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Belichick admits exploiting a loophole in the NFL rulebook that should 'probably be closed'

Bill Belichick admits he exploited a loophole in the NFL rulebook that should 'probably be closed'

Whenever Bill Belichick decides to retire, he's almost certainly going to go down as the greatest coach in NFL history, and if you need any more proof of what makes Belichick so great, all you have to do is re-watch the fourth quarter of New England's 33-0 win over the Jets on Monday.

Even when the Patriots are blowing out the other team, like they were in New York, Belichick never stops coaching, and that became evident after the Patriots went three-and-out on a drive in the fourth quarter. If that happened to most coaches in the NFL, they would just punt the ball away, but Belichick isn't most coaches. Instead of quickly punting the ball, Belichick took advantage of a loophole in the NFL rulebook to run a full minute and 21 seconds off the clock before his team actually punted.

In the NFL, the play clock is only 40 seconds long, which means it's not easy to burn nearly 90 seconds like the Patriots did, but it happened, and Belichick was definitely proud of himself for it, because the camera caught him smiling, which is something he almost never does during a game.

Login to view embedded media View: https://twitter.com/WillBrinson/status/1186477232585433088


So how did the Patriots burn so much time off the clock?

After the Patriots were tackled in-bounds on a third-and-9 play, the play clock started to run at the 11:04 mark. From there, Belichick decided to let the play clock run out, which took the game clock down from 11:04 to 10:23. At that point, Jets coach Adam Gase declined the delay of game penalty, which means the Patriots were given a new play clock -- this time, just 25 seconds -- and once again, the game clock started to run.

Just as the new play clock got to one second, Brandon Bolden jumped before the ball was snapped, which led to a false start penalty. On the play, it was pretty clear that Bolden jumped on purpose, and if you need proof, just look at the huge smile on his face after the flag was thrown. No one on a Belichick-coached team would smile like that after being penalized unless Belichick asked them to do it.

After the false start was called, Gase once again declined the penalty, which means the Patriots were once again given a new 25-second play clock. Patriots punter Jake Bailey didn't actually end up kicking the ball until the 9:43 mark, and after the Jets fair catch, New York's offense didn't take the field until the clock was down to 9:37, which means Belichick's plan resulted in a full 1:27 being run off the clock.

If the clock stopped after an offensive penalty -- whether it gets declined or not -- the Patriots wouldn't have been able to do this, but the clock kept running after each penalty got declined, which is why Belichick had his team get penalized twice.

Although the lost time didn't really matter to the Jets in this game, because they were being blown out, it could have mattered in a closer game, which is why Belichick thinks the NFL might end up closing this loophole in the NFL rulebook. As a matter of fact, it almost sounds like Belichick exploited the rule so the NFL would close it.

"That's probably a rule, a loophole that will be closed, and probably should be closed, but right now it's open," Belichick said this week.

Of course, as things currently stand, what the Patriots did was legal and Belichick is someone who's always looking to exploit the rule book.

"It was just the way the rules are set up," Belichick said Monday. "We were able to run quite a bit of time off the clock without really having to do anything."

Basically, this is just more proof that Belichick is always five moves ahead of anyone he's coaching against.

TNF: Redskins at Vikings

Thursday Night Football: Washington Redskins vs. Minnesota Vikings

The Washington Redskins (1-6) are traveling to Minnesota to take on the Vikings (5-2) at U.S. Bank Stadium for "Thursday Night Football." At this point, these two teams seem to be heading in very different directions.

The Redskins are under new leadership with interim head coach Bill Callahan after Jay Gruden was fired following an 0-5 start. Since then, the team is 1-1 with its only win being a 17-16 victory against the Miami Dolphins in Week 6.

The Vikings, on the other hand, are on a three-game winning streak where the average victory has been by 16 points. A major reason for that success is the play of quarterback Kirk Cousins, who has completed 75.6 percent of his passes for 976 yards and 10 touchdowns during that span.

Washington at Minnesota

Kickoff: Thursday, Oct. 24 at 8:20 p.m. ET
TV: FOX/NFL Network
Spread: Minnesota -15.5

Three Things to Watch

1. Will Adam Thielen miss the game?

Along with Stefon Diggs, Thielen is part of the NFL’s most dynamic 1-2 punch at wide receiver. Unfortunately for Minnesota, the 29-year-old is likely to miss the first game of his career.

