National Football League News and Rumors
Report: Cards fine Dockett $200,000Mike Florio, profootballtalk.com Whatever Cardinals defensive lineman Darnell Dockett did to safety Kerry Rhodes, it was enough to result in a very significant sanction from the organization. Albert Breer of NFL Network reports that the team has fined Dockett $200,000 for conduct detri… |
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Michael David Smith, profootballtalk.com Former NFL wide receiver David Boston was sentenced to six months in prison today for punching a woman last year, but the sentence could have been much more severe, as prosecutors were seeking to put Boston behind bars for four years. So why did the jud… |
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Brady, Bundchen welcome baby girl, Vivian LakeDec 7, 2012
BOSTON (AP) -- New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and his supermodel wife, Gisele Bundchen, have announced the birth of their second child, a girl named Vivian Lake. |
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49ers' Gore (wrist) expected in vs. DolphinsDec 7, 2012
Associated Press, ESPN.com Frank Gore carries a heavy load every week for the 49ers and it will be more of the same when San Francisco hosts the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. |
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Broncos' Miller fined $25,000 for hit on FreemanDec 7, 2012
NEW YORK (AP) -- Denver Broncos defensive end Von Miller was fined $25,000 by the NFL on Friday for his hit below the knee of Tampa Bay quarterback Josh Freeman last week. |
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Michael David Smith, profootballtalk.com Thursday’s report that the Chargers will fire head coach Norv Turner at the end of the season hasn’t affected his team’s preparation for Sunday’s game against the Steelers, Turner says. Turner said that he was back at the office early this morning… |
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Darin Gantt, profootballtalk.com No one’s ready to make an official declaration, but it appears the Texans are going to be closer to full strength for Monday’s game against the Patriots. Cornerback Johnathan Joseph and linebacker Bradie James practiced again Friday, and Joseph said h… |
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Week 14 injury report roundupDec 7, 2012
Mike Florio, profootballtalk.com Last Friday night, the reward for completing the injury report roundup was putting up the Florio family Christmas tree. This week, it’s a night of Christmas shopping. The chances of getting injured were significantly lower last week. So as we go out l… |
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Falcons' Moore, Samuel listed as questionableDec 7, 2012
Associated Press, ESPN.com Atlanta Falcons strong safety William Moore and cornerback Asante Samuel missed practice Friday for the third straight day and are questionable for Sunday's game at Carolina. |
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Chad Henne looks great in stripesDec 7, 2012
Jay Hart, yahoo.com Doesn't look like Chad Henne's doing too badly after getting let go by Miami only to sit on the bench behind Blaine Gabbert in Jacksonville. Check out this cuddly little photo courtesy of the Facebook page of Henne's wife, Brittany, his girl since he wa… |
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Mike Florio, profootballtalk.com More details have emerged in connection with last month’s decision by law-enforcement to collect multiple firearms from Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs. According to WBAL-TV, Suggs surrendered a .45-caliber pistol, a 9 mm pistol, a .454 Casull revolver,… |
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Josh Alper, profootballtalk.com Cornerback Tramon Williams is the latest member of the Packers to get hit with a hefty fine for a hit during a game. The NFL has confirmed that Williams has been fined $21,000 for a hit on Vikings running back Toby Gerhart that was deemed unnecessary ro… |
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Ryan: Tebow will be game-time decision vs. JagsDec 7, 2012
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) -- Rex Ryan says he'll make a game-time decision on whether Tim Tebow plays in the New York Jets' game in Jacksonville against the Jaguars on Sunday. |
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Bears' Urlacher fined $21,000 for horse-collarDec 7, 2012
Associated Press, ESPN.com Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher was fined $21,000 by the NFL for a horse-collar tackle on Seattle's Leon Washington, his second fine in two weeks. |
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Michael David Smith, profootballtalk.com Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh has taken some criticism for his play on the Colts’ game winning touchdown in Detroit on Sunday, but Lions defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham says he doesn’t know where that criticism is coming from. Asked ab… |
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Mike Florio, profootballtalk.com As the Ravens prepare for their first dose of RG3, they benefit from several years of chasing around a mobile quarterback like Ben Roethlisberger. They’ve now turned to a former Steelers quarterback to get ready for the specific offense that the Redsk… |
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Darin Gantt, profootballtalk.com It looks like the Chargers might have some degree of offensive line left Sunday. Left tackle Michael Harris was listed as questionable for their game at the Steelers with an ankle injury, but told Tom Krasovic of U-T San Diego he “definitely” expects … |
