After basically handing away their only two home games, to Denver and Chicago, there's not much comfort in Arrowhead, usually one of the most unnerving stadiums for opponents.


Coach Andy Reid and his staff need to re-evaluate while this season likely continues to spiral.


DETROIT (1-5)


Ugly.


Had the Lions not responded Sunday when Chicago nearly put them away, who knows if coach Jim Caldwell would have lasted? Motor City is particularly sensitive about 0-fers (remember 2008's 0-16).


One obvious issue here is the regression of QB Matthew Stafford. But when opponents know a team can't run the ball - and Detroit can't - it makes covering the likes of Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate more manageable.


Offseason decisions to let Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley walk as free agents haven't helped, either.


At least the Lions won't be going winless.

 

[CNOTES]

Rivera not worried about Panthers focus
October 19, 2015


CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) Ron Rivera isn't worried about a letdown after his team's emotional 27-23 win over the Seattle Seahawks.


The Carolina Panthers fifth-year head coach said if his squad is lacking focus this week he need only remind them of 45-21 shellacking they received from the Philadelphia Eagles last season. That was an ugly loss in which the Panthers turned the ball over five times, including twice on their first three plays from scrimmage.


Of course, the Panthers feel they are a different team this year.


The Panthers are riding high with a 5-0 record for the first time since 2003, the year they went to their only Super Bowl. They'll look to go 6-0 for the first time in franchise history Sunday night when they host Chip Kelly's Eagles.


''Hey, they whipped us last year, so there's a challenge,'' Rivera said.


There is also the matter of this being the first two straight nationally televised night games at home, so the Panthers should have little problem getting up for a game in which they have a chance to prove they're title contenders.


They took a step toward that on Sunday.


Seattle had beaten Carolina four times in the past three seasons and knocked them out of the playoffs in 2014.


Rivera called it a ''hallmark win,'' even though the Seahawks are struggling at 2-4.


''This is one of those things that you have to get over because of who they are,'' Rivera said. ''They're the defending NFC champs two years in a row.''


Cam Newton downplayed the importance of the Seattle game last week and didn't change his tune in the postgame press conference, even though the fifth-year quarterback was more animated than ever after his go-ahead 26-yard touchdown pass to Greg Olsen with 32 seconds left.


''Nothing special,'' Newton said in his postgame press conference. ''They're a good team. We're a good team too, and it's just time for us just to keep going. We've got to take this win, feed off of it and prepare for next week.''


Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly added: ''We've got to enjoy this win for a short period of time, and then we've got to get ready for (Philadelphia). That's what it is all about - you've got to have short term memory regardless of the outcome.''


Rivera said now it's a matter of the players staying focused and handling the increased attention that will come their way.


That won't be easy.


After this Sunday night's game the Panthers will host the Indianapolis Colts in a Monday night affair the following week.


''There's going to be a lot of noise now because of who we are and what's been happening and the positive things that have been going on,'' Rivera said. ''We can't focus on the noise.''


The Panthers still are somewhat untested.


They haven't played a team with a winning record - and won't until they host the Green Bay Packers on Nov. 8.


Still, history suggests the Panthers have a 93.2 percent chance of making the playoffs. Of the 59 teams that have started the NFL season 5-0, 54 have advanced to the postseason, according to STATS.


Newton said a third straight trip to the playoffs isn't something he's thinking about - yet.


''It's still a long season left,'' he said.


NOTES:


The Panthers said Monday that an MRI revealed linebacker Shaq Thompson, the team's first-round draft pick this season, has a sprained knee but did not say how long he would be out.

 

[CNOTES]

Titans QB Mariota sprained his left MCL
October 19, 2015


NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) An MRI exam shows Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota sprained his left MCL, and coach Ken Whisenhunt says they will have to see how the rookie's knee progresses before determining if he can play Sunday against Atlanta.


Whisenhunt said that Mariota was walking around just fine at the Tennessee headquarters on Monday.


Mariota was injured during the second quarter of Sunday's 38-10 loss to the Miami Dolphins when hit low by end Olivier Vernon. The rookie stayed on the field and didn't miss a play. Mariota did put a brace after the series, and he remained in the game until Whisenhunt sent Zach Mette

 

[CNOTES]

Pagano has to ask himself some hard questions
October 19, 2015


''Why'd you snap that?'' Chuck Pagano demanded when wide receiver Griff Whalen plodded to the sideline following one of the wackiest botched gadget plays in NFL history.


''Why'd we try that?'' is what the Indianapolis coach should be asking himself and special teams coordinator Tom McMahon on Monday.


What Pagano said was that he didn't regret trying the bungled trick play.


''No. No. Not at all. Not pleased obviously with the way I prepared the guys or coached the guys to go out and execute the play,'' Pagano said. ''I've talked about that at great length. I've got to be better. But I don't regret the play at all.''


The Colts (3-3) were giving the Patriots (5-0) a good game when they handed Tom Brady and Bill Belichick the victory Sunday night with an ill-conceived fake punt attempt on fourth-and-3 from their own 37.


Trailing New England 27-21 late in the third quarter, the Colts lined up in punt formation, then rolled nine players to the far right side of the field, leaving only Whalen to kneel over the ball like a center and safety Colt Anderson behind him scanning the field.


If the Patriots panicked and sent their defense back onto the field, Anderson was supposed to call for the snap and the 12-men-on-the-field flag would give the Colts a first down.


Or, if only one defender lined up over the ball, he could have taken the snap and run for the first down.


The Patriots weren't fooled and lined up several defenders over the football when Whalen didn't snap it right away - the play clock was at 10 seconds when the Colts first shifted but 9 seconds ticked away, giving the Patriots plenty of time to shift over and cover the ball.


So, the Colts either should have called a timeout, taken the delay of game penalty or shifted back into punt formation.


Instead, it was Whalen who panicked and snapped the ball to Anderson's dismay with a second left on the play clock as he was swarmed by a pack of Patriots.


The yellow flags indeed flew.


Indy was whistled for illegal formation because several Colts blockers were too far off the line of scrimmage.


Belichick declined the penalty and the Patriots had a short field to work with much to the puzzlement of everyone watching the much-anticipated and surprisingly close game.


Soon, Brady was hitting LeGarrette Blount for the decisive TD in New England's 34-27 win.


