INSIDER
Questions linger as Patriots' offense falls short again
Read full article: Questions linger as Patriots' offense falls short againQuarterback Mac Jones was adamant his expletive-laced tirade on the sideline during the Patriots' 24-10 loss to Buffalo was about motivating himself and not an emotional plea about the play-calling or directed at his coaches.
Jones, Patriots breeze past Jets as Wilson throws 4 INTs
Read full article: Jones, Patriots breeze past Jets as Wilson throws 4 INTsMac Jones was smart and efficient, Damien Harris and James White had touchdown runs and the New England Patriots took advantage of a nightmarish outing by Zach Wilson in a 25-6 victory over the New York Jets.
Lower cap leads to more cuts than usual in NFL
Read full article: Lower cap leads to more cuts than usual in NFL(AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman, File)If it seemed as if NFL teams have been shedding contracts nearly as fast as signing them in recent weeks that’s because it’s almost true. “I think the unprecedented part being, for the first time in modern era, the cap decreases instead of increases,” Rams general manager Les Snead said. Adoree Jackson got a three-year deal worth a reported $39 million from the Giants after Tennessee refused to pay his $10.24 million fifth-year option. In one of the more curious cases, Miami cut Kyle Van Noy one year into his four-year, $51 million deal, leaving about $36 million unpaid. Van Noy then returned to New England on a two-year, $12 million deal and the Patriots will also get a fourth-round compensation pick in next month’s draft based on the deal Van Noy signed last March.
Analysis: Wentz, Elliott provide little bang for buck
Read full article: Analysis: Wentz, Elliott provide little bang for buckWentz was paid more than $39 million in cash this season and had a cap hit of $18.6 million. The Eagles now have to decide what to do with Wentz, who has a cap hit of more than $34 million next season. RB EZEKIEL ELLIOTT: The Cowboys gave Elliott a $90 million, six-year extension before reaching a deal with quarterback Dak Prescott. Elliott is coming off the least productive season of his career with 979 yards and six TDs while getting paid nearly $11 million for a team that finished 6-10. But Green had just 47 catches for 523 yards in 16 games, providing little value for his big salary.
From season-altering to bizarre, injuries hit NFL yet again
Read full article: From season-altering to bizarre, injuries hit NFL yet againFrom the season-altering (Dak Prescott, Barkley) to the bizarre (Tyrod Taylor, Trent Brown), injuries are playing their traditionally significant role in the NFL. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)ARLINGTON, Texas – From the season-altering to the bizarre, injuries are playing their traditionally significant role in the NFL. Brown also recently went back on the COVID-19 list, a newcomer among potential ailments with the NFL playing during a pandemic. Few teams have had the volume of injuries that have hit defending NFC champion San Francisco. New Orleans' star receiver, Michael Thomas, has had a tumultuous season in part because of ankle and hamstring injuries.
All NFL games on for Week 9 as teams deal with COVID-19
Read full article: All NFL games on for Week 9 as teams deal with COVID-19(AP Photo/Terrance Williams, File)All NFL games are on for this weekend while teams deal with COVID-19 issues. The Cincinnati Bengals kept players away from their training facility after two unidentified players tested positive for COVID-19. The Atlanta Falcons canceled practice and worked virtually after a member of the football staff tested positive. ”A Miami Dolphins assistant coach, also unidentified, tested positive for COVID-19 and was quarantined. Coach Matt Nagy said this week that Spriggs tested positive for the coronavirus and Ifedi was put on the list because of a close contact.
AP source: Raiders fined, docked pick for COVID violations
Read full article: AP source: Raiders fined, docked pick for COVID violationsThe Las Vegas Raiders and coach Jon Gruden have been fined a total $650,000 and docked a sixth-round draft pick for repeated violations of the NFL’s COVID-19 protocols. While several teams have been fined so far this season, the Raiders are the first to be penalized a draft pick following multiple violations. Gruden was fined $100,000 and the team docked $250,000 after the coach didn’t wear his mask properly during a Week 2 win over New Orleans. The team also was fined $50,000 for allowing an unauthorized employee in the locker room after the game. Tight end Darren Waller was fined $30,000 and nine teammates, including quarterback Derek Carr, were fined $15,000 for attending an indoor charity event held by Waller’s foundation that violated local coronavirus protocols.