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Calvin Johnson may not yet belong among the great wide receivers in NFL history. But by creeping up on Jerry Rice's receiving record, Johnson is getting close, writes Michael Rosenberg. |
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Vick, McCoy both remain out for skidding EaglesDec 7, 2012
Associated Press, ESPN.com Quarterback Michael Vick and running back LeSean McCoy will not play Sunday, when the Philadelphia Eagles meet the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-6). |
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Here Is Chad Henne Cuddling In A Pajama OnesieDec 7, 2012
Jack Dickey, deadspin.com We have written, um, at some length, about why Chad Henne ought to have a starting job in the NFL. Now he does, although it took a season-ending injury to Blaine Gabbert and a 1-9 record for him to get it. More » |
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Nicki Jhabvala, nytimes.com Jerome Bettis, who played for Notre Dame and was a star for the Steelers, will be rooting for the Irish when they play Alabama in the B.C.S. championship game. He was recently named a semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. |
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Trent Williams visits PFT on NBC Sports NetworkDec 7, 2012
Josh Alper, profootballtalk.com The Redskins ride a three-game winning streak into Week 14, a run of victories that has them right in the thick of the NFC East race just a few weeks after coach Mike Shanahan said that the team would be switching into evaluation mode. Evaluations have … |
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Shoulder no concern for Demaryius ThomasDec 7, 2012
Darin Gantt, profootballtalk.com Demaryius Thomas is on a run of good health, and last night’s shoulder injury doesn’t appear to be anything to derail it. The once-injury plagued Broncos wideout came back to play in the second half of their win over the Raiders, and Broncos coach Joh… |
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Reuben Fischer, deadspin.com The NFL's regional programming rules are famously byzantine, but luckily the506.com cuts through the bullshit for you, providing weekly maps that allow us to answer the only question that really matters: Which fans are the most screwed this Sunday? More… |
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Mike Florio, profootballtalk.com On Thursday, TIME disclosed that Commissioner Roger Goodell has mentioned a possible replacement for kickoffs that would give the team that otherwise would be kicking off possession of the ball at its own 30 yard line, with a down-and-distance of fourth… |
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Ray Lewis Has A Terrifying New FacemaskDec 7, 2012
Barry Petchesky, deadspin.com Ray Lewis returned to practice Wednesday for the first time since tearing his tricep in Week 7. He's not eligible to play this Sunday, but the Ravens posted a photo of the new facemask Lewis will be wearing. More » |
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Doug Farrar, yahoo.com As NFL trades go, this might be the best one we've heard since Carroll Rosenbloom traded the Baltimore Colts to Robert Irsay in exchange for the Los Angeles Rams in a tax-free barter back in 1972. According to D.C. Council Finance and Revenue Chairman J… |
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Brian Burke, deadspin.com Before we start laughing at Roger Goodell's idea—by way of Buccaneers coach Greg Schiano—of eliminating kickoffs and replacing them with punts, let's first analyze what this would mean for the game. The suggestion would work like this: Instead of kick… |
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Steelers' Colon probable to return vs. ChargersDec 7, 2012
Associated Press, ESPN.com Steelers left guard Willie Colon practiced for the second consecutive day Friday and is listed as probable, as Pittsburgh prepares to play San Diego on Sunday. |
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Titans LB McCarthy out again with concussionDec 7, 2012
Associated Press, ESPN.com Tennessee middle linebacker Colin McCarthy will miss his second consecutive game with a concussion, and his sixth overall, when the Titans visit the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. |
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Michael David Smith, profootballtalk.com Bo Jackson’s NFL career lasted just 38 games, but it produced enough highlights that you could fill an afternoon surfing YouTube looking at his runs. And then you could spend another afternoon looking at his highlights from a Heisman Trophy-winning care… |
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Bears' Jennings out, Hester probable vs. VikesDec 7, 2012
Jeff Dickerson, ESPN.com The Chicago Bears ruled cornerback Tim Jennings (shoulder) out, but wide receivers Alshon Jeffery and Devin Hester are expected to play against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. |
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Montgomery to appeal fine for defending himselfDec 7, 2012
Darin Gantt, profootballtalk.com Redskins center Will Montgomery was fined $10,000 for kicking Giants defensive tackle Linval Joseph, but he’s appealing on grounds of self defense. Montgomery dove into a pile trying to recover a fumble, and Joseph grabbed him by the leg as if to pull … |
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Associated Press, ESPN.com NBA commissioner David Stern takes Gov. Chris Christie to task for his efforts to allow sports gambling in New Jersey. |
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Quirks of the Game: The Roster ChallengeDec 7, 2012
Stuart Miller, nytimes.com When an N.F.L. player is injured, teams looking to fill a roster spot have to look to the practice squad or to someone sitting at home waiting for a call. Are bigger rosters the answer? |