''That's on me,'' said Pagano, who outsmarted himself while trying to match wits with Belichick.


''We expected this to be a gadget game,'' said Belichick, who added, ''it was a heads-up play by our punt return unit.''


And hands-down the worst play call in the league in a very long time.


How's this for rubbing it in? The University of Maine, which successfully used a similar gadget play on a 2-point conversion to beat James Madison 25-24 in overtime in 2011, posted a clip of the play on its official Twitter account with the message ''Hey (at)Colts, this is how it's done.''


---


BROWNS' BLUNDER:


Cleveland coach Mike Pettine figured it was a good bet when he went for two after Karlos Dansby's pick-6 gave the Browns a 20-16 lead over the Broncos midway through the fourth quarter Sunday.


Denver's offense hadn't scored in 25 drives.


''You are up four. You are looking at how many possessions are left in the game. They had not scored a touchdown to that point. It was essentially a field goal game,'' Pettine said. ''If you only go up five, two field goals beat you. Also if you go up six and then you kick a field goal, you are now up nine, which makes it a two-score game on their part.


''We discussed it. It was at that fringe time on our notes, whether to do it. Obviously, knowing the end of the movie, now you would have liked to kick it. We felt good about the decision to go for two, but unfortunately, we didn't convert.''


Josh McCown's pass to Travis Benjamin fell incomplete, leaving Cleveland ahead 20-16.


On the very next play from scrimmage, Peyton Manning ended Denver's drought with a 75-yard touchdown strike to Emmanuel Sanders, the longest catch of the Pro Bowl receiver's career putting the Broncos up 23-20.


So, Travis Coons' 26-yard field goal with 90 seconds left in regulation was for the tie and not the win, and the Browns lost in overtime.


''In hindsight, obviously, you are saying, `Boy, we wish we wouldn't just had that extra point,'' Browns offensive lineman Joe Thomas said. ''But it's a 50-50 decision.''


One that 100 percent came back to bite the Browns.


---


LIONS' LIFE:


The Detroit Lions can't cross the goal line without drama it seems.


Golden Tate caught a short pass over the middle from Matthew Stafford as he crossed the goal line before Chicago DB Kyle Fuller reached in and pried the ball loose. The play was initially ruled an interception, but it was changed to a TD after a replay review showed Tate had both feet down before the ball came out.


Detroit was on the other end of a bad break earlier this month when Calvin Johnson fumbled into the end zone toward the end of a game at Seattle. Officials ruled that play a touchback instead of flagging the Seahawks for illegally batting the ball out of the end zone.


---


MISSED SAFETY:


What is it about officiating crews and missed calls in the end zone this season?


On third-and-12 from the Kansas City 2, Chiefs left guard Ben Grubbs was called for holding Vikings defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd - and a holding call in the end zone is an automatic safety. But referee Jerome Boger announced the infraction took place ''in the field of play,'' despite replays that revealed Grubbs halfway into the end zone when Alex Smith's throw was released.


---


DOLPHINS DIVIDEND:


Interim head coach Dan Campbell got a Gatorade bath and a game ball after Miami stopped the three-game skid that cost Joe Philbin his job. He won his first challenge on his way to triumphing in his debut in a 38-10 rout of Tennessee. His red flag changed a Marcus Mariota incompletion to a Dolphins fumble recovery.

 

[CNOTES]

Arians calls Steelers loss 'identical' to Rams defeat
October 19, 2015


TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) Meet the new loss, same as the old loss.


That was coach Bruce Arians' assessment of his Arizona Cardinals' 25-13 defeat at Pittsburgh on Sunday.


Arians called the game ''identical'' to the Cardinals' other loss, 24-22 at home to the St. Louis Rams on Oct. 4.


''It was us beating us,'' he said on Monday.


In both games, despite playing poorly, the Cardinals had a chance to win it late.


This time, trailing 18-13, the Cardinals drove from their 21-yard line and, after Carson Palmer's 19-yard pass to John Brown, had the ball at the Steelers' 20. On the next play, Palmer threw deep to Brown but safety Mike Mitchell leaped in front of Brown to intercept in the end zone. Palmer said after the game he didn't see Mitchell before he threw.


Against the Rams, Palmer overthrew the intended receiver late on a play that would have put Arizona in position for a game-winning field goal.


Arians rated Palmer's performance on Sunday ''average to poor.''


The Cardinals quarterback racked up big numbers, completing 29 of 45 passes for 421 yards. It was his eighth career 400-yard game, but he threw for just one touchdown and was intercepted twice.


''He made a lot of throws and we made a lot of catches,'' Arians said, ''but we didn't execute very well inside the 20-yard line.''


The Cardinals, who entered the game as the NFL's highest-scoring team, had one touchdown in four trips inside the red zone. That makes them 2-of-9 in the red zone in their two losses. In Arizona's four wins, the Cardinals had 16 touchdowns in 17 red zone visits.


Arizona had 279 yards to the Steelers' 59 in the first half, but led only 10-3.


Brown caught 10 passes for a career-best 196 yards, but his fumble gave Pittsburgh the ball at the Arizona 32-yard line early in the third quarter. That led to Landry Jones' eight-yard touchdown pass to Martavis Bryant and the Steelers took the lead for good, 12-10.


Jones had never thrown a pass in an NFL game and his TD toss was his first completion.


Arizona safety Tony Jefferson was a teammate of Jones at Oklahoma and joked that the quarterback knew better than to throw the ball his way.


But Jefferson agreed with cornerback Patrick Peterson that the Arizona defense let up when Michael Vick was hurt and Jones, the third-string quarterback, entered the game.


''I think we kind of took a step back and kind of just relaxed a little bit,'' Jefferson said. ''But he brought his A game.''


The Steelers scored on all four possessions after Jones came in, not counting when he took a knee at the end of the game.


A week earlier, Detroit committed six turnovers to Arizona's zero in the Cardinals' 42-17 victory. On Sunday, the Cardinals turned it over three times, the Steelers none.


''We can't be a defense that doesn't get turnovers,'' Jefferson said. ''Even if our offense does give some turnovers, we've got to do our part to get some. We've got to be ball hawks. We've got to be playmakers.''


