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The good news from is that their starting quarterback didn't throw a pick six on the first offensive series of the season, as happened . Then again, that's because the ' starting quarterback was spending the night in the hospital, the various pieces of his jaw held in place with plates and screws. didn't survive that preseason two years ago any better than survived the pre-preseason this week. A few weeks after -- which Rex Ryan, in a moment of mercy, didn't even see because he was talking to his defense at the time -- Sanchez was famously inserted behind backup linemen to try to win the Snoopy Bowl against the . Because this is the , Sanchez immediately tore his labrum when by a defender who didn't even make their team. It's helpful to remember that moment when considering the absurdist epoch that found its latest installment this week. Ryan's confounding decision to throw Sanchez into the maw after Smith had played so poorly earlier in that game that Sanchez had all but wrapped up the starting job set Gang Green's current misfortunes in motion.Sanchez's injury forced Smith into the starting lineup as a rookie, almost certainly before he was ready for the job. His career trajectory and, perhaps, his maturity have been paying the price ever since. It says something about recent history -- basically everything that has come after Joe Namath -- that when Smith was , I had two thoughts:1) It was not entirely surprising that Smith was reportedly behaving childishly in pointing a finger at a backup linebacker's face while declining to simply pay up a relative pittance of a debt.2) After careful consideration, the shocking fact that had decked the starting quarterback in front of teammates still ranked well behind Bill Belichick's resignation before he could even be introduced as the head coach in .The have given the football world plenty of giggles, from the late owner Leon He s' admonition to his players to show the nation to Sanchez crashing into the behind of an O-lineman on national television, thus giving the sport a new category of offensive ineptitude: .But there is nothing particularly funny about the ' predicament right now. Daylan Kuefler Jersey The quarterback they thought was , who had spent much of the offseason , whom the team had acquired specifically to help Smith progre s, is now . Even if it winds up being on the shorter end of that spectrum, even if plays so poorly that Smith somehow regains his job as soon as he returns to good health, the incident speaks to a bigger problem at the position and to the i sue that risks undermining Todd Bowles' initial efforts to remake the franchise's culture.Smith certainly didn't deserve to get a fist to the jaw, no matter how much like a middle school punk he might have been behaving. But there is not much question that his already-limited stature in the locker room took a hit from the incident, too. It is telling that in the immediate aftermath of the punch that rocked the , on Tuesday and then on Thursday night in Detroit, Smith's teammates did not strongly defend him and were already talking about moving on.The bizarre interlude, coupled with some sloppy tackling by the first-team defense Thursday night, quickly zapped a throw-open-the-windows-and-breathe-the-fresh-air optimism that had surrounded the this summer. Truth be told, Smith had been having a good training camp, and combined with the presence of so much defensive talent and Bowles' no-nonsense approach to his job, the had been infused with the hope that they might make a run to a playoff spot this season.Once the initial urge to mutter "same old " pa ses, that expectation of better days shouldn't change now. As poorly as the played Thursday night, they already have started life after Geno. There are those who suspected reliable would start at some point this season even if Smith were in one piece. And once the veteran has had a chance to practice regularly with the starters, maybe the fact that Gang Green is no worse off with Fitzpatrick under center will become even more apparent.Fitzpatrick, after all, had already been laying the groundwork for a career on Wall Street while a student at Harvard -- the cla swork in economics followed by the planned internship at a hedge fund -- when a fortuitous conversation with his college coach changed the course of his summer and his career. The coach suggested he spend the weeks before his senior year at the Manning Pa sing Academy, so that he could see how he measured up against quarterbacks from the elite college conferences.It was there that Fitzpatrick absorbed what his college