NFL - NEWS & NOTES

Stephen Gostkowski’s redemption after four misses lifts Titans to 16-14 win over Broncos



On an otherwise completely forgettable night for Stephen Gostkowski, the newest kicker for the Tennessee Titans made the one kick that mattered most to lift his team to a win over the Denver Broncos on Monday night.

Gostkowski had missed four total kicks on the night as the Titans found themselves trailing the Broncos 14-13 inside the final minute of play. The lost 10 points saw the Titans needing a shaky Gostkowski to deliver a game-winning kick to avoid a loss to open their season. But Gostkowski responded and slammed home a 25-yard attempt with 17 seconds remaining to lift Tennessee to a 16-14 victory.

Gostkowski had missed field goal tries from 47 and 42 yards and had a third attempt from 44 yards blocked by Shelby Harris. He also missed an extra point in the fourth quarter prior to the game-winner. Gostkowski had never missed more than two kicks in any game in his 14 seasons with the New England Patriots before signing with the Titans last week.

Derrick Henry rushed for 116 yards on 31 carries for Tennessee and Corey Davis caught seven passes for 101 yards to lead the receiving corps. Ryan Tannehill was 29 of 43 for 249 yards and two touchdowns for the Titans.

Titans linebacker Rashaan Evans was ejected in the first quarter for throwing a punch at Broncos tight end Jake Butt. Two plays later, Drew Lock found tight end Noah Fant for a 9-yard touchdown as Denver took a 7-0 lead.

Then it was Denver’s turn for a mistake to help set up an opposing touchdown. Melvin Gordon lost a fumble after Titans safety Kevin Byard dislodged the football from his grasp. Jeffery Simmons recovered the loose ball for Tennessee at the Denver 23-yard line. MyCole Pruitt caught a 1-yard touchdown pass from Tannehill five plays later to even the game at 7-7 after Gostkowski’s only successful kick of the evening prior to the game-winning boot.

Two straight Titans possessions would end in unsuccessful field goal attempts as they were unable to grab a share of the lead despite outplaying the Broncos. Tennessee would finally finish off a drive with Jonnu Smith catching a 1-yard touchdown from Tannehill to take a 13-7 lead. However, a Gostkowski missed extra point would keep the lead at just six.

That would prove significant as the Broncos responded with a scoring drive of their own to take the lead. Denver would cap a nine-play, 75-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run from Gordon to grab a 14-13 lead after a successful Brandon McManus extra point.

The Titans would get their final chance with 3:05 left to play. Tennessee would march 67 yards on 12 plays as the clock ticked away before giving Gostkowski the chance at the game-winner.

A.J. Bouye (shoulder) and Phillip Lindsay (foot) both left the game in the first half with injuries and would not return for Denver.

Lock completed 22 of 33 passes for 216 yards and a touchdown for Denver. Gordon rushed for 78 yards and a touchdown. Fant caught five passes for 81 yards and a touchdown.

NBC

 

Wow, the Browns are the only team to not score double digit points

 

Gostkowski had never missed more than two kicks in any game in his 14 seasons with the New England Patriots before signing with the Titans last week.


Hopefully the Titans are looking at signing a New Kicker........they came way to close to losing that game last night because of Stephens Toe.

And it's probably going to happen again this year.

 

Austin Seibert is available.

 

Scratch that. The Bengals claimed him.

 

Baker Mayfield: Connection with Odell Beckham has to come naturally



Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield and wide receiver Odell Beckham both said this summer that they thought the chemistry between them would be better in their second season together, but Week One didn’t offer much evidence in support of that theory.

Mayfield targeted Beckham 10 times in the loss to the Ravens and Beckham ended the day with three catches for 22 yards. He did draw some penalties, but their missed connections were still a topic of conversation after the game. Head coach Kevin Stefanski said, via Cleveland.com, that the team has to “get to the bottom” of why it isn’t working.

Stefanski said he doesn’t think Mayfield is forcing the ball to Beckham and Mayfield said on Tuesday that he’s basing his decisions about where to go with the ball on matchups.

“I think it has to come naturally. . . . I think we had some great 1-on-1 opportunities Sunday . . . just didn’t connect. We’re working on that. We’ll get it fixed,” Mayfield said, via Keith Britton of 92.3 The Fan.