Pittsburgh was the first team with a winning record that Arizona has played, but the Steelers were without their starting quarterback (Ben Roethlisberger) and three defensive starters, and they lost their starting left tackle early in the game.


The Cardinals' Michael Floyd caught his first touchdown pass of the season. He had all kinds of trouble in three other end zone adventures. Once he was called for offensive pass interference, even though replays showed little evidence he committed the offense. Another time his toe touched out of bounds after his reception. And once a defender grabbed his jersey and pulled on it and he couldn't get to the ball. No penalty was called.


''I don't think anybody else missed it in the stadium,'' Arians said, ''other than the two guys with striped shirts on.''


Notes:


Arians said tight end Darren Fells has ''some sort of a strain'' in his knee. The coach said MRI results weren't in yet. Without Fells, Arizona is down to two tight ends - Jermaine Gresham and Troy Niklas. ... Next up for Arizona is a Monday night home game next week against the reeling Baltimore Ravens, who fell to 1-5 Sunday with a loss at San Francisco, the worst start to a season in Ravens history. ... The Cardinals still lead the NFC West at 4-2. St. Louis is 2-3, Seattle and San Francisco 2-4.

 

[CNOTES]

Seahawks left searching for answers after another collapse
October 19, 2015


RENTON, Wash. (AP) Earl Thomas could not wait to get to his team meeting on Monday.


Players had to air out what has gone wrong with the Seattle Seahawks.


''We're not being (ourselves),'' Thomas said. ''I think we're distracted in some areas. I think today is a big day for us.''


All is not right with the two-time defending NFC champions. Their weeks are now being spent explaining what's gone wrong. That's the result of a 2-4 start that has featured two straight fourth-quarter collapses that simply have not happened in the past.


For a team with ''Finish'' as one of their mottos, the Seahawks are not living up to one of their core tenets.


And there's little time to get the problem fixed with a Thursday night game at San Francisco on the docket.


''Not finishing these last two games were really crucial. We've got to get better at the end,'' Seattle coach Pete Carroll said Monday. ''The execution that got us in the lead and put us in position early in the game just needs to continue. We don't really need to do anything different. We need to continue the execution and not let it fall where they take advantage of the last quarter, which has happened.''


The latest collapse came Sunday when the Seahawks led 23-14 with less than 12 minutes remaining and walked out of their home stadium baffled by a 27-23 loss to the Panthers, punctuated by a miscommunication on Greg Olsen's winning 26-yard touchdown catch with 32 seconds left. Instead of staying with Olsen, All-Pros Thomas and Richard Sherman were caught playing two different coverages after getting mixed signals. The result was Olsen running uncovered.


''Our communication now is really at a high level, and unfortunately you can make a mistake, and we did,'' Carroll said. ''We let them down there before that all happened, and they already were in field goal range and all that. We hadn't done the right things earlier, but that was a big mistake.''


The collapse against Carolina might not sting as much if the same thing hadn't happened just a week earlier and on an even grander scale. The Seahawks led Cincinnati 24-7 in the fourth quarter, only to lose 27-24 in overtime. In all four of Seattle's losses this season, the Seahawks have led in the fourth quarter.


That fact has led to plenty of blame being placed on Seattle's defense for being unable to hold late leads. The Seahawks are 28th in the NFL in fourth-quarter points allowed with 55 and are a minus-28 in point differential. Since Week 1, the Seahawks are being outscored 48-9 in the fourth quarter.


But there is blame for Seattle's offense, too, for not being able to sustain drives late.


''Our third-down play is not good enough right now. We are not able to get that next turnaround, that next opportunity and we are missing out on a lot of really cool stuff that we have,'' Carroll said. ''We didn't run the football as much as we wanted to because we didn't convert enough.''


In the past two games, Seattle has five total first downs in the fourth quarter. Seattle was 1 of 4 on third downs in the fourth quarter against Carolina after going 1 of 5 in the fourth quarter and overtime of the loss to Cincinnati.


Combined with the defensive problems, it's a mix that has the Seahawks facing trouble they haven't experienced the past few seasons.


''These situations, they're not going to break us,'' Thomas said.


NOTES:


Carroll is hopeful that LB Bobby Wagner (pectoral) will be able to play vs. San Francisco after sitting out Sunday's loss. ... C Patrick Lewis, who made his first start of the season on Sunday, suffered ankle and knee injuries and is in doubt for Thursday. ... T Garry Gilliam (ankle) and WR Tyler Lockett (hip) were also banged up against Carolina but Carroll had no update on their status for Thursday.

 

[CNOTES]

Buzz off: Jets taking low-key approach to facing Patriots
October 19, 2015


FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) This is the week you could count on, at least twice an NFL season, to hear some pretty good trash talk all the way from New York to Boston.


Yep, it's Jets-Patriots.


Bad blood, memorable moments and players and coaches switching sides mark this AFC East rivalry.


So, with the latest showdown set for Sunday at New England with first place in the division on the line, the hype should be starting right about now, right?


''We're not trying to catch up on anybody,'' guard Willie Colon said Monday. ''We're not trying to make any statements. We just want to win, and everything will take care of itself.''


Wait.


What about the shots at Tom Brady? Or, that stuff about not kissing Bill Belichick's rings? And, the talk of knocking the Patriots off their throne atop the AFC East?


''You know the answer to that,'' Colon said. ''You know why. New regime.''


Rex Ryan certainly drove the narrative during his six years with the Jets, firmly establishing an us-against-them approach. Ryan always spoke of his respect for Brady and Belichick, but also made it clear that he wanted to beat them, and in a big way.


He wasn't very successful at it, though, going 4-9 against them with the Jets - although one of those victories came in the playoffs. That did little to stifle the chatter during the week leading up to the games against the Patriots.


Well, under coach Todd Bowles, the buzz is gone.


''Winning this game is not going to make us,'' Bowles said. ''Losing this game is not going to break us.''


Whoa.


But, Ryan used to say division games were worth 1 1/2 games because of their potential effect on the standings.


''No,'' Bowles said. ''It's one game for us.''


These are certainly new - and boring? - times in the Jets-Patriots rivalry, with New York taking on the even-keeled and low-key approach of its head coach.


The spiciest of the headline-making comments might have come after the Jets' 34-20 victory over the Washington Redskins on Sunday. That's when Sheldon Richardson declared that the Jets are ''licking our chops'' at facing the defending Super Bowl champions.