coaches had told him: quarterbacking is about accuracy and decision making. Smith, alas, has proven to be lacking in both and it has been his undoing -- both on the field and, ultimately, in the esteem of his teammates.Fitzpatrick's 63.1 percent completion rate last season with the was only a few notches better than Smith's Year 2 mark of 59.7. And at 32, Fitzpatrick, of course, does not have the potential upside that Smith has. Fitzpatrick's ceiling has almost certainly already been established, and even after he is fully in shape following his recovery from a broken leg, he will likely not be able to provide the downfield pa ses that Smith could have.So the will have to do without some offensive firepower -- at least early in the season. That's fine. The defense surely will be sounder than it looked Thursday night. Fitzpatrick will fit in like a "smooth groove," as . And the could do with a few le s fireworks anyway.The punch sent Smith tumbling to the ground and sent a shock through the . But after two frustrating seasons with him, and decades of sometimes comical misfortune, losing Smith shouldn't be enough to keep the splayed on the floor, a laughingstock again.Follow Judy Battista on Twitter . Jesse Pulkkinen Jersey

CHICAGO (AP) The Chicago Bears could be excused for experiencing a few flashbacks as the final stretch unfolded with another comfortable lead over the Detroit Lions.Only this time, there was no late collapse. The Bears held their ground and took a big step forward in the proce s.Justin Fields threw for a touchdown and ran for another, and Chicago played its most impre sive game of the season, beating the NFC North-leading Lions 28-13 on Sunday.Receiver DJ Moore had his first career rushing touchdown and . Safety Jaquan Brisker made 17 tackles to help Chicago (5-8) post back-to-back victories for the first time since 2021. The Bears have won three of four.ADVERTISEMENT Its big time," Moore said. "We should have won when we went there. We had to get them back when they came to our house. To have this one is extra special. To have back to back is extra special too. It hasnt been done. Were looking to stack another one.Three weeks ago, the Bears gave up 17 points over the final 2:59 in a 31-26 lo s Owen Beck Jersey at Detroit.On Sunday, Chicago scored 15 points in a span of about seven minutes to break open a game that was tied at 13-all late in the third quarter. More important, the Bears showed signs of progre s.It's just like anything. You want to see the proof of it, coach Matt Eberflus said. I talked to you guys earlier in the week about the small wins that you have, you can see the improvement by the unit, by the positions and stuff like that. To have a win like this is proof for those guys. It's proof for our staff. It's proof, really, for the Chicago Bears fans.GOFF, LIONS STRUGGLEDetroit's Jared Goff threw two interceptions and was sacked four times. The Lions (9-4), who looked like a Super Bowl threat not long ago, .Look, I know that everybodys trying to grasp straws, what are we, what is this, coach Dan Campbell said. I know exactly what we are. Were a team that will fight. We got to do things right because any little mistake, man, it throws us off now. Thats just the type of team we are.Fields completed 19 of 33 pa ses for 223 yards. He also ran for 58 yards, giving him 2,021 in his career and joining Bobby Dougla s (2,470) as the only Bears quarterbacks with 2,000 yards rushing.PULLING AHEADThe Bears grabbed a 19-13 lead with 1:36 left in the third quarter. Fields took advantage of a free play with the Lions jumping offsides and hit a wide-open Moore deep along the left side for a 38-yard touchdown on fourth-and-13. Detroit blocked the extra point.Chicago quickly got the ball back at the Detroit 29 when T.J. Edwards recovered a fumbled snap. to his right on third down at the 11 and didnt stop until he cro sed the goal line, making it 25-13. His 2-point conversion pa s was incomplete.The Bears' defense followed with another big play, . That led to a 28-yard field goal for Cairo Santos with 9:20 to play, and Chicago cruised from there.We choked them out, defensive end Montez Sweat said. We strained, strained, strained. The offense got us some first downs. The pa s rush got home and the back end was covering up. Maine (linebacker Tremaine Edmunds) finished with a pick, we finished with a couple sacks. Man, its poetry.Moore caught six pa ses for 68 yards. He scored on a 16-yard rush on the game's opening drive.Cole Kmet had five catches for 66 yards. Johnson had his fourth interception this season, Sweat had his career-high 10th sack, and the Bears won after