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Robert Griffin III brought his Heisman Trophy swagger to New Orleans and made his NFL debut look like a Big Easy.
Showing a veteran's composure by scrambling only when necessary, the dynamic Redskins rookie quarterback tormented New Orleans' defense with 320 yards passing and two touchdowns, and Washington held on for 40-32 victory over the Saints on Sunday.
"I've won a high school state championship and a bowl game in college, but to play in the NFL, the pinnacle of it all, and win your first game against a Hall of Famer in Drew Brees, it's at the top," Griffin said while cradling the game ball he had just been given. "After the game, (Brees) told me he was proud of me. That's big for him to say after he just lost the game."
"Robert did an unbelievable job to play the way that he did in his first game in the National Football League," said Redskins coach Mike Shanahan, marveling at "the poise that he played with and some of the throws that he made."
Peterson returns: His left knee fully healed, Adrian Peterson ran hard -- and often. The Minnesota Vikings finally turned their star running back loose after months of caution, and he rewarded their trust with a typical two-touchdown game in a 26-23 overtime victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
"My legs are loose. Seriously, I'm feeling really good. I'm ready to carry the load," said Peterson who ran 17 times for 84 yards a little more
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than eight months since undergoing surgery for torn anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments.
Read More: NFL: Robert Griffin III impresses in debut with Washington Redskins - San Jose Mercury News
Showing a veteran's composure by scrambling only when necessary, the dynamic Redskins rookie quarterback tormented New Orleans' defense with 320 yards passing and two touchdowns, and Washington held on for 40-32 victory over the Saints on Sunday.
"I've won a high school state championship and a bowl game in college, but to play in the NFL, the pinnacle of it all, and win your first game against a Hall of Famer in Drew Brees, it's at the top," Griffin said while cradling the game ball he had just been given. "After the game, (Brees) told me he was proud of me. That's big for him to say after he just lost the game."
"Robert did an unbelievable job to play the way that he did in his first game in the National Football League," said Redskins coach Mike Shanahan, marveling at "the poise that he played with and some of the throws that he made."
Peterson returns: His left knee fully healed, Adrian Peterson ran hard -- and often. The Minnesota Vikings finally turned their star running back loose after months of caution, and he rewarded their trust with a typical two-touchdown game in a 26-23 overtime victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
"My legs are loose. Seriously, I'm feeling really good. I'm ready to carry the load," said Peterson who ran 17 times for 84 yards a little more
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than eight months since undergoing surgery for torn anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments.
Read More: NFL: Robert Griffin III impresses in debut with Washington Redskins - San Jose Mercury News
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San Diego’s Philip Rivers threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to Malcom Floyd and Nate Kaeding kicked a career-high tying five field goals to spoil Dennis Allen’s debut as Oakland coach with a 22-14 victory Monday night.
The Raiders couldn’t score a touchdown until the final minute and there were three botched punts after an injury to Pro Bowl long snapper Jon Condo. Rivers threw for 231 yards, but was sacked just once and did not turn the ball over after having 20 interceptions a year ago.
Darren McFadden caught a career-high 13 passes for Oakland. A head injury to Condo in the second quarter proved to be even more significant when backup long snapper Travis Goethel was involved in three plays that resulted three field goals for the Chargers.
Carson Palmer finally got Oakland into the end zone with 54 seconds left on a 2-yard pass to rookie Rod Streater and the two connected for a 2-point conversion to make it 22-14. But San Diego recovered the onside kick and iced the game.
Palmer went 32 for 46 for 297 yards.
Read More: Monday’s NFL Capsules - The Washington Post
The Raiders couldn’t score a touchdown until the final minute and there were three botched punts after an injury to Pro Bowl long snapper Jon Condo. Rivers threw for 231 yards, but was sacked just once and did not turn the ball over after having 20 interceptions a year ago.
Darren McFadden caught a career-high 13 passes for Oakland. A head injury to Condo in the second quarter proved to be even more significant when backup long snapper Travis Goethel was involved in three plays that resulted three field goals for the Chargers.
Carson Palmer finally got Oakland into the end zone with 54 seconds left on a 2-yard pass to rookie Rod Streater and the two connected for a 2-point conversion to make it 22-14. But San Diego recovered the onside kick and iced the game.
Palmer went 32 for 46 for 297 yards.
Read More: Monday’s NFL Capsules - The Washington Post
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The Giants played their first meaningful game since their Super Bowl victory last Wednesday night at home against the Cowboys, and they lost 24-17. Eli Manning and company will try to get back on track on Sunday at home against the Buccaneers as we look at the NFL betting trends for Week 2 of the season.
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New York is on a three-game winning streak both SU and ATS against Tampa Bay, but it's been the UNDER bettor that has seen the most profit in games between these NFC teams in recent years – the UNDER has paid off in each of their last eight matchups since 1993.
The UNDER has also been the wise bet in Lions/Niners matchups for over a decade, with that wager paying off in each of the last six games between those teams. As well, the Lions have gone 0-8 SU and 1-5-2 ATS in their last eight games against the Niners dating back to 1996. Those teams hook up on Sunday night this week.
The Saints were upset 40-32 at home by Robert Griffin III and the Redskins in their opener on Sunday, but the trends suggest they'll have better luck on Sunday against the Panthers in Carolina. New Orleans is 4-0 SU in their past four games against the Panthers, although they were just 2-2 ATS in those contests. Both their meetings last year were OVER results.
Dallas will be looking to follow up its win over the Giants with another on the road in Seattle on Sunday, and they're 3-0 SU over their last three games against the Seahawks and a lucrative 5-1 ATS over the last six meetings between the teams since 2004.
As well, Thursday night's game has the Packers hosting the Bears in Green Bay, with Chicago winning just once over the past seven matchups between the NFC North teams. The most recent Bears/Packers matchup last December was an OVER result, but the teams had turned in eight straight UNDER results until that contest.