Yawn.


''You want them amped up on Sunday, but as far as playing the game or playing a specific person, you try to treat everybody the same and we go about our business the same way,'' Bowles said. ''We don't let that (determine) what we do in practice or what we do on Sunday.''


That includes not getting too high emotionally about facing an undefeated Patriots team that has won the division 12 of the past 14 seasons.


''Emotions is a tricky word,'' Colon said. ''Because if you fall into it, you kind of lose focus on everything that needs to be done around you. The only way to keep emotions out of that is just focus on your job, and focus on the job at hand.''


For the Jets (4-1), that means not having the type of sluggish starts that have been an early season problem, including their sloppy first half against the Redskins. New York had three turnovers in the first two quarters, leading to all of the Redskins' points as they took a 13-10 lead into halftime.


Ryan Fitzpatrick and the offense got their acts together in the third quarter, scoring 24 straight points and cruising to a win. Chris Ivory had another big game with 146 yards rushing and a touchdown, leading a Jets running attack that ranks first in the league.


''We have a lot of stuff to clean up,'' Fitzpatrick said. ''The turnovers early obviously put our defense in a tough spot. Those are just things that aren't going to be able to continue to occur if we want to continue to win games.''


The defense is ranked No. 1 overall in yardage allowed with 269.2 yards per game, and it has given up an NFL-low 75 points through five games.


In Brady & Co., the Jets will face the league's No. 2 overall offense, which also ranks second in passing.


''He's one of the ultimate quarterbacks of our time,'' Bowles said.


As a starting quarterback, Brady is 21-6 against the Jets, including 1-1 in the playoffs. So, he's an opponent the Jets know well - and can serve as an early season litmus test for New York.


Even if they're being hush-hush about it all.


''It's Week 6 and we just happen to be playing the New England Patriots,'' Colon said. ''That's our mindset. We know it's going to be a tough team to go against. But for us, it's another chance for us to prove ourselves. The only thing we need to prove to ourselves is that we can win.''

 

[CNOTES]

Manning, Kubiak are committed to making this work
October 19, 2015


ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) Peyton Manning and Gary Kubiak are committed to making this shaky football marriage work.


Manning leads the league with 10 interceptions, as many as he threw in 2013 altogether, and his seven TDs so far match the total he had in that year's opener alone.


Yet, Denver is unbeaten thanks to a stout defense, a strong kicker and just enough clutch plays on offense to set up a Nov. 1 showdown with Green Bay featuring two flawed 6-0 teams coming off byes.


''Obviously, we've had a ton of breaks. I won't be going to Vegas for my bye weekend. I'm not feeling lucky now,'' Manning said after the Broncos' 26-23 overtime win at Cleveland.


He's not feeling fortunate because tipped passes keep landing in opponents' hands. But he should consider himself blessed that his many mistakes haven't cost the Broncos a game.


Manning's 61.6 completion percentage is his worst since 2001. His 6.5 yards per attempt are his worst since his rookie year in 1998. His TD-to-interception ratio is his worst ever and his 72.5 passer rating is his worst since '98.


So, no, he won't be jetting to Vegas to play some blackjack this weekend. He'll be working on his hybrid offense that ranks 29th in the NFL.


''Obviously, we are still going through a transition,'' Manning said. ''We are trying to get on the same page and get comfortable. The injuries have not helped that transition.''


His blindside protector, rookie Ty Sambrailo, has missed three weeks with a shoulder injury and left guard Evan Mathis has been bothered that long by a pulled hamstring, forcing some shuffling along the O-line. Tight ends Owen Daniels and Virgil Green have been non-factors, as has Pro Bowl running back C.J. Anderson, who's been surpassed by Ronnie Hillman as the primary ball carrier.


At 39, Manning hasn't looked anything like the five-time MVP his resume says he is.


''It has by no means been easy, but Coach Kubiak and I continue to talk and we are committed to trying to get on the same page and get where he and I have a good feel for each other,'' Manning said. ''We are both committed to the cause. I think this bye week comes at a good time where we can study some things we have done in the first six weeks and see what has worked and maybe what is not working as well.''


Kubiak has already acquiesced and put Manning in the pistol formation with a running back directly behind him rather than having his QB line up under center in his zone-blocking scheme.


Asked Monday if he'd consider going all the way back to letting Manning run things like he used to, out of the shotgun in the no-huddle, for example, Kubiak said: ''Well, first off, I'm going to do what I think ... is best for the quarterback. I would never do anything that I don't think is best for the quarterback. So, that's my plan every day I go to work.''


Kubiak pointed to the stat sheet from Sunday, where Demaryius Thomas had 111 yards receiving and Emmanuel Sanders 109, including a 75-yard TD. Hillman ran for 111 yards. Manning threw for 290.


''So, we improved,'' Kubiak said. ''We did a lot of good things yesterday. We moved the ball. We need to continue to make that improvement. We had two 100-yard receivers. We had a 100-yard rusher. Those are good things. Those are positive things. We need to protect the ball better. Between he and I, we've got to do a better job of that.''


The caveats: Manning misfired 22 times and threw three interceptions to go with his 26 completions.


''Whatever stats people are looking for, we've got a great stat and that's 6-0,'' left tackle Ryan Harris said. ''And No. 1 in the division.''


Notes:

The Broncos released RB Kapri Bibbs 48 hours after promoting him from the practice squad and re-signed TE Richard Gordon. ... Sanders said his bruised left shoulder was sore Monday, but ''I feel good.'' He's expected to practice next week when the team returns from its five-day furlough.

 

[CNOTES]

Brian Hoyer to keep starting QB job for Texans
October 19, 2015


HOUSTON (AP) The Houston Texans have flip-flopped between Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett throughout the early part of this season.


That indecision at quarterback appears to be over now after Hoyer's strong performance in Houston's win over the Jaguars on Sunday.


''He's our quarterback,'' coach Bill O'Brien said. ''We're going to stick with him. He's playing really well. He's playing at a high level, and we've got a lot of confidence in him.''


Hoyer made his second start this season on Sunday and it was the first time he both started and finished a game.


