The Bum's 2016 NFL Regular Season Best Bets, Opinions, Trends, News !

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Dolphins believe win over Steelers marks start of turnaround
October 17, 2016

DAVIE, Fla. (AP) For the first time all season, the Miami Dolphins' offensive line consistently put opposing players on their backsides, leaving the impression coach Adam Gase's team is finally headed in the right direction.

And it wasn't just better blocking. Ryan Tannehill was efficient, Jay Ajayi ran hard, the defense tackled well and the secondary smothered. Many of the problems that have plagued Miami under their first-year coach were eliminated - for one week, at least.

The Dolphins (2-4) regard their 30-15 victory over Pittsburgh as the start of a turnaround, rather than an aberration.

''A lot of guys will build off this,'' Gase said Monday.

Not all of them. Safety Reshad Jones made an interception but suffered a shoulder injury that could end his season, and he plans to seek a second opinion.

The Dolphins will be at home for the third week in a row Sunday against Buffalo (4-2), eager to sustain what they began against the favored Steelers.

''That's the plan,'' guard Jermon Bushrod said. ''We need to continue to have the mindset we had all last week. It's a new week, a new opponent, a new opportunity to go out and show what we can do.''

The foundation for success Sunday was the offensive line, where the Dolphins were finally healthy and able to start their five best players for the first time. From left to right that was Branden Albert, Laremy Tunsil, Mike Pouncey, Bushrod and Ja'Wuan James.

''It was the first time all five of us were on the field together at the same time this year, and it looked really good,'' Pouncey said. ''This offensive line has been taking a lot of heat the first five games of the season, and it feels good for all the hard work to pay off. This is something our team can build off.''

In the first five games, because of injuries up front, Miami started three different players at each of three positions - left tackle, left guard and center. The lineup against Pittsburgh featured four former first-round draft picks, and a group eager to show what it could do.

''We wanted to a statement,'' Albert said. ''We don't want to get overconfident, but we are healthy, all five of us. I wanted to see what we can do, and I think we did a good job. We can play ball. We can play physical.''

Tannehill, sacked 17 times in the first five games, wasn't sacked once or pressured much in 32 pass plays. He threw for 252 yards without a turnover.

''They kept me clean,'' Tannehill said. ''I was able to go one-two in my progressions, and when you're able to do that, you can actually throw the football and make a few plays.''

Ajayi benefited from huge holes, and when he reached the second level he ran over defenders. As a result, he nearly tripled his season rushing total.

That allowed Miami to enjoy a 13-minute advantage in time of possession, which benefited the defense. Looking fresher and more physical, the unit had few of the missed tackles which plagued the Dolphins in earlier games, and came up with two interceptions, the first since Week 1.

Ben Roethlisberger departed with a passer rating of 57.1, his lowest since 2011, and a knee injury that required surgery Monday.

''All year we've been looking for our offense to come out, play well and keep the defense off the field,'' Tannehill said. ''We've had our defense on the field way too much.''

The challenge now is sticking to the formula for success.

''It's just complementary football,'' defensive end Cameron Wake said. ''You've got to play together. For weeks we've been saying, `Hey listen, once we get this thing a full game, 60 minutes, front end, back end, offense, defense, playing together, playing complementary, I think everybody will be happy with the outcome.'''

In Ajayi's locker Monday, a teammate hung a gas can labeled, ''Can you fill up your gas tank every single week?'' That's now the question for all of the Dolphins.

NOTES: DE Dion Jordan (knee) is not ready to come off the reserve-non-football injury list, Gase said. CB Chris Culliver (knee) and LB Zach Vigil (back) are expected to practice on a limited basis this week and might be activated soon.

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Packers have injury concerns at cornerback
October 17, 2016

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) The Green Bay Packers didn't have much time to dwell on their lopsided loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.

The focus quickly shifted Monday from a brief review of the game film for the 30-16 defeat to getting ready to play the rival Chicago Bears on Thursday night.

''We can just flush this (loss) and move on,'' defensive back Micah Hyde said. ''So it is a blessing in disguise, for sure.''

But the quick turnaround doesn't give the Packers (3-2) much time to figure out how to patch up their leaky secondary.

The defense could be minus its top three cornerbacks Thursday because of injuries.

''We have two stress points - the running back group (and) the corner group,'' coach Mike McCarthy said. ''It's going to take a while to sort through that.''

The Packers went into Sunday's game with Eddie Lacy as their only running back after James Starks suffered a knee injury early last week.

McCarthy said Starks underwent surgery Sunday, and added that the team's medical staff feels the seventh-year pro will have a quick recovery.

Of greater uncertainty is what cornerbacks the Packers will have available to play against the Bears.

Veteran starter Sam Shields hasn't been on the field since suffering a concussion in the Sept. 11 season opener.

McCarthy said Quinten Rollins, who had a groin injury in practice Saturday, will miss his second straight game.

And Damarious Randall reinjured his groin in the first half Sunday after rejoining the starting lineup following a one-game absence.

The Cowboys exploited what was left of Green Bay's secondary, including young starting fill-in LaDarius Gunter, by racking up 424 yards.

''It's hard when you don't have guys like Sam Shields in the game,'' safety Morgan Burnett said.

The productive rookie duo of quarterback Dak Prescott and running back Ezekiel Elliott were too much for the depleted Green Bay defense to handle.

Prescott passed for 247 yards and three touchdowns as he overcame two turnovers, including his first interception in six starts as a pro.

Elliott added to his NFL-leading rushing total by running for 157 yards on 28 carries against a Green Bay run defense that had allowed a league-low average of 42.8 yards in the Packers' first four games.

''We can't make excuses,'' Hyde said. ''It's tough. It's the life of an NFL player, people get hurt, quick turnarounds, especially this Thursday night game that nobody likes to play in, but you've got to do it. So it is what it is.''

With only three days between games this week, linebacker Julius Peppers isn't counting on any help from the outside until the Packers get their injured cornerbacks back on the field.

''The guys that are in this locker room right now are the guys that we're going to have to count on,'' Peppers said. ''That's just what it is. Nobody is going to come save us. We've got to get the job done with who we have.''