Beckham also spoke to reporters Tuesday and said of Mayfield that it’s “not feasible for me to think about what he may be going through” because he’s never played quarterback. He does think that “more game reps will be the way to go” to get on the same page and they’ll get them quickly with a game on tap against the Bengals Thursday.

NBC

 

Report: Allen Robinson asks Bears to trade him



The divide between the Bears and Allen Robinson has grown wider.

A report earlier this afternoon indicated the receiver had not asked for a trade despite being frustrated by the pace of extension talks. Now comes word from Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune that Robinson has asked about a possible trade.

Robinson, 27, is in the final year of a three-year, $42 million deal with a base salary of $10.9 million.

The Bears typically complete extensions with their core players before the season opener of the final year of their contracts. That didn’t happen last week for Robinson, but General Manager Ryan Pace said last week that he would not put a deadline on getting a deal done.

Robinson’s teammates are campaigning for the Bears to sign Robinson long term, with running back Tarik Cohen starting the #ExtendAR hashtag on social media.

Robinson has scrubbed all mention of the Bears from his social media.

Robinson had five catches for 74 yards Sunday. He is coming off the second-best season of his career, with 1,147 yards and seven touchdowns.

His career statistics are close to those of Keenan Allen, who recently signed a four-year extension with the Chargers averaging more than $20 million per season. Allen has played one more season than Robinson has.

NBC

 

He has no business bitching. Play the season at 14 million. He’s not on a rookie contract

 

Jets placing RB Le'Veon Bell (hamstring) on injured reserve

Le'Veon Bell's troublesome hamstring will have him on hiatus from the New York Jets for a spell.

The Jets are placing Bell on injured reserve, NFL Network's Kim Jones reported Tuesday afternoon. Bell is eligible to return after three weeks. The former Steelers standout wasn't the only notable put on IR by the Jets Tuesday, as rookie wide receiver Denzel Mims (hamstring) and starting linebacker Blake Cashman (groin) were, as well.

Prior to the start of his second season in Gotham, Bell's hamstring has been a storyline and a problem.

Back in the final week of August, coach Adam Gase pulled Bell from practice due to a tight hamstring. Bell later bemoaned being pulled and Gase later said the two had made up. Fast-forwarding to Sunday's season opener against the AFC East-rival Jets and Bell had another early exit. Gase added that he wished he wouldn't have allowed Bell to return for the second half with his ailing hammy wrapped up (and predicted Tuesday's news that Bell would miss some time). Now, there's no discussion.

This time, preventing Bell from returning to the field couldn't be avoided as Bell's hamstring has clearly become issue enough to have him missing practices and games for the following three weeks.

It's the latest chapter in what's thus far been a rocky union for Bell and the Jets. After joining the squad ahead of the 2019 season, Bell's numbers were the worst of his career in a full season among most categories, including scrimmage yards (1,250) and touchdowns (four).

With Bell healing up, the Jets are likely to turn to the ageless wonder known as Frank Gore and Josh Adams to take on the backfield load. And the Jets also announced the signing of running back Kallen Ballage. Ballage was a starter for the Dolphins who was recently released after the Jets tried to trade for him, but he failed his physical.


The Jets host reigning NFC champion San Francisco in their home opener on Sunday.

NFL.com

 

With Bell on IR, the Jets have signed RB Kevin Ballage.

 

Report: Saints expect Michael Thomas to miss several weeks



The Saints got some very bad news on the injury front with wide receiver Michael Thomas today.

Thomas has a high-ankle sprain that is worse than originally believed the team now expects him to miss several weeks, NFL Network reports.

After suffering the injury in Sunday’s win over the Buccaneers, Thomas thought he could play through it. But further medical checks apparently showed the injury is worse than Thomas believed.

Thomas has led the league in catches each of the last two seasons, and there’s no easy way to replace a player of his caliber. The Saints will have their hands full trying to get their offense up to speed without their star wide receiver.

NBC

 

That’s a big blow to the Saints

 

WR Mohamed Sanu signing with 49ers

Mohamed Sanu needs a new squad and the San Francisco 49ers need wide receivers.

Thus, Sanu, most recently released by the New England Patriots, is signing with the Niners, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported, per Sanu's agent.