a bye week for the first time since a Week 9 win at Green Bay in 2013. They also won their second straight against a division opponent since a 12-game skid.EARLY EDGEThe Lions scored two touchdowns late in the first half to grab a 13-10 lead, only to get shut out the rest of the way.Goff was 20 of 35 for 161 yards, and Gibbs had 11 carries for 66 yards and a touchdown.Former Bear David Montgomery ran for 66 yards on 10 attempts in his first appearance at Soldier Field since signing with the Lions in the offseason. Montgomery played his first four seasons with Chicago.A little upsetting, obviously, just how that went in the second half, said Aidan Hutchinson, who had one of Detroits three sacks. Just got to finish games.INJURIESLions: CB Kindle Vildor developed cramps during the game.UP NEXTLions: Host Denver on Saturday.Bears: Visit Cleveland on Dec. 17.___AP NFL: Saku Koivu Jersey

John Elway has a busy offseason ahead of him, even without taking into consideration the monster decision looming at quarterback. The groundwork for the near future in Denver will be laid over the next few days, during which the exec will meet with the agents of nearly all of his soon-to-depart players and begin the groundwork of a few long-term deals. But it's also telling that there are certain agents he won't be seeing. , Elway does not yet have plans to sit down with Frank Bauer, the Jason Polin Jersey agent for tight end . While those plans could change, no meeting would almost certainly stamp Thomas' ticket into free agency. While we don't think this has anything to do with a recent anonymous player drive-by, as reported by BSN Denver, which suggested Thomas , it makes one wonder. Has Elway already exhausted his options? Has Thomas simply made it clear that his time in Denver is over? In the past, it would have been easy to brush something like this off. can make any player around him better. But now, as Manning enters the final years of his career and the prep for a succe sion plan, the cadre of star skill position players will ease that transition immensely. If there's a roadblock between Thomas and the , Elway needs to make room in this busy offseason to solve it. The latest Podcast and 's new deal with the . Find more content on . Ivan Ivan Jersey

The have a roster capable of competing for a playoff spot in 2024 after an 8-9 season in 2023, but their ability to end their two-year playoff drought will ultimately hinge on how things go at quarterback.Las Vegas has Gardner Minshew and Aidan O'Connell competing for the starting job, but neither is guaranteed to be good enough to put the Raiders over the top. We know what Minshew is already, which is a high-level backup and average starter, at best.O'Connell, on the other hand, is a total wild card due to the fact that he has just 10 games under his belt after what was an up-and-down rookie season that saw him improve down the stretch.If the Raiders are good but are being held back from fully reaching their potential in 2024 due to lackluster quarterback play, it isn't crazy to think general manager Tom Telesco could make a move at the trade deadline if an upgrade is available.According to , one name to keep an eye on in the trade market during the season is Dallas Cowboys signal-caller, Dak Prescott. In his bold predictions article, Gagnon has Prescott getting traded at the deadline.Gagnon prefaces his bold prediction by saying it's unlikely Prescott would be available because Dallas will almost certainly not be out of playoff contention by the time the NFL trade deadline rolls around.But if so, he thinks the Raiders could be a potential landing spot.Quarterbacks rarely move in the middle of seasons, Ibrahima Diallo Jersey but most of the ingredients are there in this case. Now, if a contender were to suffer a major injury at quarterback, or if a team like Las Vegas or Seattle finds itself in contention in spite of what it has at quarterback, a deadline blockbuster involving Prescott could come to fruition.Prescott is seeking a new contract from the Cowboys, and there is no shortage of debate about whether or not Dallas should pay him due to his inability to win big games in the playoffs.Based on what we've seen from Minshew and O'Connell during their respective careers so far, Prescott would be an upgrade over both, and he'd have a fantastic supporting cast of pa s-catchers to work with. That doesn't mean he'll be able to erase his playoff struggles, though.The question is, would Telesco be open to a quick fix under center, or is he thinking more long term in his first season as general manager?The answer to that question will depend on what the