LordJeffBuck said:

2. Minnesota 31, Maryland 10: ... One of those interceptions was returned 82 yards for a touchdown by Minnesota DB Antoine Winfield, Jr.

Click to expand...

w00t!!

Trevor Bauer leaves game with bloody finger
Matt Birch via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

Cleveland Indians pitcher Trevor Bauer missed his Game 2 start after cutting his finger while repairing his drone, but the injury has still not healed, it seems.

The extra two days clearly didn’t do the job as MLB fans saw blood dripping from his finger in the first inning of Game 3, which caused him to leave the game.


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And here’s his finger dripping blood.


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The injury couldn’t come at a less opportune time for the Indians, either.


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Bauer probably shouldn’t have tinkered with his drone until after the playoffs. The Indians had all the momentum in this series, and him leaving the game puts a serious strain on their bullpen.



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Video: Coach Jon Cooper Interview 10/17
wbphilp via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

(Feature Photo/Christine Gunn)

Follow me on Twitter @LightningShout and please “like” LightningShout on Facebook. You can email us at [email protected].



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Nittany Lions Den and The Sports Daily join NESN
Kevin McGuire via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

It is my pleasure to announce to you that Nittany Lions Den, as well as the entire The Sports Daily network, is now officially a part of the New England Sports Network (NESN). This process has been going on for a number of months now, and the time has finally arrived to show off the new look of the site.

NESN has primarily been focused on the sports scene in New England but is taking on an interest in branching out. The Sports Daily was eager to be a part of this new direction for NESN and after some hard work behind the scenes, it looks as though we are ready to build something unique and engaging. Being a part of an established sports network like NESN should provide new opportunities for the site and network to grow, and I am very happy be a part of it all here at Nittany Lions Den.

So does that mean you’re finally going to blog more about Penn State?


Absolutely. For much of this season, I have found myself reluctant to do much with the site because I admit there was some uncertainty floating in the air and some changes led to delays in rolling out our new format. But we’re here now and it could not have come at a better time for me with Penn State hosting Ohio State this week. We should be good for the remainder of the season now.

I will say there are some things I had planned for this season that have been scrapped due to this process, but as we get everything in order with the new site and network I will slowly get some of those things back in the rotation (podcast, video and more).

What does this mean for you, the reader?


While many of the changes going on with the site are taking place behind the scenes, I can tell you the goal is to make sure you have the best user experience possible. We have a brand new hosting structure as well as a new and improved blogging interface to work with, but you should see minimal changes other than our new network-wide style design. Some things will be different here, and we are still working through a couple of things as we move on as a network. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any bugs or glitches you may come across. It is not uncommon when changes like these are made.

Previous visitors of Nittany Lions Den will notice some drastic changes. For starters, this is no longer a self-contained website with our own content to use for archival purposes. Instead, we are more of a hub for Penn State content across the network. You can also access content from other sites on the network, regardless of sport. For example, clicking on “MLB” on the front page tab will show you the latest baseball content from across our network. Click on “NCAA” for college sports stories from our collection of sites. To see just Penn State content, click on “Home.”

Get Connected!


Now that we have a new system up and running, now is as good a time as any to remind you how to connect with Nittany Lions Den in other ways. You can follow Nittany Lions Den on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. More will come soon as well as we work to get everything up to speed.

You can also be sure to follow The Sports Daily on Twitter, and give a follow to our new friends at NESN while you are at it.

You can also follow me on Twitter, @KevinOnCFB.

In closing, a lot has happened here at Nittany Lions Den. Thank you to those of you who have stuck by the site during many down times, and welcome to any newcomers to the fun. Your support is why this site exists today, and I hope to make it worth coming back time and time again.

Managing Editor,

Kevin McGuire



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Video: Victor Hedman Interview 10/17
wbphilp via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

(Feature Photo/Christine Gunn)

Follow me on Twitter @LightningShout and please “like” LightningShout on Facebook. You can email us at [email protected].



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Video: Ben Bishop Interview 10/17
wbphilp via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

(Feature Photo/Christine Gunn)

Follow me on Twitter @LightningShout and please “like” LightningShout on Facebook. You can email us at [email protected].



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Patrick Peterson loses QB bet, rocks out in dinosaur costume (VIDEO)
Matt Birch via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

The Cardinals have one of the coolest pregame rituals in the NFL, with their friendly accuracy competition.

We’ve seen players dressed as clowns, monsters and all sorts of things, but Patrick Peterson probably had the best costume so far, which he donned before Monday night’s game against the Jets.

Here’s Peterson in a t-rex costume, for your viewing pleasure.

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The Cardinals sure like to have their fun.