From 2017-18, Thielen combined for 204 receptions, 2,649 yards, and 13 touchdowns. In 2019, his receptions and yardage production have dipped (27 receptions, 391 yards). But he’s already hauled in a whopping six touchdowns through seven weeks, one of which he was injured for most of the game.

If Thielen is forced to miss Thursday’s game, which is likely, then the Vikings will need a pair of rookies, tight end Irv Smith Jr. and receiver Oalbisi Johnson, to step up in his stead. The two combined for nine receptions, 100 yards and a touchdown against the Lions in Week 7.

2. Cousins, Keenum, and Peterson facing former teams

If you have not heard yet, several starters in this game will be facing off against their former teams. Kirk Cousins, who was drafted by the Redskins in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL Draft, is now the Vikings’ franchise quarterback.

As if that was not enough, the entire Redskins starting backfield, which includes Case Keenum and Adrian Peterson, used to play for the Vikings. Peterson is an especially big factor, as the former Oklahoma product was a first-round pick in 2007 and rushed for 11,675 yards and 97 touchdowns for the franchise from 2007-16. Peterson, who is averaging 3.7 yards per carry but has seen more touches (43 carries, 199 yards) in the two games since Bill Callahan was named interim head coach, is dealing with some sprained ankles but he is expected to suit up against his former team on Thursday night.

3. Dalvin Cook is in MVP form

It is amazing that the Vikings were able to go from Peterson to Cook as their starting running back. Although his first two seasons were injury-riddled, Cook is emerging as a potential MVP candidate during Year 3.

The Florida State product has produced 945 total yards (725 rushing, 220 receiving) on 157 touches to go along with eight rushing touchdowns. He's leading the league in rushing and is averaging a healthy 5.5 yards per carry. With him leading the way, Minnesota is third in the NFL in rushing offense at 160 yards per game.

Washington was supposed to field one of the top run defenses. But the Redskins currently rank No. 28 and are allowing 134.4 rushing yards per game, which does not bode well for their chances on Thursday night.

Final Analysis

The Redskins are currently one of the NFL’s worst franchises. The ownership is being widely criticized and the talent is mostly bare on offense — especially along the offensive line.

It will be interesting to see how this game is going to shake out. The over/under currently sits at 42 points, and that number still seems a little bit high. In fact, the Redskins have not hit the over in any of their last four games, as they’ve only scored 27 combined points during that time.

It would be wise to expect a lopsided victory for a Minnesota team that is currently one of the hottest in the NFL. As it sits, the Vikings are ranked sixth in the NFL in both total offense (391.0 ypg) and total defense (327.9). That's not a good combination for Washington to deal with.

Prediction: Vikings 27, Redskins 7

Rams Pro Football Focus tidbits heading into Week 8

Rams Pro Football Focus tidbits heading into Week 8

Pro Football Focus (PFF) has a team of more than 300 staffers evaluating every NFL play from the Hall of Fame game to the Super Bowl. After each game, players, as well as each team's offensive, defensive and special teams units, are graded on a scale of 0 to 100; the closer a player or unit is to 100, the better. A full explanation of their evaluation process can be found here for additional context.

Here's a look at some of the noteworthy Rams-centric assessments as we approach the halfway point of the 2019 season.

RAPP GETS BIGGER ROLE

The depth chart got shaken up with safety John Johnson III getting put on injured reserve. While his absence created more opportunities for Marqui Christian, rookie Taylor Rapp also saw increased involvement as well.

Per PFF, Rapp played a season-high 54 snaps against the Falcons last week. He was most effective against the run, posting a season-best grade of 68.9 in addition to a season-best 83.6 tackling grade. His 35 snaps in coverage were also most for him in a single game this season.

Before Johnson's injury, defensive coordinator Wade Phillips said Rapp would see time on the field even though he was a backup because Rapp has earned it. It seems that trend will continue.

EDWARDS GRADES OUT WELL IN DEBUT

Making his NFL regular season debut, rookie David Edwards held his own in his first career start.

According to Voice of the Rams J.B. Long, Edwards' overall offensive grade of 60.9 was highest by a Rams left guard this season. Second-year offensive lineman began the year as the starter before suffering a season-ending ACL and MCL injury against the 49ers in Week 6, with Jamil Demby also seeing action at that spot.

Edwards is off to a promising start, and he'll likely have a chance to build on it this week against the Bengals.

