#tyler vrabel

[footballmakesmen]

[jorissportsstories]

Tennessee Titans: Best/Worse Case Scenarios 2024 NFL Season

Bottom Line: This Team Will Be Better Than Most Expect

Themes:

• A: Development of Will Levis

• B: New Key Pieces

• C: Coaching Change/Culture Shift

Call it “homerism,” but being a small market NFL team often means being underestimated. However, if you’re not paying attention to the Tennessee Titans, you’re missing out. The Titans are doing what most teams do when they believe they’ve found their quarterback: building a solid roster around him and creating an environment for success. With a quietly strong roster on both sides of the ball—featuring an upgraded offensive line, a reinforced wide receiver room, and an improved secondary—this team is poised to win games this year, even with Mike Vrabel no longer at the helm. Before the mainstream media writes this team off, here are some key factors to consider:

A: New Key Pieces

Titans GM/VP of Football Operations Ran Carthon has had a stellar offseason, acquiring talent through the draft, free agency, and trades. Let’s break down the additions:

Free Agents/Trades:

• Calvin Ridley (WR)

• Lloyd Cushenberry (C)

• L’Jarius Sneed (CB)

• Chidobe Awuzie (CB)

• Tony Pollard (RB)

• Sebastian Joseph-Day (DT)

• Kenneth Murray (LB)

• Jamal Adams (S)

• Quandre Diggs (S)

• Tyler Boyd (WR)

Draft Picks:

• JC Latham (OL)

• T’Vondre Sweat (DL)

• Jaylen Harrell (LB)

• Jha’Quan Jackson (WR)

• Jarvis Brownlee (CB)

Clearly, this team is heading in a new direction, and I’m not mad at it. Times change, and the Titans are adapting. Pairing Ridley with Hopkins seems almost unfair, and when you add a solid receiver like Boyd along with Treylon Burks, who’s ready to take the next step, the wide receiver room is no longer among the league’s worst. All of this has been achieved without sacrificing the run game. Both Pollard and Spears can run the ball the way Callahan wants it done, and I believe they’ll prove their worth this season.

On the defensive side, the moves made almost brought tears of joy. Drafting T’Vondre Sweat, who is unbelievably fast and agile for his size, was a masterstroke. Sweat is a certified run-stopper and will also affect the passer, drawing double-teams a solid percentage of the time. Pairing him with Jeffery Simmons, who also requires double-teams, will force opposing offensive lines into some tough decisions. Adding a talented, budding linebacker like Kenneth Murray to an already physical Arden Key will secure the middle of the field and boost the pass rush.

Then there’s the secondary, which has been reinvigorated with the additions of Sneed, Awuzie, Adams, and Diggs, alongside preexisting talent like Elijah Molden and Roger McCreary. This group has the potential to lock down a lot of yardage this year. Bottom line: the Titans’ defense has improved significantly.

Before I forget, let’s talk about the offensive line. With the addition of first-round pick JC Latham and the continued development of Peter Skoronski under new offensive line coach Bill Callahan, this unit should be miles ahead of where it was last year. Improved blocking, especially from the right side of the line, has been a highlight of the preseason, addressing one of the major issues from last year.

B: Coaching Change/Culture Shift

Please note, I am not a Mike Vrabel hater. I appreciate everything he’s done for this franchise—instilling a culture of toughness and grit, leading the team to an AFC Championship run, and managing an injury-riddled roster. However, I acknowledge that change was needed. The league is evolving, and the Titans were at risk of being left behind.

Brian Callahan and his staff bring a fresh perspective, new energy, and a balanced approach to Nashville. Players are reportedly thrilled with new defensive coordinator Denard Wilson and offensive line coach Bill Callahan. The emphasis on physicality and toughness remains, but there’s also a focus on balance, which I believe will help the Titans adapt and thrive in this new era.

C: Development of Will Levis

One crucial factor for the team’s success is the continued development of second-year quarterback Will Levis. Levis showed a lot of promise last year, stepping in for the injured Ryan Tannehill and pushing the ball downfield with confidence. He clearly won the team over, and his growth will drive this team as far as it can go. With a strong supporting cast around him and improved protection, Levis has the tools to succeed.

One concern is Levis taking unnecessary hits. We get it—you’re tough. But we’d also like you to have a long, successful career. All in all, I believe he’s ready to take the next step.

Best Case Scenario:

In the best-case scenario, the offensive line gels quickly, Levis makes sound decisions, and the defensive line dominates early by stopping the run and pressuring the passer. If everything clicks, a 10-win season and a playoff berth are within reach.

Worst Case Scenario:

On the flip side, if the offensive line takes most of the regular season to figure things out, if Levis regresses, if the run game falters, and if the defense spends too much time on the field, the team could be exposed. An undisciplined, sloppy defense could result in a 6-7 win season, or worse, and no playoffs. However, I highly doubt that happens, given the personalities and talent on this team.

The Tennessee Titans are primed to surprise many this upcoming season. There’s a fresh energy, new vibes, and a modern approach in Nashville. The Titans are changing with the times, and as a fan, I couldn’t be more excited for what’s to come.

If you liked what you read from this article, feel free to give us a follow, leave feedback, and share it out! Let’s grow the audience! Head on over to my friend @chompinatthebit and check some of his great content as well!!

[libraryofsports]

[zellanews]

Falcons sign Tyler Vrabel, son of Titans head coach Mike Vrabel, as undrafted free agent - ZellaNews

Falcons sign Tyler Vrabel, son of Titans head coach Mike Vrabel, as undrafted free agent – ZellaNews

Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports With the conclusion of the 2022 NFL Draft, all 32 teams have begun the process of signing undrafted free agents. There are several interesting undrafted players that will be fun to keep an eye on, and the Atlanta Falcons have signed two of them.  Shortly after Mr. Irrelevant was announced in Las Vegas, the Falcons signed former Boston College offensive tackle…

[abtc]

Mike Vrabel Son: Who Are Mike Vrabel's Children Tyler Vrabel And Carter Vrabel?

Mike Vrabel Son: Who Are Mike Vrabel’s Children Tyler Vrabel And Carter Vrabel?

Michael George Vrabel, born August 14, 1975, is an American football coach and former linebacker who now serves as the head coach of the National Football League’s Tennessee Titans . Mike Vrabel attended Ohio State University, where he won consensus All-American accolades. Vrabel was chosen in the third round of the 1997 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers, then signed as a free agency with the…

[junker-town]

What happens if Tom Brady and the Patriots really split up?

Tom Brady is in his 20th season with the Patriots.

This time, there are actual reasons to believe Brady might be ready to move on from New England after the season.

