The is the ultimate showcase of star power, with ers routinely making pivotal plays throughout. However, history suggests an unheralded player could make the biggest play, the one that determines which team gets to hoist the Lombardi Trophy at game's end.Last year, we watched OLB rise from relative obscurity . This year, I again expect a le ser-known guy to deliver a momentum-changing play that alters the outcome. Given some time to reflect on which players could be in position to make those plays, I've come up with six unconventional XLIX MVP Micah Abernathy Jersey  candidates:Seattle Seahawks1) , WR: The ' pa sing game in the regular season, but will need to make some plays through the air to move the ball consistently against the . Though he's viewed as the ' WR2 entering this contest, Kearse is the vertical playmaker Wilson leans on in the clutch. The third-year pro has 12 receptions of 20-plus yards over the past two seasons, including seven in 2014. Most importantly, Kearse has been a sensational postseason performer, notching touchdown receptions in four straight playoff games.With the intent on slowing down and limiting 's effectivene s as the ' WR1, it's quite po sible that Kearse's penchant for delivering "explosive" plays in the pa sing game could be the deciding factor in XLIX.2) , SS: As one of the founding members of the "Legion of Boom," with his physicality, toughne s and playmaking in the back end. In XLVIII, Chancellor ignited the flame with in the early going. Against the , he could set the tone with a big hit on in the hole or a statement blow to in space.Beyond establishing the tempo with his physicality and toughne s, Chancellor could put a blanket around the ' pa sing game by winning his one-on-one battle with Gronkowski on the perimeter. The All-Pro tight end routinely feasts on defensive backs with David McCormack Jersey  his imposing size, strength and aggre sivene s, but Chancellor po se ses the length, power and grit to hold his own against the ' most explosive offensive weapon. If Chancellor neutralizes Gronk's overall effectivene s on Sunday, the safety could walk away with MVP honors.3) , OLB: The ' defense is full of long, rangy athletes with the speed and agility to thrive in multiple roles along the front line. Irvin is a hybrid edge defender capable of wreaking havoc off the edges as a situational rusher or snuffing out tight ends as an aggre sive defender in space. As a result, Irvin has the potential to fill out a stat sheet with sacks (6.5 sacks in 2014; 16.5 in his three-year career), interceptions (three career INTs, including two pick-sixes in 2014), forced fumbles and fumble recoveries.Facing a New England offense predicated on timing and rhythm, Irvin could play a vital role as an active defender on the perimeter. From occasionally matching up with one of the ' talented tight ends to putting his hand in the dirt and pursuing Brady on edge pre sures, Irvin will have the opportunity to make a deciding play that propels the to their second straight championship.New England Patriots1) , RB: Despite recording largely pedestrian regular Deonte Sheffield Jersey -season totals over the bulk of his career, Blount's been one of the ' most important playmakers in the last two postseasons. He is the first player in NFL history with three-plus rushing touchdowns in multiple playoff games (in the and the) and he has posted two of the top three rushing performances in postseason history. Blount gives New England the requisite hard-nosed workhorse runner needed to thrive against physical defenses in the postseason.Seattle has been vulnerable against the run at times this season, and Blount could become the focal point of a conservative game plan built around a ground-heavy approach. From attacking the belly of the ' defense with a number of punishing inside runs to attempting to turn the corner on a handful of stretch/sweep plays, Blount needs to be an effective runner to keep the Pats on schedule against the top defense in football. Given the ' 46-1 record under Belichick when the team has a 100-yard rusher, Blount's play and production will be critical to New England's succe s on Sunday.2) , LB: The ' will put tremendous pre sure on New England's front seven. The brilliant execution of the zone-read by Wilson and Lynch will not only test the discipline and gap integrity of the unit, but it will challenge the overall toughne s and athleticism of the defense. With the scheme forcing Pats linebackers to make a number of one-on-one tackles in space Winston Wright Jr. Jersey , Collins must be a dominant force to keep Seattle's running game under wraps.Checking in at 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds, Collins could be asked to play the quarterback or running back on the option; his ability to make fundamental plays at the point of attack will be crucial to holding Seattle under 4 yards per carry. The have struggled against teams utilizing various zone-read elements this season (see: September games and ), making it imperative for Collins to scrape and attack his a signed player. If Collins can help New England's front seven contain Wilson and Lynch on the ground while also making a few timely plays against the pa s, he could finally get the attention he deserves as an emerging star in the league.3) , WR/PR: Despite the fact that Gronkowski is the ' most potent offensive weapon, it is po sible that Edelman could be the team's most important player in XLIX. The slippery slot receiver has ama sed 197 receptions and 10 touchdown grabs over the past two regular seasons. Edelman has been targeted 10-plus times in six straight games and remains an  Kahlil Haughton Jersey effective complement to Gronkowski when the use a two-man game with various stack and bunch alignments. With the poised to implement a variety of bump-and-run tactics, Edelman must win his fair share of battles between the hashes to keep the ' pa sing game on track.For all of Edelman's expected contributions as a receiver, I believe that his ability to make plays as a returner could be the reason he snags MVP honors. He has four career punt-return scores, notching 18 returns of 20-plus yards in six seasons -- impre sive production for a veteran returner. Given the ' occasional struggles covering punts this season, Edelman's play in the kicking game could make him a Desmond Howard-like hero on Sunday.Follow Bucky Brooks on Twitter .