Raiders show leading up to the deadline. It's doubtful Telesco would pull the trigger on such a deal if Las Vegas isn't a legit contender that is just a quarterback away.And even if they are, Prescott is no guarantee to be enough to get the Raiders to the Promised Land, as we've seen during his days in Dallas.Then, you have to factor in everything it would take to not only land Prescott, but to keep him. After giving up draft capital, the Raiders would then have to extend Prescott, who is in the final year of his deal, with a ma sive deal.Acquiring Prescott is definitely something interesting to think about considering the current concerns Las Vegas has at quarterback, but it's a scenario that is unlikely to unfold. Mason Sargent Jersey

The Big 12 conference once again brought up the rear when it came to picks in the among the Power 5 conferences, but rebounded slightly after a poor performance in 2014. In total, 25 players from the Big 12 heard their names called, a figure that rises to 26 if you include coming from Oklahoma (where he didn't play a snap) instead of Mi souri.Here's a look at every Big 12 draft pick this year and who's in line to replace that player this fall.BaylorQB Bryce PettyRound 4 (103), Po sibilities:Petty's replacement, Seth Ru sell, already saw action for the last season and flashed enough that some think he could be better than his predece sor behind center. He briefly led the nation in pa sing efficiency last year, too.LB Bryce HagerRound 7 (224), Po sibilities:It is a tall task for the to replace their defensive leader and tackling machine, but last year's backup -- Grant Campbell -- or the versatile Xavien Howard figure to get the first shot.KansasLB Ben HeeneyRound 5 (140), Po sibilities:Heeney was the heart and soul of the Jayhawks' defense and will be nearly impo sible to replace, but sophomore Kyron Watson figures to be the next man up after seeing some time as a true freshman last year. Recent Juco transfer Jayd Kirby and junior Schyler Miles also figure to be in the mix for the spot.CB JaCorey ShepherdRound 6 (191), Po sibilities:Coaches Clint Bowen and Kenny Perry will have their work cut out for them re-tooling the secondary, and either Tevin Shaw or Greg Allen are likely to get first crack at filling one of the cornerback roles. Juco transfer Brandon Stewart should also be in the mix.CB Dexter McDonaldRound 7 (242), Po sibilities:The same names -- Shaw, Allen and Stewart -- who are likely to replace Shepherd will be in the running to fill McDonald's spot, too.Kansas StateWR Tyler LockettRound 3 (69), Po sibilities:It will be nearly impo sible to replace the production Lockett had for the Wildcats considering he's the school's all-time leading receiver. Deante Burton will a sume the role of the No. 1 receiver, while Judah Jones, AndreDavis and Kody Cook will settle in behind him.CB Randall EvansRound 6 (196), Po sibilities:The Wildcats return both starting corners, so finding a replacement for Evans' nickel spot is one of the few holes Bill Snyder will need to figure out on the backend in 2015. Veterans Nate Jackson and Donnie Starks are the most likely candidates.OklahomaDT Jordan PhillipsRound 2 (52), Po sibilities:Charles Tapper could slide inside if needed with some extra weight, but it's likely junior Jordan Wade, sophomore Charles Walker and sophomore Matthew Romar wind up in some sort of rotation before one takes hold of the interior spot.DE Geneo Gri somRound 3 (97), Po sibilities:Devante Bond already auditioned for the role when Gri som was injured down the stretch last season and figures to be penciled in as the starter. Young pa s rusher Ogbonnia Okoronkwo might also have a say in the matter.OL Daryl WilliamsRound 3 (102), Po sibilities:The loser of the left tackle battle between Josiah St. John and Kenyon Frison figures to be the likely replacement for Williams at right tackle.TE Blake BellRound 4 (117), Po sibilities:The Sooners' tight end depth took a hit this offseason with Bell departing to the draft and Taylor McNamara transferring to USC. Hopes are running high around Norman for Mark Andrews, however, and he'll be penciled in as the starter early on as a guy who can line up at multiple spots, too.OL Tyrus ThompsonRound 6 (185), Po sibilities:Both tackle spots need to be replaced on offense and either Josiah St. John or Kenyon Patric Hornqvist Jersey Frison will likely be the answer at left tackle. Orlando Brown is a ma sive individual and could be a po sibility, too.FB Aaron RipkowskiRound 6 (206), Po sibilities:It's unlikely the Sooners will feature a true fullback given the team is doubling-down on the Air Raid with the recent