NOTES: McCarthy is hopeful RT Bryan Bulaga can play Thursday. The longtime starter left the game late Sunday with a back injury. ''It's going to take a big, big injury to keep him out of a football game,'' McCarthy said. Rookie Jason Spriggs replaced Bulaga. ... McCarthy didn't have an update on WR Davante Adams, who left in the third quarter Sunday to be evaluated for a concussion. ''I was told he's feeling pretty good,'' McCarthy said.

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Cowboys' Bryant ready to return; as for Romo, don't ask
October 17, 2016

FRISCO, Texas (AP) Dez Bryant should be ready to return from a knee injury when Dallas comes back from the bye for a key game against Philadelphia in the suddenly difficult NFC East.

When the Eagles visit on Oct. 30, the Cowboys will be that much closer to having to decide whether Tony Romo gets his job back from Dak Prescott, the rookie quarterback with a five-game winning streak.

Of course, Dallas has this touchy subject because of a surge to the second-best record in the NFC entirely without Romo, sidelined by a preseason back injury, and minus 2014 All-Pro receiver Bryant for three games.

And, yes, coach Jason Garrett considers it a touchy subject.

''Does this microphone work?'' a somewhat exasperated Garrett asked Monday when he'd had enough of the questions about Romo, prompting laughter as reporters got the hint.

The Cowboys (5-1) are winning the same way they did in 2014, when they also dropped the season opener at home and won the next six on the way to the NFC East title at 12-4. Dallas is getting efficient play at quarterback and dominating the running game, which is helping an opportunistic defense.

But instead of Romo and 2014 NFL rushing champion DeMarco Murray, it's a pair of rookies in Prescott and league rushing leader Ezekiel Elliott. And a team with plenty of other young players has back-to-back wins over perennial playoff teams in Cincinnati and Green Bay.

''I'm surprised that we're playing as well as we've played,'' owner Jerry Jones said after a 30-16 win over the Packers , just the second ever for Dallas in Green Bay. ''We just want to keep this thing going forward, knowing in the NFL that the wheels could come off at any minute.''

If the wheels don't come off, Garrett will eventually have to answer questions about Romo vs. Prescott.

Garrett said he didn't anticipate the 36-year-old Romo for the only practice this week on Wednesday, which means the earliest Dallas' 10-year starter could practice would be four days before the Philadelphia game. In that case, the Nov. 6 visit to Cleveland is a more likely potential return date.

If the Cowboys beat the Eagles and another standout rookie quarterback, Carson Wentz, the pro-Prescott chorus will grow.

Since Friday, that chorus has grown to include four prominent names in Cowboys lore: Hall of Fame quarterbacks Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman, all-time NFL rushing leader Emmitt Smith and two-time Super Bowl-winning coach Jimmy Johnson.

The reasoning is mostly the same from each: In the NFL, you don't mess with momentum.

''I'd hate to end up here with two winning quarterbacks and a tough decision as to who is going to win the game,'' Jones said with a wink. ''I think what we do is enjoy how we're seeing Dak progress. I have comfort in the fact that every time Romo throws a football it's got more velocity on it. That's a good spot to be in.''

Bryant returned to practice last week and wanted to play against the Packers, but doctors ruled otherwise.

Assuming he returns against the Eagles, it will be five weeks since he sustained a hairline fracture in a bone in his right knee against Chicago. Bryant returned to the game after getting hurt and had his only touchdown of the season.

Garrett happily addressed questions about Bryant. Romo, not so much.

''We don't deal a whole lot in hypotheticals,'' Garrett said. ''What we try to do is we try to focus on what's in front of us right now and do the best job we can as players and coaches. Tony has done a really good job with his rehab, and he's getting better and better every day.''

The question won't be hypothetical much longer.

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Rex Ryan OK with 'boring' during Bills 4-game winning streak
October 17, 2016

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) Despite Rex Ryan's propensity for brash and bold talk, the Buffalo Bills coach has no problem with boring.

''Boring is good,'' he said on Monday. ''Maybe that's the old-school in me.''

The usually colorful Ryan is referring to the relatively simple blueprint the Bills have used in overcoming an 0-2 start by reeling off the franchise's first four-game winning streak in eight years.

As the Bills once again proved in a 45-16 win over San Francisco on Sunday, their approach consists of handing the ball to LeSean McCoy and Ryan leaning on his opportunistic defense to stop the run, apply pressure and force turnovers.

McCoy scored three times and led a ground attack that totaled 312 yards rushing, fifth most in Bills history.

The eighth-year running back has been on a tear in combining for 470 yards and six touchdowns (including one receiving) over the past four games for a team that led the NFL in yards rushing last season. The surge coincides with Ryan firing offensive coordinator Greg Roman and replacing him with running backs coach Anthony Lynn.

The re-emphasis on running the ball has taken the burden off quarterback Tyrod Taylor having to force the passing game.

''We don't have to throw it 50 times a game,'' Ryan said. ''And quite honestly, if we throw it 50 times a game, we're getting beat and getting beaten badly.''

The numbers bear him out.

Since taking over the starting job to open last season, Taylor is 1-6 in games he attempts 30 or more passes, and 11-2 with 29 or fewer.

The quarterback has also been efficient with eight touchdowns passing versus just two interceptions and a lost fumble this season.

Ryan's prized defense has also played a key role in Buffalo's turnaround, which began after a 37-31 loss to the New York Jets on Sept. 15.

Since being burned for 493 yards and four touchdowns by New York, the Bills are allowing an average 317 yards and have given up just four touchdowns over the past four games.

Buffalo already has 20 sacks this season - one fewer than it totaled last year - and forced 12 takeaways (six fumbles, six interceptions), three of which have been returned for touchdowns.

The Bills held the 49ers in check by forcing a fumble on special teams, getting three sacks and stopping San Francisco twice on fourth down.

The turning point came with Buffalo leading 17-13 late in the third quarter, when linebackers Preston Brown and Lerentee McCray teamed to stop Mike Davis for no gain on fouth-and-1 at Buffalo's 40.

The Bills then broke the game open by scoring three touchdowns in a span of 7:02.

Next up for Buffalo is Sunday's game at AFC East rival Miami (2-4). The Bills haven't won five straight since a six-game streak in 2004.