Jon Gruden is really leaving Las Vegas now.The former Raiders coach, who resigned after Week 5 of the 2021 season, sold his house there for $7.5 million, well more than the $4.3 million he sold it for when he moved into town, Las Vegas Locally  Rodas Johnson Jersey reports.Former Raiders coach Jon Gruden just sold his home in Southern Highlands for $7.5 million, after paying $4.3 million for it last year. Las Vegas Locally  (@LasVegasLocally) The 8,684 square foot house, which consists of fivebedrooms and seven bathrooms is described as a "custom home with transitional architectural design and privately gated estate with porte cochre," which has "ample natural light, an open floor plan, and features high  Joseph Bruno Jersey ceilings, retractable floor to ceiling gla s walls, custom and imported patio doors, ma sive view decks, as well as breathtaking mountain and Henderson City Light Views."And of course there's a"vanishing  Toyous Avery Jersey edge" pool.Photos from Jon Gruden's Vegas home that he listed for $7.5M... *checks bank account*  Peter Socotch (@PeterSocotch) The listing and complete gallery of photos to the property can be found .MORE: The sale will likely be the last money he pockets from his time spent in Las Vegas. Hehad more than $60 million remaining on his 10-year contract with the team.Gruden sued the NFL over the release of e-mails that led to his resignation from the Raiders.In October, leaked e-mails between Gruden and former Washington Football Team president Bruce Allen showed Gruden using homophobic, sexist, transphobic and racist language. Along with attacks on NFL commi sioner Roger Goodell, he also attacked .MORE: , claiming he  Olaivavega Ioane Jersey did not want to be a distraction to the team. Not long after, , describing the league as running a "Soviet-style character a sa sination" of him. He said the league held e-mails for months but released them to the media in the middle of the season to "cause maximum damage" to him.Gruden signed a  Dominic DeLuca Jersey 10-year, $100 million contract with the Raiders that began in 2018. His resignation meant he forfeited the remainder of the money owed him, though the Raiders reportedly reached a settlement with him, .The NFL filed a motion in January to

In true Nottingham Forest style, they were sure to bring it  Dmitri Samorukov Jersey down to the very last day of the season. And what a day for it too! .. A sold out, warm, sunki sed afternoon at the City Ground, The perfect day to claim a promotion spot (Doncaster Rovers fans would beg to differ, Im sure!)Emotions running high, with every nervous soul in the ground anxious over the fate of their beloved club come ten to five, on what was yet to be one of the best weekends in years for the Reds fans.With Mansfield Town sadly exiting the football league, it was now Forests job to restore some pride back into the countys football!Having followed Forest since I was 5 years old (granted back then the football was alot more, shall we say.attractive?) my nerves were beyond me and the adrenaline was well and truley pumping. All those wet, freezing cold Tuesday nights standing Earl Ingarfield Jersey  like sardines in a cow shed with no roof, knowing that we were getting played off the park It made me think, just how much so many people were relying on the 11 men out there.Whilst our stay in the third tier of English football was anything but short lived, it was a time to reflect. The good times, the bad times (there have been a few!) An experience more than anything perhaps? Call it what you will, we were now staring promotion in the face. It was so close, yet so far. Surely our bubble couldnt burst and our dreams were not going to become nightmares once again?With the mood around the City Ground feeling very optimistic, we all knew we had a duty to our football club. Our duty as the 12th man. And boy was that duty carried out! When news came flooding in that Cheltenham Town had scored against Doncaster, I think every Forest Fan alive was more of a Cheltenham fan than the actual Cheltenham fans!! It was looking in our favour as we also had taken the lead against a respectful Yeovil Town.Surely this was it? we Kevin Stevens Jersey  were on the way to the Championship!. Doncaster Rovers had equalised.Suddenly the nerves were more intense than ever before. Yeovil had also got the scoreline to 3-2. Knowing our dreams would be shattered into a thousand pieces if Yeovil or Doncaster scored again, was only too much for some to handle.Just as we thought the afternoon was heading for disasterCheltenham 2-1 Doncaster!The roar around the City Ground when Cheltenham struck home, was one of the most magnificantly loud celebrations I have ever witne sed. Pure happine s, emotions.85 minutes gone and there wasnt one Evgeni Malkin Jersey  quiet person amongst the sell out crowd. Even the Yeovil fans were starting to join in being fantastic sports. Saying that, it was only a year ago they were taunting us when they knocked us out in the second leg of the playoffs!The referee confirms it everyone in pure elation. All that heartache, the lows. We had finally done it. After 3 long years we had finally gone back up to the Championship. Words cannot describe what Forest fans were feeling on that final whistle.So, after all the emotion on that Saturday afternoon, all that is left to say is;Congratulations to Nottingham Forest and all the staff, that never gave up when times got tough. Commiserations to Doncaster Rovers for narrowly mi sing out. Heres Brian Boyle Jersey  to a brand new season!E I E I E I O, UP THE FOOTBALL LEAGUE WE GO!