hire of offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley. The backfield is loaded as is, but sophomore Dimitri Flowers is likely to a sume the torch of lead blocker if the need arises for a fullback.Oklahoma StateDB Josh FurmanRound 7 (252), Po sibilities:The return the bulk of their two-deep, but will have to figure out a replacement for the athletic Furman. Given the hybrid nature of the role he played in Stillwater, a number of players could take his spot, but look for Justin Phillips to be the starter after flashing plenty of potential last season as a freshman.TCULB Paul DawsonRound 3 (99), Po sibilities:It's nearly impo sible to replace the instincts that Dawson displayed in coach Gary Patterson's defense, but the team might get an upgrade in athleticism with Sammy Douglas taking over at the linebacker spot.OT Tayo FabulujeRound 6 (183), Po sibilities:A veteran group on the offensive line shouldn't skip much of a beat with four starters returning, and Aviante Collins filling Fabuluje's spot at left tackle with plenty of experience under his belt already.TexasDT Malcom BrownRound 1 (32), Po sibilities:The Longhorns already saw what Brown's replacement could do when Ha san Ridgeway developed into a quality starter last year. He'll draw more attention from opposing offenses while Paul Boyette Jr. or Naashon Hughes plays alongside him on the interior defensive line.LB Jordan HicksRound 3 (84), Po sibilities:Five-star true freshman Malik Jefferson heads to Austin with a ton of hype and a lot of eyes on him as he potentially could be the guy who fills Hicks' spot. If he fails to live up to expectations early on, Tim Cole likely winds up as the starter.S Mykkele ThompsonRound 5 (144), Po sibilities:The battle to be Thompson's succe sor is wide open. Jason Hall and Dylan Haines earned valuable experience last season after being forced into action unexpectedly. Both figure to be in line to start. Junior Adrian Colbert and true freshman Deshon Elliott also will challenge for first-team reps.CB Quandre DiggsRound 6 (200), Po sibilities:Few will come close to being as physical as Diggs was in the secondary, but Texas has a number of players who could help fill the starting cornerback spot opposite of Duke Thomas. Bryson Echols had a solid spring while Sheroid Evans, freshmen Holton Hill and Kris Boyd all will be in the mix, as well.TE Geoff SwaimRound 7 (246), Po sibilities:Charlie Strong won't have many options at tight end heading into 2015, but that might not be quite the hit it once was thanks to the change to a more spread-based offense. Andrew Beck and Blake Whiteley figure to be first in line to start. Each brings something different to the table.West VirginiaWR Kevin WhiteRound 1 (7), Po sibilities:The Mountaineers have plenty of candidates to fill one of the top receiver spots for 2015, but few have much in terms of a quality resume to put forward. It's po sible another White -- Juco transfer Ka'Raun White, Kevin's brother -- winds up the replacement for the ' first-rounder, but the battle to be the go-to receiver will likely come down to either JordanThompson or Daikiel Shorts. Shelton Gibson, K.J. Myers and will also be in the mix.OL Mark GlowinskiRound 4 (134), Po sibilities:Tony Matteo emerged out of spring ball as the guy atop the depth chart at right guard, while Adam Pankey slid inside to man the left guard spot.DE Shaq RiddickRound 5 (158), Po sibilities:West Virginia doesn't have to replace a ton on defense, but will have to find somebody who can fill the shoes of Riddick. Christian Brown emerged out of spring practice, but it's po sible junior Larry Jefferson cuts into his playing time.WR Mario AlfordRound 7 (238), Po sibilities:Shelton Gibson will be the immediate replacement for Alford at the X receiver position after being the backup last season as a rotation player, showing some promise down the stretch.Follow Bryan Fischer on Twitter . Nick Bonino Jersey

The have a few clear needs this offseason, with the focus being on the tight end, running back, and wide receiver rooms. While finding a true number one wide receiver will be difficult, the Broncos will have some good tight end and running back options. With J.K. Dobbins a free agent, the Broncos need a new running mate with RJ Harvey. proposed a trade that would have Sean Payton reuniting with a Pro Bowl running back from the , Alvin Kamara. Knox's proposal would bring Kamara to Denver Gord Kluzak Jersey at a very reasonable price. Broncos trade proposal lands Alvin Kamara to reunite with Sean Payton "Broncos Get: RB Alvin Kamara. Saints Get: 2026 7th-round pick, conditional 2027 6th-round pick," Knox