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New York is on a three-game winning streak both SU and ATS against Tampa Bay, but it's been the UNDER bettor that has seen the most profit in games between these NFC teams in recent years – the UNDER has paid off in each of their last eight matchups since 1993.
The UNDER has also been the wise bet in Lions/Niners matchups for over a decade, with that wager paying off in each of the last six games between those teams. As well, the Lions have gone 0-8 SU and 1-5-2 ATS in their last eight games against the Niners dating back to 1996. Those teams hook up on Sunday night this week.
The Saints were upset 40-32 at home by Robert Griffin III and the Redskins in their opener on Sunday, but the trends suggest they'll have better luck on Sunday against the Panthers in Carolina. New Orleans is 4-0 SU in their past four games against the Panthers, although they were just 2-2 ATS in those contests. Both their meetings last year were OVER results.
Dallas will be looking to follow up its win over the Giants with another on the road in Seattle on Sunday, and they're 3-0 SU over their last three games against the Seahawks and a lucrative 5-1 ATS over the last six meetings between the teams since 2004.
As well, Thursday night's game has the Packers hosting the Bears in Green Bay, with Chicago winning just once over the past seven matchups between the NFC North teams. The most recent Bears/Packers matchup last December was an OVER result, but the teams had turned in eight straight UNDER results until that contest.
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The Philadelphia Eagles escaped with a slim victory in their opening game of the NFL season, and they'll be looking to run their record to 2-0 on Sunday afternoon (1 p.m. ET) as they play host to the Baltimore Ravens in the spotlight betting matchup of the weekend. Philly is a 3-point favorite on Bovada’s NFL odds.
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The Eagles were pegged as 8.5-point road favorites against the Cleveland Browns, and they were almost the victim of an upset in a 17-16 victory. The combined score of that contest was an UNDER result for totals bettors on the Bovada NFL lines.
Michael Vick threw a pair of touchdown strikes in that win for Philadelphia but overall wasn't that impressive – he completed just 29 of his 56 pass attempts for 317 yards in the game, and was intercepted four times en route to a QB rating of just 51.0.
Vick also ran for 32 yards on seven carries against the Browns, while LeSean McCoy was good for 110 yards on the ground on his 20 rushes. Clay Harbor and Jeremy Maclin had the TD catches for the Eagles; Maclin had a team-high 96 receiving yards.
The Ravens started their season on Monday night with a 44-13 thumping of the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals at home, easily covering the 7-point spread on the NFL odds at Bovada in an OVER result for totals bettors.
Joe Flacco had an efficient night for Baltimore against the Bengals, going 21 of 29 for 299 passing yards with two touchdown and no interceptions; that was good for a QB rating of 128.4 on the night. Ray Rice rushed for 68 yards and two scores on 10 carries in the win.
Baltimore and Philadelphia last met back in November 2008, when the Ravens rolled to a 36-7 home win as a 1.5-point favorite. Their previous meeting came way back in 2004, when Philadelphia won 15-10 at home but didn't cover the listed spread of 7.5 points.
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The Eagles were pegged as 8.5-point road favorites against the Cleveland Browns, and they were almost the victim of an upset in a 17-16 victory. The combined score of that contest was an UNDER result for totals bettors on the Bovada NFL lines.
Michael Vick threw a pair of touchdown strikes in that win for Philadelphia but overall wasn't that impressive – he completed just 29 of his 56 pass attempts for 317 yards in the game, and was intercepted four times en route to a QB rating of just 51.0.
Vick also ran for 32 yards on seven carries against the Browns, while LeSean McCoy was good for 110 yards on the ground on his 20 rushes. Clay Harbor and Jeremy Maclin had the TD catches for the Eagles; Maclin had a team-high 96 receiving yards.
The Ravens started their season on Monday night with a 44-13 thumping of the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals at home, easily covering the 7-point spread on the NFL odds at Bovada in an OVER result for totals bettors.
Joe Flacco had an efficient night for Baltimore against the Bengals, going 21 of 29 for 299 passing yards with two touchdown and no interceptions; that was good for a QB rating of 128.4 on the night. Ray Rice rushed for 68 yards and two scores on 10 carries in the win.
Baltimore and Philadelphia last met back in November 2008, when the Ravens rolled to a 36-7 home win as a 1.5-point favorite. Their previous meeting came way back in 2004, when Philadelphia won 15-10 at home but didn't cover the listed spread of 7.5 points.
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There is not much time for self-satisfaction in the National Football League (NFL).
Quarterbacks Mark Sanchez of the New York Jets and Peyton Manning of the Denver Broncos silenced their off-season doubters with impressive season-opening victories but they face sterner tests this week on the road against tough opponents.
It is one thing to shine at home and another thing entirely being able to do it all in a hostile environment.
The Jets entered last week's home game against the AFC East rival Buffalo Bills facing questions about the effectiveness of their offense, which Sanchez answered convincingly by throwing for 266 yards and three touchdowns in a 48-28 rout.
But a visit to the Pittsburgh Steelers, smarting from their opening day loss at Denver where they held a five-point lead early in the fourth quarter, poses some more searching questions of Sanchez and his offense.
"It's about as tough a place to play as there is in football," Jets head coach Rex Ryan told reporters. "We have had some great battles against these guys and lost two [AFC] championship games which you don't forget.
"They have an excellent football team and they get after it ... it is going to be a huge challenge."
The Steelers were disappointed to leave Denver in defeat and wide receiver Mike Wallace says they cannot wait to get back out and put things right.
Read More: NFL: Sanchez and Manning face another round of questions | Sports | GMA News Online | The Go-To Site for Filipinos Everywhere
Quarterbacks Mark Sanchez of the New York Jets and Peyton Manning of the Denver Broncos silenced their off-season doubters with impressive season-opening victories but they face sterner tests this week on the road against tough opponents.
It is one thing to shine at home and another thing entirely being able to do it all in a hostile environment.