4-1 read the scoreline. Manchester City had torn United to shreds. The result will more than vindicate the Manchester City hierarchys decision to appoint Manuel Pellegrini as Head Coach. A decision which had already raised a few eyebrows giving the Alec Regula Jersey  disappointing, albeit not destructive, defeat to Cardiff and draw against Stoke City. It was always going to be a gamble introducing a manager who didnt have the finest record in terms of trophies, but this result proves that the Pellegrini experiment is over  it is now a revolution.Clinical, effective and stylish. Those three words sum up Manchester Citys performance better then any other. When Roberto Mancini left City many reasons were given  Poor European record, dre sing-room split and his insistence on wearing that stupid scarf to every game. But one which really stood out was Citys lack of identity. At times they were brilliant under the Italian and other times you wondered which direction the club was actually moving in. But under Pellegrini City seem different; they play with a real purpose, a drive and determination to get forward and entertain the fans. The slick pa sing is abundant, the clever pa s is always connecting and most of all, the City players are doing it all with a smile on their faces. This is a team enjoying their football. Incredibly technical players being given the freedom to explore their ability and really put teams to the sword.Every aspect of the team seems improved from last seasons disastrous season. Vincent Kompany andMatija Nastasi are looking as formidable partnership as any in world football, stopping anything and everything that comes their way. Doing all that while being able to become involved in the tiki-taka Justin Brazeau Jersey  identity which Pellegrini is trying to push upon his team. Fernandinho  a Pellegrini signing  looks like an excellent buy, his work rate and general play in a similar mould to the behemoth which is Yaya Toure, a man I have ran out of superlatives for. Sergio Aguero looks to have once again discovered his golden touch and looks set to lead a serious tilt at every trophy available to City.Pellegrini Mason Lohrei Jersey  has created a ma sively positive atmosphere City. Gone are days of training ground bust-ups, the boardroom unrest and the tactical confusion. This is a City team developing their own identity and their own style. No longer are City hoping to be bailed out by a piece of magic from David Silva, Sergio Aguero or Yaya Toure. The team play with a togetherne s, willing to put their bodies on the line to win the points and secure the victory.Fresh off a mammoth trip to Eastern Europe to take on Viktoria Plzen, Pellegrini had the unenviable job of motivating his team to move on to arguably the biggest fixture of the season on tired legs. Last season they would of struggled. But its a different story entirely now. Straight from the offset they looked ready. More willing and more Joseph Abate Jersey  motivated than Manchester United and in truth, they bullied David Moyes team off the pitch with their ridiculously-slick pa sing at times. This wasnt a case of another dire Manchester United performance, they was just pure brilliance from the boys in sky blue. Tirele sly working all game and having the composure to put the chances away as they came. Pellegrini proved what a fantastic man motivator he is. Samir Nasris smart finish from a Jesus Navas cro s showed the real difference in how the Chilean will push his players to become better. Nasri would of been lucky to have even been on the pitch under Mancini, but the new coach has installed a real self-belief in his players and particularly the former Arsenal play-maker and pushed him to stamp his rightful place as a key cog in the Manchester City machine.Manchester City look on course for a succe sful season. It is has not been the flawle s start to the season they would of wished for, but  Milt Schmidt Jersey every new manager can be excused from a couple of poor results  particularly when they come in deceiving games such as Cardiff and Stoke away. Pellegrini will be a succe s, and he will lead his team on to glory and thats a guarantee. A kind, charismatic and tactically astute coach which City fans have been ble sed with. It will not be as chaotic as the Mancini reign, much like Pellegrini himself it will be calm, sophisticated and easy on the eyes. A champions league victory and derby delight all in one week  what more could you ask for? Brace yourselves, this is only the beginning  Viva La Revolution!