He won the starting job out of camp, but was benched during the season opener after struggling early in that game. But Mallett had a tough time in his three starts and Hoyer took over in the last two of them before regaining the starting job last week.


On Sunday, Hoyer was 24 of 36 for 293 yards and tied a career high with three touchdown passes. It was the third straight game with two or more touchdown passes for Hoyer, which is the longest streak of his career.


''I thought he threw the ball accurately, made good decisions with the ball, now the key is to do it again,'' O'Brien said. ''The trick is to do it again.''


Now that Hoyer is starting again for Houston, it's natural to wonder if O'Brien regrets the decision to bench him so early in the season.


''I thought it was in the best interest of the team to make that decision at that time,'' O'Brien said. ''I don't look back on those things, don't regret any decisions that I've made as it relates to this team. I just know that Hoyer approached it very well. Brian approached it very well, like the true professional that he is.''


Hoyer did not have a turnover on Sunday and the offensive line protected him well, allowing just one sack after he was taken down four times in his first start of the season. He and the Texans will try to win consecutive games for the first time this season on Sunday when they travel to face Miami.


The Dolphins have a defensive line featuring Cameron Wake, who had four sacks and forced two fumbles before halftime in a victory over the Titans on Sunday.


''This is a very difficult defense ... and they are playing at a high level right now so it will be a difficult challenge, but I think the guys on offense enjoying playing for and with Brian,'' O'Brien said.


A big reason for Hoyer's success on Sunday was the continued strong play of DeAndre Hopkins, who leads the NFL with 726 yards receiving. He had 10 receptions for 148 yards against Jacksonville to become the first player in NFL history to have at least nine catches and 145 yards receiving in three straight games.


Hopkins caught touchdown passes on two consecutive drives in the fourth quarter to secure the victory. O'Brien has been impressed with the fact that Hoyer has continued to find him despite different plans to stop him.


''Sometimes they do double him but we try to move them around so you can't get a beat on where he is,'' O'Brien said. ''I think Brian's done a good job of understanding the coverage in yesterday's game and knowing when he could get him the ball and when he couldn't get him the ball ... those two guys have developed a good connection.''


Left tackle Duane Brown has enjoyed watching the chemistry between Hopkins and Hoyer develop and knows it will only get better as Hoyer plays more.


''They are definitely clicking, man,'' Brown said. ''Hoyer has done a great job not just with DeAndre, but with all of the receivers, the tight ends, the backs being able to click and get on the same page and get in sync. The connection they have is unbelievable.''

 

[CNOTES]

Steelers' Bryant shines in return from injury, suspension
October 19, 2015


PITTSBURGH (AP) Martavis Bryant ran out of running room in the middle of the field, swerved back to his right and took off.


Somewhere behind him, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell watched and waited for his teammate to get caught from behind. Bryant, after all, was being chased by one of the fastest players in the league in Arizona's Patrick Peterson.


While Peterson closed in on Bryant, he never did catch him.


Then again, neither did any of the other 10 Cardinals on the field.


By the time Bryant crossed the goal line - complete with a well-intentioned if somewhat shoddily executed flip - the second-year wide receiver had put Arizona and his own turbulent start to 2015 behind him.


''Tay just kind of took off on (Peterson),'' Bell said. ''It's amazing what he can do with the ball in his hands.''


Suspended for the first four games for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy and forced to sit out another with a minor knee injury, Bryant wasted little time making amends. He caught six passes for 137 yards and two scores, including his 88-yard zigzag across Heinz Field that finished off the Cardinals and provided a needed reminder of his still somewhat untapped potential.


''I don't want to be one-dimensional,'' Bryant said.


Primarily a deep threat a year ago, when he averaged 21.4 yards per reception and caught eight touchdowns after being activated in Week 6, Bryant showcased more than just his speed against Arizona.


He used every inch of his 6-foot-4 frame to haul in Landry Jones' 8-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter to give the Steelers the lead. He channeled his inner Antonio Bryant, forcing players to miss as he navigated traffic in front of him on his way to Pittsburgh's longest play of the season.


''Last year we had called the same play and I dropped it and it would have been a touchdown as well,'' Bryant said. ''I just wanted to finish the catch with my eyes and use my vision to go do what I've got to do.''


Yet Bryant understands he needs to prove he's more than dynamic. The Steelers have no issues with his playmaking. It's his decision-making they're worried about. Bryant spent a portion of his suspension in Houston at a facility operated by former NBA player and coach John Lucas - a recovering drug addict. He returned to the locker room the morning after a Thursday night loss to Baltimore chastened and eager to move on.


He tweaked a knee in his second practice back, but was anxious to get going when he was finally cleared to face Arizona. With Michael Vick at quarterback, offensive coordinator Todd Haley called a couple of short throws and an end-around, none of which really went anywhere.


It wasn't until Jones - who'd spent plenty of time throwing to Bryant during the past two preseasons - took over for an injured and ineffective Vick that Pittsburgh took off.


All four of Bryant's receptions from Jones either ended with him in the end zone or extended drives that resulted in Chris Boswell field goals that padded Pittsburgh's advantage.


While Brown remains one of the best in the league, Bryant's presence will only make the Steelers (4-2) more dangerous as they try to keep pace with unbeaten Cincinnati (6-0) in the AFC North.


''He's only going to get better and continue to grow,'' Bell said. ''It's kind of scary to look at it. He's a guy who is still learning. He doesn't know everything, doesn't know how good he can be.''


NOTES:


Brown said Monday he's frustrated at his lack of touches while starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger recovers from a sprained left knee, but added he can't get caught up in individual success. Brown has just 11 receptions for 109 yards and no touchdowns in Roethlisberger's absence. ... The Steelers placed LT Kelvin Beachum on season-ending injured reserve after Beachum tore the ACL in his left knee on Sunday. Pittsburgh signed lineman Byron Stingily to take Beachum's spot on the roster. Stingily started nine games for Tennessee from 2012-14.

 

[CNOTES]

Saints bring in new kicker, Forbath, to replace Hocker
October 19, 2015


METAIRIE, La. (AP) - The New Orleans Saints have decided to make a change at kicker, releasing Zach Hocker on Monday and replacing him with former Washington Redskins kicker Kai Forbath.