The Jets entered last week's home game against the AFC East rival Buffalo Bills facing questions about the effectiveness of their offense, which Sanchez answered convincingly by throwing for 266 yards and three touchdowns in a 48-28 rout.
But a visit to the Pittsburgh Steelers, smarting from their opening day loss at Denver where they held a five-point lead early in the fourth quarter, poses some more searching questions of Sanchez and his offense.
"It's about as tough a place to play as there is in football," Jets head coach Rex Ryan told reporters. "We have had some great battles against these guys and lost two [AFC] championship games which you don't forget.
"They have an excellent football team and they get after it ... it is going to be a huge challenge."
The Steelers were disappointed to leave Denver in defeat and wide receiver Mike Wallace says they cannot wait to get back out and put things right.
Read More: NFL: Sanchez and Manning face another round of questions | Sports | GMA News Online | The Go-To Site for Filipinos Everywhere
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Tramon Williams didn't need Jay Cutler's sarcastic good-luck wishes when it came time to defend Brandon Marshall.
The sixth-year cornerback's standout performance was a display of skill, not luck, in the Green Bay Packers' 23-10 win over the Chicago Bears on Thursday night.
Williams had a pair of interceptions and played a primary role in marginalizing Marshall, limiting the Bears' new No. 1 receiver to a pair of catches for 24 yards.
Afterward, Williams went out of his way to credit a ferocious Packers pass rush that sacked Cutler seven times.
"It's tough to shut down a guy like that," Williams said. "It's a total defensive effort to shut down a guy like that. I think that's what it was more tonight. Like I said, the front seven (did) their job, and it makes our job that much easier in the back, as we want to play aggressive. We play aggressive on guys. If that can happen all year, we'll be back to where we need to be."
With the Packers reeling from a Week 1 loss to San Francisco at home, and the Bears feeling confident after steamrolling Indianapolis in their opener, Cutler was asked beforehand about the Packers' potential for physical, aggressive man coverage to throw Bears wide receivers off their game.
Cutler said the Bears welcome aggressive man coverage on their receivers, even wishing the Packers "good luck" in defending Marshall.
When Williams was told about Cutler's confident comments during the week, he acknowledged Marshall's skill and said he was up for the challenge.
Was he ever.
Spending much of the game lined up across from Marshall, Williams made sure the Bears' No. 1 receiver was a non-factor. Williams and the Packers held Marshall without a catch for the first three quarters.
Read More: Williams, Packers defense make statement, shut up Cutler - Leader-Telegram: NFL
The sixth-year cornerback's standout performance was a display of skill, not luck, in the Green Bay Packers' 23-10 win over the Chicago Bears on Thursday night.
Williams had a pair of interceptions and played a primary role in marginalizing Marshall, limiting the Bears' new No. 1 receiver to a pair of catches for 24 yards.
Afterward, Williams went out of his way to credit a ferocious Packers pass rush that sacked Cutler seven times.
"It's tough to shut down a guy like that," Williams said. "It's a total defensive effort to shut down a guy like that. I think that's what it was more tonight. Like I said, the front seven (did) their job, and it makes our job that much easier in the back, as we want to play aggressive. We play aggressive on guys. If that can happen all year, we'll be back to where we need to be."
With the Packers reeling from a Week 1 loss to San Francisco at home, and the Bears feeling confident after steamrolling Indianapolis in their opener, Cutler was asked beforehand about the Packers' potential for physical, aggressive man coverage to throw Bears wide receivers off their game.
Cutler said the Bears welcome aggressive man coverage on their receivers, even wishing the Packers "good luck" in defending Marshall.
When Williams was told about Cutler's confident comments during the week, he acknowledged Marshall's skill and said he was up for the challenge.
Was he ever.
Spending much of the game lined up across from Marshall, Williams made sure the Bears' No. 1 receiver was a non-factor. Williams and the Packers held Marshall without a catch for the first three quarters.
Read More: Williams, Packers defense make statement, shut up Cutler - Leader-Telegram: NFL
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The Bovada online sports book has put a line on whether Detroit Lions coach Jim Schwartz will shake the hand of San Francisco 49ers counterpart Jim Harbaugh after the teams play Sunday.
Bovada, as part of its NFL Player Props, believes the two will either shake hands or hug after the game. As of 11 p.m. ET Friday night, the line was minus-500 that they do and plus-300 that they don't.
The website says the handshake or hug must be clearly seen on TV for the bet to be final.
ESPN-com previously reported that the bets were being taken in Las Vegas.
The two coaches were at the center of a handshake controversy last year when Harbaugh gave an overenthusiastic handshake and pat on the back to Schwartz after the Niners ended the Lions' perfect start to the season in Week 6.
Schwartz took issue and the two had to be separated after San Francisco's 25-19 victory at Ford Field on Oct. 16. Harbaugh labeled the incident as a "mini controversy" and "completely irrelevant," and Schwartz said this week that the incident is "long in the past."
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
A Sept. 14 story on ESPN-com incorrectly reported that bets were being taken in Las Vegas on whether a handshake would occur between Detroit Lions coach Jim Schwartz and San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh. The bets are being taken at Bovada, an online, offshore sports book.
Online sports book puts odds on Jim Schwartz-Jim Harbaugh handshake after Sunday's Detroit Lions-San Francisco 49ers game - ESPN
Bovada, as part of its NFL Player Props, believes the two will either shake hands or hug after the game. As of 11 p.m. ET Friday night, the line was minus-500 that they do and plus-300 that they don't.
The website says the handshake or hug must be clearly seen on TV for the bet to be final.
ESPN-com previously reported that the bets were being taken in Las Vegas.
The two coaches were at the center of a handshake controversy last year when Harbaugh gave an overenthusiastic handshake and pat on the back to Schwartz after the Niners ended the Lions' perfect start to the season in Week 6.