FOWLER HAS BEST GAME OF SEASON

Considering how he fared statistically against the Falcons, it likely comes as no surprise that Dante Fowler Jr.'s performance graded out as his best of the season in three key categories.

The former Florida standout posted a 90.9 pass rushing grade, a 90.6 overall defensive grade and a 76.6 run defense grade – all season highs – following his first three-sack game of his career. He also added three tackles for loss and a forced fumble.

Looks like his first game reunited with CB Jalen Ramsey made a big difference.

Rams, Bengals likely to see strong crowd Sunday as London's interest in American football grows

Rams, Bengals likely to see strong crowd Sunday as London's interest in American football grows

The NFL London series began in 2007, and interest in American football across the pond has only grown since.

Gridiron Magazine editor Matthew Sherry, who helped form the publication devote to covering the league in 2013 and has regularly covered each of the NFL's London games, has seen it first hand.

"(It's grown) significantly," Sherry said via email. "I do think, initially, there was an element of the whole thing being new and therefore attracting an immediate audience. But it's gone way beyond that now, with season-ticket sales hitting exceptionally high numbers and the fanbase proving its long-term sustainability. We've also seen a significant growth in magazine sales and subscriptions, as well as a broader range of commercial opportunities."

For the Rams and the Bengals, that bodes well for Sunday – though they're no stranger to large crowds in London.

Los Angeles, which is making its second appearance in London under head coach Sean McVay and third in four seasons overall, earned a 33-0 victory over Arizona before a crowd of 73,736 in 2017.

Cincinnati, which is playing in the series for the second time ever, played the Redskins to a 27-27 tie in 2016 in the first NFL international series game to go to overtime. The contest drew a sold-out crowd of 84,488, which at the time set an attendance record for an NFL game outside the U.S. The Eagles' 24-18 win over the Jaguars two years later broke the record with 85,870 fans on hand at Wembley Stadium.

Sherry began to notice the support rising as early as 2013.

"The games were clearly a significant part of the puzzle," Sherry said regarding the decision to form Gridiron. "I was a sports journalist for a national news agency and also a big NFL fan, and I covered the games for my job. Around the time of the magazine starting, you could really feel the momentum building towards the odd game in London turning to something more significant and sustainable."

This year, season tickets for all four NFL London games sold out.

Sherry compared the lively atmospheres of the games he's covered so far to a Super Bowl.

"It's the one oft-used, but it really is like a Super Bowl," Sherry said. "I say that having covered some Super Bowls where the crowd is very pro one team, like last year's was very New England. But, as a rule, Super Bowls differ in that you see all different jerseys and the in-stadium intensity doesn't quite reach the level of big home games. London ones are the same, although the recent Bears-Raiders one at Tottenham was a pleasant exception."

As Sherry mentioned, one unique element that both journalists and broadcasters notice throughout the stadium is all the different jerseys worn by supporters in attendance.

It obviously wouldn't be surprising to see Rams jerseys in the crowd on Sunday. Based on the jerseys he's seen throughout the crowds, Sherry said RB Todd Gurley is probably the most popular Rams player in London.

"It's either Todd Gurley or (defensive tackle) Aaron Donald," Sherry said. "I'd say probably just the former, but people are aware of how uniquely talented Donald is."

So far, those who have watched this year's NFL London games in person or from afar have been treated to competitive and entertaining contests. The Raiders defeated the Bears 24-21 on a go-ahead touchdown run by rookie RB Josh Jacobs with under two minutes left in the game, while the Panthers and the Buccaneers produced the third-highest combined point total in the history of the London games.

However, considering how well attended these games have been in the past, it's likely there still would've been a lot of excitement surrounding this matchup anyway.

"Truthfully, the interest is there regardless," Sherry said. "We've had some good games and bad games, but the fan interest is only growing and supporters just want to see NFL action."

patriots-josh-gordon-placed-on-ir-with-season-ending-knee-injury?

Bleacher report says Josh Gordon being placed on IR
New England Patriots receiver Josh Gordon will miss the remainder of the 2019 NFL season due to a knee injury, per ESPN's Field Yates.

The Patriots placed Gordon on injured reserve, according to the league's transaction wire.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport shed light on Gordon's time in New England, which appears to be coming to an end:


Ian Rapoport

@RapSheet

https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1187114352387772418

#Patriots WR Josh Gordon was placed on Injured Reserve today because of two bone bruises in his knee that he dealt with before the injury against the #Giants, sources say. His time in NE is likely over as they are moving on. He’ll be waived off IR when fully healthy.