Derek Carr adds running threat for Raiders this season
Read full article: Derek Carr adds running threat for Raiders this seasonIn Gruden’s first stint with the team, Rich Gannon had great success as a scrambler, ranking fourth among all quarterbacks from 1999-2001 with 1,058 yards rushing. He also lowered his shoulder and took a big hit fighting for extra yards on another run. “I feel like as a football fan, whenever the quarterback does that kind of stuff, it pumps the whole sideline up,” Carr said. And Carr has made the most of his runs, turning them into nine first downs — including eight in his past four games. He believes that threat will open up more opportunities for big plays throwing off scrambles if defenses start playing him to run.
Raiders OL Trent Brown remains hospitalized after IV mishap
Read full article: Raiders OL Trent Brown remains hospitalized after IV mishapLas Vegas Raiders tackle Trent Brown remains in Cleveland undergoing tests after being hospitalized following an IV mishap before a game against the Browns. Brown was sent to the hospital shortly before the game between the Raiders and Browns started on Sunday. “The most important thing is that we find out what went wrong,” Gruden said. “I think the big thing is we were all shaken up pretty good,” Gruden said. We said a prayer for Trent before the game and then we went out and tried to win the game for him.
Carr, Raiders overcome windy, wintry weather to down Browns
Read full article: Carr, Raiders overcome windy, wintry weather to down BrownsLas Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr celebrates after the Raiders defeated the Cleveland Browns 16-6 in an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)CLEVELAND – Derek Carr had no idea where his passes were going or what the weather was doing. The wind, who knows what it was?”But the winter-like weather didn't stop Carr or the Raiders. After that, it was tough.”Using running back Josh Jacobs and a short passing game, Carr controlled the clock in the second half and kept the ball away from the Browns (5-3). The Raiders appeared to take the lead in the second quarter when Carr connected with Henry Ruggs III in the back right corner of the end zone.
Broncos clear RB Lindsay in return from concussion
Read full article: Broncos clear RB Lindsay in return from concussion(AP Photo/John Froschauer)Denver Broncos running back Phillip Lindsay has cleared concussion protocol and will play against the Los Angeles Chargers. Bears: WR Ted Ginn Jr., DB Duke Shelley, RB Artavis Pierce, OL Cody Whitehair, WR Riley Ridley, LB Trevis Gipson. Seahawks: RB Chris Carson, RB Carlos Hyde, DE Benson Mayowa, CB Ugo Amadi, SS Jamal Adams, CB Shaquill Griffin. ___LOS ANGELES RAMS AT MIAMIRams: RB Raymond Calais, OL Brian Allen, WR Trishton Jackson, TE Brycen Hopkins, DL A’Shawn Robinson. Dolphins: RB/WR Lynn Bowden Jr., RB Salvon Ahmed, FB Chandler Cox, CB Jamal Perry, RB Jordan Howard, DE Jason Strowbridge.
Brady's 4 TD passes lead Bucs past Raiders 45-20
Read full article: Brady's 4 TD passes lead Bucs past Raiders 45-20(AP Photo/David Becker)LAS VEGAS – Tom Brady threw four touchdown passes to move past Drew Brees for the most in NFL history and ran for another to lead the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a 45-20 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. Carr then connected on a 44-yard pass to Nelson Agholor to set up a 1-yard TD pass to Waller that cut Tampa Bay’s lead to 24-17. It also gave the Raiders their first opening drive TD since Week 16 of last season vs. the Chargers. FAVORITE TARGET IIBrady connected with Gronkowski for the second straight week with a 5-yard TD pass in the second quarter. Raiders: T Sam Young left with a knee injury in the second quarter and didn't return.