They also have a winning record through six games for just the third time since 2000, when Buffalo began a 16-season playoff drought - the NFL's longest active streak. Buffalo was 4-2 in 2011 before finishing 6-10, and got off to a 5-1 start in 2008 before losing eight of its final 10 games.

Ryan is careful to note he's a long way off from mentioning playoffs.

''A long, long, way,'' he said. ''There's no sense even thinking about that. We're not even close to that.''

NOTES: Ryan confirmed the Bills intend to activate first-round draft pick LB Shaq Lawson off the physically unable to perform list. Lawson has been sidelined since May, when he had surgery to repair a shoulder injury that nagged him at Clemson. ... Players got the day off and don't return for practice until Wednesday. ... Buffalo's 16 first downs rushing against the 49ers were the most since the Bills had a team-record 21 in a 38-13 win against Washington on Nov. 3, 1996.

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Del Rio on latest Raiders loss: 'Had a bad day yesterday'
October 17, 2016

ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) A thorough beating by the Kansas City Chiefs did little to change coach Jack Del Rio's opinion of his Oakland Raiders team.

''We have a real good team,'' he said Monday. ''Had a bad day yesterday.''

Boy, did they ever.

For the first time since Del Rio's first game as coach, the Raiders (4-2) never really had a chance late as they played their first fourth quarter without being within one score at any point since a 33-13 loss to Cincinnati to open the 2015 season.

The defense got gashed by Spencer Ware and Alex Smith in the latest in a run of bad performances, Derek Carr and the offense managed just one field goal after scoring a touchdown on the opening drive, usually reliable kicker Sebastian Janikowski missed a 52-yard field goal and the punt coverage unit allowed Tyreek Hill to have a 50-yard return that set up a Kansas City score.

Add it all up and the Raiders fell 26-10 to the Chiefs and failed in their opportunity to take sole possession of first place in the AFC West.

''When things don't go the way you want, each man looks and sees what he can do better,'' Del Rio said. ''We're going to ask each guy, every play, every coach to do something, do one thing better this week than you did last week.''

Del Rio said he believes it is easier to make corrections following a loss instead of a win, when players might get complacent.

It all starts with a defense that is on pace to allow the most yards per play (6.9) in the NFL since the 1970 merger. It has been an equal opportunity defense that ranks 30th in yards per carry allowed (4.81) and 31st in yards per pass attempt (8.9).

Del Rio said the issues start with communication: getting the play from the sideline to the huddle quickly enough and then passing that information on to the 11 defenders on the field. The Raiders are using three rookie starters on defense - defensive lineman Jihad Ward, linebacker Cory James and safety Karl Joseph - and three other starters in their first year with the team, possibly adding to the issues.

''When that cleans up, it will alleviate a lot of the issues we're having,'' Del Rio said. ''That's why I remain very confident in this football team and our ability to grow as the year goes on. There are young players. That's not an alibi, that's just reality. I think as they gain confidence, they'll continue to grow and our communication will be better and better.''

Despite the myriad problems, the Raiders head into a two-week road trip to Florida tied for first with Denver, a half-game ahead of the Chiefs. The offense has frequently bailed out the struggling defense with Carr leading second-half comebacks to beat New Orleans, Baltimore and San Diego.

Carr just couldn't deliver on Sunday , committing two turnovers in the loss.

''We can't dismiss the fact that yesterday didn't go the way we wanted,'' Del Rio said. ''But we are after six games sitting here 4-2 tied atop our division.''

NOTES: DL Mario Edwards Jr. (hip) will start running on the side this week and will return to practice for the first time since training camp once he is cleared by doctors. ... Del Rio said RB Latavius Murray (toe) is getting healthier and is ''anxious to return.''

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Flags mar Ravens-Giants thriller; Sherman gets away with one
October 17, 2016

Unlike most of last season, officials hadn't been the focal point of NFL games until Sunday. Then, Jeff Triplette's crew got in the way of the Ravens-Giants thriller.

A few hours later, Richard Sherman got away with grabbing Julio Jones in the closing minutes of the showdown in Seattle where the non-call shifted the power in the NFC.

The Seahawks survived 26-24 when Sherman grabbed Jones' right arm on Matt Ryan's fourth-down heave to the Seattle 25-yard line with about 90 seconds remaining. Falcons coach Dan Quinn was hot on the sideline, but refused to criticize Tony Corrente's crew afterward.

''We certainly had other opportunities in the game to go capitalize and finish, so we won't let it come down to one time for us, or at least comment on that,'' Quinn said.

The Falcons (4-2) failed to follow up their signature win at Denver with another in Seattle that would have stamped them as an early Super Bowl favorite, along with the Seahawks and unbeaten Minnesota Vikings. But the Seahawks have to feel like they got away with one.

''No,'' Sherman said. ''I felt like we won the ballgame.''

The Giants beat the Ravens 27-23 , but were still furious that their victory was imperiled by Triplette and his crew twice in the final minutes.

The Giants lost the lead with 2:04 to play and regained it 40 seconds later on the 66-yard catch and run by Odell Beckham Jr. They then held off a last-ditch Ravens drive that reached the 24-yard line thanks, in part, to a debatable roughing- the-passer call on a fourth-down incompletion that should have sealed New York's win.

Baltimore took the lead after cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie was called for pass interference at the 8-yard line. On the play, both he and receiver Breshad Perriman were looking back for the ball. If anything, Perriman seemed to interfere with the defender .

The call went the other way, and Terrance West scored from 2 yards three plays later to give the Ravens a 23-20 lead. Beckham quickly restored New York's lead, but then he ripped off his helmet and was assessed a 15-yard penalty.

On fourth-and-5 from the New York 39, Joe Flacco threw an incompletion and drew a late-hit call on Owa Odighizuwa, giving Baltimore a first down at the Giants 24 with 15 seconds to play.

Unlike the Falcons, the Giants withstood the questionable calls to emerge with the win.

Brad Allen's crew lost track of Dallas' timeouts in Green Bay and that cost Aaron Rodgers a chance at a free play. Rodgers, the master at catching defenses subbing too slowly, caught the Cowboys with 12 men on the field, but the officials granted linebacker Justin Durant's timeout call and blew the play dead.

The Cowboys were out of timeouts, so the Packers got 5 yards instead of a free play downfield, much to Rodgers' chagrin.

