Category: NFL Players

Why Super Bowl contenders need to fear the Giants

The Giants have a dominating defense front to back capable of short circuiting the most high-powered offenses and they have Odell Beckham, who not only is always the best player on the field, but comes equipped with Eli Manning, who can get him the ball in the tightest windows or put it out there for one-handed catches with OBJ’s right or left hand. All of a sudden, the Giants are a team nobody is going to want to play in January – or even the first Sunday in February.

Chiefs go from clinching playoffs to chasing Oakland in West

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, left, yells on the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016. Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, left, yells on the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016.

Cowboys vs. Buccaneers: Five Critical Plays That Shaped The Game

Each NFL game is made up of about 125 to 135 plays, usually the ones that get all of the attention are the headline-grabbing touchdowns or game-deciding plays in the last few minutes, but what about all of the crucial plays that led up to those moments? What about the overlooked plays that had a significant bearing on the direction of the game but are usually forgotten in favor of flashy highlights? Here is a look at five plays that may get lost in the wash, but ultimately were critical in shaping the Cowboys 26-20 victory over Tampa Bay. Impact: After the Cowboys pushed the lead to 14, Tampa Bay responded with an impressive drive that looked like it would ultimately end up in the end zone.

Stanford alum Ty Montgomery gives Green Bay Packers offense new Look

Former Stanford product Ty Montgomery ran for 162 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the Green Bay Packers win over the Chicago Bears, all while listed as a receiver. So how did the Cardinal receiver end up in the backfield and why could his production be the difference in the playoff push for Green Bay? After starting running back Eddie Lacy went down, the Packers offense has struggled and been lopsided, relying heavily on the passing attack.

Red-letter day: Elliott, Cowboys bounce back, top Bucs 26-20

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten fights off a tackle attempt by Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Javien Elliott after catching a pass in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016, in Arlington, Texas. Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Cole Beasley tries to stay inbounds after catching a pass as Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Keith Tandy pursues in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016, in Arlington, Texas.

Denver’s defense can’t hide all of Broncos’ many flaws

New England Patriots cornerback Logan Ryan celebrates a tackle against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016, in Denver. Denver Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak, left, a New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick met on the field after an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016, in Denver.

Jaguars fire Gus Bradley after team blows late lead to Houston

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley was fired Sunday after the Jaguars lost 21-20 to Houston. Although two weeks earlier than expected, the ax fell on Jaguars coach Gus Bradley late Sunday afternoon after the team’s ninth consecutive loss and with two games remaining in the franchise’s most disappointing season.

Mariota salvages miserable day, Titans’ playoff hopes

Marcus Mariota had never played in weather colder than 75 degrees during high school, and never in temperatures bellows 40 degrees during his college days at Oregon. So when he took the field at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday, and it was 1 degree with a wind chill of minus-9, perhaps it made sense the Tennessee Titans quarterback would get off to a chilly start.

Mariota salvages miserable day, Titans’ playoff hopes

Marcus Mariota had never played in weather colder than 75 degrees during high school, and never in temperatures bellows 40 degrees during his college days at Oregon. So when he took the field at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday, and it was 1 degree with a wind chill of minus-9, perhaps it made sense the Tennessee Titans quarterback would get off to a chilly start.

Succop’s winning FG gives Titans 19-17 win over former team

Ryan Succop wasn’t offended when Titans coach Mike Mularkey elected to go for a 2-point conversion and the win Sunday rather than let him attempt the tying extra point against the Chiefs. The kicker who lost his job in Kansas City to an undrafted rookie in training camp a few years ago spoiled what was nearly a banner day for the Chiefs.

Succop’s winning FG gives Titans 19-17 win over former team

Ryan Succop wasn’t offended when Titans coach Mike Mularkey elected to go for a 2-point conversion and the win Sunday rather than let him attempt the tying extra point against the Chiefs. The kicker who lost his job in Kansas City to an undrafted rookie in training camp a few years ago spoiled what was nearly a banner day for the Chiefs.

Vikings defense shredded in backbreaking loss to Colts

The Minnesota Vikings have leaned on their ferocious, fiery defense all season long to hang around the playoff field in the NFC. Andrew Luck threw for 250 yards and two touchdowns, shredding the league’s second-ranked defense in the Indianapolis Colts’ 34-6 victory over the Vikings on Sunday.

Vikings defense shredded in backbreaking loss to Colts

The Minnesota Vikings have leaned on their ferocious, fiery defense all season long to hang around the playoff field in the NFC. Andrew Luck threw for 250 yards and two touchdowns, shredding the league’s second-ranked defense in the Indianapolis Colts’ 34-6 victory over the Vikings on Sunday.

Lions still control playoff fate despite loss to Giants

Coach Jim Caldwell and his players refuse to look that far ahead. After losing 17-6 to the Giants on Sunday, Detroit ‘s focus is solely on the Cowboys and their meeting in Dallas on Dec. 26. “I view it like I’ve viewed it all season long, like I’ve viewed it since I’ve been here,” Caldwell said.

Lions still control playoff fate despite loss to Giants

Coach Jim Caldwell and his players refuse to look that far ahead. After losing 17-6 to the Giants on Sunday, Detroit ‘s focus is solely on the Cowboys and their meeting in Dallas on Dec. 26. “I view it like I’ve viewed it all season long, like I’ve viewed it since I’ve been here,” Caldwell said.

49ers drop 13th straight

A 21-0, first-quarter deficit proved insurmountable as the 49ers lost their 13th consecutive game Sunday, extending that franchise record with a 41-13 defeat to the Atlanta Falcons. The 49ers have lost 17 of 18 road games dating back to December 2014, and all but three defeats were by at least 10 points.

49ers drop 13th straight

A 21-0, first-quarter deficit proved insurmountable as the 49ers lost their 13th consecutive game Sunday, extending that franchise record with a 41-13 defeat to the Atlanta Falcons. The 49ers have lost 17 of 18 road games dating back to December 2014, and all but three defeats were by at least 10 points.

Osweiler benched, Bradley fired, Texans beat Jags 21-20

Houston Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler stands on the sideline after being benched during the first half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016, in Houston. Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles is sacked by Houston Texans defensive end Jadeveon Clowney during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016, in Houston.

Osweiler benched, Bradley fired, Texans beat Jags 21-20

Houston Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler stands on the sideline after being benched during the first half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016, in Houston. Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles is sacked by Houston Texans defensive end Jadeveon Clowney during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016, in Houston.

O’Hara’s Final Thoughts: Stafford watch

Stafford’s history: The guessing game on how Stafford will perform leading the Detroit Lions’ offense against the New York Giants today with an injured middle finger on his right hand is just that – a guessing game. What is not open to debate is the importance of the game.

Jets’ Petty leaves with chest injury, having CT scan

New York Jets quarterback Bryce Petty fumbles the ball as he is sacked by Miami Dolphins defensive end Cameron Wake during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 17, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. Miami recovered the ball on the play. New York Jets quarterback Bryce Petty walks off the field after an injury during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Saturday, Dec. 17, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Jets quarterback was knocked out of New York’s 34-13 loss to the Miami Dolphins on Saturday night on the first play of the fourth quarter when he got sandwiched by Cameron Wake and Ndamukong Suh as he completed a 28-yard pass down the right sideline to Robby Anderson.