The end was always coming for Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. Each year, the speculation about the eventual breakup continues. We all take turns talking about how this might be Brady’s final season in New England, but then Brady, or someone associated with his camp, will explain how Brady will play until he’s 50. Come the new league year, he’s still on the roster. Rise and repeat.

As this season winds down and the Patriots roll to likely another AFC East title and a possible ninth straight AFC Championship Game, it would seem like the annual postseason discussion about a pending Brady-Patriots split is useless. However, Tom E. Curran, a journalist who rarely dabbles in #HOTTAKES, wrote a piece for NBC Sports Boston about the Patriots and Brady breaking up. It was not an article based on conversations with people in the “know,” but his opinion based on his long time covering this team and its quarterback.

Unlike previous years, there are actual reasons why Brady would leave the Patriots.

Reason No. 1 Brady would leave the Patriots: Money

Brady will be a free agent this offseason and cannot be franchise-tagged. So if the Patriots and Brady want to go their separate ways, it would be easy. That doesn’t mean feelings won’t get hurt — especially over money, like most of these negotiations do — as that’s typical in these high-profile quarterback splits. Joe Montana and Peyton Manning, in particular, come to mind.

Brady has taken “pay cuts” over the years, and it’s been a happy marriage between the parties. He’s currently 13th in average salary per season for a quarterback, far lower than his performance would indicate. He’s taken pay cuts, or team-friendly deals for two reasons.

The first reason isn’t rooted in fact, but more in common opinion, and one that Brady himself has suggested: His wife, Gisele, earns more than he does, so he doesn’t “need” more money. I’ve never bought this, because we all want more money. Besides having a larger bank account, it’s a pride thing for most players. We want to be tagged the “highest-paid player” at our position.

The second reason Brady has taken less money over the years is the more plausible one. The money the Patriots are saving in not making Brady the highest-paid quarterback is being used to pay for offensive weapons to help Brady as he ages. At least that’s what they are selling him. Except, they aren’t. And this is why I think Brady might think about leaving if he’s asked to take less than he believes is his market value.

Reason No. 2 Brady would leave the Patriots: Lack of weapons

The Patriots hardly have any offensive playmakers. Their offensive line has gotten worse. The money that’s supposed to be spent is not being spent. Draft picks being used on offense aren’t panning out. After losing Rob Gronkowski, Brady’s most reliable weapon, the Patriots did nothing to replace him.

There was a slim free agent market for tight ends in 2019, but Jared Cook was available and signed a modest deal to team with Drew Brees. He’s been successful this season. Tyler Eifert felt like a low-risk, high-reward signing for the Patriots. Nope. Pass. Instead, they went with Ben Watson, who can’t move anymore as he’s gotten older. The Patriots didn’t replace Gronk in the draft either. In short, they did nothing to help Brady.

The Patriots also needed a speedy WR to help them take the top off a defense and command double-teams, which would free up Julian Edelman for one-on-one situations. Remember now, Edelman isn’t a No. 1 wide receiver. He’s a No. 2. Gronk was always the first option.

They attempted to fill that role with Demaryius Thomas, a speedy wide receiver off a major injury. That did not work and they traded him after signing Antonio Brown, which of course didn’t work either. They cut Josh Gordon. They traded for Mohamed Sanu, but he’s better in the slot and has been banged up. They drafted N’Keal Harry in the first round, and even after coming off injured reserve, he’s been mostly a non-contributor for the team.

Not having viable receiving options that Brady trusts is killing this offense. Brady trusts no one outside of Edelman and for good reason. The receivers are either dropping passes or not running the right routes. They cannot get off press coverage, which is allowing teams to pressure Brady more often. It’s not that Brady isn’t seeing the pressures; he just has no one getting open. He still sees it all, and his arm strength is fine. He’s got to be upset at his lack of weapons.

This is why Brady would bolt from New England. The Patriots ask him to take less money, don’t use that money to upgrade the skill position players around him, and his play suffers because of it.

From the Patriots’ perspective, it doesn’t make sense to let Brady go unless they’re ready for a rebuild that might be without Bill Belichick. There’s no heir apparent to Brady, and there doesn’t appear to be a plan to make that happen soon. If Brady leaves, no quarterback in the NFL is coming to New England and winning without playmakers on the roster.

The Patriots letting Brady walk would signal this run is over, and it’s time for a reboot.

If Brady and the Patriots split, where would he play in 2020?

I’m sure Brady’s not retiring, so the question then becomes which team he would sign with as a free agent. We have to look back to Peyton Manning to get some clues. Manning signed with the Denver Broncos because he wanted a stable front office and more importantly, a defense that could complement him.

For Brady, there’s one obvious landing spot and two less obvious.

The less obvious spots are the Carolina Panthers and Tennessee Titans

Panthers team owner David Tepper just fired Ron Rivera and seems ready to do whatever is needed to win. They have the offensive weapons and plenty of talent on defense. What they don’t have is a head coach at the moment, and maybe Patriots OC Josh McDaniels is hired along with Brady coming to the Panthers. But, does he want to play in a division with Drew Brees and Matt Ryan? And are the Panthers a big enough market?

Tennessee should not pay Ryan Tannehill for the long run. A short-term deal? Sure, but a long-term deal? No. The Titans are coached by a former teammate of Brady’s, Mike Vrabel, and they can play defense. They have a run game and a general manager who appears to know how to draft. Brady would be able to stay in the AFC, where he knows all the teams well. Warmer weather and a lukewarm division could be appealing.

The obvious choice in my mind is the Dallas Cowboys

Of course, that’s if the Cowboys would rather have a 43-year-old Brady over a younger Dak Prescott. Hear me out with this one, though: Jerry Jones is getting up there in age. He wants to win NOW.

Hire McDaniels and sign Brady. Let Prescott walk. Brady now has the best offensive line in the league and an elite running back. Sign Amari Cooper to a long-term deal and draft a tight end. Weapons set.

On defense, they’d need to add some secondary parts and they’d be fine. It feels like a perfect match — that is, if Brady can handle playing for Jones, who loves the spotlight. Dallas is the market that can support a Tom Brady and Jones would let him do whatever he’d like in the facility. All of TB12 can be stationed in the facility if he’d like.

It feels bold, but something that can be pulled off.

In the end, it’s hard to know yet if this is really it for Brady and the Patriots. Maybe we all got suckered for another offseason. But it’s sure starting to feel like the breakup is coming, sooner rather than later.