As far as calls that worked out, Chiefs coach Andy Reid sent in 346-pound Dontari Poe as an eligible receiver on third-and-goal from the 1 at Oakland and Poe caught Alex Smith's touchdown pass.

That was, Reid said, was ''for all the chubby guys out there .''

Dolphins first-year coach Adam Gase tried to snatch running back C.J. Anderson from Denver in the offseason, signing him to a four-year, $18 million offer sheet that Broncos GM John Elway matched. Gase seems to have settled on Jay Ajayi , who rushed for 204 yards in Miami's 30-15 win over Pittsburgh.

Anderson, meanwhile, is averaging 55 yards a game and still hasn't had a 100-yard performance before Halloween in his career. Rookie Devontae Booker looks ready for a bigger role in Denver.

Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler probably made a good call when he heaped praise on his former team Sunday night.

He left Denver on bad terms after he skipped Peyton Manning's retirement news conference and spurned the team's invitation to attend the White House and ring ceremonies that other free agents returned for. He also took what many Broncos saw as a shot at his former teammates when he said at his introductory news conference that the Texans gave him the best shot at winning.

Osweiler leads the Texans into Denver next Monday night.

''I have nothing but love and respect for the entire city of Denver, the organization, all my old teammates,'' Osweiler said after leading Houston's comeback over the Colts. ''So, it's purely take the emotions out and have a normal work week and just prepare for a great team.''

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Saints defense hoping extra work extends winning streak
October 17, 2016

METAIRIE, La. (AP) New Orleans Saints safety Kenny Vaccaro witnessed something at team headquarters on Monday that he could not recall seeing before in his three-plus NFL seasons.

Every player on defense voluntarily showed up to review game video during what coaches had designated as a day off in the wake of New Orleans' victory over Carolina on Sunday.

''It was good for everybody to kind of see their mistakes,'' Vaccaro said. ''There were just a lot of plays that (Carolina) made that were directly related with us playing the wrong technique. It had nothing to do with talent.

''It's just not acceptable and if we keep seeing that in the future it's going to cost us some games,'' Vaccaro added. ''We have to get that fixed now.''

Vaccaro said he senses the Saints' overall psyche improving after two straight victories, even though both triumphs came by the narrowest of margins.

New Orleans needed a dramatic comeback to win by a point at San Diego on Oct. 2. The Saints then returned from a their bye to pull out a victory with a field goal in the final seconds over the Panthers, who were less rested coming off a loss the previous Monday night.

''Everybody's positive. Everybody understands how hard it is to win in this league,'' Vaccaro said.

''That was a good football team we played, regardless of what their record is,'' Vaccaro said the Panthers, who are the defending NFC champions and have dropped three of their five losses by a field goal or less.

Vaccaro then added, ''The San Diego Charges just went and beat the Denver Broncos, the Super Bowl winner. We beat (the Chargers), so, I mean, everybody feels good.''

Even when they were 0-3, the Saints were already pleased by the performance of their offense, which has ranked among the best in the league since Week 1. Against Carolina, Drew Brees passed for 465 yards and four touchdowns while completing 34 passes to 10 players. The Saints finished with 523 total yards of offense while scoring 41 points.

''For us to be able to do something like that, it's great for everyone because it opens up the offense so the defense can't key on one guy,'' said receiver Brandin Cooks, who had 173 yards receiving, including an 87-yard TD, against Carolina. ''When you have success like that with everyone on the field and not just a couple people, you definitely have to say the passing game is improving.''

While the Saints would like such production to result in more comfortable victory margins, Cooks said during a conference call Monday that any kind of win improves the Saints' confidence right now.

''It seems like we're turning things around,'' Cooks said. ''Now we just have to come together as one team with our offense putting up a lot of points and our defense holding opposing teams'' to fewer points.

But after the Panthers piled up 406 yards and 38 points, the Saints are now allowing 33.6 points per game, which ranks last in the NFL, and 419.4 yards per game, which ranks second-to-last.

Without improvement on that side of the ball, the Saints will be hard pressed to keep winning. Their next two games are at Kansas City (3-2) this Sunday and at home against Seattle (4-1) on Oct. 30.

When Cooks heard defensive players were gathering to review video on a day off, he sounded pleased by the unit's determination to improve, but didn't want to be too critical of the defense's play.

''We got each other's back because there will be games where it seems like offense can't put up the point we usually do,'' Cooks said. ''Obviously, we're all going to hold each other accountable to be able to work harder, to be able to fix things and figure out things. ... We can't be blind to the situation.''

Coach Sean Payton, meanwhile, wasn't ready to read too much into the direction of his team, which has seen four of its five games come down to the last possession.

''There are times in a season where you gain momentum and generally I think it's a little further out than where we're at right now,'' Payton said.

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Pagano tries to close debate over Colts' finishing touch
October 17, 2016

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) Indianapolis Colts coach Chuck Pagano took advantage of his second chance Monday.

Less than 24 hours after imploring his players to develop a knockout punch, Pagano walked back his postgame comments and tried to put a more positive spin on what happened Sunday night in Houston.

''If I could say it over again, I would probably word it differently because we've done it so many times before and they know how to get the job done,'' he said. ''Just because you get into a situation where you're up 14 or down 14, you don't change the way you play.''

There's no way to sugarcoat how the Colts (2-4) wound up in the AFC South basement after seemingly have sewn up a share of the division lead.

For 3+ quarters, the Colts played their most complete game of the season. The offensive line cleared running lanes and protected Andrew Luck relatively well, the defense held Houston in check and they extended the lead to 14 with 7:04 to go.

With Luck down to only two healthy receivers and two healthy tight ends and the Colts' injury-riddled secondary getting thinner as the game wore on, Houston rallied to tie the score in the final three minutes before winning in overtime.

Afterward, Pagano told reporters that the Colts must do a better job finishing. And when he was asked if the problem was a lack of mental toughness, Pagano responded: ''It's about having a killer instinct.''

With a little rest and some time to reflect on what went wrong, Pagano adjusted those comments.

''I think what we are right now is a three-quarter team and we've got to find a way to become a four-quarter team,'' Pagano said ''We start some games slow and finish strong. This one, we started fast and didn't finish well.''

Either way, the poor results keep coming.

