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ss by defeating Lithuania on Sept. 22 to claim Frances first title in the European Cha |
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646 Beiträge - Alter Hase
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Its no secret that the NFL has become a passing league. cheap nfl jerseys . It has been for a long time, in some respects, but as teams employ more multiple-receiver sets, the yardage just keeps going up and up. Scott Cullen takes a look at the passing evolution over the last decade before getting into the 13 games on the Week 7schedule. When Drew Brees broke Johnny Unitas record for most consecutive games with a passing touchdown, it was remarkable, not because Brees had thrown a touchdown in every game for three seasons, but because Unitas had done so in a league that wasnt nearly as friendly for quarterbacks. In Johnny Us day, defensive backs mugged receivers without retribution and quarterbacks were subject to far more abuse when they dropped back to pass. Now, hand-checking on the perimeter draws a flag and quarterbacks are given extreme protection once theyve gotten rid of the ball. The result is a passer-friendly league that allows teams to score more points. Its not always the Greatest Show on Turf, like the St. Louis Rams, but there are more teams than ever before that are capable of putting up big yardage through the air. Consider the number of quarterbacks averaging at least 280 yards per game. Year QBs with 280+ Passing Yards/Game 2002 1 2003 0 2004 4 2005 1 2006 0 2007 1 2008 3 2009 5 2010 4 2011 6 2012 12 Of course, standard disclaimers about small sample size must be included because there is no guarantee that the dozen quarterbacks (Drew Brees, Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Matthew Stafford, Andrew Luck, Ben Roethlisberger, Eli Manning, Matt Ryan, Andy Dalton, Carson Palmer, Tony Romo and Joe Flacco) will continue to average more than 280 passing yards per game for the rest of the season, but its a rather striking evolution and that group doesnt even include Aaron Rodgers, who averaged 309.5 passing yards per game in 2011 and sits at 272.8 this season. The predominance of passing in the NFL makes the quarterback position more important than ever before and, aside from injuries, its the easiest way for a game to end up with a big spread. Mark Sanchez vs. Tom Brady? How can the Jets possibly keep pace? Most of the lines this week arent so outlandish, with the Jets and Patriots the only game with more than a touchdown spread, and five of the 13 games falling within a field goal margin. Now, a look at the Week Seven matchups: SEATTLE (+7) at SAN FRANCISCOBy all rights, this should be a low-scoring game, as its 37.5 total is the lowest on the board. Both the Seahawks and the 49ers have top five defences and there are questions about their offences. Seahawks rookie QB Russell Wilson had the best game of his career last week, throwing for 293 yards and three touchdowns against New England, but San Franciscos defence will be an even bigger test. Furthermore, the Niners will be looking for a bounceback from their run defence, which allowed 100 rushing yards to Ahmad Bradshaw last week. Even after that, there are only five teams allowing fewer yards per carry than San Franciscos 3.6, which presents a challenge for Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch. San Franciscos defence has been particularly ferocious coming off losses. The running doesnt get any easier for San Francisco, however, as Seattles run defence has been among the leagues best, allowing 3.3 yards per carry and a paltry 70 yards per game. If Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter cant move the chains with the running game, that will force Alex Smith to pass more frequently. Facing intense pressure from the Giants last week, Smith threw three interceptions in a game for the first time since Week Nine of the 2009 season and the Seahawks will have DE Chris Clemons and rookie OLB Bruce Irvin forcing Smith out of his comfort zone. TENNESSEE (+3) at BUFFALOBoth the Titans and Bills eked out field goal wins last week and there isnt a great deal to choose between them. Ryan Fitzpatrick and Matt Hasselbeck are below average starting quarterbacks and while the Titans have more weapons in the passing game, the Bills running back depth (Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller are both starting-calibre backs) would appear to give them an advantage in that aspect of the game. The wildcard is Titans RB Chris Johnson, who did run for 91 yards last week, but Johnson has had two productive games out of six, so its hard to offer any guarantee that hes finally back on track. Going against a Bills defence that may be the leagues worst against the run (allowing 5.8 yards per carry, 173.5 yards per game) will provide a measuring stick for Johnson -- if he cant run on the Bills, who will he be able to run on with any kind of success? DALLAS (-2) at CAROLINAWith RB DeMarco Murray out of the Cowboys lineup, Felix Jones will get the bulk of the touches in the backfield and Jones responded when given the chance at Baltimore last week (18 carries, 92 yards, 1 TD), so there shouldnt be a significant drop in talent/production. Carolinas defence has been subpar to this point, which could pose problems against a Dallas offence that has a variety of weapons. Coming off the bye week, the