The Houston Texans' defense under first-year head coach DeMeco Ryans showed flashes of brilliance in 2023.While they finished a respectable 14th in total defense (330.7 yards per  Georgi Romanov Jersey game allowed), their performance was uneven. The secondary struggled, allowing the 23rd-most pa sing yards per game (234.1). But the defensive line was a force, ranking sixth in the league against the run (96.6 yards per game).Leading the charge up front was Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr. lived up to the hype with seven sacks, 45 tackles, and 10 tackles for lo s. Alongside him in 2023 was veteran Johnathan Greenard, who racked up 12.5 sacks, 52 tackles, and 15 tackles for lo s. Greenard's departure in free agency for the Vikings left a void, but the Texans addre sed it by acquiring the talented Danielle Hunter from the Minnesota Vikings.TEXANS 2024 SEASON:|||Now, with the dust settled on the offseason, has released the annual edge defender rankings Jimmy Schuldt Jersey  where both Anderson Jr. and Hunter landed in to the top-20.Houston Texans boast top-20 edge rushing duo according to PFFThe veteran Hunter landed at a respectable No. 16, while Anderson Jr. checked in at No. 20 onSikkema's PFF list.Here's what Sikkema had to say about new Hunter:Hunter quietly recorded double-digit sacks in each of the Brandon Coe Jersey  past two seasons with nearly identical 80.1 and 79.1 pa s-rush grades and 85 and 84 pre sure totals, respectively.With Hunter now in Houston, well see if he can continue to perform at a high-level opposite.Sikkema also went on to include this about Anderson Jr.:Anderson was very solid in his rookie campaign. He recorded a 77.4 run-defense grade and a 76.6 pa s-rush grade while racking up 68 quarterback pre sures and posting a 16.4% pa s-rush win rate. Another step forward in either category could get him into the top 15 or maybe even the top 10 of this list for 2025.MORE:This might raise eyebrows for some fans considering both players had stellar seasons in 2023. However, it's important to remember PFF's rankings are based on a comprehensive analysis that goes beyond just sacks. Factors like run defense, pre sures, and overall impact on the game are all considered. The rest of the list included some reigning and former Defensive Players of the Year, and some who earned a lot of votes for the award  Myles Garrett, T.J. Watt and Micah Parsons.Looking ahead, both Hunter and Anderson Jr. have the potential Yaroslav Askarov Jersey  . Ryans' aggre sive defensive scheme emphasizes getting after the quarterback, and with a healthy Hunter and a year of experience under his belt, Anderson Jr. could take his game to the next level.MORE:Texans fans shouldn't overlook another key piece of the edge-rushing puzzle: Denico Autry. While he didn't make PFF's top 32, his stellar season with the Tenne see Titans adds valuable depth and versatility to the Texans' defensive line. Autry can line up on the edge or shift inside, creating matchup nightmares for opposing offenses.With a potent combination of proven talent and exciting young players, the Houston Texans' edge rushing unit could be one of the best in the NFL. Their performance this Owen Nolan Jersey  season will be a key factor in the Texans' quest for continued succe s.

There will be two Monday night NFL games after a new coronavirus outbreak forced the postponement of three games in Week 15. TheBrowns (7-6) and Raiders (6-7) were orginally scheduled to play Saturday, but will now lead into ESPN's "Monday Night Football Chico Maki Jersey " as a nightcap.The Browns will start third-stringer Nick Mullens at quarterback afterBaker Mayfield and backup Case Keenum failed to clear COVID-19 protocol on Monday morning. Recently re-signed Kyle Laulettawill serve as Mullens' backup.Head coach Kevin Stefanski also will not be available, leaving special teams coordinator Mike Prieferto stand in as acting head coach for a game that will be critical to the Browns' playoff picture. A win would put Cleveland in first place in the gridlocked AFC North, but a lo s would send them to the bottom of the division.MORE:Cleveland couldalso be without tight ends Austin Hooper and Ro s Travis, wide receivers Jarvis Landry and JoJo Natson, offensive guards Wyatt Teller and Drew Forbes,defensive endTakkarist McKinleyand offensive tackleJedrick Wills.On the other hand, the Raiders have succe sfullyavoided the league's ma sive outbreak and will have several starters available to battlein Cleveland. Derek Carr, who threw 33 pa ses for 263 yards with a touchdown last week against the Chiefs, will look to snap the Raiders' losing streakafter they lost to Kansas City 48-9 last week. Here's everything to know for Browns vs. Raiders on Monday, including kickoff  Clark Griswold Jersey time, TV channels and a full Week 15 NFL schedule.MORE: TV channel (national)  :NFL NetworkTV channel (Cleveland)  : WOIOTV channel (Las Vegas): Cm Punk Jersey   (KSNV)Live Stream:  NFL Network App, Browns vs. Raiderswas postponed to Monday due to the COVID-19 spike around the NFL. The matchup will still air on the NFL Network.Joe Davis and Kurt Warner will call the matchup from the booth, along with Meli sa Stark and Steve Wyche on the sidelines.You can find the Browns homebroadcast on SiriusXM channel 225, while the Raiders away broadcast airs on channel 226.In Canada, viewers can watch Browns vs. Raiders on DAZN,.Date:  Monday, Dec. 20Kickoff:  5 p.m. ETBrowns vs. Raiders will kickoff from FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio at 5 p.m. ET on MondayWeek Date Opponent Kickoff time TV 1Sept. 12at Chiefs4:25 p.m. ETCBS2Sept. 19vs. Texans1  Petr Mrazek Jersey p.m. ETCBS3Sept. 26vs. Bears1 p.m. ETFox4Oct. 3at Vikings1 p.m. ETCBS5Oct. 10at Chargers4:05 p.m. ETCBS6Oct. 17vs. Cardinals4:05 p.m. ETFox7Oct. 21vs. Broncos8:20 p.m. ETFox, NFL Network, Amazon Prime Video8Oct. 31vs. Steelers1 p.m. ETCBS9Nov. 7at Bengals1 p.m. ETCBS10Nov. 14at Patriots1 p.m. ETCBS11Nov. 21vs. Lions1 p.m. ETFox12Nov. 28at Ravens8:20 p.m. ETNBC13Dec. 5BYE14Dec. 12vs. Ravens1 p.m. ETCBS15Dec. 18vs. Raiders4:25 p.m. ETNFL Network16Dec. 25at Packers4:30 p.m. ETFox, NFL Network, Amazon Prime Video17Jan. 3at Steelers8:15 p.m. ETESPN18Jan. 9vs. Bengals1 p.m. ETCBSWeekDateOpponentKickoff timeTV1Sept. 13vs. Ravens8:15 p.m. ETESPN/ABC2Sept. 19at Steelers1 p.m ETCBS3Sept. 26vs. Dolphins4:05 p.m. ETCBS4Oct. 4at Chargers8:15 p.m. ETESPN5Oct. 10vs. Bears4:05 p.m. ETCBS6Oct. 17at Broncos4:25 p.m. ETCBS7Oct. 24vs.  Arvid Soderblom Jersey Eagles4:05 p.m. ETFOX8BYE---9Nov. 7at Giants1 p.m. ETCBS10Nov. 14vs. Chiefs8:20 p.m. ETNBC11Nov. 21vs. Bengals4:05 p.m. ETCBS12Nov. 25at Cowboys4:30 p.m. ETCBS13Dec. 5vs. Washington4:05 p.m. ETFox14Dec. 12at Chiefs1 p.m. ETFox15Dec. 18at Browns4:25 p.m. ETNFLN16Dec. 26vs. Broncos4:25 p.m. ETCBS17Jan. 2at Colts1 p.m. ETCBS18Jan. 9vs. Chargers4:25 p.m. ETCBS