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Gordon later commented on the NFL's Instagram as reports swirled regarding his impending release:


Bleacher Report

@BleacherReport

https://twitter.com/BleacherReport/status/1187120815445200896

Seems like this is new to Josh Gordon...

Gordon believes he’s “close to returning to play,” could be available for other teams as a free agent soon, per @MikeGarafolo
View image on Twitter

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Gordon is no stranger to missed action, playing only one full season in his NFL career. That came in his rookie year in 2012 before he emerged in 2013 as one of the more talented players in the game at his position.


However, multiple suspensions from the league have limited his career, including two full missed seasons and several other shortened ones. He also faced an indefinite suspension this past offseason but was reinstated before the start of the regular season.

The 28-year-old struggled with injuries, including knee and ankle problems in 2019.

He has been a quality player when healthy, although there have been inconsistent results this season. He entered Week 8 with 20 catches for 287 yards and one touchdown.

Though his talent is undeniable, Gordon's inability to stay on the field remains an issue.

Meanwhile, New England will have to turn to its other options at the position, which include Julian Edelman, Phillip Dorsett and the recently acquired Mohamed Sanu.

____________________________________________________________________________

Is anybody surprised that Josh Gordon is yet again to miss most of a season, without his team being overly upset. Million dollar talent, 5 cent head.

Los Angeles Rams vs. Cincinnati Bengals: Week 8 broadcast map

Here’s who’s getting Rams-Bengals on Sunday.

By 3k@3k_ Oct 23, 2019, 5:09pm CDT

Per 506 Sports, here’s the early CBS map for Week 8:
Week_8_broadcast_map.png

Non-pictured market coverage: Anchorage, AK - Broncos at Colts; Fairbanks, AK - Broncos at Colts; Honolulu, HI - Broncos at Colts

* - Rams-Bengals is being played at Wembley Stadium, London, England

The Rams are over on CBS this week, so it’s a bit of an unusual map. We carry all of SoCal save for the Imperial Valley (again) that’s still part of the Cards’ market. We’ve got most of NorCal as well and Oregon/Washington to carry the NFC West team markets that aren’t in play via the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks. Would have been interesting to see if the Cards were on FOX if we would have carried the whole divisional market map.

Cincy has a fun little home map with Lexington, Kentucky, and Charleston, West Virginia, looped in.

And the Rams’ former home in St. Louis is getting this one as well.

I see signs

Maybe I’m seeing things, but I think I’m watching the emergence of a pretty good back in Henderson. He has really good outside speed, and packs a pretty good punch at the end of his runs. It seems to me that the game is starting to slow down a little for him. Am I just a Kool Aid guzzler?

Rams vs Falcons Run Game Stills

Going to just stick to the run game this week, as I have trees to plant in my yard and the wife giving me dirty looks as I sit on my posterior and obsess over our favorite team...

First run play of the game, it's a power run up the middle, extremely simple. But of course there is a mistake...

Situation:
1571848931197.png


Pre-snap:
1571849151789.png


At the snap we can see a run up the gut. Allen's got the NT locked up, Blythe's responsibility is pretty clear:
1571849223102.png


A beat later Blythe is realizing he effed up. If he had simply gotten a hat on Jones here Gurley would have had a successful run (4+ yards on first down):
1571849326503.png


At the handoff 4 of the 5 OL are executing this play about as good as you can do it. All it takes is one guy though:
1571849469684.png


Gurley tries to bounce it outside:
1571849521075.png


What should have been a successful run is now a stuff for -1 yard loss:
1571849584623.png

Seeing ghosts and sunsets

The Jets made a mistake allowing Darnold to be miked up against Pats. To their credit they’re saying they won’t let that happen again. Gase came out and criticized ESPN for showing it.

Funny thing. When Fisher and his lackey coaches threw Goff under the bus with that sun sets in the west thing, no one blamed Fisher. To make matters worse, Fisher was on TV recently saying how Goff didn’t know it, throwing him under the bus again.

I blamed Fisher when it happened and feel even more strongly now that Fisher is a dirtbag. He gets the good old boy treatment from many in the national media. I find that despicable.

Rams prepare for Bengals, third London game in four seasons

First Look: Rams prepare for Bengals, third London game in four seasons

Refreshed by newfound momentum gained from a 37-10 win over the Falcons in Week 7, the Rams now shift their focus to a Week 8 matchup with the Bengals at Wembley Stadium in London.