Panthers have to try and establish some offensive consistency against a decent Dallas defence. Since Dallas cornerback play has been a strength and Carolinas passing game has been nothing to write home about, it may be abotu time for the Panthers to focus their offensive attention on the running back tandem of Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams. Its their best chance. BALTIMORE (+7) at HOUSTONWith the Texans reeling, after that humbling home loss to Green Bay on Sunday night, expect them to be fired up to face the Ravens, who may have the offence to engage in a shootout, but with injuries to ILB Ray Lewis and shutdown CB Lardarius Webb, the Ravens defence may not be nearly as forceful as it has been in recent seasons. Even with Lewis and Webb, the Ravens D has struggled somewhat this season, so it doesnt figure to be better with Dannell Ellerbe and Jimmy Smith, respectively, moving into those starting spots. There is some talk that Ravens OLB Terrell Suggs, their best pass rusher, wants to play this week, which would be a very quick recover from the torn Achilles he suffered in April. Having seen the Packers throw for six touchdowns against Houston, expect Baltimore to air it out and test the Texans secondary. That means lots of opportunities for Anquan Boldin, Torrey Smith, Dennis Pitta and, possibly, Jacoby Jones in the Baltimore passing game. From the Texans perspective, they will expect more from RB Arian Foster, who rushed for 29 yards (with two touchdowns) on 17 carries last week, but the absence of Webb does improve the odds of Andre Johnson playing a significant role in the Houston attack. CLEVELAND (+2.5) at INDIANAPOLISComnig off their first win of the season, the Browns are starting to develop into a more competitive team, in large part because of their rookies. QB Brandon Weeden is old to be a rookie (29!!) and he still nees to cut down on his turnovers, but hes averaged 253.2 passing yards per game, which ranks 15th among quarterbacks. Not bad, and potentially good enough to take advantage of a Colts pass defence that, while not allowing a lot of total yardage, does allo 7.6 yards per attempt. Weeden has a new deep threat in rookie Josh Gordon, who has three touchdowns in the last two weeks and the running game is anchored by rookie Trent Richardson. If Richardsons ribs continue to give him problems, that means more of a role for Montario Hardesty, who was effective in relief last week. Indianpolis was stomped by the Jets running game last week, so the Browns also have the option to turn the game over to Richardson. The Colts dont have the strongest running game, with Vick Ballard filling in for Donald Brown as the starter, which might allow Cleveland to get away with their below-average run defence. While the Browns pass defence hasnt been great, its better with CB Joe Haden in the lineup and if Haden could provide tight coverage on Reggie Wayne, that would force Andrew Luck to go to his secondary options -- Donnie Avery, T.Y. Hilton, Coby Fleener -- in order to move the ball. ARIZONA (+6) at MINNESOTAAfter back-to-back losses in which they scored a total of 19 points and lost their quarterback to injury, the bloom is off the Arizona Cardinals rose. John Skelton takes over and, while Skelton has had some moments, the Vikings dont present an easy matchup. Only three teams are allowing fewer than Minnesotas 6.3 yards per pass attempt and, if the Cardinals turn to the running with William Powell, well the Vikings are above average against the run, too. Minnesota is coming off a loss to Washington, in which the defence was exposed by Robert Griffin III, but Arizona doesnt have that kind of weaponry, so expect the Vikings defence to fare much better. Arizonas defence is no slouch, either, with a secondary that should present some challenges to the Vikings passing game, but even if Arizona manages to shut down the Vikings aerial attack, that still leaves the matter of stopping RB Adrian Peterson. Its Minnesotas improved offensive depth that gives them the edge in this matchup. WASHINGTON (+5.5) at N.Y. GIANTSThe vaunted Giants pass rush returned to form last week, harrassing San Franciscos Alex Smith and theyll try to do the same this week, only theyll be facing the most mobile quarterback in the league. Robert Griffin III has rushed for 379 yards, 170 more than Cam Newton, and six touchdowns and its that element of his game that makes him especially dangerous because even if the Giants secondary can keep Washingtons mediocre receiving corps under wraps, that doesnt ensure that Griffin wont be the ultimate difference maker. The challenge for Washington will be finding a way to slow down the Giants passing game. Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks are one of the leagues best wide receiver tandems and they go up against a Redskins defence that has allowed a league-high 328.3 passing yards per game. So, maybe RGIII can lead the Redskins to an upset on the road, but hes likely going to have to put up some points to get the job done. GREEN BAY (-5.5) at ST. LOUISWeve been waiting for the Packers to look like the overpowering offensive juggernaut and they delivered last week at Houston. The St. Louis defence isnt an easy touch, by a longshot, and their secondary has been one of the leagues best, but if Aaron Rodgers is on his game, its hard to imagine the Rams having a chance to keep up. In the last four weeks, St. Louis has scored a total of 56 points and it should go without saying that 14 points isnt likely going to be enough to match the Packers, who have been held to 14 points or less twice (in 22 regular season games) since the start of the 2011 season. If the Rams are going to grind out a win, they can try to run the ball and keep the clock moving. If Steven Jackson and Daryl Richardson can help keep Rodgers and company off the field, maybe the Rams keep it close. NEW ORLEANS (-3) at TAMPA BAYAfter the Bucs stomped Brady Quinn and Kansas City last week, they will be facing a different kind of challenge against Drew Brees and the Saints. While the Bucs pass defence, generally, hasnt been good, allowing 8.2 yards per attempt, they have only surrendered four passing touchdowns. If they can keep Brees under control that will give the Bucs a fighting chance because for all of their offensive fireworks the Saints defence has been one of the leagues worst this season (and even a potential return by MLB Jonathan Vilma isnt going to change that). That could mean another big day for QB Josh Freeman along with wide receivers Vincent Jackson and Mike Williams, or maybe rookie RB Doug Martin will make the difference, but if the Bucs can keep the Saints scoring to a mangeable level, they just might be able to compete. N.Y. JETS (+10.5) at NEW ENGLANDThe Jets looked to be given up for dead before running over Indianapolis last week, a feat that doesnt seem as likely against a Patriots defence allowing just 3.4 yards per carry. While the Patriots secondary is vulnerable, and was exposed by Seahawks rookie QB Russell Wilson, its not easy to expect Mark Sanchez to suddenly cut loose and throw for 250+ and multiple touchdowns. With three losses by a total of four points, the Patriots are missing on some of the fine strokes, but they have a multitude of weapons on offence and a strong enough overall defence that, based on talent, they shouldnt have much trouble with the Jets. If the Jets need a miracle to pull this game out, maybe there will be a role for Tim Tebow to play in a depleted Jets backfield. JACKSONVILLE (+4) at OAKLANDThe Jaguars are coming off a much-needed bye week, having been outscored 68-13 in two home games before their break, so theyll need to regroup for their trip to Oakland. The Raiders pass defence hasnt been great, so thats an area of vulnerability, except the odds are against Blaine Gabbert being able to take advantage of the situation. With Laurent Robinson still feeling the effects of a concussion, this is a prime opportunity for rookie Justin Blackmon to raise his level of play, but hes been inconsistent at best, so if there isnt a viable passing game, that will leave a lot of the work to RB Maurice Jones-Drew, who has surpassed 20 carries just once in five games. That really ought to change. Jacksonvilles defence isnt blessed with playmakers so there will be chances for the Raiders to make big plays and, while hes not great, QB Carson Palmer is far ahead of Gabbert at this point and the Raiders have receivers, Denarius Moore and Darrius Heyward-Bey, that can get deep. PITTSBURGH (-1.5) at CINCINNATIThis feels like a huge game for the 2-3 Steelers, who have been a disappointment thus far. It should help to have RB Rashard Mendenhall, whose Achilles injury suffered last Thursday isnt expected to keep him out of the lineup and the Steelers have a prolific passing game, ranking eighth in the league with 297.4 yards per game. However, Pittsburghs defence will be tested. They rank fourth in the league, allowing 200.8 passing yards per game, but the Bengals rank fifth in passing offence with 299.8 yards per game. Pittsburgh doesnt have a shutdown corner that is capable of locking down Bengals WR A.J. Green (does anyone?), so they will need to keep consistent pressure on Bengals QB Andy Dalton, a task made easier with both LaMarr Woodley and James Harrison available to rush the passer. DETROIT (+6) at CHICAGOChicagos defence has been beastly, allowing a league-low 14.2 points per game (while scoring five touchdowns in five games), and they are coming off a bye week, so that is a tough matchup for the Lions. Matthew Stafford, who has four touchdowns and five interceptions on the season, hasnt been at the top of his game this year and with the inconsistency of the Lions running game, that leaves Detroit fighting uphill against the Bears. Chicagos offence hasnt been consistent either, but Brandon Marshall has rolled up 282 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the last two games, so as long as he and Jay Cutler stay on the same page, they generate enough in the passing game to open up running room for Matt Forte and Michael Bush. Scott Cullen can be reached at Scott.Cullen@bellmedia.ca and followed on Twitter at http://twitter.com/tsnscottcullen. For more, check out TSN Fantasy on Facebook. Cheap NFL Jerseys . In part it was a move of necessity Sunday as Jose Bautista shifted back to right field from designated hitter. cheap nfl jerseys . The 5-foot-9 McCain announced the deal on Twitter late Tuesday and thanked his agent, David Canter. McCain was a sixth-round draft pick by the Texans in 2009. http://www.authenticchinacheapnfljerseys.com/ . Kinsler, who had been out since May 18 with a ribcage injury, was activated from the disabled list after playing only two games for Double-A Frisco. He was 0 for 8 with a walk in the two games. cheap jerseys . The