Hocker missed two field goal attempts during Thursday night's Saints victory over Atlanta, dropping him to 9 of 13 on the season. Two weeks earlier, Hocker had missed a potential winning field goal against Dallas, hitting the left upright. However, the Saints won that game in overtime.


Forbath, whose signing was posted on the NFL transactions wire Monday afternoon, had kicked for the Washington Redskins from 2012 until his release last month. He has made 60 of 69 field goal attempts in his career. He hit 24 of 27 last season.


He becomes the 10th Saints kicker since coach Sean Payton was hired in 2006.


The previous nine kickers in New Orleans were: John Carney, Billy Cundiff, Olindo Mare, Martin Gramatica, Taylor Mehlhaff, Garrett Hartley, John Kasay, Shayne Graham and Hocker.


Hartley was one of the stars of the Saints' 2009 championship season, hitting the winning kick in the NFC title game and then making three kicks from beyond 40 yards in the Super Bowl. While injured, Hartley was replaced by Kasay in 2011. Hartley returned in 2012, but was replaced by Graham in 2013 after having one kick blocked and missing another wide left in a loss at St. Louis.


Graham remained with New Orleans through 2014, but Payton decided in the offseason to release Graham and open the job to a competition between a pair of young pros with no regular season NFL experience: Hocker, who kicked at Arkansas, and Dustin Hopkins out of Florida State.


Hocker won the job in the preseason. Hopkins, meanwhile, has replaced Forbath in Washington, hitting 10 of 11 attempts.

 

[CNOTES]

Bengals match best start in their history at 6-0
October 19, 2015


CINCINNATI (AP) The Bengals have never been better six weeks into a season. Next comes a bye to rest and get several injured players healthy.


The AFC North leaders are in a very good place.


A 34-21 win in Buffalo on Sunday left the Bengals one of five unbeaten teams in the NFL. Their 6-0 mark matches the best start in franchise history - they also did it in 1975 and in 1988, the last time they went to the Super Bowl.


''It's a great thing to be 6-0, there's no doubt about it,'' left tackle Andrew Whitworth said on Monday. ''It's a great thing to win and have that opportunity to look at our season and say, `Man, we have an opportunity to make the playoffs.' But it doesn't mean you've accomplished anything.''


One more win would accomplish plenty.


The Bengals are in control of the division with a two-game lead over the Steelers (4-2), who are still missing Ben Roethlisberger to a knee injury. After their bye, they play in Pittsburgh with a chance to open a three-game lead.


They still have two games left with Cleveland (2-4), and they host Baltimore (1-5).


With the Bengals, it's all about winning a playoff game. They haven't done that since the 1990 season, the sixth-longest postseason drought in NFL history. They've reached the playoffs each of the past four seasons and lost their opening game, three times on the road.


The fast start has put them in position to play for home-field advantage during the postseason. The Bengals are the first AFC North team to start 6-0 since realignment in 2002.


''We just have to keep driving the train straight,'' receiver Marvin Jones said. ''You'll hear everybody say that. We know what the focus is and that's something greater. It's great that we're 6-0, but we're chasing something great and we know it.''


The biggest change this season has been at quarterback. Andy Dalton has emerged during his fifth season, growing into one of the NFL's top passers for the first time. His 116.1 passer rating trails only the Patriots' Tom Brady, and he leads the league in fourth-quarter passer rating.


The win on Sunday was Dalton's 22nd on the road, which trails only Dan Marino, Roethlisberger and Matt Ryan - all at 23 - for most by a quarterback during his first five seasons in the Super Bowl era.


Dalton has completed 67 percent of his throws for 1,761 yards with 14 touchdowns and only two interceptions. Brady leads the league with only one interception.


So far, Dalton has been the leader in keeping them perfect.


''It's huge,'' Dalton said. ''I mean, you look at the schedule and you see the start week and the bye and this is exactly what you want, to be going undefeated into the bye.''


Notes:


Coach Marvin Lewis said several players who were limited by injuries on Sunday should be healthy enough to play against the Steelers after the bye. ... The NFL Network apologized to Bengals players who were shown naked in the locker room during a postgame interview on Sunday. A network reporter was interviewing cornerback Adam ''Pacman'' Jones, and the videographer's angle included the entrance to the shower area. Several players were shown naked in the background. NFL Network Executive Vice President Alex Riethmiller said during a conference call on Monday that the crew didn't follow network procedures that would have prevented it.

 

[CNOTES]

Harbaugh: Ravens 'not good enough to win right now'
October 19, 2015


OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) The Baltimore Ravens keep finding ways to lose, and coming close is of no consolation to coach John Harbaugh.


Off to the worst start in franchise history, Baltimore (1-5) bumbled its way to a 25-20 defeat Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers. The Ravens' five losses have come by a total of 22 points, in part because they couldn't come up with a big play when it mattered most.


In three of the losses, Baltimore blew a fourth-quarter lead. In the other two, the Ravens staged comebacks that fell short.


''It's disappointing to lose these close games the way we're losing them,'' Harbaugh said Monday. ''The bottom line is we're not good enough to win them right now.''


The Ravens have reached the playoffs in six of seven years under Harbaugh. His eighth season, however, is unlike the rest.


''It would nice not to go through adversity. It would be nice to go through every season here and be on top,'' Harbaugh said. ''We strive to do that, but we don't always get that. So you'd better be ready to face the hard times, too.''


This version of the Ravens is allowing 288.5 yards passing per game, carrying a minus-5 turnover differential and seemingly incapable of taking control of a game in the waning minutes.


Offense and special teams have contributed to the demise, but the most notable shortcoming is the defense. The unit was ranked an uncharacteristic 24th among 32 teams before allowing 391 yards Sunday to the league's 29th-ranked offense.


Granted, Baltimore lost standout linebacker Terrell Suggs to a torn Achilles tendon in Week 1 and the secondary has been decimated by injuries. But really, there's no excuse for allowing 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick to throw for 340 yards, including a combined 198 yards to former Ravens Torrey Smith and Anquan Boldin.


''I'm tired of saying the same thing,'' cornerback Jimmy Smith said, ''but we have to come through. It's unacceptable.''


Back in the summer, the Ravens spoke about their quest to win the AFC North and secure home-field advantage in the playoffs. At this point, Baltimore would have to make a run of historic proportions to reach the postseason.