Several Raiders active against Bucs after time on COVID list
Read full article: Several Raiders active against Bucs after time on COVID list(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)Las Vegas starting offensive linemen Kolton Miller, Denzelle Good, Rodney Hudson and Gabe Jackson are active for the Raiders against Tampa Bay after spending time on the COVID-19 list this week. Safety Johnathan Abram remains on the COVID-19 list for at least one more day and is missing the game. ___TAMPA BAY AT LAS VEGASBuccaneers: QB Ryan Griffin, OL Aaron Stinnie, LB Quinton Bell, DL Khalil Davis, WR Cyril Grayson. Raiders: WR Bryan Edwards, CB Keisean Nixon, QB Marcus Mariota, G Patrick Omameh, DE David Irving. ___CAROLINA AT NEW ORLEANSPanthers: QB Will Grier, CB Stantley Thomas-Oliver, G John Miller, OL Mike Horton, WR Marken Michel.
Raiders get 4 linemen back for game vs. Bucs
Read full article: Raiders get 4 linemen back for game vs. BucsLAS VEGAS – The Las Vegas Raiders will be able to play four of their starting offensive linemen Sunday against Tampa Bay after they got one more day of negative tests for COVID-19. Kolton Miller, Denzelle Good, Rodney Hudson and Gabe Jackson all tested negative in results gotten back Sunday and were active for the game against the Buccaneers. The four players have tested negative every day since they had a “high risk” close contact Monday with teammate Trent Brown before he tested positive for the coronavirus. The four missed practice Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and a walkthrough on Saturday, but will be able to play against the Buccaneers. Safety Johnathan Abram, who last had contact with Brown on Tuesday, must wait one more day before he can be cleared to return and will miss the game.
Raiders activate 4 starting linemen from COVID-19 list
Read full article: Raiders activate 4 starting linemen from COVID-19 listThe Las Vegas Raiders activated four starting offensive linemen from the COVID-19 list on Saturday after they all tested negative for the coronavirus. Safety Johnathan Abram remains on the COVID-19 list because his last contact with Brown was Tuesday and he will miss this week's game. The NFL moved the Raiders game against the Bucs from prime time to an afternoon slot Sunday in case the game couldn’t be played. But the game is set to be played because the virus didn't spread beyond Brown and cornerback Damon Arnette, who was placed on the COVID-19 list Monday following a positive test. But with four starters now back, the team didn't activate any of the practice squad player for Sunday's game.
AP source: Raiders latest COVID tests all negative
Read full article: AP source: Raiders latest COVID tests all negativeThe Las Vegas Raiders’ latest batch of COVID-19 tests all came back negative and their game scheduled for Sunday against Tampa Bay is on for now. The Raiders placed two players on the COVID-19 list following positive tests earlier in the week and put five more players on the list because of “high risk” close contacts. The NFL moved the Raiders game against the Buccaneers from prime time to an afternoon slot on Sunday just in case the game couldn’t be played. The Raiders have now had eight players placed on the COVID-19 list since the start of the season, including the seven currently on the list. Defensive tackle Maurice Hurst was put on the COVID-19 list two weeks ago before being activated on Monday.
AP sources: Raiders place 5 more players on COVID-19 list
Read full article: AP sources: Raiders place 5 more players on COVID-19 listNFL Network first reported the players going on the COVID-19 list. Those five players had close contact with Brown, who was placed on the COVID-19 list Wednesday following a positive test for the virus. The person said video shows the starting offensive linemen were not following the protocols. If not, we have to have somebody step up in his place and play at a high level.”The Raiders have now had eight players placed on the COVID-19 list since the start of the season, including the seven currently on the list. Defensive tackle Maurice Hurst was put on the COVID-19 list two weeks ago before being activated on Monday.