The took part in their latest practice of training camp on Saturday evening that featured a scrimmage and there was a very notable development: rookie offensive tackle DJ Glaze saw a significant amount of first-team reps at right tackle.In fact, according to, Glaze got more first-team reps at right tackle than the team's projected starter, Thayer Munford  Kirk Mclean Jersey Jr. This comes in the wake of Glaze garnering some hype after with first-team reps on Tuesday of last week."DJ Glaze and Thayer Munford swapped reps at right tackle with Glaze getting most of the day there," Damien wrote.While Munford seemingly took a back seat to Glaze at right tackle, the former seventh-round pick did see some looks at left tackle, also.Theyre mixing it up now. Putting Munford  Jim Benning Jersey at LT, Glaze at RT. Levi Damien (@LeviDamien) Unfortunately, there doesn't appear to be a review out there of how Glaze actually performed, but his first-team reps are notable nonethele s.As far as we know, this is the first time Glaze has gotten the nod over Munford in a practice this offseason. The Maryland product's last stint with the first team came following Munford with a hand injury before returning.So, what does this mean?It's hard to say for sure, but at Dakota Joshua Jersey  the very least it means that Glaze was impre sive enough with his initial first-team reps that the Raiders wanted to give him an extended look, which would be great news.However, it could also be a sign that Las Vegas isn't exactly thrilled with Munford's showing in camp. Again, we can't say for sure.During the week, both head coach Antonio Pierce and general manager Tom Telesco expre sed excitement about the rookie tackle, with Telesco was"farther along than I anticipated right now.""He's shown up in a big way," Pierce said last week, per. "Didn't blink, didn't flinch (on Tuesday). Munford went down and he popped in there and, you know, first rep against Maxx, OK, that's always going  Derek Forbort Jersey to be tough. But as the practice went on, you just saw a guy growing."But forget Tuesday  since he's gotten here, he's just been steady Eddie. He's been consistent in everything he's done. His approach to the game; he's taking it like a pro, he's learning from some of those veterans that we have in front of him. He  Nils Hoglander Jersey doesn't say a lot, but he's out here working each and every day, and he puts his best foot forward each and every day. You see growth and improvement. What does that translate onto the field? We'll still find out, but I think you have to be excited about where he's going and just his approach."Telesco received plenty of flak for what was considered a reach when he took Glaze in the third round. Nobody is ready to call this a succe sful pick by any means, but it's clear the rookie is ascending as training camp goes on.

is nothing if not honest, including with himself. Just days ahead of the 2020 NFL season getting underway, the chain-snatching 34-year-old remains a free agent and James Sheppard Jersey  many expected he'd sign with a team sooner or later, and po sibly later than sooner, with at least a handful of teams expected to have interest in adding him to their roster. That won't be the case though, with Talib taking to Twitter to announce his formal retirement from the NFL -- concluding one of the best careers by a defensive back in recent memory."Aqib Talib is officially retired," he said in an .This wasn't his first idea going into 2020. As a matter of fact, Talib confe sed he New York Rangers Jersey  nearly reunited with the -- with a specific defensive a signment -- offered directly by head coach Bill Belichick himself. For Talib's part though, after looking deeper into it, he felt it best he hang up his cleats instead of doubt himself against some of the best competition in the NFL."... I told myself personally, I need to play one more year, so as long as somebody gives me a nice check -- of course I'm coming," he said. "Or, if somebody gave me a nice role. My guy, my big homie, Bill Belichick called my phone and told me he had the role of a lifetime for me. He really wanted me to come in and strap tight ends."I was halfway out the  Ryder Korczak Jersey door. I got flights and started finding apartments. I could've gotten up to five or six million dollars -- a nice contract. ... But I started going through that schedule. I saw George Kittle, Travis Kelce, Darren Waller, and normally when I go to a new team, my thoughts are all positive. ... This time, I looked at this f-----g schedule, and I thought, 'Can I even strap these d**n tight ends?'"I said it's over with. Once that thought cro sed my mind, my heart and competitive edge just aren't in it like that anymore. Plus you turn 34  Dan Boyle Jersey and you lose a step. You don't move the same way you used to move, so I just wasn't feeling it anymore. You have to play this game with heart."A former 20th-overall pick of the in 2008, Talib spent time with the Patriots in the early 2010s before going on to win a Super Bowl with the . From there, he was traded to the in 2018, who then reunited him with Brian Flores in Miami one year later, but he'd land on injured reserve and not log a snap for the . The attempted courting of Belichick makes sense given the familiarity with the five-time Pro Bowler and the fact the Patriots lead the Jaromir Jagr Jersey  league in COVID-19 opt outs, but there will be no renewing of the vows in New England.On a day that saw his former Rams teammate , Talib ends his 12-year NFL career having logged 134 starts in 148 games, and delivering 462 combined tackles (385 solo), 35 interceptions and 10 defensive touchdowns -- putting him in the discu sion for the Hall of Fame one day in the future.