Since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970, only one team started 1-5 and made the playoffs: the 1970 Cincinnati Bengals, who finished 8-6. Since the schedule was expanded to 16 games, no team has reached the postseason after a 1-5 start, according to STATS.


At this point, the Ravens aren't thinking about playoffs. They're merely focused on getting out of this unprecedented rut.


''We know what kind of team we're going to be. We have a vision of what it looks like,'' Harbaugh said. ''We haven't been able to get there yet. We think we're going to get there every week.''


And yet, Baltimore keeps coming up short.


''It's frustrating, but at the same time we know we just need to get better,'' said Joe Flacco, who threw two costly interceptions Sunday. ''That's all we can do is put our head down and continue to try and get better. Just go out there and win a football game. We just haven't found a way to do that yet.''


According to Harbaugh, it's not for lack of effort.


''We practice, we prepare, we plan, and we haven't seen the fruits of our labor yet,'' he said. ''We have to get that done. We will get it done. We can't say when.''


Maybe it will next Monday night against the Arizona Cardinals. And it not then, well, Harbaugh insists the Ravens won't stop trying.


''We'll fight, man. We'll come out swinging,'' the coach said. ''We'll find a way to win, and we will turn it around. There's no doubt about it. It's going to happen, no matter how much some people doubt us.''

 

[CNOTES]

Bye week offers breather for Lacy, other sore Packers
October 19, 2015


GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) A lack of carries for Eddie Lacy with the Green Bay Packers isn't necessarily solely tied to how the running back feels after he sprained his right ankle earlier this season.


Yes, Lacy is playing hurt, coach Mike McCarthy said Monday, but most of rest of the team is, too.


The upcoming bye week offers a much-needed break for Lacy and other sore Packers.


''He's beat up, this week will help him,'' McCarthy said, though adding, ''I don't see conditioning as an issue.''


Lacy got just four carries for 3 yards in the 27-20 win on Sunday against the San Diego Chargers. James Starks, normally the backup, got the start and made quick impressions with a 5-yard touchdown off a shovel pass and 65-yard touchdown run in the first quarter.


Starks finished with 10 carries for 112 yards. Lacy said after the game he wasn't limited, though he thought he might have a reduced role.


''When Starks started off and he comes out with a big run right out of the gate, it's hard to shut that down,'' Lacy said Sunday. ''You want to keep going and get what you can get out of it, and he kept rolling.''


The distribution in carries isn't tied to what happens in practice, McCarthy said. At the same time, the veteran Starks has long been a trusted backup in Green Bay, and coaches like the way he has been running.


Starks offers more of a threat outside the tackles than the bruising Lacy.


''James Starks is an outstanding running back, so we want to be a one-two punch,'' McCarthy said.


McCarthy has mentioned in the past how he has wanted to get Starks more touches.


When healthy, Lacy has received the majority of carries since he arrived in Green Bay in 2013. But the third-year back left the 27-17 win over Seattle in Week 2 after spraining his right ankle, a type of injury that has also bothered Lacy in his previous two seasons.


Lacy hasn't missed a game this year. He has played much of the time since the latest ankle injury with a heavy tape job around his right foot.


''At this point, I'm not really interested in running one of my running backs 20-25 times in a game, I don't think that's the best thing for us,'' McCarthy said.


It's worth nothing that Lacy has tended to finish seasons strong. His physical style is suited for cold-weather football.


The easygoing Lacy isn't voicing concern about his carries. The immediate focus is on the bye week.


''It's definitely 6-0, use this time to press the reset button, refocus, relax and come back and start all over again,'' Lacy said.


NOTES:


McCarthy said WR Ty Montgomery was feeling better after leaving the Chargers game with a sprained left ankle. ... WRs Davante Adams (ankle) and Randall Cobb (shoulder), and S Morgan Burnett (calf) are among key players who should benefit from the bye week. ... The victory over San Diego was McCarthy's 100th in his 10 seasons as head coach.

 

[CNOTES]

Lions hope first win a step in right direction
October 19, 2015


ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) If the Detroit Lions are going to salvage this season, Calvin Johnson will probably have to be a big part of it.


So in that respect, last weekend's victory was particularly encouraging.


''We've been asked this question on several occasions this year, last year and I answered it this year: Can he still run by people? Absolutely. Can he jump over the top of folks and make catches? You better believe it,'' coach Jim Caldwell said. ''Can he score touchdowns? All right, he can do all of those things.''


Johnson caught six passes for 166 yards and a touchdown Sunday, and his 57-yard reception in overtime set up the winning field goal in Detroit's 37-34 victory over Chicago. It was the first time this season Johnson surpassed 100 yards receiving.


Quarterback Matthew Stafford, who was benched during a loss the previous weekend, threw for 405 yards against the Bears.


''Stafford's been doing it his whole career,'' Johnson said after the game. ''Especially when we've seen situations where not only him, but we've got our backs up against the wall and come out firing. That's all he did (Sunday), kept his composure all week and didn't worry about what happened in the past.''


On Monday, Caldwell seemed intent on moving on from this victory as quickly as the Lions (1-5) have tried to move on from their defeats. There was some bad news following the win over the Bears. Running back Zach Zenner is out with broken ribs and a partially collapsed lung.


''He is in the hospital, but things are improving for him,'' Caldwell said Monday. ''At some point in time, he'll be placed on injured reserve.''


Zenner has 60 yards on 17 carries this season. He impressed during preseason and has received some playing time in a backfield that's been hurt by Joique Bell's injury problems and Ameer Abdullah's fumbling.


Theo Riddick made the most of his opportunities Sunday, running for 28 yards on seven carries and catching three passes for 50 yards.


On Sunday, the Lions managed 155 yards on 32 carries.


''It's not that we have to go out and rush for 700 yards. That's not the kind of team we are, we're not constructed that way,'' Caldwell said. ''But what we have to do is make certain that our run game is respected. ... Doesn't necessarily have anything to do with necessarily how many times running, even though I think we had 32 attempts in this particular game, which was good.''


Stafford himself contributed to that total, showing more mobility than usual with six rushes for 37 yards.


''He wasn't hesitant,'' Caldwell said. ''There was a couple that he saw open up.''