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Barry Petchesky, deadspin.com It's well past time for Lions fans to start looking ahead to 2013. With injuries, ineffectiveness, dirty play, and Titus Young just fucking up everywhere, it hasn't been a season to remember in Detroit. So here's to future sucess! This holiday season, b… |
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Josh Alper, profootballtalk.com The release of the Friday injury report was a good news/bad news situation for the Bears. The good news is that it looks like they’ll have wide receivers Devin Hester and Alshon Jeffery back in the lineup. Both players are listed as probable for Sunday … |
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Giants' Nicks questionable; Phillips doubtfulDec 7, 2012
Matt Ehalt, ESPN.com Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks is questionable for Sunday's game against New Orleans with a sore left knee, while safety Kenny Phillips is doubtful with a knee injury. |
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Jaguars WR Shorts out vs. Jets for concussionDec 7, 2012
Associated Press, ESPN.com The Jaguars have ruled wide receiver Cecil Shorts out for Sunday's game against the New York Jets due to concussion symptoms. |
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Cowboys' Ratliff (groin) out against BengalsDec 7, 2012
Todd Archer, ESPN.com Dallas Cowboys nose tackle Jay Ratliff will not play Sunday at Cincinnati, missing his third straight game because of a groin injury. |
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Chiefs establish trust fund for Belcher's daughter |
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Cribbs likens no-kickoff scenario to intramuralsDec 7, 2012
Associated Press, ESPN.com Kickoffs have defined Josh Cribbs' career in the NFL, and made him an invaluable weapon for the Cleveland Browns. |
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Jordy Nelson ruled outDec 7, 2012
Josh Alper, profootballtalk.com The Packers will be down a receiver on Sunday against the Lions. Wide receiver Jordy Nelson has been ruled out for the contest with the hamstring injury he suffered in last Sunday’s victory over the the Vikings. Nelson previously hurt the hamstring earl… |
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Sherman has two arguments for his PED appealDec 7, 2012
Mike Florio, profootballtalk.com Next Friday, Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman will attempt to overturn his four-game suspension for violation of the league’s policy against performance-enhancing drugs. Per a source with knowledge of the situation, Sherman has two separate arguments… |
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Tebow questionable, will travel to JacksonvilleDec 7, 2012
Darin Gantt, profootballtalk.com All the folks who bought tickets in the sections formerly covered by tarps can breathe easily. They will at least get a glimpse of their hometown hero this week, even if he’s not playing. Jets coach Rex Ryan just announced that backup quarterback Tim Te… |
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Keyshawn, Gruden reuniting in Tampa this weekendDec 7, 2012
Mike Florio, profootballtalk.com Ten years ago, they won a Super Bowl together in Tampa. Nine years ago, the coach sent the player home with pay for the rest of the season. Last year, shots were fired via their mutual airwaves at ESPN. Today, ESPN announced that former Bucs coach Jon… |
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The Redskins' option offense is giving opponents fits behind the play-action scheme of RGIII. Now the Ravens will be tasked with stifling Washington's well-oiled attack, says Peter King. |
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Jonathan Stewart “very doubtful” for PanthersDec 7, 2012
Darin Gantt, profootballtalk.com If the 3-9 Panthers are going to prove that they’re better than the 11-1 Falcons, they’ll be doing it short-handed. Panthers coach Ron Rivera said Friday that running back Jonathan Stewart was “very doubtful,” adding a modifier to what’s on the … |
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A showdown between the NFL's best teams?Dec 7, 2012
Houston Texans (11-1) at New England Patriots (9-3) |
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Chiefs establish trust fund for Zoey BelcherDec 7, 2012
Mike Florio, profootballtalk.com The Chiefs have announced that a trust fund has been established a trust fund for Zoey Michelle Belcher, the three-month-old orphan of linebacker Jovan Belcher and Kasandra Perkins. On December 1, Belcher murdered Perkins before committing suicide in th… |
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Associated Press, ESPN.com The four major pro sports leagues and the NCAA have filed legal papers calling New Jersey's effort to allow sports gambling an "unlawful scheme" and a "blatant violation" of federal law. |
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Associated Press, ESPN.com The four major pro sports leagues and the NCAA have filed legal papers calling New Jersey's effort to allow sports gambling an "unlawful scheme" and a "blatant violation" of federal law. |
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Judy Battista, nytimes.com Judy Battista, the N.F.L. reporter for The Times, answers questions from readers. |
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Michael David Smith, profootballtalk.com Property in Indiana owned by former NFL player Jason Fabini was raided by the FBI on Thursday, as part of an apparent investigation into his brother’s activities. Fabini issued a statement saying he is cooperating and doesn’t believe he is a target of… |