Schwartz took issue and the two had to be separated after San Francisco's 25-19 victory at Ford Field on Oct. 16. Harbaugh labeled the incident as a "mini controversy" and "completely irrelevant," and Schwartz said this week that the incident is "long in the past."
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
A Sept. 14 story on ESPN-com incorrectly reported that bets were being taken in Las Vegas on whether a handshake would occur between Detroit Lions coach Jim Schwartz and San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh. The bets are being taken at Bovada, an online, offshore sports book.
Online sports book puts odds on Jim Schwartz-Jim Harbaugh handshake after Sunday's Detroit Lions-San Francisco 49ers game - ESPN
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The NFL’s Week 2 action opens with the oldest rivalry in the league and your wagers on the Bears vs. Packers showdown will help you on your way to earning a USD $500 Free Bet! Don’t forget to keep wagering on our attractive football offers and qualify for this great prize!
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All info on Intertops NFL $500 Free Bet can be found when you log in or register for a players account today!
And don’t forget, you still have until kick off at Lambeau Field to place your picks in Intertops weekly NFL Pool Game. It doesn’t cost a penny to enter and could see you receiving up to USD $100 after the Week 2 action is over. Give it a go now!
Also: Wager at least USD $200 on the NFL Regular Season (minimum odds: -200 / 1.5) on EVERY GAME DAY* from Week 1 to Week 17 and receive a $500 Free Bet at the end of the season!
All NFL markets are valid for this promotion. It doesn’t matter if your bets win or lose, simply follow your hunches and claim your $500 gift!
Plus, check out Intertops famous FREE NFL Pool Competition!
Dive in and make a play! Every week throughout the NFL Regular Season you can win bet tokens worth up to USD 100 by predicting the winners of the Week’s action in our FREE Pool Competition.
Customers with the most weekly correct picks qualify for the prizes. In the case of a tie winners are selected randomly.
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The San Francisco 49ers stymied 2011 NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers in Week 1, then record-setting Matthew Stafford in Week 2.
This stingy, opportunistic defense is again making its mark as one of the league's best facing the top offenses and most prolific passers -- and that you can shake on.
The Niners denied Stafford another milestone, Vernon Davis caught touchdown passes of 21 and 23 yards from Alex Smith, and San Francisco beat the Detroit Lions 27-19 on Sunday night in a September showdown of NFC powers that hardly lived up to its hype. Smith completed 20 of 31 throws for 226 yards and extended his franchise-record streak of passes without an interception to 216. He led the reigning NFC West champion Niners (2-0) to their ninth consecutive victory in the series since the Lions' last victory on Sept. 25, 1995. Smith took a hard hand to the helmet from John Wendling late and bloodied his nose, then led another touchdown drive.
"He's as tough as a $2 steak," 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh said. "I grew up eating a lot of them. I know what I'm talking about."
The 49ers ran their home winning streak against the Lions to 12 games since Detroit's last victory at Candlestick Park on Nov. 2, 1975.
And no heated greeting after this one. Harbaugh and Jim Schwartz met each other with a friendly hello and handshake during pregame warmups, then an uneventful shake and half-hug when time expired.
Read More: NFL Recap - Detroit Lions at San Francisco 49ers - Sep 16, 2012 - CBSSports-com Game Recap
This stingy, opportunistic defense is again making its mark as one of the league's best facing the top offenses and most prolific passers -- and that you can shake on.
The Niners denied Stafford another milestone, Vernon Davis caught touchdown passes of 21 and 23 yards from Alex Smith, and San Francisco beat the Detroit Lions 27-19 on Sunday night in a September showdown of NFC powers that hardly lived up to its hype. Smith completed 20 of 31 throws for 226 yards and extended his franchise-record streak of passes without an interception to 216. He led the reigning NFC West champion Niners (2-0) to their ninth consecutive victory in the series since the Lions' last victory on Sept. 25, 1995. Smith took a hard hand to the helmet from John Wendling late and bloodied his nose, then led another touchdown drive.
"He's as tough as a $2 steak," 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh said. "I grew up eating a lot of them. I know what I'm talking about."
The 49ers ran their home winning streak against the Lions to 12 games since Detroit's last victory at Candlestick Park on Nov. 2, 1975.
And no heated greeting after this one. Harbaugh and Jim Schwartz met each other with a friendly hello and handshake during pregame warmups, then an uneventful shake and half-hug when time expired.
Read More: NFL Recap - Detroit Lions at San Francisco 49ers - Sep 16, 2012 - CBSSports-com Game Recap
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Tampa Bay coach Greg Schiano didn't break any NFL kneel-down rules and still isn't apologizing for his aggressive tactics of going after the New York Giants when they were lined up in victory formation.
"To me it's a clean, hard, tough, finish-the-game play," Schiano said on Monday. "Some people disagree with that. That's certainly what makes the world go round. Everybody has opinions. I don't have any remorse or regret. It's clean hard football. It was no sneak attack. We were down ready to go, and that's how we do it all the time."
What the first-year NFL coach did against the Giants — instructing his defensive lineman to plow into the Giants' offensive line with Eli Manning lined up in victory formation with 5 seconds left on the clock in New York's 41-34 victory— sparked a debate on whether the Bucs crossed the line when it comes to kneel-down etiquette.
The NFL said the Bucs didn't break any league rules and doesn't plan to take any action against Schiano or the team.
"There were no penalties called on the play and it is not illegal for the defense to make contact on a kneel-down," league spokesman Greg Aiello said in an e-mail to The Associated Press.
What was less clear if any players might be subject to fines. There was pushing and shoving in the pile, and punches appeared to be thrown at the end of the play.
Read More: Buccaneers didn't break any NFL kneel-down rules - Houston Chronicle
"To me it's a clean, hard, tough, finish-the-game play," Schiano said on Monday. "Some people disagree with that. That's certainly what makes the world go round. Everybody has opinions. I don't have any remorse or regret. It's clean hard football. It was no sneak attack. We were down ready to go, and that's how we do it all the time."