Los Angeles and Cincinnati are facing each other for the first time since 2015, which also means this contest marks the first game between both clubs in the Rams' second stint in L.A. For the Rams, this marks their third NFL London game in four years and fourth overall since the series began in 2007. The Bengals, meanwhile, are making their second appearance.

In advance of the game, here’s an early look at the Bengals, including notable additions, their top statistical performers so far, where they rank in certain statistical categories and key storylines.

Notable additions
  • Re-signed CB Darqueze Dennard in March. The sixth-year pro was set to enter the offseason as an unrestricted free agent until agreeing with the Bengals to a one-year deal. Knee surgery landed him on Cincinnati's Physically Unable to Perform list, where he spent the first six games before getting activated last week. He posted five total tackles and two pass breakups in his 2019 debut.
  • Signed WR Stanley Morgan from the practice squad on Oct. 2. An undrafted free agent signed by the Bengals in May, injuries to A.J. Green and John Ross created an opportunity for Morgan to get promoted to the active roster. The former Nebraska star has one catch for six yards in the three games since.
Top performers in Week 7

QB Andy Dalton completed 22 of 43 pass attempts for 276 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions in the Bengals' 27-17 home loss to the Jaguars. Dalton also rushed four times for a team-high 33 yards and one touchdown.

WR Alex Erickson led Cincinnati with eight receptions for 137 yards, while RB Joe Mixon was on the receiving end of Dalton's lone passing touchdown.

Defensively, safety Jessie Bates III paced the Bengals with a game-high 12 total tackles.

On special teams, kicker Randy Bullock converted his lone field goal attempt as well as both extra point attempts.

Rankings

Offense
  • Points Per Game: 28th (16.3)
  • Yards Per Game: 27th (305.3)
  • Passing Yards Per Game: 12th (252.1)
  • Rushing Yards Per Game: 32nd (53.1)
Defense
  • Points Allowed Per Game: T-24th (26.6)
  • Yards Allowed Per Game: 32nd (430.9)
  • Passing Yards Allowed Per Game: 16th (241.9)
  • Rushing Yards Allowed Per Game: 32nd (189.0)
Early storylines to watch, and what they mean for the Rams
Similar to last week, this another ideal situation for L.A.'s offense to gain some confidence.
Cincinnati's defense has surrendered at least 21 points to opponents in each of its first seven games. Furthermore, each of their last three opponents have surpassed 200 yards passing and 200 yards rushing.

At the same time, while the Bengals' offense has likely missed Green and Ross, it still has enough talent to rank in the top half of the NFL in passing offense. Thus, like the Falcons game, a high-scoring affair is a strong possibility once again this week.

2020 Rams Mock 1.0

OK, someone had to do it ...

I have no big name outside free agents of consequence coming to the Rams this off/pre-season. While i'd love to find room for RG Brandon Scherff, i'm going to keep it simple and only spend to re-sign a couple Rams players who are entering free agency themselves. Any saved CAP dollars will be carried over to 2021 as we are already down our 1'st and 4'th round draft picks, and we will want to use said savings to re-sign Kupp, Everett & JJ3 sometime early into the 2020 season. As you will see, the Rams will be getting much younger, but I believe this remains a deep play-off caliber roster. jmo.

Re-Sign :

Cory Littleton
Greg Zuerlein
ERFA's John Kelly, John Carraway, Johnnie Mundt, Coleman Shelton, Jake Gervase, and all Practice Squad members.

Departing Free Agents :

Andrew Whitworth
Donte Fowler
Michael Brockers
Aqib Talib
Blake Bortles
Bryce Hager
Marquis Christian
Mike Thomas
Austin Blythe
RFA-JoJo Natson
RFA-Morgan Fox

Trades :

Nickell Roby-Coleman (2021 4'th rounder)

2020 NFL Draft :

1) N/A
2) DE/DT - Mike Coe, Auburn
3a) Trade up with our 2'nd round draft pick for an earlier #2 pick.
3b) WR - KJ Hill, Oh. St.
4) C/OG - Sean Pollard, Clemson
5) S - Hamsah Nasirildeen, Fl. St.
6) QB - Brian Lewerke, Mi. St.
7) ILB - Mohamed Barry, Ne.