After Luck drove the Colts to a go-ahead field goal with 37 seconds left in the season opener, Detroit responded by driving for a field goal and the win.

In Week 2, Luck had the ball back with 1:51 to play and needing a touchdown to win at Denver. This time, Von Miller sacked Luck, stripping the ball that Shane Ray scooped up and returned for the finishing score.

Sunday night's debacle made it a trilogy.

''If you have the opportunity in this league, you have to put people away,'' Luck said Sunday night. ''It's too hard to win games surviving mistakes.''

Clearly, this has been a recurring theme and the numbers prove it.

In almost 3+ seasons, Luck has 37 regular-season wins. Sixteen, or 43.2 percent, came courtesy of fourth-quarter or overtime comebacks.

This season's only two victories, over the two-win Chargers and one-win Bears, came as a result of long touchdown passes in the final four minutes.

The latest debacle has raised more questions outside the team complex about whether the Colts can close out games. Inside the locker room, it was tough to handle.

''Knowing if we won this, we'd be tied for first,'' running back Frank Gore said after ending the league's longest streak without a 100-yard rusher at 55 games. ''We were up, the way we were up, dominating the game, but we didn't get the job done. That's tough.''

So Pagano will spend the next few days trying to piece things back together before heading to Tennessee (3-3) this weekend.

''The expectations are the expectations, those never change. This is a winning, winning organization,'' Pagano said. ''They won a ton (of games) long before I got here. We've had good success since I've been here and the expectation is to win.''

NOTES: Pagano was still awaiting word on four players who did not finish the game. He said he expected to have updates on tight end Dwayne Allen (ankle), linebacker Curt Maggitt (ankle) and receivers Quan Bray (ankle) and Phillip Dorsett (hamstring) later this week. ... Pagano said receiver Donte Moncrief, who has missed four straight games with a fractured shoulder blade, is getting healthier but wasn't yet sure if he would return to practice this week. ... Indy waived rookie cornerback Frankie Williams on Monday. Williams was promoted from the practice squad for the game in Houston because of injuries in the secondary.

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Titans on rare winning streak, look to end skid vs. Colts
October 17, 2016

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Tennessee coach Mike Mularkey and his staff enjoyed a very rare start Monday to the work week with the Titans: The franchise's first winning streak in more than two seasons.

That made looking at mistakes from a 28-26 victory over winless Cleveland much easier coming off a second straight win, the Titans' first back-to-back victories since the end of the 2013 season.

Mularkey, however, made it clear the Titans (3-3) still have room to improve before earning a ''Victory Monday'' and a day off from meetings.

''The one thing you lose when you do that, you lose the ability to teach off that tape,'' Mularkey said. ''You don't have the time because you're already into the next opponent on Wednesday. It was important we came in here (Monday), and there's some things we definitely could have done better ... Again, we've got work to do.''

Still, the Titans took a moment to enjoy their first home win this season along with a winning streak after posting just three victories all of 2015.

''I feel great,'' defensive tackle Jurrell Casey said. ''Definitely could get used to this. Definitely everybody loves winning.''

With all that the Titans crossed off their to-do list beating the Browns, their next opponent offers the chance at ending another streak of futility and taking a step back to a winning record.

The Indianapolis Colts (2-4) may be struggling after a 26-23 overtime loss at Houston, but they have beaten the Titans nine straight games and 14 of the last 15 in a very lopsided AFC South rivalry. Casey's lone win against Indianapolis came during his rookie season, 27-10 in Nashville on Oct. 27, 2011.

He and the other Titans are definitely eager to try to end yet another skid.

''Moving forward to these next couple weeks, we've got two divisional opponents,'' Casey said. ''We're definitely looking to take this victory and run with it.''

Had the Colts held onto the lead, the Titans would've found themselves tied for first in the AFC South with Houston. Instead, the Titans must take care of their own divisional game with the Colts on Sunday and wait to see what Houston manages in Denver. The Titans wrap up their three-game home stand hosting Jacksonville (2-3) on Oct. 27 in a prime-time game.

''Really out of our control what else goes on around the league other than what we have to do on Sunday,'' Mularkey said.

The Titans are doing some things very well. DeMarco Murray, despite being the focus of the Cleveland defense, ranks third in the NFL with 526 yards rushing. That has Tennessee third in rushing as a team.

Brian Orakpo is third in the NFL with seven sacks, matching his total for all last season. The Titans have had six sacks in each of their past two games and now have 18 tied with Arizona for fourth in the NFL behind Denver (21), Buffalo (20) and Minnesota (19).

One immediate result of winning at home is the Titans gave their fans a reason to stick around until the game ended after hearing opposing fans cheering loudly for Minnesota and Oakland in September. Casey credited fans with forcing two penalties by the Browns, the kind of vocal support Tennessee has lacked after winning only five games combined the past two seasons.

''You get a crowd behind you it changes the outlook of a game,'' Casey said. ''It makes you feel like you're playing a straight professional football game and not just out there playing around.''

Notes: Mularkey said NT Al Woods (calf) and CB Cody Riggs (hamstring) should play against the Colts. Woods missed the last two games and Riggs the past three.

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Browns scrapping, still losing as injuries mount
October 17, 2016

BEREA, Ohio (AP) Tired of losing, and maybe just tired, Browns coach Hue Jackson spent much of Sunday night staring at the ceiling. Sleep eluded him.

His insomnia is understandable given his team is 0-6, riddled with injuries, starting a rookie quarterback, and has lost nine in a row and 16 of 17 overall since last season.

Those issues would keep the soundest sleeper awake.

Jackson, though, believes the Browns are on the cusp of victory.

''We know it is coming,'' he said.

A day after Cleveland's comeback in the fourth quarter fell short in a 28-26 loss at Tennessee , Jackson, whose decision to go for a 2-point conversion has divided pundits and Browns fans, remains confident his young team is improving despite the litany of losses.

''We continue to stub our toe a little bit in some areas,'' said Jackson. ''We just have to continue to fight to get over that hump. We are not going to stop doing what we do. I'm more determined - I say that every week - than ever before.''

Jackson's resolve is commendable, as is the fight in his players despite a rash of injuries that would affect any team - never mind one with 18 rookies.