[foreversuperstrong]

Tom Brady’s connection with Tyler Vrabel reflects passage of time

[christmastshirtshoodiesblog-blog]

http://christmastshirtshoodies.com/merchandise-manager-perfect-xmas-gift Merchandise Manager Perfect Xmas Gift - Christmas T-Shirts Hoodies

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New on Sports Illustrated: Why Jacksonville Drafted Leonard Fournette Will Really Disappoint Jaguars Fans Now

With Leonard Fournette now on the waiver wire, let's revisit the decision to draft him fourth overall in 2017. Plus, which other running backs are watching Alvin Kamara's contract situation, Ja'Marr Chase opts out, Logan Ryan to the Giants and more.

So here we are, 10 days away from the regular season…

• The backstory of Leonard Fournette is relevant today, as the former fourth overall pick hits the waiver wire, and (fair warning) what I’ll write here is going to be painful for Jaguars fans to hear. After Gus Bradley was fired late in the 2016 season, the team started the process of finding a new coach—and a number of guys that interviewed for the job (Josh McDaniels and Kyle Shanahan were on the list) told the team in no uncertain terms that it needed to move on from 2014 first-rounder Blake Bortles. In fact, one reason Doug Marrone was able to win the promotion from interim coach was because he was pragmatic in his thought the process, and willing to try and get Bortles right. His plan to do it was interesting: Take the ball out of the quarterback’s hands. So that offseason, the Jags went about building a ball-control offense. And in the draft, there was a perfect back to play that style, in LSU’s Leonard Fournette. Jacksonville took him, with the decision made to run it back for another year with Bortles, eliminating the chance the team would take Deshaun Watson or Patrick Mahomes. Again, in summary, the organization made the call to stick with Bortles, then did all it could to minimize his impact on games by taking a back that would fit the kind of offense that he would necessitate (rather than more-versatile Stanford star Christian McCaffrey). For a year, to Marrone’s credit, it worked. The Jags made the AFC title game. But the long-term fallout has been undeniable. Bortles wound up lasting two more years, and his failure necessitated overspending on Nick Foles, who lasted just one year. Meanwhile, while Fournette’s fit worked in the short-term, the price paid there was missing out on McCaffrey. Three years later, both Bortles and Fournette are without jobs, and Mahomes, Watson and McCaffrey are stars. And it can all trace back to the team sticking with Bortles for a season too long.

• As for Fournette’s future, he hits the wire Monday carrying a $4.17 million number for 2020, which is why he could go unclaimed—that’s a pretty decent chunk of money to be spending on a back less than two weeks before the opener. If he does clear, the idea of Pittsburgh makes sense to me, maybe because I remember what the similarly-old-school Jerome Bettis was before he went there, and how becoming a Steeler resurrected his career. And, for what it’s worth, Fournette’s got old offensive coordinators of his in Green Bay and Chicago. It’ll be interesting to see what’s next for him.

• Alvin Kamara’s run at a contract, presuming that’s what his absence from practice is, is interesting in a number of ways. One, there’s the fact that the Saints can report the absence as unexcused, which would cost Kamara an accrued season and make him a restricted (rather than unrestricted) free agent after the season. Two, there’s the choice to do this now, rather than at the beginning of camp, which actually could be solid strategically, in that the Saints need him present a lot more now than they would in late July or early August, when a holdout would typically be staged. Three, he’s a great player, and the team is in a win-now spot. They need him. So if this is the way to get a contract, and he’s confident it’s going to happen, Kamara doesn’t need to worry about accruing that season (even if does have an impact on his post-career benefits). Lots of push and pull on this one. Stay tuned.

• Also likely watching the Kamara situation: Cincinnati’s Joe Mixon and Minnesota’s Dalvin Cook. Both guys are going into contract years. How close Kamara gets to draft classmate Christian McCaffrey’s four-year, $64 million extension should at least clarify the landscape in negotiations for the other two. Kamara and McCaffrey, to be sure, are unique weapons not tied down to simply playing tailback. But Mixon and Cook have versatility too. And even if they aren’t what Kamara and McCaffrey are, if both Kamara and McCaffrey are over $15 million per year, it becomes clearer that the latter’s deal isn’t simply an outlier.

• Shout out to NFLPA president J.C. Tretter on asking the league, via a post on the union web site, for the continuation of daily testing into the season. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from the success the league has had—just four of 2,600 players are on the COVID-19 list as of this writing—it’s the importance of constantly testing players. It’s pretty simple. If you don’t let COVID-19 into the building, then it can’t spread. And as well as it has worked, I think Tretter’s right. Continuing with the testing would be money well invested for the NFL.

• One thing that was interesting to hear while I was in Tampa: Fourth-year TE O.J. Howard was ecstatic to be working with Rob Gronkowski. In checking in with some people there, some concern did exist as the Gronkowski trade went down in April that Howard might not take the news well. Instead, the opposite happened—and Howard’s agent actually called the team soon thereafter to tell them that the former top-10 pick couldn’t be happier. So when I talked to Howard on Sunday, I made sure to ask him about that. “Rob is one of the greatest ever to play the position,” Howard told me. “It was an opportunity for me to go and learn, and just become a sponge and soak up a lot of knowledge. I’m always about learning more, putting more things in my toolbox, continuing to sharpen those tools and become a better player. So this is an opportunity for me to do that with him and Tom [Brady]. I couldn’t be put in a better situation at a young age, Year 4. This is only the beginning for me, it’s been a great opportunity for me to have a chance to have my career take off.” That, of course, is a great attitude to have, and it’s showing up in his play, too. Howard’s cleaned up his problem with drops, and been a star in making circus catches in contested situations all month.

• While we’re there, and just to accentuate the point I made in the MMQB column, here’s promising second-year receiver Scotty Miller on how positive Tom Brady’s been in camp: “That’s something I’ve noticed from him since the day I met him. Just extremely positive. I’d heard stuff about him, that in New England, he’d get on guys or whatever. But with us, he’s as humble as it gets. I mean, if he puts the ball on my chest and I drop the ball, he’ll be like, ‘My bad, I gotta give you a better ball,’ where it’s not his fault at all. That gives us all confidence, when we see our leader being humble and wanting to work on his game every single day. It tells us, if he’s doing that, we need to be doing the exact same thing, always willing to take the blame, and always doing your best on every single play.” And how have his teammates taken to following him? Well, I was told last week that among the veteran skill players—guys who worked with him over the spring and summer—the Bucs have seen zero (0!) soft-tissue injuries. That’s despite the adverse summer conditions in Tampa, and despite the COVID-affected camp schedule. I can’t say whether they all took up Brady’s training methods, but I do know the team thinks those guys watching and being around Brady over that time helped.