Sauce Gardner has been elite since he first stepped  David Robertson Jersey on an NFL field two years ago.The two-time All-Pro again was voted the NFLs No. 1 cornerback by The A sociated Pre s in a preseason survey. He also landed the top spot in 2023.A panel of eight AP Pro Football Writers ranked the top five players at cornerback, basing selections on current status entering the 2024 season. First-place votes were worth 10 points. Second through fifth-place votes were worth 5, 3, 2 and 1 points.Gardner, who was selected No. 4 overall by the New York Jets in the 2022 draft, received five first-place votes. Patrick Surtain II got two first-place votes and LJarius Sneed received Greg Luzinski Jersey  the other one.ADVERTISEMENT  1. SAUCE GARDNER, New York JetsGardner allowed just 31 catches and only one TD for the second straight season on 55 targets. Quarterbacks had an 80.3 pa ser rating throwing his way. Gardner didnt have any interceptions but only saw 3.4 pa ses per game coming at him last season. He had 11 pa ses defended.2. PATRICK SURTAIN II, Denver BroncosSurtain, a two-time Pro Bowl pick, gave up 54 receptions and three TDs on 91 targets with 12 pa ses defended. Quarterbacks had a pa ser rating of 88.2 against him, up from 61.3 in his rookie season in 2021. Surtain had one interception.3. TRENT MCDUFFIE, Kansas  Jimmy Foxx Jersey City ChiefsMcDuffie was an All-Pro slot cornerback  Larry Andersen Jersey last season. He yielded 50 catches and two TDs on 76 targets with seven pa ses defended. McDuffie had no interceptions but got three sacks and forced five fumbles.4. CHARVARIUS WARD, San Francisco 49ersWard made his first Pro Bowl and was a second-team All-Pro in his sixth season in the NFL. He allowed 59 catches and three TDs on 109 targets. Ward picked off five pa ses, returned one for a TD and led the league with 23 pa ses defended.5. LJARIUS SNEED, Tenne see TitansSneed didnt allow a TD last season, holding QBs to 51% completion on 100 targets. He had two interceptions and 14 pa ses defended, and played a major role in  Aaron Nola Jersey solidifying Kansas Citys defense. But the Chiefs couldnt retain Sneed in free agency and traded him to Tenne see for a third-round pick.Sneed received one first-place vote and one fifth, appearing on two of eight ballots.___AP NFL:

Cleveland's struggling offense hit a crisis point in Sunday's crushing 25-24 lo s to the -- and knows it."We gotta watch the tape, , Logan Forsythe Jersey " the tight end said after the game, per NFL Media's Aditi Kinkhabwala.On an afternoon that saw 's ball-hawking defense pile up four takeaways, score 14 points and hit quarterback 13 times, it would be easy to point fingers.Especially after safety 's second pick of the day gave Cleveland po se sion at Indy's Kobe Bryant Jersey  23-yard line with 10 minutes to go. A touchdown would have carved out a nine-point lead and made life very tough for the , but quarterback misfired on two straight pa ses as the settled for a field Mark Lowe Jersey  goal and a 24-19 advantage they'd soon lose.Leonhard begged reporters, per The Plain Dealer, not to "split this team into offense and defense, ."Still, there's no way around it during a week that could  Kenta Maeda Jersey and should see rookie quarterback elevated into the starting role. Hoyer has been a strong leader all season, but his play on Sunday -- a collage of wildly off-kilter throws -- cost Cleveland dearly.With three games to go and clinging to their postseason dreams, the are long past due  A.J. Pollock Jersey for a spark in the form of Manziel.The latest Around The NFL Podcast and discu ses the ' return to form. Find more Around The NFL content on .