Rams 2020 53 Roster :

OFFENSE (23)

QB :
Goff
Wolford

OL :
Noteboom
Havenstein
Allen
Edwards
Evans
Sean Pollard*
Brewer
Corbett

RB's :
Gurley
Brown
Henderson

TE's :
Everett
Higbee
Mundt
Blanton

WR's :
Cooks
Woods
Kupp
Reynolds
KJ Hill*
Webster

DEFENCE (27)

DL :
Donald
Joseph
Gaines
Mike Coe*
Copeland
Lawler

ILB's :
Littleton
Young
Patrick
Reeder
Howard

OLB's :
Matthews
Okoronkwo
Polite
Durham
Ebukam
Carraway

CB's :
Ramsey
Long
T.Hill
Williams
Deayon

Safeties :
Weddle
Johnson
Rapp
Gervase
Scott

Special Teams (3) :

Hekker
Zuerlein
McQuaide

Practice Squad :

OL - Demby
RB - Kelly
C - Shelton
S - Hamsah Nasirildeen*
QB - Brian Lewerke*
ILB - Mohamed Barry*
UDFA #1 (CB)
UDFA #2 (CB)
UDFA #3 (WR)
UDFA #4 (WR)

Another 2 oline thoughts - Scherff and Hudson

Both Brandon Scherff and Rodney Hudson's are free agents in 2020 maybe Washington or the Raiders might bail instead of hoping they will stay. Tough for the Raiders because I am sure they still think they are in the hunt especially with Mahommes issues. Washington is in the NFC and Scherff is probably their best player so I am not sure they are eager to let him go before making a deal especially with the Williams mess but if I were Les I would make the calls.

Scherff is a top 4 Guard and he is a RG - McVay used to be his OC perfect for us except he wants more than 13m per year.

Rodney Hudson was the 2nd best Center in 2018 will he leave the Raiders? He would solve our Center issue that is for sure.

Les we need Cordy!!!

He gave up 1 sack in 13 games last year. He covers for LT if Whit goes down and or retires next year. No guess work on him Komer already knows him. He can play Guard. Put him at LG move Edwards to RG and Blythe to Center - line is infinitely and instantly better.

It will cost us a 4th or a 5th to ply him away from the Browns which on the scheme of things is why better than Williams.

Williams will cost a first or a front line player which we don't have except for Cooks. He has missed 21 games in 4 years which is 5 per year that is a lot.

Glenn makes everyone especially Goff and Gurley feel alot better plus he had no mileage on him this season. Solid feasible trade and big upgrade.

Pull the trigger Les he will pay immeasurable dividends.

RIP Raiders Hall of Famer Willie Brown - dead at 78

Yahoo Sports Chris Cwik,Yahoo Sports 2 hours 36 minutes ago
  • Charley Casserly shares stories of Willie Brown
Legendary Oakland Raiders cornerback and Pro Football Hall of Famer Willie Brown has died. He was 78.
The Raiders released a statement Tuesday, calling Brown “an integral part of the organization through six decades.”
“Willie Brown will forever be cherished as a true Raider. He exemplified the Raider spirit, originally entering the AFL as an undrafted free agent out of Grambling State before joining the Silver and Black in 1967. He remained an integral part of the organization through six decades. His legendary performance on the field changed the way the cornerback position was played and his valued guidance as a coach, mentor and administrator permeated the organization and touched countless individuals both on and off the field. Willie’s loss will leave a tremendous void, but his leadership and presence will always be a major part of the fabric of the Raiders Family.”
Brown’s cause of death has not been revealed.

Former Oakland Raiders player William


Oakland Raidgers legend Willie Brown has died. He was 78. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Brown spent 16 seasons in the NFL. His first four came with the Denver Broncos. Brown made two Pro Bowls and was named to the All-Pro team once during his tenure with the Broncos.
Brown joined the Raiders in 1967, and compiled some unbelievable accomplishments during his first seven seasons with the club. From 1967-73, Brown made seven straight Pro Bowls. He was named to the All-Pro team four times during that period.
Following his NFL career, Brown spent a few seasons as the Raiders’ defensive backs coach. He also coached at Long Beach State and Jordan High School. Brown eventually rejoined the Raiders in a front office role in 1995.
Brown is perhaps most famous for his game-clinching interception in Super Bowl XI. With Oakland leading 26-7, Brown picked off a Fran Tarkenton pass in the flat with 8:18 to go in the fourth quarter. Brown then raced 75 yards for the touchdown. The moment is regarded as one of the most iconic interceptions in NFL history.