• Four weeks ago today, I gave you 12 non-quarterbacks who I believed had the sort of NFL standing to seriously consider opting out of the 2020 college season. LSU WR Ja’Marr Chase, on Monday, officially became the fourth guy on that list to do it. Those left: Clemson RB Travis Etienne, Oregon OT Penei Sewell, Alabama WR Devonta Smith, Alabama CB Patrick Surtain, Alabama WR Jaylen Waddle, Ohio State CB Shaun Wade, Florida State DT Marvin Wilson, and Alabama LB Dylan Moses. LSU had another player opt out Monday as well—per our own Ross Dellenger, massive Tiger DT Tyler Shelvin won’t play this fall, and move his focus to getting ready for April’s draft. As it stands now, he’s probably a Day 2 pick, and so the decision to go is understandable. Also, the sudden exodus from LSU highlights something pretty interesting—the three programs that have the most sustained national success over the last decade (Alabama, Clemson and Ohio State) haven’t had a single opt-out yet.

• Good signing by the Giants, bringing Logan Ryan aboard at $7.5 million for this year. Before becoming a starting corner for the Patriots, Ryan was a core special-teamer for Joe Judge in Foxboro—Ryan was a gunner on the punt team as a rookie—so the two know each other exceedingly well. And just as Ryan was able to help Mike Vrabel establish some of those New England standards in Nashville the last two years, he should be able to do the same for Judge in Jersey the next four months. But really, this was about Ryan as a player. The Giants believe he’s still got plenty to give in that department.

• The Derwin James news is super disappointing, but another reminder that, many times, pre-draft concerns are warranted. I got asked a lot in 2018 how James slipped all the way to the 17th overall pick, where the Chargers snapped him up. Well, James was outstanding as a true freshman at Florida State, suffered a catastrophic knee injury as a sophomore, then came back and was less than 100% himself as a junior before declaring for the draft. The concern wasn’t over James’s ability to play. It was over his ability to stay healthy. Sadly, that concern’s proving warranted as a pro.

September 01, 2020 at 05:30AM Why Jacksonville Drafted Leonard Fournette Will Really Disappoint Jaguars Fans Now from Blogger https://ift.tt/2GcTIfb

[dizzedcom]

Tom Brady’s connection with Tyler Vrabel reflects passage of time

Tom Brady’s connection with Tyler Vrabel reflects passage of time

A chance meeting with the son — now 18 — of former teammate Mike Vrabel is the latest reminder of the star QB’s longevity in a young man’s game.

[investmart007]

NASHVILLE, Tenn. | Succop kicks 31-yard field goal as Titans edge Texans 20-17

New Post has been published on https://www.stl.news/nashville-tenn-succop-kicks-31-yard-field-goal-as-titans-edge-texans-20-17/170986/

NASHVILLE, Tenn. | Succop kicks 31-yard field goal as Titans edge Texans 20-17

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee played without its starting quarterback and top three offensive tackles against J.J. Watt, Whitney Mercilus and the rest of Houston’s challenging defense. Mike Vrabel and his assistants responded with a few timely tricks for the Titans.

Ryan Succop kicked a 31-yard field goal with 1:00 left, and the battered Titans held off the Texans 20-17 on Sunday for Vrabel’s first victory as an NFL head coach against the team he worked for the past four seasons.

Succop also kicked a tying 42-yarder in the fourth quarter as Tennessee (1-1) delivered with quarterback Marcus Mariota watching from the sideline.

“It’s a huge win,” Titans quarterback Blaine Gabbert said. “Getting Vrabes his first win as a head coach was awesome. And this team had a lot of adversity throughout the week. The guys fought their way to this win. I’m just extremely proud of those guys.”

Deshaun Watson and Houston had the ball last. With 17 seconds left, Watson ran around the field looking for a receiver. He found DeAndre Hopkins for a 31-yard completion to the Tennessee 21, but time expired before the Texans could run another play.

“We tried to take a shot,” Watson said. “We didn’t have any timeouts, and they guarded the sideline very well. My instincts took over and tried to get the ball and time ran out.”

Houston coach Bill O’Brien said they were trying to get in field goal range to force overtime.

“We’ve got to do a better job of coaching that play up,” O’Brien said. Gabbert, starting for his fourth different NFL team, threw for 117 yards and a touchdown.

With Mariota sidelined by an elbow injury that created numbness in his throwing hand, Vrabel and the Titans (1-1) got creative. They dipped into the playbook and used some wildcat with Derrick Henry on offense, and All-Pro safety Kevin Byard set an NFL record when he tossed a 66-yard touchdown pass on a fake punt.

Tennessee allowed only one sack to Houston (0-2), which was missing a couple defensive starters in linebacker Jadeveon Clowney and end Christian Covington. The Titans came up with four sacks and an interception.

Watson threw for 310 yards and two TDs as Houston outgained Tennessee 437-283 in total offense.

On Tennessee’s opening drive, Byard hit a wide-open Dane Cruikshank down the right sideline. Byard’s TD pass was the longest by a defensive player in the Super Bowl era , easily topping the mark set by Rams defensive back Ed Meador on Nov. 19, 1967.

On the next drive, the Titans went with the wildcat with Henry before Gabbert finished the drive with a screen pass to Taywan Taylor, who went 18 yards for the TD and a 14-0 lead before the end of the first quarter.

Titans cornerback Adoree Jackson got his first interception in the NFL, beating Hopkins for the ball in the end zone.

MISSING PASS RUSH

The Titans threw only 20 passes. Texans star J.J. Watt went against right tackle Tyler Marz, signed from the Titans’ practice squad Saturday and making his NFL debut. Watt had two tackles for loss but no quarterback hits. The Texans finished with one sack on defense with two quarterback hits.

FAKE PUNT

Byard credited Vrabel with telling him before the game not to second-guess himself and just run the fake if he saw the Titans’ gunner uncovered on the outside.

“He put the trust in me man, and I really appreciate that,” Byard said. INJURIES

The Titans played without two-time Pro Bowl left tackle Taylor Lewan, who is recovering from a concussion. Right tackle Jack Conklin has yet to return after tearing a ligament in his left knee in January. Dennis Kelly, who had replaced Conklin, was out with an illness.

The Titans started Kevin Pamphile, a free-agent signee in March, at left tackle.

Titans running back David Fluellen hurt a groin muscle in the first quarter and did not return.

UP NEXT

Texans: Home opener against the New York Giants.

Titans: A second straight AFC South opponent with a trip to Jacksonville.

By TERESA M. WALKER , Associated Press

[sloopcast]

S3E44 – Expectations

S3E44 – Expectations

  Will Urban force the read-option onto Haskins?

Is the read option offense still a viable path to a championship?

Why the read option is super effective… except when it isn’t

What Nick Bosa would like to see from the #Buckeye Offense?

Which #B1G team makes the biggest jump in 2018?

Is the #B1G West legit good in 2018?