But Jackson isn't using his team's youth or health as excuses. The baby Browns are taking baby steps. Jackson doesn't think it will be long before they're off and running.

''Our guys are scrapping and clawing and trying to get there,'' he said. ''We are going to continue to harp on the fundamentals to get there. I truly believe we will get these things done. We have 10 more opportunities to get this thing done right.''

As has been the case in most of their games this season, the Browns had their share of bright spots, none shinier on Sunday than rookie quarterback Cody Kessler, who completed 26 of 41 passes for 336 yards and two touchdowns. In his fourth start, Kessler didn't make any major mistakes, survived being sacked six times, and showed poise and playmaking ability outside the pocket.

Jackson feels Kessler, who had to be rushed into the lineup after injuries to Robert Griffin II and Josh McCown, is steadily improving.

''He continues to impress with his courage,'' Jackson said. ''He stands in there. He gets walloped a few times. He gets back up. He stands up and on he goes. That is pro football. Nobody likes their quarterback getting hit that much. I know I don't. There are some third down things we can do better and need to do better, but I think he's growing week by week, moment by moment, play by play.''

Kessler's progress could make the Browns rethink their future plans at quarterback, but that's a discussion for another day.

Still, Jackson was effusive in his praise of the 23-year-old, who became emotional following Sunday's loss when reflecting on his younger brother recently being hospitalized, as well as the death of his great-grandmother.

''This guy is playing as good as I have had in a long time,'' Jackson said.

While Jackson's choice of Kessler in the draft isn't being panned as it once was, he was still being second-guessed Monday for his decision on a 2-point try.

Down 15, the Browns scored with 2:10 left on a pass from Kessler to Terrelle Pryor. Rather than kick an extra point, which would have pulled them within eight of the Titans, Jackson decided to attempt a 2-point conversion, which failed, left Cleveland trailing 28-19 and essentially ended the game.

The Browns recovered an onside kick and scored again with 30 seconds left. They were within two after a PAT kick, but they couldn't recover a second onside kick and the Titans ran out the clock.

''I felt very comfortable, and still do, with the decision we made,'' he said. ''Trust me you guys (reporters) made me think of it all night. I turned, tossed, pillow over my head, cover over my head, said, `Hue, OK.' I have even called everybody that was involved with this with me, and I feel even better about what we decided to do today than even I did yesterday. I know there are two sides to every situation there. I respect how you all feel, but I feel very comfortable with the decision that we made for our team.''

NOTES: Starting S Jordan Poyer remains hospitalized with a lacerated kidney. ... Jackson said Pryor injured his hamstring and will be assessed later in the week. Pryor had nine catches for 75 yards and two TDs against the Titans. ... McCown practiced last week but did not play, and Jackson doesn't know if he'll be ready this week for the Bengals.

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Ramsey's competitiveness comes up big as Jaguars beat Bears
October 17, 2016

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) Watching cornerback Jalen Ramsey knock down a pass in the final minute against Chicago was nothing new for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

They see it nearly every Friday - in walkthrough.

Blake Bortles has even stopped throwing Ramsey's way during the slow-motion period, tired of Ramsey swatting away ever lob pass in a session designed for completions.

''I never want to get a ball caught on me wherever, whenever,'' Ramsey said Monday, a day after a 17-16 victory at the Bears. ''Like if someone threw a ball right now in the locker room, I'd probably try to bat it down. It's just a mindset.''

It proved to be a winning attitude Sunday.

Ramsey made a diving deflection on a fourth-and-10 pass to Alshon Jeffery, a game-sealing play that was the latest and greatest for Jacksonville's remarkable rookie. Jeffery caught six passes for 90 yards against Ramsey in the first half, but had just one reception for three yards after the break.

''This is what I asked for,'' Ramsey said. ''I wouldn't want it any other way. I want to go up against the best and not only make a name for myself, but I feel like when I go up against the best and I do well, that can help the whole defense.

''Shutting down a No. 1 threat or a No. 1 option helps other guys make plays.''

Ramsey, the fifth overall pick in the NFL draft, has quickly become Jacksonville's top cornerback and could be one of the best in the league by the end of the season. He kept Green Bay's Jordy Nelson in check in the season opener. He frustrated Baltimore's Steve Smith last month. He held Indianapolis' T.Y. Hilton to 42 yards receiving in London earlier this month.

And he was at his best in the second half against Jeffery, especially on Chicago's final play.

Ramsey remembered what he had heard all week: that the Bears failed to get Jeffery the ball on their final play against the Colts last week. So he figured quarterback Brian Hoyer would be looking for Jeffery this time around.

''I knew it was coming. I knew they were going to Alshon. Period. I knew it,'' Ramsey said.

They did, and Ramsey was ready. He undercut the dig route, batted the ball away and started Jacksonville's celebration. It was just the third time in franchise history the Jaguars (2-3) won a game in which they trailed by double digits in the fourth quarter.

As great as the final 15 minutes were for Jacksonville, the first three quarters showed the team still has plenty to work on before hosting the Oakland Raiders (4-2) on Sunday:

-Bortles, who threw his seventh interception of the season and also fumbled, has to limit turnovers . He also has to find a way to get receiver Allen Robinson and tight end Julius Thomas more involved.

-The Jaguars, last in the NFL in rushing, have to do something to improve their ground game .

''I can't argue with the run game,'' coach Gus Bradley said. ''It's not coming along. Some of the same things are popping up. It all comes back to why aren't we playing fast? It doesn't look to me that when we're out there the offensive line, tight ends and everybody, we're executing.

''It comes down to execution, technique, but there's just not a certain speed or urgency in our play. Whether it's too complicated, something is holding us back from playing as aggressively as we need to in the run game. That's where our attention is now. How do we get this fixed?''

The Jaguars have made a significant turnaround on the defensive side of the ball, moving from 24th in yards in 2015 to eighth this year.

Ramsey, who likely will shadow Amari Cooper this week, has been a big reason for the jump.

''He doesn't want to lose in checkers,'' defensive coordinator Todd Wash said. ''I think that's one of the things that is going to make him a special player throughout his career is how competitive he is.''

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WR Golden Tate stepping up for Lions
October 17, 2016

ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) Detroit receiver Golden Tate is back and the Lions are reaping the benefits.