Gators, the second seed in the Southeast Region, will face UCLA in third- round action on Saturday. Florida (27-7) had few problems Thursday, building a 43-19 lead by halftime and shooting better than 54 percent overall. Kyrie Irving Jersey . Jason Garrison and Henrik Sedin scored third-period goals to help the Canucks overcome a 2-1 second-period deficit en route to a 4-3 victory over the Dallas Stars on Thursday.SAN ANTONIO -- Family vacations, scouting, free agency, rest and relaxation, playing in the European Championships. The staff and players of the San Antonio Spurs had a hectic off-season, but not even the busiest day this summer could make them forget what might have been just three months ago. San Antonio was five seconds away from winning its fifth NBA title only to watch the Miami Heat rally for an improbable 103-100 overtime victory in Game 6. Almost as heartbreaking was a 95-88 loss in Game 7 that gave the Heat their second consecutive title and handed the Spurs their first series loss in the NBA Finals. "Suffice to say Ive thought about it every day," San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich said. "Im wondering if it will go away, Im anxious for it to happen, but it hasnt happened yet." Returning to the court as a team should help ease the pain. Thats what the players and coaches are hoping for. The Spurs open a four-day training camp in Tuesday at the Air Force Academy near Colorado Springs, Colo. "As time goes on, as we all know in our lives, you get back to the day-to-day stuff pretty easily, because its the nature of life," Popovich said. "Basketball might be like the 11th- or 12th-most important thing on your list. So, its time to get over it." Thats the mentality the veteran Spurs take into their 18th season under Popovich, but its one that will be different in a number of ways. San Antonios Big Three of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili return to a roster basically unchanged from last season. Still, the bench is going to look vastly different after assistants Mike Budenholzer and Brett Brown left to become head coaches at Atlanta and Philadelphia, respectively. "We really dont know yet (what impact the departures will have)," Ginobili said. "But, for sure, were going to miss them. If any of us had a doubt during the game we would go bother Brett probably before Pop because Pop is doing so many things and controlling other stuff that if you have a question you go to them because you knew they were going to think the same as Pop." Jim Boylen, formerly of the Pacers, was added to the coaching staff along with former Spurs player Sean Marks. Popovich joked he may turn over player instruction during training camp to his Big Three because he will be too busy "coaching the coaches." The Spurs have added Marco Belinelli, Corey Maggette, Sam Young and Jeff Ayres, who changed his surname from Pendergraph in the off-season, through free agency. cheap nfl jerseys. . Maggette and Young will compete to spell Kawhi Leonard, the talented third-year forward who is expected to take on a bigger role in the teams offence after a breakout campaign last year. Leonard averaged 11.9 points and 6.0 rebounds last season and had a career playoff-high 22 points as well as 11 rebounds and three steals in Game 6 against Miami. "I think Kawhi is the new Parker, Ginobili and Duncan kind of guy," Popovich said. "Hes going to take over as the star of the show as time goes on. Hes been phenomenal. Hes improved more quickly than any other player weve ever had because his mindset is such that he wants to be great and he has all the reasons to be so we have to put him in position where he can be a great player." Leonards development will be needed on a veteran team that many thought was too old to make it past the first round let alone to fall in a heartbreaking defeat in the Finals. Can San Antonio overcome that disappointment for another improbable run? The Spurs can look to their French teammates to see a rebirth is possible. Parker, Boris Diaw and Nando De Colo took some of the sting out of their Finals loss by defeating Lithuania on Sept. 22 to claim Frances first title in the European Championships. "I had a great summer," Parker said. "Obviously it was worth it. Big win for France, first win in history. That last week it was an experience that you only live once in a lifetime; it was crazy in France." Popovich was proud of his players, but jokingly said he wasnt going to take it easy on Parker during training camp even though his All-Star point guard spent most of the off-season playing for Frances national team. "No, what does he make, like $200 million a year?" Popovich said with a wry smile. Still, the jovial mood didnt quite hide the disappointment he said he continues to feel. A former player and assistant coach with the Air Force Academy, Popovich said holding training camp in a new environment should quicken the team bonding. "Its going to be a lot of fun, just to do something different," Popovich said. "Take them to altitude, take them to mountains; get them away from everything. It will help the coaches. And look at the players that have been her for a while, it will be good for them to meet the new coaches. Weve got some new players in camp, so its a good camaraderie thing." ' ' '
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Beitrag vom 29.10.2014 - 08:06 |
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