What the first-year NFL coach did against the Giants — instructing his defensive lineman to plow into the Giants' offensive line with Eli Manning lined up in victory formation with 5 seconds left on the clock in New York's 41-34 victory— sparked a debate on whether the Bucs crossed the line when it comes to kneel-down etiquette.
The NFL said the Bucs didn't break any league rules and doesn't plan to take any action against Schiano or the team.
"There were no penalties called on the play and it is not illegal for the defense to make contact on a kneel-down," league spokesman Greg Aiello said in an e-mail to The Associated Press.
What was less clear if any players might be subject to fines. There was pushing and shoving in the pile, and punches appeared to be thrown at the end of the play.
Read More: Buccaneers didn't break any NFL kneel-down rules - Houston Chronicle
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The Philadelphia Eagles have been playing well enough to win but not well enough to cover the posted spreads at Bovada so far this season heading into Sunday's Week 3 matchup on the road against the Arizona Cardinals as we look at the NFL betting trends for the week.
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The Eagles squeaked out wins over both the Browns (17-16 on the road) and the Ravens (24-23 at home) over the first two weeks of the season, putting them at 2-0 straight up in 2012. However, Philly failed to cover the spread in both of those contests, making them a money-losing 0-2 ATS heading into Week 3 action.
And the Eagles will be looking to buck the ATS trends against the Cardinals on Sunday afternoon as well, with Arizona 2-0 both SU and ATS over the last two meetings between the NFC teams; their last matchup came last November, when Arizona won 21-17 in Philly as a big 12.5-point underdog. The Cardinals are 2-0 both SU and ATS so far on the season, but they opened as a 4-point home underdog against the Eagles at Bovada for Sunday.
The Dolphins are also home underdogs for Sunday as they're getting 3 points from the Jets in their Week 3 AFC East matchup, although bettors might be more focused on the OVER/UNDER for that game – each of the last three meetings between Miami and New York has turned out to be an UNDER result. The teams split their two games last season.
As well, the 1-1 (SU and ATS) Dallas Cowboys will be looking to move over the .500 mark on Sunday afternoon as they host the Buccaneers (1-1 SU, 2-0 ATS) as 7-point home favorites. Dallas has rattled off four straight victories both SU and ATS over the Bucs.
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The Eagles squeaked out wins over both the Browns (17-16 on the road) and the Ravens (24-23 at home) over the first two weeks of the season, putting them at 2-0 straight up in 2012. However, Philly failed to cover the spread in both of those contests, making them a money-losing 0-2 ATS heading into Week 3 action.
And the Eagles will be looking to buck the ATS trends against the Cardinals on Sunday afternoon as well, with Arizona 2-0 both SU and ATS over the last two meetings between the NFC teams; their last matchup came last November, when Arizona won 21-17 in Philly as a big 12.5-point underdog. The Cardinals are 2-0 both SU and ATS so far on the season, but they opened as a 4-point home underdog against the Eagles at Bovada for Sunday.
The Dolphins are also home underdogs for Sunday as they're getting 3 points from the Jets in their Week 3 AFC East matchup, although bettors might be more focused on the OVER/UNDER for that game – each of the last three meetings between Miami and New York has turned out to be an UNDER result. The teams split their two games last season.
As well, the 1-1 (SU and ATS) Dallas Cowboys will be looking to move over the .500 mark on Sunday afternoon as they host the Buccaneers (1-1 SU, 2-0 ATS) as 7-point home favorites. Dallas has rattled off four straight victories both SU and ATS over the Bucs.
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The Baltimore Ravens and the New England Patriots both got tripped up on the road to a 2-0 start last week, so those two AFC powerhouses will be looking to grab that second victory on Sunday night as they battle in a rematch of last year's conference championship game.
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Baltimore had its eye on a Super Bowl berth last year before falling 23-20 to Tom Brady and the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game, and they're coming off a 24-23 loss in Philadelphia last week in which Michael Vick scored a late TD to give the Eagles the win.
That dropped the Ravens to 1-1 SU but they're 2-0 ATS so far this season – they pounded the Bengals 44-13 in Baltimore back in Week 1. Against the Eagles over the weekend Ravens QB Joe Flacco went just 22 of 42 for 232 yards passing with one TD and one INT.
New England almost came back from a 20-9 deficit late in the fourth quarter against the Cardinals in Week 2 but missed a field goal in the dying seconds to fall 20-18 in their home opener. The Patriots beat Tennessee 34-13 back in Week 1 and sit at 1-1 both SU and ATS.
Brady went 28 of 46 for 316 passing yards against the Cardinals with one TD pass and one interception. Pats tight end Aaron Hernandez left the game against Arizona with an ankle injury and has already been ruled out for Sunday night's contest against Baltimore.
The opening NFL betting lines at Bovada listed the Ravens as 3-point home favorites against the Patriots for Sunday. The two teams have met four times over the past three years, with Baltimore going 1-3 SU but 2-1-1 ATS over those four contests. Baltimore has never beaten New England in a regular-season game.
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Baltimore had its eye on a Super Bowl berth last year before falling 23-20 to Tom Brady and the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game, and they're coming off a 24-23 loss in Philadelphia last week in which Michael Vick scored a late TD to give the Eagles the win.
That dropped the Ravens to 1-1 SU but they're 2-0 ATS so far this season – they pounded the Bengals 44-13 in Baltimore back in Week 1. Against the Eagles over the weekend Ravens QB Joe Flacco went just 22 of 42 for 232 yards passing with one TD and one INT.
New England almost came back from a 20-9 deficit late in the fourth quarter against the Cardinals in Week 2 but missed a field goal in the dying seconds to fall 20-18 in their home opener. The Patriots beat Tennessee 34-13 back in Week 1 and sit at 1-1 both SU and ATS.