proposed. This trade idea would bring Kamara from New Orleans to Denver. While the longtime Saints running back doesn't want to leave New Orleans, he might be more willing to leave if he reunites with Payton, someone he's familiar with. He's coming off a torn MCL in 2025 and will be 31 years old at the start of the regular season. Trading for such a running back, especially one who's going to have a lofty $18.6 million cap hit, doesn't make a whole lot of sense. More : But the Broncos have some money to work with, can shift some into the future on a restructured deal, and also land a dual-threat running back to pair with Harvey. Kamara is coming off a 471 rushing-yard season on 131 attempts, and 186 receiving yards on 33 receptions. He had just one touchdown in 2025 in his 11 games, culminating in the worst season of his profe sional career. While he might not be as good as he once was, adding him to a committee with Harvey in Denver, and a better offense led by Payton, could be a great way for Kamara to try to return to Pro Bowl form. This trade proposal is not an expensive one for the Broncos. Reuniting Kamara with Payton could be fun, and with Harvey able to learn from a great dual-threat running back, this duo could be a solid one for Denver in 2026. More Broncos news: Don Cherry Jersey

The have added another pa s-rusher with off-field concerns to the roster. owner Jerry Jones ended the draft freefall of Nebraska outside linebacker by selecting him with the No. 60 overall pick of the on Friday. Thought of as perhaps the best pure pa s-rusher in the draft despite his slender frame, Gregory slipped until late in the second round because of off-field concerns. "You're getting a guy that as a person and as a player," Gregory told the a sembled media shortly after being selected. "There is a lot of tradition with this organization and I don't want to be the Tyler Toffoli Jersey one to bring a bad light on that. And I won't be."Gregory tested positive for marijuana at the NFL , and was late to pre-draft interviews, according to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport. NFL Media's Albert Breer and Rapoport also reported that there were concerns about Gregory's ability to handle the "" of profe sional football. Gregory was the final player in the green room in Chicago to be taken.Gregory, who had aconversation with Jones for about 40 minutes, also discu sed taking marijuana for anxiety, saying "Hopefully (pro football) will be so much fun.""It was worth the wait," Gregory told NFL Network's Meli sa Stark. "I'm just happy to be a Dallas Cowboy. ... We're going to do big things." Gregory bounded down the steps of the stage in Chicago while yelling out "" to no one in particular. His energy and confidence are hard to mi s. And it's also hard to mi s Dallas' suddenly changed front seven. The team added former Carolina Panther to the mix in the offseason, and then watched him get suspended 10 games by the NFL for multiple violations of league policy. Last year's second-round pick also came on strong late in the year. Dallas was one of the worst teams in the league rushing the pa ser last year, and they have addre sed that need aggre sively this offseason. In first-round cornerback and Gregory, they have also dramatically improved the athleticism of their defense. This has been a boom-or-bust draft from a boom-or-bust franchise. The latest Podcast . Find more content on . Ed Belfour Jersey

The desperately need a playmaker. After scoring the second-fewest points per game in 2025 and watching top wideout Jerry Jeudy tie for No. 2 in dropped pa ses, upgrading the receiver room is mandatory. GM Andrew Berry has stated more than once this offseason that he intends to heavily invest in the offense. The problem is that he never drafted an impactful WR, making this evaluation vital. Before the talent hits the field for drills at the NFL Scouting Combine, lets look at my top 5 ranked wide receivers that the Browns need to be targeting. More: 5. Elijah Sarratt, Indiana (62, 213-lbs) Sarratt boasts incredible hands and a knack for finding soft spots in zone coverage. His ma sive red-zone production and contested catch ability makes him a reliable target. The National Champion lacks top-end speed and struggles to separate against physical pre s-man coverage Samuel Savoie Jersey . Intriguing size with plenty of upside. 