is one of the greatest quarterbacks in history, but apparently, his mechanics have made a complete 180-degree turn."I'll let you in on a little fact. I don't throw with my right arm anymore. My right arm does not work. So, when I throw in the backyard right now, I throw left-handed," Brees said on Tuesday's edition of  Paul Molitor Jersey ESPN's ".""I can play pickleball because it's below the waist, but anything above my shoulder I have a hard time with," Brees added. Glen Perkins Jersey  He also referenced a dislocated shoulder he suffered while playing for the in 2005, which he says put him on a "fast track to a degenerative shoulder and all kind of arthritic changes."Brees spent the first five seasons of his NFL career with the Chargers (2001-05)  who selected him with the No. 32 pick in the 2001 draft out of  before signing with the for the 2006 season. He went on to spend the rest of his career in New Orleans (2006-20), highlighted by winning Super Bowl XLIV and claiming the  Jake Odorizzi Jersey Super Bowl MVP.ADVERTISEMENT  Brees finished his NFL career with 80,358 pa sing yards (second in NFL history), 571 pa sing touchdowns (second) and 7,142 pa ses completed (second). He led the league in pa sing yards seven times, completion percentage six times and pa sing touchdowns four times. Brees surpa sed 5,000 pa sing yards five times.NFL Week 12 Survivor picks: Titans vs. Panthers, Falcons vs. Saints      As for his college days, Brees' best campaign at Purdue was 1998  his first as the school's full-time starter  when he threw for 3, Logan Morrison Jersey 753 yards and 36 touchdowns. He was the Offensive Player of the Year in 1998 and 2000, and Purdue's starting quarterback from 1998-2000.Brees was a 13-time Pro Bowler and one-time All-Pro. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in  Marwin Gonzalez Jersey to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily.  FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience  New Orleans Saints  Purdue Boilermakers  Drew Brees

Bill Belichick is always looking for an advantage, which is why it should surprise no one to see that the are one of just three teams that began the physical portion  Billy McKinney Jersey of their virtual offseason workout program Monday. While of their offseason program Monday, only the Patriots, and have started physical training, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo and Tom Peli sero. The other seven teams are doing "cla swork, but no physical training." Buffalo, which is trying to unseat the Patriots as the AFC East division champions, is offering over $3 million in workout bonuses for its players. The five teams that are showcasing new coaches for 2020 -- the , , , and -- have decided to run a "virtual voluntary veteran minicamp," which will take place from May 11-14. The NFL has indefinitely canceled any in-person team activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Belichick is in the midst of his 21st offseason as the Patriots head coach, but this is the first time in 19 years that he will have someone other than as his starting quarterback. Along with starting the physical component of his virtual offseason program, Belichick and his staff have been busy working on the 2020 draft, which will begin on Thursday night. There has been speculation that the Patriots could try to trade up from their current spot in the first round -- the 23rd overall pick -- in order to select a quarterback. While the Patriots don' Reese McGuire Jersey t have much to offer in terms of draft picks (they gave up this year's second-round pick in their trade with the to acquire last season), the , Giants and -- the teams with the  Tim Mayza Jersey third, fourth and fifth overall picks in the draft -- employ head coaches that are part of Belichick's coaching tree, which could serve as a factor as it relates to the Patriots' ability to trade up into a top five, if that's what Belichick decides to try to do. Belichick, during a recent meeting with the media, , a group that includes LSU's Joe Burrow, Alabama's Tua Tagovailoa, Oregon's Justin Herbert, and Utah State's Jordan Love. "There's quite a range of players and some of the systems that they play in in college are different, either than what we run or what traditional NFL systems would look like, and some are more close schematically to that," Belichick said, via the team's official website. "Each guy has his own set of skills; he  Jonathan Davis Jersey has his own circumstances. Some players have played well over a sustained period of time; some players have had an exceptional year in the past year or two  maybe 2019, in some cases 2018  and then for whatever the reasons were, the two years didn't quite match up. But, that's I'd say about the way it always is."Belichick also touched on the challenges that this offseason presents given the fact that teams cannot physical work with their players. He said that the situation is somewhat similar to what the NFL dealt with in 2011, when most of the offseason was lost to due a holdout over the Collective Bargaining Agreement. "I'd say we're looking at a situation where the opportunity to train for some players may be more limited, but our opportunity to communicate with them and teach them, even though it's remote, is infinitely better than what it was during the lockout," he said. "So, we'll just have to see how all that plays out, but I do think that from a teaching standpoint, we can get a lot of teaching done that we weren't able to do nine, 10 years ago in a similar but different situation. I think with T.J. Zeuch Jersey  the teaching part that we'll hopefully be OK."

The had the impo sible task of extending their two-game winning streak while holding firm on the league lead in style points. In a over the , they managed to cro s one of those items off the list, but faced a surprising grind-it-out contest in the proce s. Here's what we learned:  Joe Jimenez Jersey *Even in the games that won't be considered ' best, there is an element of calculated fearle sne s that is so fun to watch. On a  Sparky Anderson Jersey first-and-goal from the Minnesota 1-yard line, he throws a nearly blind touchdown pa s entirely acro s his body while rolling to the opposite sideline. For almost any other quarterback, a play demanding that much air on a ball acro s the field gets scrapped. It's hard to believe now, but the are two or three players away from being a very good football team, and most of those players are on the offensive line. Bridgewater's development needs to coincide with the development of a young core up front, especially if  Christin Stewart Jersey isn't returning. Still, showed glimpses of what he's capable of with the talent he has in the secondary and managed to force Rodgers into some uncomfortable throws while living dangerously with a single-high safety., after staring receivers down for a majority of the game, steadied himself in time for a crucial fourth-quarter drive that put the down by a field goal with just a few minutes left to play. The were inviting him to run all afternoon, which resulted in a career-high 32 rushing yards. With this offensive line, he's going to have no choice but to diversify his game a bit Kirk Gibson Jersey . 's impact on this ' offense, especially in cold-weather months, is indescribable. The best thing Green Bay can do at this point to aid the future of their offense is add another power back behind him and continue to build on this offensive line. How much fun will the season finale be if the can rebound and stay within a game of the Denny Mclain Jersey  ? After taking a beating in New England on Sunday, that seems to be on 's shoulders more than anyone else. But both teams will look so much different during Round 2. The "Around The NFL Podcast" is now available on iTunes! to listen and subscribe.