Brady went 28 of 46 for 316 passing yards against the Cardinals with one TD pass and one interception. Pats tight end Aaron Hernandez left the game against Arizona with an ankle injury and has already been ruled out for Sunday night's contest against Baltimore.
The opening NFL betting lines at Bovada listed the Ravens as 3-point home favorites against the Patriots for Sunday. The two teams have met four times over the past three years, with Baltimore going 1-3 SU but 2-1-1 ATS over those four contests. Baltimore has never beaten New England in a regular-season game.
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Right now it's just an experienced hunch, the NFL's version of two plus two equals the return of the Chargers to Los Angeles next March in partnership with the new owner of AEG.
And with the mention now of Patrick Soon-Shiong, the richest man in Los Angeles, as a potential AEG owner, which would give the NFL a local presence, it really does add up.
Knowing NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell as I do and how he has brokered deals in the past, I would not be surprised if he has already met and given his full blessings to Soon-Shiong. Our Bill Shaikin passed along the following statement from Soon-Shiong's rep: "Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong is keenly aware that AEG is in play," the statement read. "We have the utmost respect for Phil and Tim and what they have accomplished in entertainment and sports and in revitalizing the downtown community.
"We clearly are interested in furthering this legacy for Los Angeles."
If so, this makes this mega AEG sale all about football and the construction of a new stadium in downtown Los Angeles.
Philip Anschutz, the Denver recluse, has never really had an interest in football here. Or spending much time here.
His contentious discussions with owner Dean Spanos to bring the Chargers to Los Angeles have become a major hindrance in making good on plans to build a stadium downtown.
And the NFL is ready to return to Los Angeles whether we care or not.
Read More: AEG sale may be a bolt from NFL blues - latimes-com
And with the mention now of Patrick Soon-Shiong, the richest man in Los Angeles, as a potential AEG owner, which would give the NFL a local presence, it really does add up.
Knowing NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell as I do and how he has brokered deals in the past, I would not be surprised if he has already met and given his full blessings to Soon-Shiong. Our Bill Shaikin passed along the following statement from Soon-Shiong's rep: "Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong is keenly aware that AEG is in play," the statement read. "We have the utmost respect for Phil and Tim and what they have accomplished in entertainment and sports and in revitalizing the downtown community.
"We clearly are interested in furthering this legacy for Los Angeles."
If so, this makes this mega AEG sale all about football and the construction of a new stadium in downtown Los Angeles.
Philip Anschutz, the Denver recluse, has never really had an interest in football here. Or spending much time here.
His contentious discussions with owner Dean Spanos to bring the Chargers to Los Angeles have become a major hindrance in making good on plans to build a stadium downtown.
And the NFL is ready to return to Los Angeles whether we care or not.
Read More: AEG sale may be a bolt from NFL blues - latimes-com
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How much longer should the NFL go with its $600- and $700-an-hour replacement refs?
That's like asking, "How much longer do you want the worldwide recession to last?"
Both disasters can end any time now, thanks.
After a mostly gaffe-free opening weekend, things began to crumble like cookies in the mail in Week 2. The replacement refs truly did suck.
Players and coaches are becoming more vocal about it, too. Denver Broncos head coach John Fox didn't have much voice left to lose before Monday night's game in Atlanta. He put his remnants in jeopardy when he screamed incessantly at the replacement officials for repeated blown calls, or mistaken walk-offs.
Worse, Baltimore Ravens safety Bernard told a radio station that replacement officials "are star-struck. I understand they respect us as players, but when you step on that field you can't be bullied ... When you make one of those calls, you point with power, with integrity, and these guys don't have it."
Who can blame any coach or player for spouting off? Yeah, the replacements are human. Yeah, they're over their heads -- way over their heads.
But when average fans -- let alone coaches and players -- can point to instance after instance of misapplied rules, mistaken penalty walk-offs, or flags not thrown until a player or coach screams, well, these jamokes aren't earning their money.
And for their five-hour game-day shifts, the replacements are pocketing either $3,500 (referees) or $3,000 (linesmen, back judges, field judges and the like).
The longer the regular officials are locked out, the more likely it is that a crucial call will be blown in a game that will affect who makes the playoffs. That not only would make the NFL look ridiculous; it would be a disgrace that would be talked about for years.
Read More: NFL needs to bring back real referees before somebody gets hurt | Football | Sports | Toronto Sun
That's like asking, "How much longer do you want the worldwide recession to last?"
Both disasters can end any time now, thanks.
After a mostly gaffe-free opening weekend, things began to crumble like cookies in the mail in Week 2. The replacement refs truly did suck.
Players and coaches are becoming more vocal about it, too. Denver Broncos head coach John Fox didn't have much voice left to lose before Monday night's game in Atlanta. He put his remnants in jeopardy when he screamed incessantly at the replacement officials for repeated blown calls, or mistaken walk-offs.
Worse, Baltimore Ravens safety Bernard told a radio station that replacement officials "are star-struck. I understand they respect us as players, but when you step on that field you can't be bullied ... When you make one of those calls, you point with power, with integrity, and these guys don't have it."
Who can blame any coach or player for spouting off? Yeah, the replacements are human. Yeah, they're over their heads -- way over their heads.
But when average fans -- let alone coaches and players -- can point to instance after instance of misapplied rules, mistaken penalty walk-offs, or flags not thrown until a player or coach screams, well, these jamokes aren't earning their money.
And for their five-hour game-day shifts, the replacements are pocketing either $3,500 (referees) or $3,000 (linesmen, back judges, field judges and the like).
The longer the regular officials are locked out, the more likely it is that a crucial call will be blown in a game that will affect who makes the playoffs. That not only would make the NFL look ridiculous; it would be a disgrace that would be talked about for years.
Read More: NFL needs to bring back real referees before somebody gets hurt | Football | Sports | Toronto Sun
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Another Sunday has arrived, and the NFL has good reason for prayer.