Should Ed Warinner in Ann Arbor concern #BuckeyeNation

Tyler Friday chooses #OhioState. What it means for #OhioState & TTUN

Has Christopher Oats fought his way back into #OhioState’s class?

#OhioState tries to address biggest unfulfilled need in the 2018 class

Walker & Jean-Baptiste visit #OhioState… who will they choose?

Could Ryan Day make a move to the NFL, joining Mike Vrabel?

Why the win over Northwestern is so important for the basketball #Buckeyes

#OhioState can find a way when Bate-Diop struggles

Recalibrating expectations for the basketball #Buckeyes

What will #OhioState’s record be for the last 10 games of the regular season?

What are realistic post-season expectations for the basketball #Buckeyes?

Is Michigan actually Iowa?

  -Outro Music-   

Artist: Devo

Song: Gates of Steel

  #BuckeyeNation #GoBucks #OhioState #Buckeyes SloopCast.com Facebook.com/Sloopcast Twitter.com/Sloopcast

              Check out this episode!

[junker-town]

A list of 2018 college football recruits who have famous parents

A list to make you feel really old.

About 3,200 high school football players will sign National Letters of Intent with FBS programs by the end of National Signing Day. Most of them will be the most famous members of their own families. Some of them have parents you already know.

Sons of former NFL players

Five-star cornerback Patrick Surtain Jr. is the son of former All-Pro corner Patrick Surtain. The younger Surtain is the highest-rated cornerback recruit in the recruiting rankings era. His dad was his high school coach at American Heritage in South Florida and recently interviewed for a job at Alabama, though the Tide didn’t hire him. Surtain is expected to commit to LSU on Signing Day.

Five-star Ohio State defensive tackle signee Taron Vincent is the son of former NFL DB Troy Vincent, who’s currently the league’s executive vice president of football operations. Taron is the best DT in the class, thanks to his size and burst.

Four-star Florida State cornerback signee Asante Samuel Jr. is the son of another former All-Pro corner, also of the same name. Asante Samuel was a key defensive back for the Patriots during the early years of the Belichick-Brady dynasty.

Four-star South Carolina cornerback signee Jaycee Horn is the son of four-time Pro Bowl Saints receiver Joe Horn. Even though Jaycee plays defense, his ball skills make it clear that he’s got a receiver’s genes.

Four-star Miami cornerback signee Al Blades Jr. is the son of the former Miami and 49ers defensive back of the same name. The Blades family has produced a bunch of star football players. Al’s uncle, Bennie, was a star safety at Miami, like his dad was.

WHO? MIKE JONES? Four-star Clemson linebacker commit Mike Jones Jr. is the son of a nine-year NFL defender Mike Jones, who went to NC State.

Four-star Texas A&M guard signee Luke Matthews is the latest in football’s first family of offensive linemen. Matthews’ dad, Bruce, is a Pro Football hall of famer. Falcons offensive lineman Jake and Packers linebacker Clay are part of the clan, too.

Three-star Penn State defensive tackle signee Judge Culpepper is the son of former NFL defensive tackle Brad Culpepper.

Three-star Boston College offensive tackle signee Tyler Vrabel is the son of former Patriots linebacker and current Titans head coach Mike Vrabel.

Boston College running back signee Javian Dayne is the son of Ron Dayne.

Sons of college coaches

Four-star North Carolina WR signee Jordyn Adams is the son of the Heels’ defensive line coach, Deke Adams. Jordyn’s also a star baseball player and can throw down dunks.

Three-star Clemson linebacker signee Jake Venables is the son of Tigers defensive coordinator Brent Venables, one of the most intense assistants in the sport.

Three-star Toledo quarterback signee Carter Bradley is the son of former Jaguars head coach and current Chargers defensive coordinator Gus Bradley.

Three-star Washington linebacker signee Jack Sirmon is the son of Cal linebackers coach Peter Sirmon, whom Louisville recently fired as defensive coordinator.

Three-star Oklahoma receiver commit Drake Stoops is the son of former Sooners coach Bob Stoops, as well as nephew to OU defensive coordinator Mike Stoops.

Urban Meyer’s son, Jake Meyer, is going to Cincinnati to play baseball. That’s cool, too.

Sons of prominent rappers

Five-star cornerback Olaijah Griffin is the son of rapper Warren G.

Sons of ESPN play-by-play announcers

Boston College kicker commit John Tessitore is the son of broadcaster Joe Tessitore. (Thanks to A.J. Black for the information on various BC recruits.)

Distant relatives of former presidential candidates

BYU receiver commit and Arizona State target Gunner Romney is family to Mitt.

Am I missing anyone?

I bet I am. Let me know, and I’ll add to this post.

[madpicks]

New Post has been published on https://www.madpicks.com/sports/nfl/bill-belichick-proves-still-doesnt-care-social-media-wearing-outfit-two-days-row/

Bill Belichick proves he still doesn’t care about social media by wearing the same outfit two days in a row

You could argue that Bill Belichick is the most famous Luddite in America. He makes a big show about not knowing the names of social media platforms (SnapFace, InstantFace, MyFace), because why would you care about social media platforms when you have six Super Bowl rings? You think anyone’s trying to keep in touch with Belichick via Facebook? If he had a Twitter account, it would be a string of tweets that just said “Seattle.”

But, in case there was any doubt as to whether he’s recently changed his mind about the internet, it’s looking like he hasn’t. Because Belichick wore the same clothes on Tuesday that he wore on Monday, just with slight modifications. And everyone knows that the first rule of social media is: If you know you’re going to be photographed, don’t wear the same outfit two days in a row.

Check this out, here he is at the owners meetings yesterday (right) and at Florida pro day (left).

Is #Patriots coach Bill Belichick wearing the same outfit he wore yesterday? pic.twitter.com/Pg6LIKiNGO

— Graham Hall (@GrahamHall_) March 28, 2017

Hoo boy, this is peak Belichick: Giving zero flips except for the flops he’s wearing on his bare feet. His shirt says, “I’m here for business meetings,” but his cargo shorts, with their big pockets, say, “I’m also here for the snacks.”

The photo also raises another question: Does Belichick own other clothes besides pink button-downs and a few ratty sweatshirts with the sleeves cut off? Here he is in 2008 at a Celtics game with his girlfriend Linda Holliday rocking the former:

Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images

Oh, wait, apparently he has fishing shirts in turquoise, too. Here he is at another Celtics game in 2008:

Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Image

Whatever, he’s still a creature of habit (also, have I told you my theory about the sleeve thing? I think he does this so that when his Super Bowl rings fall off as he’s doing the dishes, he can fish them out of the disposal without having to roll up his sleeves.)

