But in a class with two fascinating quarterback studies Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston and a bevy of pass rushers and offensive linemen, there are still big holes with a so-so senior class and underclassmen questions. It appears there's no chance t
2014-12-04
Bleacher Report's Mike Freeman and ESPN.com's Jeremy Fowler each contacted Browns players after the decision was announced, and each reported the same thing: Most players thought sticking with Hoyer was the right decision, but not all of them did. One player told Fowler, referring to Manziel: "He came in, seven plays, scored a touchdown. I was all for it."
Manziel led a quick touchdown drive at Buffalo after coming in for the ineffective Hoyer in the fourth quarter.
[Join FanDuel.com's $2.25M Week 14 fantasy league: $25 to enter; top 20,675 teams paid]
Tackle Joe Thomas, the team's offensive leader, echoed coach Mike Pettine's message that the decision to go with Hoyer gives the team the best chance to win. Thomas said had Pettine gone with Manziel, "the message is you're already playing for next year," according to NFL Network's Aditi Kinkhabwala.
Why did Pettine go with Hoyer? He said it was "difficult" after the way Manziel played against the Bills. The Browns are 7-5, in the playoff race, and the Browns know what they're getting with Hoyer. He was the safe choice.
You almost look at it like a risk-reward situation, Pettine said, according to the Browns' Web site. Theres a lot of unknown [with Manziel]. And weve known weve been very effectively offensively, at times. We are hopeful we can get back to those times when we were efficient moving the ball and eating up the clock.
Were going to get Brian playing better. He knows theres some things he needs to work on. Hes shown the ability to bounce back from things that have happened negatively in the past. Just look internally at the Atlanta game he made the mistakes he made and was able to bounce back. Were confident hell be able to do that this week.
What going with Hoyer does is set up a charged atmosphere for Sunday's home game against the Indianapolis Colts. Will Browns fans be patient if Hoyer starts slow, following his poor November? Unless Hoyer does well early, the thought that Manziel is available off the bench will be on everyone's mind: fans, coaches and players. And Hoyer too.
Hoyer said he was shocked to get benched last week, which is surprising considering his struggles and the presence of a first-round pick on the bench. Maybe last week's move and a couple days of controversy wakes him up.
No matter what decision Pettine made, he will get second-guessed if it doesn't work. The Browns have just one playoff berth since re-entering the NFL in 1999. They have a chance to get back with a strong finish, and for now, Hoyer is the man for the job. It wasn't unanimous from the players or fans, but it'll be the right move if it works.
NFL Health Update: Jake Plummer goes to Alaska for USA Football2013-08-22Q&A with Heads Up Football
Apuestas Deportivas Online Bingo Play Slots Online in US NFL Betting Ambassador Jake Plummer
As the start of youth football season arrives, Heads Up Football Ambassadors like former quarterback Jake Plummer will be travelling to leagues nationwide to reinforce the fundamentals of Heads Up Football. Plummer, who will serve as an ambassador in both Idaho and Alaska, is preparing for his visit to Heads Up leagues in Anchorage and Juneau next week. He answered some questions before his trip.
Q: Why did you decide to become involved in Heads Up Football? Why is it important to you?
A: I became involved because I believe that many youth football players are being instructed incorrectly. With Heads Up Football's basic instructions on tackling technique, I believe that many injuries can be avoided, therefore allowing young players the ability to continue playing the sport they love.
Q: What do you hope to share with the youth football players when you travel to Alaska?
A: I hope to share the Heads Up Football tackling techniques, which focus on seeing what you're hitting and not leading with the crown of your head. I also want to share some of my experiences playing youth football, and the fact that you have to play hard and with no fear of injury, but most importantly you have to use proper technique. This means that your head is not a weapon when hitting, but instead is used to get you in the right position to hit properly.
Q: How have you seen attitudes toward sports safety change?