Sanu's best seasons came with the Atlanta Falcons and he'll reunite with former Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, who's now coaching the Niners.

Roughly two weeks removed from being released by the Patriots ahead of the season's start, Sanu becomes the latest hope for a 49ers wide receiver corps that's been decimated by injuries.

Niners first-round rookie Brandon Aiyuk's ankle injury kept him inactive in Sunday's opener and Deebo Samuel is on injured reserve. In addition, Jalen Hurd (ACL) is out for the year, Travis Benjamin opted out, Richie James is dealing with a wrist injury and Tavon Austin, who was signed following a rash of injuries, is out for the year. In Sunday's 24-20 loss to the Cardinals, the 49ers' leading receiver was tight end George Kittle, who had four grabs and is also injured with a knee sprain. No wide receiver had more than two catches for San Francisco on Sunday.

Perhaps Sanu can change that, as he's set to play for his fourth team and provides a versatile option with the ability to run and even pass. Sanu and Shanahan were together for one season in Atlanta, which culminated with the Falcons advancing to the Super Bowl.

NFL.com

 

Lamar Jackson is 2020’s first AFC offensive player of the week



The 2019 NFL MVP got his 2020 season off to a rousing start.

Lamar Jackson was 20-of-25 for 275 yards and three touchdowns and he ran seven times for 45 yards as the Ravens routed the Browns 38-6 to open the season with a victory. One week won’t be enough for him to repeat as the league’s most valuable player, but it was enough to get him his first prize of this year.

Jackson was named the AFC’s offensive player of the week on Wednesday. Jackson took those honors five times during the 2019 season, including his Week One outing against the Dolphins, so his year is off to a familiar start.

Jackson will be in Houston this weekend in an attempt to get the Ravens another win while continuing to build his award resume.

NBC

 

The 49ers are going to be without cornerback Richard Sherman for a spell.

Mike Garafolo of NFL Media reports that Sherman is going to be placed on injured reserve on Wednesday.

Sherman played 78-of-82 snaps in last Sunday’s loss to the Cardinals and there was no sign of a medical problem during the game. Garafolo reports that it is a leg injury, but does not elaborate on the exact nature of the issue.

Sherman did give the 49ers a scare during a training camp practice when he appeared to hurt his lower leg during a drill. He stepped off the field for a brief examination before returning to the field.

Once on the list, Sherman will be sidelined for at least three weeks. That span covers road games against the Jets and Giants as well as a Week Four home game against the Eagles.

UPDATE 12:10 p.m. ET: Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that it is a calf strain and that Sherman is expected back in a few weeks.

NBC

 

Bears wide receiver Allen Robinson spoke to reporters Wednesday and the lead topic was Robinson’s feelings about the team.

Tuesday brought a report that Robinson wants a trade to another team, although his agent Brandon Parker said later in the day that request had not happened. Parker did acknowledge that his client is “unhappy that Chicago has been unwilling to pay him market value for wide receivers.”

On Wednesday, Robinson said, via Mark Potash of the Chicago Sun-Times, that he’d met with head coach Matt Nagy and General Manager Ryan Pace and that they are “in the clear” in terms of Robinson finishing the season in Chicago. He added that “my heart and spirit has never wavered” about wanting to be in Chicago for the long haul.

During his own press conference, Nagy said, via Jason Lieser of the Chicago Sun-Times, that he still thinks that the two sides can work out a new deal and that “our players all realize the history we have here in regards to taking care of guys.”

Robinson might dispute that point, but it appears the Bears will have some time to put some action behind Nagy’s words.

NBC

 

Sean Lee will not be playing for a while.

NFL Network's Jane Slater reported Wednesday that the Dallas Cowboys linebacker is expected to be out six weeks after undergoing hernia surgery last week in Philadelphia with noted specialist Dr. William Meyers, per sources informed of the situation.

Lee started the season on IR, and undergoing surgery confirms he'll be out longer than the minimum three weeks.

Slater noted that Lee is looking at a mid-October return.

The news is another blow to the Cowboys linebacker corps who saw Leighton Vander Esch suffer a broken collarbone in the season opener. LVE is expected to miss 6-8 weeks.

Dallas (0-1) will now be looking at Joe Thomas likely starting and playing heavy minutes while the Cowboys wait for the return of Lee and LVE.