The first two weeks of the football season did not go smoothly, and now America's most popular sport has a burgeoning credibility crisis on its hands. Thanks to a labor impasse, the league has been using replacement officials who so far have shown themselves to be alarmingly mistake-prone, star-struck and shaky on the NFL rule book.
Games are dragging out as officials dither. Blatant fouls -- including a cheap shot last week against 49ers quarterback Alex Smith -- aren't being called, possibly putting players at risk.
It has led to a growing outcry over how long a $9 billion-a-year entertainment industry can go with overmatched second-stringers in charge.
"It's garbage. It's terrible. It's awful," Bay Area native and Fox television analyst Tim Ryan said of the officiating. "These are guys like substitute teachers, and nobody respects them."
With no settlement on the immediate horizon, fans may have to get used to the sight of confused officials huddled in endless conferences as tempers rise.
"This is not a problem that's going to get better anytime soon," said former Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon, a CBS broadcaster. "It's not like they're suddenly going to figure it out. It's inevitable that it's going to cost somebody a game."
Read More: NFL replacement referees continue to drop the ball - Oroville Mercury Register
The first two weeks of the football season did not go smoothly, and now America's most popular sport has a burgeoning credibility crisis on its hands. Thanks to a labor impasse, the league has been using replacement officials who so far have shown themselves to be alarmingly mistake-prone, star-struck and shaky on the NFL rule book.
Games are dragging out as officials dither. Blatant fouls -- including a cheap shot last week against 49ers quarterback Alex Smith -- aren't being called, possibly putting players at risk.
It has led to a growing outcry over how long a $9 billion-a-year entertainment industry can go with overmatched second-stringers in charge.
"It's garbage. It's terrible. It's awful," Bay Area native and Fox television analyst Tim Ryan said of the officiating. "These are guys like substitute teachers, and nobody respects them."
With no settlement on the immediate horizon, fans may have to get used to the sight of confused officials huddled in endless conferences as tempers rise.
"This is not a problem that's going to get better anytime soon," said former Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon, a CBS broadcaster. "It's not like they're suddenly going to figure it out. It's inevitable that it's going to cost somebody a game."
Read More: NFL replacement referees continue to drop the ball - Oroville Mercury Register
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These sure don't look like the same Atlanta Falcons.
Not with this defense.
Late in the first quarter of a steamy game at The Q, the San Diego Chargers offense was in rhythm, driving for what might have been a go-ahead score. Twisting inside the 5-yard line, running back Ryan Mathews lunged for a few more inches and then it happened.
The football popped out, punched by linebacker Sean Weatherspoon.
Falcons safety Thomas DeCoud, approaching for the tackle, pounced on the football instead, and the game was never the same.
"It's like a snowball effect," DeCoud said. "We're gaining more and more confidence."
DeCoud collected three of the Falcons' four takeaways during an impressive and complete 27-3 smashing of the Chargers, which came on the heels of the Monday night victory against the Denver Broncos that began with three first-quarter interceptions of Peyton Manning.
You'd expect this from the Baltimore Ravens defense.
But Atlanta?
Read More: Best team in NFL? Just might be the Falcons | The Advertiser | theadvertiser-com
Not with this defense.
Late in the first quarter of a steamy game at The Q, the San Diego Chargers offense was in rhythm, driving for what might have been a go-ahead score. Twisting inside the 5-yard line, running back Ryan Mathews lunged for a few more inches and then it happened.
The football popped out, punched by linebacker Sean Weatherspoon.
Falcons safety Thomas DeCoud, approaching for the tackle, pounced on the football instead, and the game was never the same.
"It's like a snowball effect," DeCoud said. "We're gaining more and more confidence."
DeCoud collected three of the Falcons' four takeaways during an impressive and complete 27-3 smashing of the Chargers, which came on the heels of the Monday night victory against the Denver Broncos that began with three first-quarter interceptions of Peyton Manning.
You'd expect this from the Baltimore Ravens defense.
But Atlanta?
Read More: Best team in NFL? Just might be the Falcons | The Advertiser | theadvertiser-com
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Remember this a year or two from now, when a video of the final play of Monday night's Packers-Seahawks game turns up on a blooper reel: It wasn't all that funny watching it the first time around.
Two replacement officials, positioned perfectly on either side of the corner of the end zone, appeared to come up with two different calls.
After looking at each other, one waved both arms back and forth, either signaling a touchback or a stoppage of play. The other signaled touchdown.
If you tried to stage a photograph to symbolize the confusion that's dogged the NFL and its games since commissioner Roger Goodell let a lockout of the regular officials spill over into the regular season, you couldn't have done it any better.
Read more: Column: NFL deserves every bad call it gets - seattlepi-com
Two replacement officials, positioned perfectly on either side of the corner of the end zone, appeared to come up with two different calls.
After looking at each other, one waved both arms back and forth, either signaling a touchback or a stoppage of play. The other signaled touchdown.
If you tried to stage a photograph to symbolize the confusion that's dogged the NFL and its games since commissioner Roger Goodell let a lockout of the regular officials spill over into the regular season, you couldn't have done it any better.
Read more: Column: NFL deserves every bad call it gets - seattlepi-com
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The Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Giants are both 2-1 SU to start the season, but Michael Vick and company will be looking to improve on their 0-3 ATS mark with the NFL trends on their side as the rivals meet in a Week 4 matchup on Sunday night. Philly is a 2.5-point favorite on Bovada.
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The Eagles haven't been able to pay off on the NFL betting lines so far this season, but they're a healthy 7-1 ATS over their last eight games against the Giants dating back to 2008. Philadelphia also won seven of those games straight up, including their last meeting last November when they grabbed a 17-10 road victory as a 5.5-point road underdog.
The OVER/UNDER has gone 4-6 for totals bettors at Bovada over their last 10 matchups.
The New England Patriots have struggled to a 1-2 mark through the first three weeks of the NFL season, but they'll get a chance to turn that around on Sunday afternoon as they play on the road against the Buffalo Bills.