A: I have definitely seen a shift in attitudes about sport safety. More coaches and even the players pay closer attention to their teammates during competition, making sure they are not playing if they have sustained any sort of head injury at all. There still needs to be a monumental shift in how the game is taught to our youth. They are not highly trained athletes like those in the NFL, and they need constant coaching on proper tackling and hitting techniques.
Redskins partner with Health Diagnostics Laboratory Inc.
The Washington Redskins recently announced a partnership with Health Diagnostics Laboratory (HDL) to serve as the team's Health and Wellness Partner. HDL will provide players, coaches and staff with cardiometabolic testing and healthcare consultation. This summer, players and staff underwent a comprehensive blood panel that looked at biomarkers beyond cholesterol to identify potential risk factors.
Team doctor Tony Casolaro said the screenings "add another level of investigation" to the NFL's comprehensive medical plan. He also said the results are kept private between the players and the team's medical staff.
"We're able to let our players and coaches know what risks they might be facing in the future," said Bruce Allen, Redskins General Manager. "If we can educate and motivate people for a healthier lifestyle today, we're going to ensure a better tomorrow for them."
Player Care Foundation screens former players during Hall of Fame weekend
Earlier this month in Canton, Ohio the NFL Player Care Foundation worked with the Living Heart Foundation and the Urology Care Foundation to offer former NFL players cardiovascular and prostate cancer screenings. In total, 40 former players were screened during the event, which was held at the McKinley Grand Hotel. Of those screened, one former player was found to have a condition that required immediate medical attention.
Raiders host Heads Up Football event
The Oakland Raiders on Saturday hosted a Heads Up Football Player Safety Coach Training at the team facility in Alameda, Calif. USA Football Master Trainer and West Region Manager Bassel Faltas and former All-Pro linebacker and Heads Up Football Ambassador Hardy Nickerson instructed more than 35 player safety coaches from leagues throughout the Bay Area on Heads Up tackling, concussion awareness and equipment fitting.
-- NFL Communications
Draft questions: Will Redskins find a gem in Round 2?2013-04-23Robert Griffin III was well worth the price, but the Redskins have plenty of holes to fill with their seven picks, beginning in the second round at No. 51.
Despite re-signing cornerback DeAngelo Hall, Washington must find a way to shut down big plays from opposing passing attacks. No team has given up more touchdowns on throws of 15 or more yards over the past two seasons than the Redskins. Hall was no savior, with ProFootballFocus ranking him 90th in pass coverage among eligible cornerbacks in 2012. Josh Wilson fared better against the pass, but Washington must rethink this secondary.
The safety position is another concern, with Brandon Meriweather working his way back from the torn anterior cruciate ligament he suffered in mid-November. Reed Doughty is penciled in across the way at strong safety, but his spotty pass protection makes him at best a supporting character.
Safety prospects Kenny Vaccaro of Texas, John Cyprien of Florida International and LSU's Eric Reid all figure to be long gone when the Redskins are finally on the clock. Still, after Washington made Alfred Morris the 12th running back taken last April, it's time to spin that magic on defense.
Washington also needs help behind Fred Davis at tight end and more young talent to develop on the offensive line.
The Redskins won't match last year's draft-day coup d'tat, but with a franchise quarterback in place, this year's theme is about finding later-round talent to pair alongside Washington's centerpiece, RG3.
http://www.nfl.com
March Madness Bracket2015-02-15$100K MARCH MADNESS BRACKET CONTESTThe biggest March Madness contest just got bigger.This year Sportsbook.ag is splitting a guaranteed $100,000 in cash among our Top 5
March Madness Bracket contestants. Plus awarding a combined $5,000 in Free Bets to 1,000 other members.Play for a whopping $75,000 first-place prize when you buy your first entry for just $15. Additional entries costs little as $5 and buying multiple brackets gives you the chance to take home the entire $100K prize pot.
Here’s a breakdown of the prizes:
1st Place $75,000
2nd Place $12,500
3rd Place $7,500
4th Place $3,500
5th Place $1,500
6th to 1,005th $5 Free Bet
Visit Sportsbook.ag for an early buy-in and to make your picks