Belichick took his outfit from business-casual to practice-casual this week by trading his sandals for sneakers (which he didn’t bother to tie), and his backpack for a clipboard and some sort of camouflage hat. He’s also opted for an untucked look on the turf.

Bill Belichick has no time to tie his shoes let alone go to an AFC coaches breakfast. #Patriots pic.twitter.com/NMZ9eUL6QB

— Tyler Sullivan (@TylerSully) March 28, 2017

The irony about Belichick’s disdain for social media is that he’d actually be so, so good at it. His #brand is stronger and more consistent than that of most corporations, businesses that pay advertisers millions and millions of dollars to their craft images for them. He’s so #sharable, too! I’m obsessed with these pictures of Belichick’s stupid outfit. I can’t get enough. If you’re at Florida Pro Day, please, for the love of god, keep tweeting them.

#Texans DC Mike Vrabel talking with #Patriots Bill Belichick. Houston picks 25th, New England 32nd. pic.twitter.com/VSSVQkNIS1

— Patrick Pinak (@pinakk12) March 28, 2017

The pencil behind his ear is a nice touch.

Patriots coach Bill Belichick and his former player, Mike Vrabel at Gators pro day. Be jealous @ESPNdirocco pic.twitter.com/PlHjbHQQbY

— Mark Long (@APMarkLong) March 28, 2017

Here’s another one from the owners meetings.

Bill Belichick reporting for work pic.twitter.com/DOcNwJEAAu

— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) March 27, 2017

And here — because why not? — is one more of Belichick looking at his phone but definitely not checking social media.

Bill Belichick has had enough of the owners meetings pic.twitter.com/trH6gOzPaZ

— Brian Costello (@BrianCoz) March 27, 2017

Rock on, Bill. Rock the hell on.

[junker-town]

Monday Morning Pleighbook: Fitzmagic is dead. Long live Fitzmagic.

The Chicago Bears crushed the Bucs, Earl Thomas sent a message, and Alvin Kamara has left the building in Week 4’s Monday Morning Pleighbook.

Fitzmagic officially fizzled out on Sunday, when Khalil Mack and the Chicago Bears poached whatever was left of it after the Steelers embarrassed Ryan Fitzpatrick for a half in Tampa on Monday Night Football a week earlier.

Mack forced a fumble on Fitzpatrick in the second quarter with the Bears up 21-3. Then down 35-3 late in the first half, Fitzpatrick threw an interception in Bears territory. You know the script from here: Fox cameras show Jameis Winston with his headset on, and he comes out for the second half, effectively ending this magical journey.

Fitzpatrick’s rope was shorter on Sunday because the Buccaneers secondary at times looked like the plot of a Ballers episode — it had many holes in it. Because of these holes, the Bears got out to a big lead fast, making it easier to pull the plug on Fitzpatrick for Winston.

Fitzpatrick is an accomplished NFL journeyman (some, like Joe Tessitore are kinder with words and call him “well traveled” instead) that finds his way to incredible peaks, while also diving in the deepest of valleys with seven different NFL teams throughout his career.

The Fitzmagicking of 2018 was an amazing peak, even for him. Nobody really saw it coming — any conversation around the NFC South focused on either the Saints, Falcons, or Panthers. ESPN’s FPI gave the Buccaneers just a 7.2 percent chance of starting the season 2-0.

And yet Fitzpatrick came out during the first two weeks of the NFL season looking like a Hall of Famer. He joined Tom Brady and Cam Newton as the only three players in league history to throw for at least 400 yards in each of their team’s first two games of a season. He also had four touchdown passes in both of those games, which were played against the defending Super Bowl champions, and 2017’s NFC runner-up.

Fitzmagic also gave us this postgame classic:

Ryan Fitzpatrick’s postgame look: pic.twitter.com/4qkRyu7l7X

— Greg Auman (@gregauman) September 16, 2018

With the great outfit came a great performance, as Fitzpatrick joked about not letting a big game change you while having gone from looking like a Civil War vet to Conor McGregor. When he was asked about the origins of the outfit, he credited a shirtless DeSean Jackson who was standing on the side for the fresh get up.

Well, except for this part of the outfit:

“The chest hair is mine.”

In case you’re wondering — yes, chest hair is an accessory for some.

Fitzmagic wasn’t meant long for this world, but it was fun while it lasted. It brought us more than we ever could have imagined Ryan Fitzpatrick, Starting Quarterback For An NFL Team In The Year 2018 would have.

Shoot, Fitzmagic was such a thrill that one of the NFL’s most popular factoids, his Harvard education, became an afterthought. Now, we’ll get back to that practice, but with a little bit more respect for him than before.

Elsewhere, Earl Thomas flipped off the Seahawks sideline

Earl Thomas has been trying to preserve his health in an effort to get either a contract extension with the Seahawks, or a trade to another franchise. He’s been hesitant to participate in practice, and hasn’t done more outside of the 60 minutes on the field every Sunday than he has to.

While that’s a good strategy for somebody trying to maximize their value and earnings, sometimes injuries are just unavoidable in the NFL. Thomas broke his leg on Sunday, and left the game on a cart, in an air cast.

He then delivered a middle finger to the Seahawks’ sideline. Because most of the videos online right now are choppy, here is a nice, clean, Getty image of Thomas speaking his mind. Because this moment deserves it:

Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images

When asked about the middle finger after the game, Pete Carroll deflected and said “it’s a big stadium.”

Yeah, it’s a big stadium. But I don’t think that was directed at Cardinals Fan Paul in the 14th row, Pete. The jig is pretty clear, and now Thomas will likely go into the offseason hoping a team believes in him just as much after the injury as they did before.

We all got robbed of some classic Marshawn Lynch

It would appear that the world came awfully close to another legendary Lynch run during the second quarter of the Raiders’ game against the Browns. However, officials blew this one dead before Lynch could take matters into his own hands:

Beastmode went Beastmode again @MoneyLynch pic.twitter.com/KMuO4OLIgy

— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) September 30, 2018

While Lynch didn’t get to finish his path of destruction, it was nice to see that the old BeastMode is still alive and well. He ended up finishing the game with 130 yards on 20 carries. He even had a few catches for 27 yards.

There’s still plenty of season left, so maybe we’ll get another iteration of the BeastQuake.

Alvin Kamara is still Alvin Kamara

Kamara single-handedly beat the Giants on Sunday. He finished the game with 180 total yards and three touchdowns, which included this one that erased any doubt as to whether or not the Saints were going to win:

KAMARA! 3 TDs. Incredible.#GoSaints #NOvsNYG pic.twitter.com/qJJ79h4CKJ

— NFL (@NFL) September 30, 2018

He ended up in the tunnel, and honestly probably should have just stayed there.