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Timothy Burke, deadspin.com The Oakland Raiders didn't shut down many Denver Broncos plays last night, as their defense allowed Peyton Manning to go for 310 yards on 26-for-36 passing and were otherwise steamrolled by running back Knowshon Moreno, who put up 119 yards. More » |
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Josh Alper, profootballtalk.com The only bit of suspense left in the Chargers season is whether or not both coach Norv Turner and General Manager A.J. Smith will be fired when the year comes to an end. Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune wrote Thursday that both men will be sent… |
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Tom Ley, deadspin.com While watching last night's Broncos-Raiders game, Cardinals running back Beanie Wells sent out the following innocuous tweet, expressing his views on Peyton Manning: More » |
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Stephen Jones: Ownership never wavered on RomoDec 7, 2012
Darin Gantt, profootballtalk.com During the team’s 3-4 start, when Tony Romo was on the wrong side of the touchdown-interception ratio (9-13), many people doubted the Cowboys quarterback. Now that things have turned around (10 touchdowns and two picks in the last five games), more peop… |
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Trade Rumor: The Washington Redskins For The FBIDec 7, 2012
Barry Petchesky, deadspin.com There are two, seemingly unrelated real estate issues in and around our nation's capital. The FBI is seeking to move out of its dilapidated, Brutalist ugly headquarters in downtown Washington, and officials from DC, Maryland, and Virginia are all trying… |
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Brian McIntyre, yahoo.com Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers Green Bay has won 21 of its last 24 meetings with the Lions, including 12 of the 13 meetings since Mike McCarthy was named the Packers' head coach. Detroit has not won at Lambeau Field since Dec. 15, 1991, two weeks af… |
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Andre Johnson sees historic game in FoxboroDec 7, 2012
Mike Florio, profootballtalk.com As the Texans get ready to face the Patriots on Monday Night Football, a player who has been in Houston for all but one year of the franchise’s existence has a fairly strong assessment of the meaning of the game. “It’s big,” Andre Johnson said, vi… |
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Jay Busbee, yahoo.com The Baltimore Sun has reported that Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs has surrendered several weapons in connection with a domestic case. "The guns were surrendered over to police pursuant to the [Baltimore County Circuit] court order, and [Suggs and… |
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Darin Gantt, profootballtalk.com Per the terms of his suspension, Saints coach Sean Payton can’t have any communication with his co-workers in New Orleans, or any team. And while risking the wrath of the guy who doled out the one-year ban would seem plenty of deterrent, not everyone be… |
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Barry Petchesky, deadspin.com The Department of Labor is investigating whether the staffing company contracted to work Chargers games has been using unpaid high schoolers as security, ticket takers, and head coach. More » |
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FBI raids property of former Jets lineman FabiniDec 7, 2012
Associated Press, ESPN.com Authorities who raided Indiana properties owned by former New York Jets offensive lineman Jason Fabini and his brother have searched three more Fort Wayne sites. |
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The Colts Are A Great Story, Not A Great TeamDec 7, 2012
Samer Kalaf, deadspin.com The 2012 Colts are a team worthy of any media outlet's time, for multiple reasons. Their first-year head coach, Chuck Pagano, temporarily left his position three games into the season after being diagnosed with leukemia. The team proudly plays in his ho… |
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Mike Florio, profootballtalk.com Earlier this week, in the aftermath of the Jovan Belcher murder-suicide, former Colts and Buccaneers coach Tony Dungy explained on The Dan Patrick Show that Dungy typically would ask his players at the outset of training camp whether they own guns. Roug… |
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Osi Umenyiora has no problem praising opponentsDec 7, 2012
Josh Alper, profootballtalk.com Earlier this week, Giants safety Antrel Rolle said that his teammates on the Giants defense should stop saying positive things about opponents before games because it gets in the way of developing the “nasty attitude” Rolle believes is necessary for a… |
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Jay Busbee, yahoo.com It's not often that you hear "counterterrorism" and "football" in the same sentence outside of Tom Clancy novels and Homeland Security paranoia, but in the ongoing avalanche of insanity that is the New Orleans Saints bounty scandal, … |
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Josh Alper, profootballtalk.com Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace’s production has dropped off sharply this season, something that has only gotten worse with Ben Roethlisberger on the shelf for the last four games. Wallace has 10 catches for 77 yards in those games and drops have be… |
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Darin Gantt, profootballtalk.com Troy Polamalu sounds contemplative about his future, but he sounds certain he could have missed less time if he and the Steelers had handled his calf injury differently. After injuring his calf in the opener, he came back prior to the Oct. 7 game agains… |