Tate, who struggled during the Lions' 1-3 start, has played an important role in Detroit's two-game winning streak, finishing with a career-high 165 receiving yards Sunday in a 31-28 win over the Rams. His 23-yard touchdown tied the score at 28-28 in the fourth quarter.

''Obviously, it's great to see him have a big game,'' coach Jim Caldwell said Monday. ''He had a really fine game and you know he's capable of it. He's a talented, talented guy. I anticipate he's going to have more of those.''

Tate never got discouraged, despite a rough opening four games in which he had 14 receptions for 95 yards and no touchdowns. He finished with one catch for one yard in Detroit's 17-14 loss at Chicago in Week 4.

''I'm kind of a forget-the-past guy,'' Tate said. ''Just keep grinding, keep working. I can't control when the ball will be thrown to me or what side (Matthew) Stafford is looking at. When my number is called, I can control from then on.''

The Lions have been calling his number more often. In the victory over Philadelphia two weeks ago, Tate had three catches for 39 yards, including a third-down reception that helped set up the game-winning field goal. He was targeted 10 times against the Rams, finishing with a season-high eight receptions.

Tate, who averaged 20.6 yards per catch Sunday, also had a touchdown overturned in the third quarter when officials ruled he was down by contact near the end zone. The 61-yard reception set up Stafford's scoring pass to Anquan Boldin two plays later, giving Detroit a 21-14 lead.

With the Lions (3-3) potentially saving their season with two straight wins, things don't get easier. Detroit hosts Washington (4-2) on Sunday, and the Redskins enter on a four-game winning streak.

''The way we practiced the last two weeks, we're hard to beat,'' Tate said. ''Every position played good, solid football (against the Rams). When we didn't, it was because of mental mistakes. You've got to love that we kept our composure and kept fighting.''

Detroit's turnaround has also quieted the rumors surrounding Caldwell's job security, although the Lions' coach was not patting himself on the back.

''The season is not over. It's not even close to being over,'' Caldwell said Monday. ''We have to do better this coming week, better than we were last week. If we don't, we're going to have problems.''

All of Detroit's games have been decided by seven points or fewer, including one-point and three-point wins the past two weeks.

''When games are really tight at the end, it takes a certain mindset that you don't get nervous, don't get out of whack,'' Caldwell said. ''Our guys are developing in that area. It's not necessarily something we'd like to happen every single week, but we'll take it any way we can get it these days.''

Stafford has been pleased with the Lions' ability to handle adversity.

''Whether it's Week 1 in that situation that we had to come from behind and win (against Indianapolis), or these late fourth-quarter comebacks that we had these last couple weeks, we just seem to rise to the occasion,'' Stafford said. ''That's the NFL and it comes down to the fourth quarter more often than it doesn't. You've got to make the plays to win it.''

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Quinn tells Falcons to move on after loss
October 17, 2016

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) Coach Dan Quinn says there's no reason for the Atlanta Falcons to worry about a penalty that wasn't called late in Sunday's narrow loss at Seattle.

Cornerback Richard Sherman pulled down Julio Jones' right arm as the All-Pro receiver tried to catch a long pass over the middle and set up a potential game-winning field goal in the final 2 minutes.

But other than asking the NFL to look at the play and blame an official, there's nothing left for Quinn and the Falcons to do.

''I was certainly ticked off as a competitor, but I'll let them comment on the play,'' Quinn said Monday. ''The message I gave to the team, and I wholeheartedly believe, that it does not come down to one play. We had opportunities in that ballgame to make game-winning plays, game-statement plays earlier and we didn't do that. It just so happened on that one that it all got magnified.''

When Atlanta (4-2) returns Wednesday to prepare for this week's home game against San Diego (2-4), Quinn will focus instead on improving quarterback Matt Ryan's pass protection, creating more turnovers and sacks and helping cornerback Robert Alford avoid pass interference calls.

Ryan, the NFL's passing leader, was hit 13 times and sacked four times. He knew facing Seattle's tough eight-man front was a difficult assignment and the Seahawks, led by middle linebacker Bobby Wagner, didn't disappoint.

''For me, I don't worry about that,'' Ryan said. ''You just pop back up and go to the next play. That's kind of always the way I've approached it, and I don't think you really ever change that.''

Just to make sure his franchise star was OK, Quinn spoke with Ryan on the plane before the team's charter flight to Atlanta.

''I thought what a great mindset for a guy, knowing what was going to be expected, he stood in, took some shots and none bigger than some in that third quarter and he was ready to go again,'' Quinn said. ''He's a hell of a competitor. He was somebody from a toughness standpoint that totally embodied why you love this game and being a part of this team especially.''

Quinn is eager to see his defense recover more loose balls. After causing three fumbles Sunday, the Falcons have eight this season, but only one that's resulted in a takeaway.

Atlanta moved quarterback Russell Wilson off his spot just five times.

''We had one sack on the blitz, but still there was that conversion on a third down that Russ had'' on the winning field-goal drive, Quinn said. ''It's improving, I can tell you that.''

Alford has been penalized four times this year and was flagged for 17 yards on Seattle's touchdown drive in the fourth quarter, but Quinn said it's too soon to consider benching Alford.

''He's working hard at the technique, but at that moment of truth when the ball's in the air, let's go play the ball,'' Quinn said. ''Make your play that way instead of using your hand for a foul.''

Notes: Quinn said LT Jake Matthews wasn't attempting to injure Seahawks DE Michael Bennett with a cut block on a third-quarter touchdown. Bennett limped off the field, didn't return and criticized Matthews after the game. ''It was not a cheap shot in any way by Jake,'' said Quinn, who was Seattle's defensive coordinator and Bennett's position coach from 2013-14. ... Quinn had no injury updates on DT Derrick Shelby (calf), CB C.J. Goodwin (hamstring), or WR Taylor Gabriel (concussion symptoms). ... Quinn said Jalen Collins, who has practiced the last two weeks after serving a four-game suspension for violating league rules on performance-enhancing drugs, could make his season debut against the Chargers.

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Chiefs ship RB Davis to Packers for draft pick
October 18, 2016

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) The Kansas City Chiefs have traded backup running back Knile Davis to the Green Bay Packers, who desperately need to add depth to their injury-riddled backfield.