720fe0642b8242c607b8e86d817c2ee6


Remembering Willie Brown's impact on over 50 years of Oakland Raiders history
Remembering Willie Brown's impact on over 50 years of Raiders history.
That was the only Super Bowl that Brown won as a player. He won two more Super Bowl rings as a Raiders coach.
In recent seasons, Brown was one of the former Raiders to appear at the NFL draft to announce one of the team’s draft picks. Before announcing the pick, Brown would pay tribute to mothers, and remind fans that Mother’s Day was just around the corner.
Brown was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1984, the first season in which he was eligible for the honor. He’s still considered one of the best NFL players of all time.
———

REPORT: Could the Los Angeles Rams be a player for CB Chris Harris Jr. in the offseason?

Could it be? No.... maybe?

By Sosa Kremenjas@QBsMVP Oct 22, 2019, 2:19pm CDT

Tennessee Titans v Denver Broncos


Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images

Even though the Los Angeles Rams just pulled off a massive trade for cornerback Jalen Ramsey, they could be a player in the free agency sweepstakes for Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris Jr. this offseason, per Ben Allbright:

Now, it’s obviously extremely early and quite preliminary, but Allbright is often right as he’s plugged into the league. Harris obviously has many connections to the Rams as he’s played under Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips, and formed the superstar secondary known as the “No Fly Zone” alongside current Rams cornerback Aqib Talib, who is slated to become a free agent upon completion of this season.
Looking forward, the Rams will have a laundry list of free agents on their roster and only $24.6m in cap space in 2020, per Over The Cap. If the Rams do want to retain some of their own unrestricted free agents — as well as Harris — they’ll need to juggle some contracts to help create space in the offseason.

Interesting Power Rankings and Goff comparison

Interesting Power Ranking from Doug Farrar on TouchdownWire, currently has the Rams at 15, which seems a bit low to me, but I get it after 3 game skid (Dallas was 13th after similar fate). I can see the rating based on standings; we would be out of the playoff running if the season ended today. I still see quite a few winnable games, especially if the offensive lines issues can be improved with Edwards in the lineup and by some scheming on McVay's part (like some of the two and even three TE sets last week, as well as getting the RBs more involved in the passing attack, for example).

This quote is what struck me most, a comparison of Goff and the Whiners' JG: "San Francisco's ostensible franchise quarterback has completed 68.3% of his passes this season, but he's also thrown six interceptions to just seven touchdown passes, and he's been inconsistent at best when throwing deep and under pressure. Head coach Kyle Shanahan may have a Jared Goff on his hands here -- a quarterback who must have a highly schemed passing game to succeed, and who doesn't look very good outside of that. You can do some damage in the postseason with such a quarterback, but at a certain point, the 49ers are going to need Garoppolo to tear it loose outside of structure."

I get some of it - the TD/Int ratio (this season), the tendency to struggle under certain looks and pressures. There are echoes of that system qb knock on Goff there in Farrar's comments as well. Still, I think Goff is the much better qb, based on some of the throws he can make and how fluid he can be when he gets in rhythm. I still think Goff has a high ceiling if he can improve in pocket awareness a bit and in reading defenses (finding that 2nd and 3rd option/making quick decisions). I think he has a long way to go before calling him elite - whatever that word means - and I won't claim Goff is the best qb under pressure (have to give that to Wilson, with Rodgers not far behind, then Brady just because he's mastered that EP system so well). But I think all things equal - a decent O Line and some semblance of a running game, and Goff's the stronger qb.

Just curious what my RoD brethren think...

Inside Jalen Ramsey's first week with the Rams

Inside Jalen Ramsey's first week with the Rams
Lindsey Thiry ESPN


In a crowded corner of the visitors locker room at Mercedes Benz Stadium, Jalen Ramsey stood surrounded by reporters and the newest Los Angeles Rams star provided unapologetically honest answers for nearly four minutes. "I talks s--- every game," he said, matter-of-factly.

Five days after the Rams completed a blockbuster trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars for the All-Pro cornerback, Ramsey proved in his debut why he garnered such a high price -- first-round picks in 2020 and 2021 and a fourth-round pick in 2021.