The playoffs still seem like a longshot for the Lions. Their 0-5 start may be too much to overcome. But if the season ended now, the wild cards in the NFC would be Atlanta (5-1) and Minnesota (3-2).


The Vikings play at Detroit next weekend.


''We've got a tough (opponent) that has maybe one of the best runners in all of football and we better get started and get focused on him and that team,'' Caldwell said. ''They have an excellent quarterback and they're playing well.''


In other words, the Chicago game is over and done with.


''One game does not a season make either way,'' Caldwell said. ''We still have work to do. Let's see where we are after next week.''

 

[CNOTES]

Gruden avoids 'drastic changes' with Redskins at 'code red'
October 19, 2015


ASHBURN, Va. (AP) Even if Washington Redskins coach Jay Gruden senses his team's season is on the verge of spiraling out of control, he is not giving any thought to replacing Kirk Cousins as his starting quarterback.


The Redskins can't prevent Cousins from turning over the ball, can't hold a halftime lead or play well in the third quarter, can't keep their players healthy and, lately, can't win.


Yet Gruden said Monday: ''I'm not looking to make any drastic changes right now.''


After going 4-12 in Gruden's first season as an NFL head coach, Washington is 2-4 heading into next weekend against the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-3), which he called ''a big, huge game for us.''


On Sunday, when Cousins threw two more picks in a 34-20 loss at the New York Jets, Gruden referred to the upcoming game against the Bucs as ''critical'' and ''code red for us.''


Asked to elaborate Monday, the coach said: ''We're getting backed into a corner right now. And everybody is taking their shots at us right now. And we can either come out swinging or we can take it. And I hope that we all come out swinging.''


That would have to include Cousins, who has played two interception-free games this season - probably not coincidentally, Washington's two victories. In each of the four losses, the fourth-year quarterback has been picked off twice.


''I just feel like that right now, at this time, Kirk gives us the best chance to win, still,'' said Gruden, who elevated Cousins from Robert Griffin III's backup to starter toward the end of the preseason. ''I want to see him fight through this. That will be the making of a strong person, a strong football player - how they react to some tough times and how they improve. I'm excited to see him bounce back and have a big bounce-back game this week and coming weeks. We'll see how it goes.''


Gruden defended Cousins by saying he is capable of making every throw required of an NFL quarterback and noting that other QBs throw interceptions, too.


He also said other Redskins players have confidence in Cousins.


In evaluating Cousins at a postgame news conference Sunday, Gruden mentioned that it was a ''little windy.''


''I talk too much,'' Gruden said Monday. ''But I'm not trying to make excuses for anybody. It wasn't good enough by anybody - not Kirk, not myself, not the offensive line, not the coaching staff. There's nobody in this locker room who played good enough to win a football game Sunday afternoon. I'm not making excuses for anybody. I'm not trying to baby anybody.''


NOTES:


Gruden said all of Washington's players who were injured Sunday are considered day to day: S Trenton Robinson (sprained ankle), RB Chris Thompson (bruised lower back), CB Bashaud Breeland (bruised knee), OT Ty Nsekehe (foot). ... WR DeSean Jackson's status for the Bucs game is still up in the air because last week he tweaked the left hamstring that has sidelined him since the season opener. ''You have to get that thing back to 100 percent before you go,'' Gruden said, ''otherwise, it will get worse.''

 

[CNOTES]

Jaguars look to dial up defensive pressure after latest loss
October 19, 2015
e
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) After getting picked apart by Houston quarterback Brian Hoyer, the Jacksonville Jaguars are making a defensive change.


How drastic a modification remains to be seen.


But coach Gus Bradley said Monday he plans to use more five- and six-man pressures beginning with this week's game against Buffalo (3-3) in London. It might not seem like a huge difference, but a lack of defensive pressure has been Jacksonville's biggest problem this season.


''Pressures can do a couple of things,'' Bradley said. ''One, I think it can stimulate a defense. You can see it bring energy. At the beginning of the game, if you don't feel like your defense is playing with a lot of energy, bringing pressure can stimulate them, so there's a purpose for it. ... The whole intent is to try to affect the quarterback and force him to make bad decisions, so I think that's what you're looking at.''


The Jaguars (1-5) have 12 sacks, including one in a 31-20 loss to the Texans on Sunday, and haven't been overly effective at pressuring quarterbacks.


Bradley's defense is designed to generate pressure from the ''Leo'' position - the defensive end lined up on the weak side of the formation - on first and second downs, and get sacks on third down using blitzes and a ''green package'' that features the team's top rushers.


The system managed 45 sacks last season, which ranked sixth in the NFL, and many of those came with four-man fronts. But the numbers have dropped sharply since, prompting Bradley to get more creative and gamble a little more.


''Maybe we throw in some extra ones,'' linebacker Dan Skuta said. ''Let's see what they come with. It'll be exciting to see what they come up with in the next couple of days.''


Injuries are a big part of the problem. Jacksonville drafted Florida standout Dante Fowler Jr. with the third overall pick, but he injured his left knee in the first hour of a rookie minicamp and is out for the season.


Former second-round draft pick Andre Branch was expected to slide into the starting role following Fowler's injury, but Branch sprained a ligament in his left knee in the preseason and missed the first three games of the regular season. He played better in his third game back Sunday, but he's still not where the Jaguars need him to be.


So Jacksonville has been trying to get by with 12-year veteran Chris Clemons.


Clemons has six tackles and a sack.


''That's how we're built,'' Bradley said. ''So we need it from the Leo. If we're not getting everything that we need, then we've got to look at bringing pressure and taking a guy out of coverage.''


The Jaguars believe things should improve as Branch and disruptive defensive tackle Sen'Derrick Marks get healthier. Marks, who had a career-high 8 1/2 sacks last season, made his season debut against the Texans. He had one tackle in 21 snaps.


Hoyer completed 24 of 36 passes for 293 yards and three touchdowns against Jacksonville, which also has been dismantled by Cam Newton and Tom Brady this season. It's one thing to watch Newton and Brady do that, but seeing Hoyer do it almost forced the Jags to make the change. A fourth consecutive loss surely factors into the decision, too.


''Pressure doesn't necessarily mean more sacks,'' Bradley said. ''Pressure could lead to poor decisions, but it can also lead to big plays. I think you've got to look at the team you're facing, how much it can affect them.''