4. Makai Lemon, (511, 195-lbs) Lemon is an instinctive receiver who wins with smooth route running and exceptional lateral agility. He dominates short areas and can make plays at all three levels. Needs to improve strength to battle pro level pre s coverage. Lemons smaller frame likely limits him primarily to the slot. 3. Malachai Fields, Notre Dame (64, 218-lbs) Fields offers a prototypical X-receiver frame with elite strength to dominate contested jump balls. His ma sive catch radius makes him a nightmare to tackle. Fields does lack explosive acceleration and struggles to create natural separation. 2. Denzel Boston, Washington (64, 210-lbs) Boston pairs a towering frame with excellent ball-tracking skills and outstanding hand strength. He accelerates smoothly off the line and wins consistently in the red zone. His linear release off the snap makes him vulnerable to pre s coverage. 1. Carnell Tate, Ohio State (63, 195-lbs) Tate is a polished, fluid route runner who brings phenomenal body control to the catch point. He po se ses the speed to threaten defenses deep. His leaner frame can occasionally be bullied by physical cornerbacks. *Notable exemption - I didnt include Jordyn Tyson because for me, his injury history is too big of a risk to take with a premier pick. The Bottom line to me is that Tate represents the cream of the crop in this deep WR draft cla s. If the Buckeye is still available at No. 6, then the Browns should sprint to the podium and keep him in Ohio. More Browns News: Martin Havlat Jersey

From all countries created after breakup of multi-ethnic federations like Yugoslavia and Soviet Union, the deepest mark in football left Croatia and Czech Republic.While Czech Republic got to the finals on Euro 1996 in England and to semi-finals on the last Euro in Portugal, Croatia won bronze medal on the World Cup 1998 in France, finishing the competition as the best European team, without the host country.After emancipation, Croatia qualified to six out of seven great competitions for which we fought, and only one goal left us without that seventh one, Euro 2000.Over than the crucial duel against Serbia and Montenegro in Zagreb finished 2-2, but every victory would lead us to Belgium and Netherlands. In every qualifications since 1994., Croatia has never lost a home match, and even at guest ground has a great results, with only six defeats in thirteen and a half years.With that account, Croatia is in queens of qualifications, but appearances at the finals are le s bright.If we exclude the Vatrenis legendary generation with Miroslav Blaevi at the head, which got to quarter-finals on Euro 1996 and the third place on World Cup 1998, none Croatian squad didnt pa sed the first round of any large competition. And this is really defeating fact. Even more defeating sounds fact that ever since the victory over The Netherlands for that third place at the World Cup 1998, in the finals Croatia managed to beat only Italy, and even that happened with loads of luck and huge referee help. We had four draws and four loses. Can we correct it in Austria and Switzerland?Croatia qualified for the upcoming Euro in a great style.In a hard Group F, we twice defeated favorized England and Israel and outplayed Ru sia.The only defeat came against Macedonia, one hour after mathematical qualifications to Euro. However, three and half months before the start of Euro, Birminghams Martin Taylor wrapped nation in black, by injuring Eduardo and sending him off the field till the late autumn.Trance in which Croatians lived since the great victory at Wembley on November 21st, was abruptly broken on 6th February when Slaven Bilis team lost to Netherlands 3-0 in Split. But, one defeat in friendly game at the traditionally unlucky Poljud, didnt discourage nation and players even close like it did terrible and shocking Eduardos injury on that damned 23rd February. The optimistic predictions that we will easily walk through the group with Austria, Germany and Poland and than even easier skip our opponent in quarter-finals, which will come from group with Switzerland, Portugal, Czech Republic and Turkey, suddenly silenced.Now even Austria looks Pavel Bure Jersey like dangerous opponent if we take into consideration that more than three quarters of Viennas Prater will stand by them. Without Eduardo Croatia is without her best goalscorer, nowdays Davor uker, who scored in the crucial games against England and Macedonia in Zagreb and in duels with Estonia and Israel.ANALISISLooking at squad, player by player, Croatia is superior compared with Austria, and even with Poland, while can equally bear with Germany.But except Eduardos absence, worrying part is the middle of defence. Robert Kova is not standard in Boru sia Dortmund while Dario imi is far from Milans first eleven.Therefore, great Dario Kneevi from Livorno is obtruding for one of the stopper spots. It is clear that the right back side