Bucs-Raiders game moved from prime time after COVID-19 test
Read full article: Bucs-Raiders game moved from prime time after COVID-19 testThe NFL has shifted the Las Vegas game against Tampa Bay out of prime time after several Raiders players have been unable to practice this week because of contact tracing from the coronavirus. The game between the Seahawks and Cardinals in Arizona has been moved into the prime-time window. The league says the changes were made out of an “abundance of caution” to make sure a game would be available for Sunday night. The Raiders placed starting right tackle Trent Brown on the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday after he tested positive for the coronavirus. Safety Johnathan Abram also has been unable to practice because of contact tracing.
Raiders send starting O-line home after Brown's COVID test
Read full article: Raiders send starting O-line home after Brown's COVID testThe Las Vegas Raiders sent all five starting offensive linemen home as part of coronavirus contact tracing after right tackle Trent Brown was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list with a positive test. The Raiders held practice on Wednesday without their starting five as they prepare for Sunday’s home game against Tampa Bay. The Raiders had the week off last week and returned to practice on Monday. The Raiders current starting offensive is left tackle Kolton Miller, left guard Denzelle Good, center Rodney Hudson, right guard Gabe Jackson and Brown. Defensive tackle Maurice Hurst was put on the COVID list two weeks ago before being activated on Monday.
Gruden: Raiders players made 'mistake' not wearing masks
Read full article: Gruden: Raiders players made 'mistake' not wearing masksLas Vegas Raiders coach Jon Gruden said several of his players made a mistake when they didn’t wear masks or practice social distancing during a charity event that violated league and local COVID-19 rules. Players were seen on video without masks during the indoor event while talking and mingling with guests, who also weren’t wearing masks. “We’ve done a good job, done an excellent job,” Gruden said Wednesday. The Raiders opened the 21-day practice window for QB Marcus Mariota, who was placed on IR with a pectoral injury. QB DeShone Kizer was released from the practice squad and WR De’Mornay Pierson-El was signed to the practice squad.
Belichick reaches milestone as Patriots top Raiders 36-20
Read full article: Belichick reaches milestone as Patriots top Raiders 36-20New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick works along the sideline in the first half of an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots have won the last six meetings with the Raiders and improved to 47-9 in regular-season games following a loss. We can’t stop the run in the second half. “We played the best 30 minutes of football in the second half, which is what we needed,” Belichick said. Following the kickoff, the Raiders got help from a pass interference call on Stephon Gilmore to get into Patriots territory.
Lions WR Golladay makes 2020 debut; Bucs' Godwin also active
Read full article: Lions WR Golladay makes 2020 debut; Bucs' Godwin also activeJeudy is active for the Bucs game as Denver quarterback Jeff Driskel makes his first start while Drew Lock recovers from a shoulder injury. Cardinals: QB Brett Hundley, WR Christian Kirk, RB Eno Benjamin, OL Mason Cole, OL Josh Miles, DL Leki Fotu. ___CHICAGO AT ATLANTABears: CB Duke Shelley, OG Arlington Hambright, NT Daniel McCullers, WR RIley Ridley, OLB Trevis GipsonFalcons: WR Julio Jones, CB A.J. Browns: WR Donovan Peoples-Jones, CB Greedy Williams, LB Jacob Phillips, Olivier Vernon, Evan Brown and WR Rashard Higgins. Brown, CB Chris Jackson OLB Derick Roberson, C Aaron Brewer, TE Geoff Swaim, DT Matt DickersonVikings: WR Tajaé Sharpe, WR K.J.
Jacobs runs for 3 TDs as Raiders hold off Panthers 34-30
Read full article: Jacobs runs for 3 TDs as Raiders hold off Panthers 34-30Jacobs’ 6-yard run around the right end with 4:14 left put the Raiders ahead for good after they’d surrendered a 12-point fourth quarter lead. McCaffrey racked up 134 yards from scrimmage and scored two touchdowns for Carolina. Carolina battled back with McCaffrey getting 11 touches for 64 yards on one drive and scoring on a 3-yard run. Bridgewater, who replaced Cam Newton as the starting QB, finished 22 of 34 for 270 yards and one touchdown in his Carolina debut. 1 cornerback Donte Jackson left with an ankle injury early in the first quarter and did not return.