When you’re playing the Saints and you see the No. 41 and that tape on the arms out in front of you, there’s not much to be done except hope you get it right the next time.

Saquon Barkley can fly

Speaking of the Giants, we knew No. 2 overall pick Saquon Barkley was going to be special. But we probably didn’t expect him to look like Walter Payton so early in the season with this diving flip into the end zone:

AIR @SAQUON! ⬆️#GiantsPride #NOvsNYG : CBS pic.twitter.com/7L5uRMzGNz

— NFL (@NFL) September 30, 2018

Barkley’s been having a solid start to his career minus the Giants just not being very good. Feats of amazing athleticism will always make it into the pleighbook, so welcome, Saquon.

REJECTEDDDDDD

Josh Rosen’s career, unlike Barkley’s, has not been off to a good start.

Rosen got thrown into the fire last week to try to pull out a victory against the Bears, and it simply didn’t go well at all. This week, he went up against the Seahawks, and things were better, except for this firm denial:

They really did Rosen like that pic.twitter.com/R68vnEOx66

— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) September 30, 2018

Rosen’s going to make a lot of rookie mistakes, and that’s fine. But this is one that even many normal ass human beings wouldn’t make. Bobby Wagner didn’t even appear to offer Rosen a hand up, and he reached for assistance anyway.

I personally didn’t get to watch much of that particular game on Sunday, though I’m going into Week 5 questioning his in-game decision making strictly because of that situation.

Baker Mayfield’s happiness for Nick Chubb

Baker Baker, Touchdown Maker got his first start on Sunday, and nearly got the Browns a second-consecutive win, and their first on a Sunday since 2016. But the Browns lost in overtime, because they are still working out this whole Being The Browns thing.

However, after Nick Chubb broke loose for a 63-yard touchdown, Mayfield sprinted down the field with him so he could celebrate with his teammate:

Some call it Moxie. Others call it Baker Mayfield. @bakermayfield pic.twitter.com/D2XewjnpXZ

— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) September 30, 2018

If you don’t have at least one friend that gets excited for you like Mayfield did for Chubb there, find one. Reassess everything, and then let me know how that goes for you in the comments below, via tweet, or via email.

The Atlanta Falcons

This space is usually reserved for the good, weird, and funny things about an NFL Sunday. For some of y’all, this is going to fall into two of those categories (good, and funny). For myself, one of SB Nation’s handful of Falcons fans, this isn’t any of those.

The Falcons seem to have figured things out on offense — something once we all believed impossible under one Steve Sarkisian — and they still aren’t winning games. I’m not mad, I’m just disappointed.

Here’s a Falcons-ass stat:

Since 1940, teams scoring 36+ points at home with 0 turnovers are 402-4. The Atlanta Falcons are 0-2 since last week when doing that. Half of the losses are Atlanta now.

— Scott Kacsmar (@FO_ScottKacsmar) September 30, 2018

Here’s another one:

Matt Ryan is the first player in NFL history to lose back-to-back games with 350 Pass yards, 3 Pass TD and 0 Int. pic.twitter.com/VjUnou4D1a

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) September 30, 2018

And here’s one from the previous week:

Matt Ryan just put up the highest passer rating (148.1) in a loss in NFL history (min. 25 attempts).

— Scott Kacsmar (@FO_ScottKacsmar) September 23, 2018

I just had to get that off my chest. I’ll see y’all next week.

OTHER THINGS FROM WEEK 4

Tyler Eifert celebrated a TD with a Stone Cold beer chug, kinda

Adam Vinatieri is the GOAT

Jeff Fisher isn’t any better in the broadcast booth

Mitchell Trubisky just waxed the Bucs in the first half for the best day ever for a Bears QB

The Titans beat the Eagles in OT because Mike Vrabel isn’t about these ties

The Colts got too aggressive, and lost their OT game against the Texans

Read my pal Charles McDonald (the FourVerts guy on Twitter) on Our Falcons

Adam Stites explained why his Jags dunked on the Jets with a late TD and 2-point conversion

Marshawn Lynch got mad, then got into Beast Mode

The Browns are better, but they’re still the Browns

[investmart007]

The Latest: Bad day for kicking PATs

New Post has been published on https://www.stl.news/the-latest-bad-day-for-kicking-pats/170888/

The Latest: Bad day for kicking PATs

The Latest on the second Sunday of the NFL regular season (all times EDT): 3:15 p.m.

It’s been a rough second week of the NFL season for placekickers. Not on field goals so much, but extra points.

Five were missed before any of the early Sunday games ended.

In Dolphins-Jets, both Miami’s Jason Sanders and New York’s Jason Myers were wide on PATs.

Cleveland’s Zane Gonzales missed at New Orleans, as did Pittsburgh’s Chris Boswell against Kansas City, and Tampa Bay’s Chandler Catanzaro against Philadelphia.

At least the Steelers made up for Boswell’s error by later making a 2-point conversion. ___ 3:05 p.m.

Could this finally be the day for the Cleveland Browns?

Cleveland, which went 0-16 last season, snapped a 17-game losing streak with a season-opening tie against Pittsburgh. But it wasn’t a win.

Now the Browns lead New Orleans 12-3 after three quarters.

Cleveland’s defensive coordinator is Gregg Williams, who held the same post in New Orleans when the Saints won their only Super Bowl. The Browns have contained the New Orleans offense and scored the game’s lone touchdown so far on a 1-yard run by Carlos Hyde in the third quarter. ___ 3 p.m.

The defending champions have their hands full again.

The Philadelphia Eagles trail Tampa Bay 27-7 in the third quarter after a pair of 75-yard touchdown passes in the first half.

Ryan Fitzpatrick connected with former Eagle DeSean Jackson for one of those TDs on the first offensive play of the game.

Philadelphia had to hold on late for an 18-12 win over Atlanta in the season opener. ___ 2:50 p.m.

It took nearly 95 minutes, but the Buffalo Bills finally reached the end zone.

The Bills were the last NFL team that hadn’t scored a touchdown this season, but Chris Ivory scored on 1-yard plunge with 11:06 left in the third quarter against the Chargers. The TD cut Los Angeles’ lead to 28-13.

— John Wawrow reporting from Orchard Park, New York. ___ 2:45 p.m.

So much for Ben Roethlisberger’s achy right elbow.

The 36-year-old quarterback has thrown for 278 yards and three touchdowns in the first half as the Pittsburgh Steelers rallied from an early deficit to pull into a 21-all tie with Kansas City.

Roethlisberger missed two days of practice last week after injuring the elbow late in a Week 1 tie in Cleveland.

Kansas City led the Steelers 21-0 after the first quarter. ___ 2:35 p.m.