The Patriots have lost just once against the Bills over their last 10 meetings, and that was in an upset last September when Buffalo pulled out a 34-31 home victory as a 7-point underdog. That has the Bills at 3-2-1 ATS over their last six games against the Patriots, with the OVER paying out in both meetings between the AFC East teams last season.
Heading into Week 4 only four teams remain perfect ATS on the season – the Texans, Falcons, Buccaneers, and Cardinals. Along with the Eagles, the Lions and Saints are the other winless ATS teams through three weeks. OVER/UNDER bettors have seen only the Bengals and Redskins go 3-0 against the totals, while the Ravens and Lions are 2-0-1.
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The Eagles haven't been able to pay off on the NFL betting lines so far this season, but they're a healthy 7-1 ATS over their last eight games against the Giants dating back to 2008. Philadelphia also won seven of those games straight up, including their last meeting last November when they grabbed a 17-10 road victory as a 5.5-point road underdog.
The OVER/UNDER has gone 4-6 for totals bettors at Bovada over their last 10 matchups.
The New England Patriots have struggled to a 1-2 mark through the first three weeks of the NFL season, but they'll get a chance to turn that around on Sunday afternoon as they play on the road against the Buffalo Bills.
The Patriots have lost just once against the Bills over their last 10 meetings, and that was in an upset last September when Buffalo pulled out a 34-31 home victory as a 7-point underdog. That has the Bills at 3-2-1 ATS over their last six games against the Patriots, with the OVER paying out in both meetings between the AFC East teams last season.
Heading into Week 4 only four teams remain perfect ATS on the season – the Texans, Falcons, Buccaneers, and Cardinals. Along with the Eagles, the Lions and Saints are the other winless ATS teams through three weeks. OVER/UNDER bettors have seen only the Bengals and Redskins go 3-0 against the totals, while the Ravens and Lions are 2-0-1.
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Having pulled out a victory over the Buccaneers last weekend, Tony Romo and the Dallas Cowboys will be looking to make it two in a row on Monday night as they play a primetime matchup as a home favorite against the visiting Chicago Bears.
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At Bovada the Cowboys opened as 4-point favorites on the NFL betting lines for Monday night's matchup, and they're now 2-1 straight up but just 1-2 against the spread on the season after beating Tampa Bay 16-10 as a 7.5-point favorite over the weekend.
Totals bettors have watched the Cowboys go 0-3 on the OVER/UNDER in three games.
Romo completed 25 of 39 pass attempts for 283 yards against the Bucs, with no touchdowns and one interception – and he was also sacked four times. DeMarco Murray led the Cowboys with 38 rushing yards and a score on 18 carries in that victory.
The Bears are 2-1 both SU and ATS on the season, getting a 23-6 win at home over the Rams in Week 3 as a 7-point favorite on the football odds. Chicago has trended to the UNDER as well this season, going 1-2 against the totals through the first three weeks.
Jay Cutler wasn't at his best in that win over the Rams, going just 17 of 31 for 183 passing yards with no touchdowns and one interception; on the season he has just three TD strikes and six interceptions with a QB Rating of only 58.6. Michael Bush ran for 55 yards and a score in that contest, with fellow RB Matt Forte (ankle) considered doubtful for this week.
The Bears and Cowboys last met back in September 2010, with Chicago winning 27-20 as a 7-point road underdog in an OVER result. In the last 10 meetings between the teams dating way back to the 1986 season they've split the results at 5-5 both SU and ATS.
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At Bovada the Cowboys opened as 4-point favorites on the NFL betting lines for Monday night's matchup, and they're now 2-1 straight up but just 1-2 against the spread on the season after beating Tampa Bay 16-10 as a 7.5-point favorite over the weekend.
Totals bettors have watched the Cowboys go 0-3 on the OVER/UNDER in three games.
Romo completed 25 of 39 pass attempts for 283 yards against the Bucs, with no touchdowns and one interception – and he was also sacked four times. DeMarco Murray led the Cowboys with 38 rushing yards and a score on 18 carries in that victory.
The Bears are 2-1 both SU and ATS on the season, getting a 23-6 win at home over the Rams in Week 3 as a 7-point favorite on the football odds. Chicago has trended to the UNDER as well this season, going 1-2 against the totals through the first three weeks.
Jay Cutler wasn't at his best in that win over the Rams, going just 17 of 31 for 183 passing yards with no touchdowns and one interception; on the season he has just three TD strikes and six interceptions with a QB Rating of only 58.6. Michael Bush ran for 55 yards and a score in that contest, with fellow RB Matt Forte (ankle) considered doubtful for this week.
The Bears and Cowboys last met back in September 2010, with Chicago winning 27-20 as a 7-point road underdog in an OVER result. In the last 10 meetings between the teams dating way back to the 1986 season they've split the results at 5-5 both SU and ATS.
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1. Each week you pick a team to win.
2. If they win, you move on. If they lose, your friends mock you until you cry.
3. You cannot pick the same team to win twice.
That third rule is probably the one that gets most people in trouble. In a 32 teams league, it might not sound like that big of a deal, but is it really worth advancing one measly week in exchange for using your Green Bay Packers pick early?
In some cases, yes. You want to use up your “sure things” at this stage in the game, because maybe Super Bowl contenders the New England Patriots have an off year and the Washington Redskins go on an absolute tear this season. You never know with the NFL, and I love that. Every year there are at least three teams that disappoint, and three teams that surprise.
Until we know which team is which, better play it safe in the early rounds of survivor football. I picked a close game a few years ago (Dallas vs. Washington) and I was knocked out immediately when the Redskins scored a major upset. In order to avoid the same thing happening to you, I’ll be doing my best to help with weekly survivor pool picks here at 4th & Blog.
So let’s get this party started!
Read More: NFL Survivor Pool Game of the Week – Bears vs. Colts | The Province