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Josh Alper, profootballtalk.com Titans running back Chris Johnson had a string of six straight games with 80 or more rushing yards snapped in last Sunday’s loss to the Texans and he’s not happy about the workload he got on offense in the second half. Johnson had three carries after … |
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Bounty case closing in on a conclusion, maybeDec 7, 2012
Mike Florio, profootballtalk.com The bounty appeal hearings before former Commissioner Paul Tagliabue have concluded. The testimony and evidence, we’re told, was eye-opening. A ruling is expected next week. That’s when Tagliabue will announce whether and to what extent he will up… |
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Michael David Smith, profootballtalk.com Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh made some great plays on Sunday against the Colts, sacking Andrew Luck once, hitting Luck as he was passing five times, and tackling Colts running backs behind the line of scrimmage twice. But he’s taking some critic… |
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Goodell pushes for new Raiders stadiumDec 7, 2012
Mike Florio, profootballtalk.com Commissioner Roger Goodell attended Thursday night’s game in Oakland. And it sounds like he’s hoping that the Raiders’ home stadium will soon be replaced with Black Hole 2.0. According to the Associated Press, Goodell said that it’s crucial that… |
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Doug Farrar, yahoo.com Oakland police told the Associated Press that a man fell from the upper deck at Oakland's O.co Coliseum just after the start of Thursday night's Oakland Raiders-Denver Broncos game, and that the man is in serious condition at a local hospital. According… |
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Darin Gantt, profootballtalk.com The Broncos have Peyton Manning under center and a playoff berth in their pocket. Now they intend to work on the thing that might make their playoff stay longer. A mandate to run more effectively was clear in last night’s win 26-13 win over the Raiders,… |
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Friday morning one-linersDec 7, 2012
Josh Alper, profootballtalk.com G Andy Levitre is the iron man of an injury-ravaged Bills offensive line. Dolphins T Jonathan Martin isn’t getting an easy task in his first start at left tackle. CB Kyle Arrington has adjusted well to his role as the Patriots’ nickel corner. The Jets… |
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Darin Gantt, profootballtalk.com … |
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Michael David Smith, profootballtalk.com Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway now says he regrets saying fans should get “super, duper drunk” on Sunday. Greenway, who has taken some criticism for saying he wanted to hear the home fans drunk, loud and raucous for Sunday’s game against the Bears… |
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Week 14 Matchups: A Redskins Rock StarDec 7, 2012
Benjamin Hoffman, nytimes.com The presence of Robert Griffin III has generated plenty of excitement around the Washington Redskins. |
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Man falls from upper deck at O.co ColiseumDec 7, 2012
Associated Press, ESPN.com A football fan appeared to deliberately jump from the upper deck at the Oakland Coliseum during an NFL game between the Raiders and Denver Broncos, police said Friday. |
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Bills place Chris Hairston on injured reserveDec 7, 2012
Curtis Crabtree, profootballtalk.com The Buffalo Bills lost right tackle Chris Hairston for the rest of the season when they placed him on injured reserve Thursday with a bone injury in his right foot. According to Nick Mendola of the Associated Press, there was a possibility that Hairston… |
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Curtis Crabtree, profootballtalk.com Right as the Oakland Raiders and Denver Broncos were getting set for kickoff on Thursday night, a fan jumped from the third level of the O.co Coliseum. According to Katie Nelson of the Oakland Tribune, the fan jumped shortly before the scheduled kickoff… |
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Curtis Crabtree, profootballtalk.com Oakland Raiders running back Darren McFadden played for the first time in five weeks Thursday night against the Denver Broncos. Now he may be sidelined once again. According to Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle, Raiders head coach Dennis Allen sa… |
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Doug Martin says he’s not hitting rookie wallDec 7, 2012
Curtis Crabtree, profootballtalk.com Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin is well on his way to surpassing 300 carries in his first season in the NFL. Martin has come off two largely ineffective games against the Atlanta Falcons and Denver Broncos where he was held to under 60 yar… |
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Peyton Manning and the Broncos coasted to a 26-13 over the Raiders. The future Hall-of-Famer got on track during a Week 4 rout of Oakland and has kept it going, says Chris Burke. |
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Brian McIntyre, yahoo.com Peyton Manning passed for 310 yards and a touchdown and Knowshon Moreno ran for 119 yards and a touchdown as the AFC West champion Denver Broncos improved to 10-3 on the season with 26-13 win over the Oakland Raiders at O.co Stadium on Thursday night. T… |
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In celebration of the NFL's release of the all-22 and end zone film for the 2012 season, each week we'll be bringing you the best in offensive- and de... |