The Cleveland Browns are making another credible bid to end their winless streak.

The Browns took a 6-3 lead into halftime against the New Orleans Saints. New Orleans has moved the ball in stints, but has two turnovers on fumbles after receptions. The Saints also have missed a field goal.

Cleveland now has eight takeaways this season, including six in the season opener against Pittsburgh. That game ended in a tie, snapping a 17-game losing streak for the Browns.

Facing the Browns appears to have brought about a remarkable transformation of New Orleans’ defense, which gave up more than 500 yards in a 48-40 loss to Tampa Bay in Week 1. ___ 2:20 p.m.

Calvin Ridley has scored his first NFL touchdown.

Ridley, a first-round draft pick out of Alabama, hauled in an 11-yard scoring pass from Matt Ryan with 4:03 left in the first half, pulling the Atlanta Falcons into a 10-all tie with the Carolina Panthers.

On third-and-8, Ridley broke toward the middle on a slant, beat cornerback Donte Jackson and made the catch crossing into the end zone. He celebrated with an emphatic spike before being mobbed by his teammates. ___ 2:10 p.m.

Aaron Rodgers and Kirk Cousins are dueling at Lambeau Field. Rodgers’ 9-yard touchdown pass to receiver Davante Adams with 12:28 left in the second quarter gave the Green Bay Packers a 14-7 lead over the Minnesota Vikings. Rodgers is wearing a brace on his injured left knee.

He’s limited and slower than usual, though Rodgers does have some mobility. Rodgers is also getting outstanding protection from his offensive line after getting sacked to end his first series.

Cousins, meanwhile, hit his first nine passes for the Vikings.

Minnesota gave up a special teams touchdown on a blocked punt. ___ 2 p.m.

Atlanta Falcons safety Damontae Kazee has been ejected from the game against Carolina for a vicious hit to the head of Panthers quarterback Cam Newton.

Newton was struck after running for 10 yards on a fourth-and-4 play in Falcons territory.

The quarterback was sliding to the turf at the end of the play when Kazee dove low to deliver a helmet-to-helmet hit that snapped back Newton’s head. Teammate Torrey Smith raced in to deliver a hit that sent Kazee to the turf, also drawing a personal foul penalty but not an ejection.

Several skirmishes broke out. Newton was finally able to get up and head to the medical tent. As he walked off the field, he took off his helmet and let out a defiant scream.

While officials sorted out the penalties, Newton was quickly examined and returned to the field without missing a play.

Six plays later, Newton threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to Jarius Wright, giving the Panthers a 10-3 lead.

Kazee was making his second career start. He is the first player ejected for the league’s new helmet rule this season.

— Paul Newberry reporting from Atlanta.

1:55 p.m.

Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes is picking up right where he left off in the season opener. The 22-year-old threw three touchdown passes in the first quarter as the Chiefs raced to a quick 21-0 lead over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Mahomes threw four touchdown passes in a victory over the Los Angeles Chargers in the opener.

The Steelers finally got on the board in the second quarter to make it 21-7. The Chiefs are trying to win in Pittsburgh for the first time since 1986. ___ 1:40 p.m.

Rookie quarterbacks Sam Darnold and Josh Allen are facing early deficits.

Darnold got off to a better start than he did in the New York Jets’ opener at Detroit, when he threw an interception on his first career pass. But Darnold was picked off late in the first quarter against Miami on Sunday, and the Dolphins took advantage of a short field to take a 7-0 lead over the Jets.

Allen made his first start for the Buffalo Bills, but they fell behind 14-0 against the Los Angeles Chargers. Buffalo finally got on the board with a field goal in the second quarter.

The Bills remain the only NFL team that hasn’t scored a touchdown this season. ___ 1:25 p.m.

Blaine Gabbert started at quarterback for the Tennessee Titans, though Marcus Mariota is active against the Houston Texans.

Mariota hurt his elbow in the season opener, a 27-20 loss at Miami.

Gabbert came out with the offense for its opening series after the Titans stopped the Texans’ opening drive. It was the 46th start of Gabbert’s career.

Rookie coach Mike Vrabel dipped into a bag of tricks to get the Titans on the board first on a fake punt . Safety Kevin Byard threw the ball to wide-open rookie Dane Cruikshank. He ran down the right sideline and faked out Texans returner Tyler Ervin for a 66-yard touchdown and a 7-0 lead.

— Teresa M. Walker reporting from Nashville, Tennessee ___ 1:20 p.m.

Aaron Rodgers started for the Green Bay Packers against the Minnesota Vikings, wearing a brace on his left knee. Rodgers completed three passes on Green Bay’s first drive, which ended with a punt.

The Packers later took a 7-0 lead with a special teams touchdown.

Geronimo Allison blocked a punt deep in Vikings territory after rushing up the middle. The ball was recovered by rookie Josh Jackson, who jumped to secure the ball and landed in the end zone.

Rodgers was questionable coming into the game after hurting the knee in the season-opening, come-from-behind win over Chicago.

The Packers operated out of a shotgun or pistol formation on Rodgers’ first drive. ___ 1:05 p.m.

Miami Dolphins wide receivers Kenny Stills and Albert Wilson again took a knee during the national anthem, this time before the team’s game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium.

All of the Jets players linked arms, along with coach Todd Bowles and CEO Christopher Johnson while standing together on the sideline during “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Last Sunday, Stills and Wilson also took knees, and were the only players in the NFL to do so.

Colin Kaepernick, then with the San Francisco 49ers, sparked the anthem controversy by kneeling during the pregame ritual in 2016 — his way of protesting police brutality and social injustice in America. He thanked both Stills and Wilson on Twitter last week for “their unwavering strength by fighting for the oppressed.”

League-wide, only about 10 players participated in any form of protests. On Thursday, Stills insisted that his pregame statements are not going away.

“It’s something I’m committed to forever,” he said.

Elsewhere on Sunday, Chargers tackle Russell Okung stood behind the line of Los Angeles players with his right arm raised and hand in a fist before the game at Buffalo.

— Dennis Waszak Jr. reporting from East Rutherford, New Jersey. ___ 12 p.m.

The NFL Foundation will contribute $1 million to Hurricane Florence relief efforts.

That contribution will be distributed to organizations that will address the immediate needs of those impacted throughout the Carolinas and other areas.

“The NFL family sends its support to the individuals, families and communities affected by Hurricane Florence,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said Sunday. “Natural disasters like this are devastating. As communities in and around the Carolinas recover and rebuild, we hope these funds will provide some measure of relief in the days, weeks and months ahead.”

NFL fans are encouraged to text FLORENCE to 90999 to donate $10 to American Red Cross Hurricane Florence relief.

By Associated Press