The Packers gave up a conditional draft pick Tuesday for Davis, who has already started practicing with his new team.

The Packers needed help at running back with Eddie Lacy nursing a bothersome ankle and James Starks undergoing knee surgery. Lacy was their only active running back against Dallas on Sunday, when he rushed for 65 yards on 17 carries in a 30-16 loss.

Starks will be out a couple of weeks. Lacy was being held out of practice Wednesday because the ankle was ''very sore,'' coach Mike McCarthy said.

That means the Packers will have to get Davis up to speed on the playbook quickly if he's going to be ready when the Chicago Bears visit Lambeau Field on Thursday night.

''It's obviously a big challenge when you're on a short week, but he's definitely a talented young player,'' McCarthy said. ''So just looking forward to getting him into the mix and get going.''

Top cornerback Sam Shields, who has been out since the season opener with a concussion, was placed on injured reserve to make room for Davis on the active roster.

The Packers have been struggling in the passing game, and the injuries to Lacy and Starks have added to their issues on offense. McCarty got a look at Davis in Green Bay's last preseason game, when he ran for 58 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries in the Chiefs' 17-7 win on Sept. 1.

Davis had been passed over by Spencer Ware and Charcandrick West on the Chiefs' depth chart, and the return of Jamaal Charles from his knee injury made him expendable.

The Kansas City Star first reported the trade.

Davis, the former Arkansas standout, was the Chiefs' third-round pick in 2013. He was expected to team with Charles in a power-and-lightning backfield. But issues with fumbles that plagued him in college continued in the NFL, and he gradually lost playing time to other running backs.

His best season was 2014, when he ran for 463 yards and six touchdowns. But he's only carried 29 times for 70 yards and a touchdown the past two seasons combined.

Davis was a longshot to make the Kansas City roster out of training camp, but his special teams ability may have made the difference. He's averaged 27.2 yards on kickoff returns during his four-year career, and returned three kicks for touchdowns.

The fact that the Chiefs and Packers were trade partners is hardly surprising. Chiefs general manager John Dorsey played for the Packers in the 1980s, spent most of his career in their front office and rose to director of football operations before joining the Chiefs prior to the 2013 season.

Davis was the third player he drafted in Kansas City.

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Roethlisberger officially out for Steelers vs. New England
October 18, 2016

PITTSBURGH (AP) As a general rule, Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin doesn't get too caught up in the emotional toll of a loss or the carnage it can leave behind.

Yes, going over Sunday's lifeless, sloppy showing in Miami wasn't pleasant. It's not supposed to be when you get whipped by a last-place team.

''We can't spend any time lamenting that performance and who is available or who is not available,'' Tomlin said Tuesday.

Going through the injury list would probably take too much time anyway, especially now that it includes quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

The tweaked left knee Roethlisberger suffered in the second quarter against Miami while trying to avoid a sack resulted in surgery on Monday. While Roethlisberger prides himself on his toughness, he won't be in the lineup when Tom Brady and the New England Patriots visit on Sunday. Tomlin officially ruled Roethlisberger out and Landry Jones the starter for a showdown with the AFC East leaders.

Tomlin declined to give a timeline for Roethlisberger's potential return. The Steelers (4-2) are off next week and travel to Baltimore on Nov. 6. It's possible Roethlisberger could be back by then, but Tomlin won't speculate on that now. Trying to figure out a way to slow down the Patriots (5-1) without his franchise quarterback takes precedence anyway.

Besides, Roethlisberger is just one of a number of bold-faced names that may be out of the lineup. Defensive end Cam Heyward will miss his second straight game with a balky left hamstring and linebacker Ryan Shazier (knee) and right tackle Marcus Gilbert (ankle) will likely need to make significant strides this week if they want to be in uniform. Shazier, Pittsburgh's most dynamic defender, hasn't played since Week 3, while Gilbert's left ankle is still aching from a Week 4 win over Kansas City.

Running back DeAngelo Williams (knee), safety Rob Golden (foot), safety Mike Mitchell (knee) and wide receiver Markus Wheaton (shoulder) are also hurting. If the mystifying 30-15 setback in Miami proved anything, it's that the Steelers hardly look like a legitimate threat in the AFC with so many contributors in sweatpants and sneakers instead of cleats.

Minus Heyward and Shazier, Pittsburgh allowed Miami's Jay Ajayi to become the first opposing back to go over 200 yards against the Steelers since Fred Taylor in 2000. The offensive line, which survived just fine without Gilbert in a victory over the Jets, struggled to protect Roethlisberger against the Dolphins.

A little bit of help, however, may be on the way. Tight end Ladarius Green will attempt to practice this week as he works his way back from offseason ankle surgery and other issues that have kept Pittsburgh's rare splurge in free agency on the physically unable to perform list. The team has 21 days once Green begins practicing to determine whether to put him on the 53-man roster.

While tight ends Jesse James, Xavier Grimble and David Johnson have been a pleasant surprise, Green's ability to make plays downfield would bring another dimension and take some of the pressure off All-Pro wide receiver Antonio Brown.

''It's been so long, I feel like I retired and came back,'' Green said Monday.

Tomlin will wait until later the week to gauge Green's progress. It's more likely Green will need some time to get acclimated before seeing actual playing time. He remains optimistic he will be back at some point and there's no reason to think Roethlisberger, Heyward and the rest of Pittsburgh's key contributors will be out an extended period.

Of course, that won't help on Sunday against Tom Brady. The Steelers proved last year they could survive without Roethlisberger, winning on the road at San Diego and at home against eventual NFC West champion Arizona with someone else under center. Jones did a pretty decent Roethlisberger impression against the Cardinals while throwing a pair of touchdowns in a 25-13 win .

The test will be even more daunting against the AFC's best team. Tomlin isn't worried about Jones getting ready for the challenge.

''He's a professional athlete,'' Tomlin said. ''I don't suspect he's going to be lacking of confidence. Landry's a confident guy by nature.''

NOTES: The Steelers signed offensive tackle Brian Mihalik and placed cornerback Al-Hajj Shabazz on the practice squad. To make room for Mihalik on the active roster, Pittsburgh released offensive lineman Matt Feiler, who was put on the 53-man for the first time in his career last Sunday.