 

To be considered for election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, a nominated individual must not have participated as an active player for five consecutive seasons.

A full list of the nominees is below:


First-Year Eligibles
Quarterback – Peyton Manning

Wide Receivers – Calvin Johnson, Wes Welker, Roddy White

Tight End –Heath Miller

Running Back – Steven Jackson

Offensive Linemen – D'Brickashaw Ferguson (T), Logan Mankins (G)

Defensive Backs – Charles Tillman (CB), Charles Woodson (CB/S)

Defensive Linemen – Jared Allen (DE), Justin Tuck (DE), Kevin Williams (DT)


Linebacker – Jerod Mayo

Additional Nominees
Quarterback – Drew Bledsoe, Randall Cunningham, Jake Delhomme, Jeff Garcia, Dave Krieg, Donovan McNabb, Steve McNair

Running Backs – Shaun Alexander, Mike Alstott (FB), Tiki Barber, Earnest Byner, Larry Centers, Corey Dillon, Warrick Dunn, Eddie George, Priest Holmes, Jamal Lewis, Eric Metcalf (also WR/KR/PR), Glyn Milburn (also WR/KR/PR), Lorenzo Neal (FB), Fred Taylor, Herschel Walker (also KR), Ricky Watters

Wide Receivers – Donald Driver, Henry Ellard (also PR), Torry Holt, Chad Johnson, Derrick Mason, Muhsin Muhammad, Jimmy Smith, Rod Smith, Hines Ward, Reggie Wayne

Tight Ends – Dallas Clark, Ben Coates, Keith Jackson, Brent Jones, Jeremy Shockey, Wesley Walls

Offensive Linemen – Willie Anderson (T), Matt Birk (C), Tony Boselli (T), Lomas Brown (T), Ruben Brown (G), Alan Faneca (G), Kevin Glover (C/G), Jordan Gross (T), Kent Hull (C), Olin Kreutz (C), Tom Nalen (C), Chris Samuels (T), Jeff Saturday (C), Chris Snee (G), Brian Waters (G), Richmond Webb (T), Erik Williams (T), Steve Wisniewski (G)


Defensive Linemen – John Abraham (DE also LB), Ray Childress (DT/DE), Casey Hampton (DT/NT), La'Roi Glover (DT/NT), Leslie O'Neal (DE), Michael Dean Perry (DT/DE), Simeon Rice (DE), *Richard Seymour (DT), Justin Smith (DE), Neil Smith (DE), Greg Townsend (DE/LB/DT/NT), Adrian Wilson (DE), Bryant Young (DT)

Linebackers – Cornelius Bennett, Lance Briggs, Tedy Bruschi, London Fletcher, Seth Joyner, Clay Matthews, Willie McGinest (also DE), Joey Porter, Sam Mills, Chris Spielman, Takeo Spikes, Pat Swilling (also DE), Darryl Talley, Zach Thomas, Patrick Willis

Defensive Backs – Eric Allen (CB), Ronde Barber (CB/S), LeRoy Butler (S), Nick Collins (S), Rodney Harrison (S), Merton Hanks (S), James Hasty (DB), Albert Lewis (CB), John Lynch (S), Tim McDonald (S), Allen Rossum (DB), Asante Samuel (DB), Bob Sanders (S), Troy Vincent (CB), Darren Woodson (S)

Punters/Kickers - David Akers (K), Gary Anderson (K), Jason Elam (K), Jeff Feagles (P), Jason Hanson (K), John Kasay (K), Sean Landeta (P), Ryan Longwell (K), Nick Lowery (K), Reggie Roby (P), Rohn Stark (P), Matt Turk (P)

Special Teams –Josh Cribbs (KR/PR also WR), Mel Gray (PR/KR also WR), Brian Mitchell (KR/PR also RB), Steve Tasker (ST also WR)

The 130 modern-era nominees include: 65 offensive players, 49 defensive players and 16 special teamers. The list of will be reduced to 25 semifinalists in November and 15 finalists in January. The Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2021 will be revealed during NFL Honors the night before Super Bowl LV.

NFL.com

 

Only one week into the 2020 season and already every so-called sports "journalist" with a Twitter handle is predicting where Odell Beckham, Jr is going to be traded.