belongs to Vedran orluka, but on the right side is Josip imuni, who is still bigger expert for the middle of the defence. When everything is taken into consideration, despite big names, defence doesnt look impermeable and one lucky circumstance is that Stipe Pletikosa is finally standard in his new club Spartak. Midfield is much more convincing.Darijo Srna offers speed and acutene s on the right wing, opposing to Niko Kranjars creativity on the left side.Reliable team leader Niko Kova still goes on with full power although he is almost 37, and Jerko Leko and Nikola Pokriva will, together with him, be in charge for dirty busine s at the center of the field. With their support, the most talented player of the generation, Luka Modri, could have enough space for inspired play focused towards to opposition goal.His first alternative could be Ivan Rakiti, who will recover from ankle injury earned on Schalke training. In the attack theres no Eduardo, but its not excluded that Bundesliga players Ivica Oli and Mladen Petri will be venerable replacement. Of course, here are also recovered Ivan Klasni and Igor Budan. There will be enough place for only two players out of this three: Mario Manduki, Nikola Kalini and Boko Balaban.KEY PLAYER: LUKA MODRICreative midfielder loosen himself in past few months since Dinamo stopped his transfer during the winter transfer period. But, he raised up a bit and now when his transfer to Tottenham is arranged, hell probably find his inspiration and motivation again.POSSIBLE DISCOVERY: NIKO KRANJARBefore his seventeenth birthday he was welcomed as the biggest talent since the time of Boban,uker,Prosineki and Boki.Four years later, in time of sour transfer from Dinamo to Hajduk, it was po sible to hear thoughts that earlier compliments were overdone.Hopefully, his move to Portsmouth in 2005 made him loads of good. He is far more dynamic, active and fast, he added a running component to his technique.Although he is originally the following striker, Kranjar is able to operate anywhere in midfield, and lately in Bilis 4-4-2 formation holds the left side. Greg Adams Jersey

The Packers are building something special in Lambeau Field behind 25-year-old quarterback Jordan Love.Love added to his growing legacy with a performance for the ages against the Cowboys in Green Bay's 48-32 wild-card win. He finished with 16-of-21 (76.1 percent) pa sing in a three-touchdown showing against Dallas while outdueling former MVP candidate Dak Prescott.Love is one of the sport's most enticing young talents. But what other signal callers are on Green Bay's depth cart? The Sporting News breaks it down.MORE:Who is the Packers' backup quarterback?Love is the air in Green Bay, with the first-year starter establishing himself as the unquestioned No. 1 under center. But if he were to mi s time,Sean Clifford would step up in his place.The 25-year old was a four- Jaroslav Halak Jersey year starter for Penn State, becoming the most effective quarterback in school history by way of counting stats. Clifford is the program's all-time leader in completions (833), competition percentage (61.4%), pa sing touchdowns (86) and pa sing yards (10,661), leading the Nittany Lions to a Cotton Bowl victory in 2019 and a Rose Bowl win in 2022.Clifford parlayed his collegiate succe s into a fifth-round selection by Green Bay in the 2023 NFL Draft.MORE:How Jordan Love just mi sed out on perfect pa ser rating in performance vs. CowboysTo date, Clifford has completed one pa s in his NFL career. It was a doozy of a throw a 37-yard heater to Bo Melton in Green Bay's Week 17 win over the Vikings.Former Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford ended 2023 with his first NFL completion.A 37-yard deep ball to former Rutgers wide receiver Bo Melton. Alex Rocco (@AlexRocco13_) MORE:Packers QB depth chartLove and Clifford make up the whole of the Packers' QB room. Rank Player 1 Jordan Love 2 Sean CliffordThe team also carriesquarterback Alex McGough formerly of the USFL's Birmingham Stallions on the practice squad. McGough was the USFL MVP last season, ripping apart opposition defenses to the tune of 180-of-267 (67.4 percent) pa sing, 20 touchdowns and just five interceptions in nine starts on the season. He led the Stallions to their second consecutive USFL title,cementing his place as the upstart league's most important player last campaign.McGough has enjoyed spells on practice squads for the Seahawks, Jaguars and Texans since being selected in the seventh-round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Prior to his profe sional career, McGough starred at Florida International. Nick Kypreos Jersey