The third-year pro wasn't perfect in a 37-10 victory over the Atlanta Falcons, admitting that, "I played OK." Still, it was impressive that after just two practices and having not played the last three weeks in Jacksonville because of a back issue -- real or invented given he immediately passed a Rams team physical -- that he stuck to Julio Jones and kept the Falcons' All-Pro receiver from turning in another signature performance. "If I was really in my groove, like on my s---, [it] would've really been scary out there," Ramsey said. "Put it that way."

Ramsey's debut provided the Rams with plenty to get excited about, starting with his ability to play man coverage, which allows the defense to operate as coordinator Wade Phillips once intended. Recently the Rams have strayed from the design because of personnel. "I mean your defense kind of changes the philosophy now," said veteran safety Eric Weddle, the on-field signal caller. "We're going to be man-based now, get up in their face and mix up some zones. ... It's just a more aggressive-type defense than it has been since the start of the season."

Ramsey played 65 percent of the snaps (36 of 55) and limited Jones as an option for quarterback Matt Ryan, all while maintaining a constant presence in Jones' ear, long after plays were whistled dead. Jones caught passes of 13, 17 and 39 yards over Ramsey.

Along with sticking to Jones, Ramsey also forced running back Devonta Freeman to fumble, though it did not lead to a turnover."Players like that are game changers," quarterback Jared Goff said.
"If I was really in my groove, like on my s---, would've really been scary out there," Jalen Ramsey said.

The Rams adjusted their playbook, allowing Ramsey to contribute Sunday after a whirlwind five days since the trade that included a 17-hour travel day from Jacksonville to the Rams team facility outside Los Angeles on Wednesday and only two days of practice.

"Honestly, the defense was a little dumbed down for me," said Ramsey, who was inserted on the third play of the game. "I really appreciate the guys kind of going with the game plan because it probably wasn't -- I'm not going to say it wasn't the best for them, because they went out there and they strapped, too, but just kind of appreciate everybody's help these couple days I been here."

The Rams held the Falcons to 10 points, which tied their season low, and 224 total yards, including 75 yards that were collected in fourth-quarter garbage time. Outside linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. sacked Ryan three times, while defensive tackle Aaron Donald and linebacker Cory Littleton added a sack each."I'm just excited he's here. Adding him to the mix is definitely a big plus for us," Donald said. "... With him being back there doing what he do, it's going to give us a lot of advantages as far quarterbacks holding the ball and us getting to the quarterback."

Weddle, who signed a two-year deal before the season, appeared borderline giddy at the prospect of what can be accomplished when Ramsey has time to digest an entire game plan. "We probably got 30 percent of our defense in," Weddle said. "... [When] he can actually rep it, practice it and study it, it's only going to make him more dangerous, and us as a defense."

Ramsey's performance in Atlanta confirmed cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman's initial expectations for his new teammate, who has nine interceptions and 45 pass deflections in 51 career starts.
"Like I said in the beginning, when we first got him, one side of the field is completely shut down," Robey-Coleman said.

The fifth overall pick in the 2016 draft, the 24-year-old Ramsey is under his rookie contract through the 2020 season, when he's scheduled to earn $13.7 million.

On a team that already includes an astronomical payroll -- Todd Gurley, Goff and Donald all have been awarded record-breaking deals over the last two seasons -- Ramsey, could be the next in line.
"No timeline on that," Rams general manager Les Snead said. "We did put a timeline a little bit in place with it. I don't want too give to many details on that. ... Obviously, he, to date, has earned a chance to probably get a nice contract for the job he does and the position he plays."

"I'm not really worried about it," said Ramsey, who is likely to seek a contract in excess of the five-year, $76.5 million extension signed by Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard before the season. "To be honest, I've kind of said that a lot, but I don't think people really believed me. I'm not worried about it, it will happen in due time. I have full confidence in myself and my abilities."
League sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter that Ramsey promised the Rams that even if the sides do not agree to a long-term deal this offseason, that he will not hold out in 2020.

But, come 2021, the Rams -- who outbid the Philadelphia Eagles to trade for Ramsey -- better not franchise tag him, or else they could be without a cornerback. "All bets are off, and he could hold out," sources told Schefter. The option also remains that the Rams could decide not to extend, but instead trade Ramsey to recoup their investment if a deal can't be struck.

McVay has not expressed concern about any of Ramsey's past antics in Jacksonville, which included his arrival at training camp in an armored truck and a Week 2 sideline shouting match with Jaguars coach Doug Marrone.

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