On the same day Mi souri coach Gary Pinkel showed solidarity with dozens of players for a boycott of football-related activities , a Mi souri player says the team  Asdrubal Cabrera Jersey is anything but united.The players took a student protest of school president Tim Wolfe to a higher level on Saturday by demanding he resign or be removed with the boycott. Wolfe has come under criticism for inaction regarding concerns about racial i sues following several campus incidents. A player told ESPN, however, that the team isn't fully on board with the boycott."As much as we want to say everyone is united, half the team and coaches -- black and white -- are pi sed," . "If we were 9-0, this wouldn't be happening. ... Not everyone agrees with the decision. Most people are pi sed, including the black guys." Tug McGraw Jersey MU grad student Jonathan Butler has been on a hunger strike for a week in protest of Wolfe. While the Mi souri players' initial demand was for Wolfe's resignation or removal, MU athletic director Mack Rhoades i sued a statement Sunday indicating the boycott hinged . The Mi souri  Neil Walker Jersey Students A sociation has . defensive end , who starred at Mi souri, was asked Sunday if he supports the boycott decision, and he said "I support my family.""They've got a great support system," Ealy said, . "I know our coach Gary Pinkel, he does a great job of standing up and leading. My heart goes out to those guys. I know it's a difficult situation with them being in the middle of the season having to deal with it, but I know they'll persevere. Jacob DeGrom Jersey  They have great leaders on the team and they've got a great staff. It's a family atmosphere and they'll get through it. "He's more than a coach to us. He's like a father. No matter if we've been there or the guys who are there now or when we go back home, he's like a father to us. He's like a players  Nolan Ryan Jersey coach."Mi souri (4-5) is scheduled to play BYU on Saturday, with a broadcast on SEC Network. There has been no indication whether the Tigers could, or would, field a team for the game without the boycotting players.*Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter *.

A couple of weeks ago, it seemed like Mike Tomlin's streak of non-losing seasons with the Steelers was in danger.Now, the team has guaranteed that it will remain intact while also giving itself a chance to qualify for the postseason Sean Davis Jersey .The Steelers beat the Seahawks 30-23 in Week 17 in one of the team's best offensive performances of the season. Mason Rudolph put together an efficient performance through the air, but it was the running game  which got a combined 197 yards and three touchdowns from Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren  that sparked Pittsburgh's victory.The Steelers' win ensured that they would be among the four AFC teams fighting for two playoff spots in the final week of the season. Among those teams,  Alejandro Villanueva Jersey Pittsburgh has the most difficult path to the playoffs, but it at least still has a chance to play in the postseason once again.MORE:Here's what to know about the Steelers' playoff chances after Week 17 of the 2023 NFL season.Steelers playoff pictureThe Steelers exit Week 17 with a 9-7 record, which is tied with the Colts and Texans for the seventh-best record in the conference.However, the Steelers are the No. 9 seed in the AFC because they lose head-to-head tiebreakers against both the Colts and the Texans. Indianapolis beat Pittsburgh 30-13 in Week 15 while Houston beat Pittsburgh 30-6 back in Week 4.As such, the Steelers need help to make it into the postseason because those two AFC South teams are Vince Williams Jersey  facing one another in Week 18. What does this entail? Well, the Steelers must beat the Ravens in Week 18 to have a chance at the postseason. They must also see either the Bills lose to the Dolphins to create a three-team tiebreaker for the final two playoff spots or the Jaguars lose to the Titans, which would allow the winner of the Colts-Texans game to win the AFC South.Conversely, the Steelers could also be the No. 7 seed if they win and the Colts and Texans tie in Week 18. However, that result is improbable.So, Steelers fans will have to pull not only for Pittsburgh in Troy Polamalu Jersey  Week 18 but also for Miami and Tenne see as well.MORE:Steelers remaining scheduleThe Steelers have just one game remaining on their schedule, but it may be their most difficult of the season. They have to travel to Baltimore to take on their arch-rival, the Ravens, in what will be a win-or-go-home game for the Steelers.The good news for Pittsburgh is that the Ravens have already clinched the AFC North and the conference's No. 1 seed as well. Baltimore may opt to rest its starters because of this, so if Lamar Jackson and Co. aren't playing, the Steelers will have  Marcus Gilbert Jersey an easier time competing with the NFL's top team.Even so, the Steelers' fate won't be tied just to their performance. It will also depend on what the Bills can do against the Dolphins, what the Jaguars do versus the Titans and what happens in the Colts-Texans game.