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Can the Coyotes be successful?
rhinocompass via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

Thus far, the Coyotes have played the fewest games of any team in the NHL, but they have the distinction of extracting the maximum number of points from their one game. While looking at their place in the standings might give the impression that they are slow out of the gate, but Coyotes GM John Chayka recently spoke with Fox Sports Arizona with a bold proclamation: “We expect to be successful.”

Who knows what Chayka means by successful. If it is in the short term, then one has to be skeptical. There isn’t really an outlet that has the Coyotes even finishing higher than about 6th in their division. Maybe Chayda was referring to the prospects? That was almost certainly it. The Coyotes have done fairly well in order to stock their franchise with youthful potential. How about as a franchise? Yes, the Coyotes look like they might be in a better spot than they’ve been in decades. The NHL seems committed to keeping the Coyotes in Arizona, and has even doubled down on their investment in the desert, adding Las Vegas to the league. Chayka is right, just so long as you look far enough in the future.



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The Legend Of The “Bloody Pinkie” Begins
Mike Melaragno via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

After just 21 pitches, Cleveland Indians starter Trevor Bauer was removed from the game at the request of Toronto Blue Jays manager John Gibbins after the wound on his pitching hand opened and blood started to scuff up the baseball.



Obviously, the picture above shows abnormal bleeding from the pinkie finger that had received ten stitches after an accident involving his drone.

Terry Francona was forced to hand the reigns over to Dan Otero. This will have an impact not only how Tito uses the bullpen the rest of the game but also who starts game 4: Ryan Merritt or Corey Kluber.



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Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Penn State Nittany Lions Betting Odds, Football Pick - Bleacher Report
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Penn State Nittany Lions Betting Odds, Football Pick
Bleacher Report
Ohio State ran its road winning streak to 20 games, going 13-7 against the spread in the process, with last week's overtime victory at Wisconsin. The Buckeyes will shoot for No. 21 in a row on the road when they hit Happy Valley to take on the Penn ...
Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Ohio State Buckeyes PreviewVictory Bell Rings
Ohio State a 20.5-point favorite for Saturday's road game at Penn State: Buckeye Breakfastcleveland.com

all 44 news articles »

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See why Ohio State Buckeyes have complete package in 5-star DE ... - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


See why Ohio State Buckeyes have complete package in 5-star DE ...
247Sports
Urban Meyer and defensive line coach Larry Johnson got their man at Friday Night Lights when 5-star Hyattsville (Md.) DeMatha defensive end Chase Young ...

and more »

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GAMEDAY 3: Winter/snow pun
thepensblog via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

Game Notes:


Opponent: Colorado Avalanche (1-0)

Location: PPG Paints Arena

Time: 2:00 a.m. (We could really put any time we want to here.)

Broadcast: ROOT Sports

Battle of the Unbeatens


Both the Penguins and Avalanche are undefeated, and only one will remain so at the end of the night. We’re trying to hype this game as much as possible.

Avs Player To Watch


Joe Colborne


LAS VEGAS, NV – OCTOBER 08: Joe Colborne #8 of the Colorado Avalanche stands on the ice during a preseason game against the Los Angeles Kings at T-Mobile Arena on October 8, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Colorado won 2-1 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Apparently he played in Calgary for a few years. Never heard of the guy. He scored a hat trick in Colorado’s win over Dallas the other night, continuing the trend of millennials scoring a lot of goals.

Storylines To Watch


BUFFALO, NY – JUNE 24: during round one of the 2016 NHL Draft on June 24, 2016 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Patrick Roy is gone, and so is the fun of waiting for reaction shots of the Colorado bench. The new coach’s name is actually Jared Bednar, believe it or not.

The Pens may be playing with some line combinations. Let’s not freak out and overanalyze every shift in that regard. It’s the third game of the season. The team had 11 minutes to play together during training camp.

Ben Roethlisberger had surgery, so people will be holding vigil outside of UPMC Presby instead of watching this game.

Malkin always scores some unreal goal against the Avs in Pittsburgh, so keep an eye out for that.

Prediction


Penguins will win 4-2. Conor Sheary will score the game-winning goal on a shorthanded breakaway at 4:27 of the third period.



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Midseason superlatives for the Ohio State Buckeyes - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Midseason superlatives for the Ohio State Buckeyes
247Sports
Midseason superlatives for Ohio State in the first half of the 2016 season.

and more »

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TOP 25: No. 2 Buckeyes claw past No. 8 Wisconsin in OT thriller - Savannah Morning News
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


TOP 25: No. 2 Buckeyes claw past No. 8 Wisconsin in OT thriller
Savannah Morning News
Barrett also ran for two touchdowns for the Buckeyes (6-0, 3-0 Big Ten). The touchdown throw gave Barrett his 89th career touchdown passing or rushing, breaking the school record set by quarterback Braxton Miller. The Buckeyes rushed the field after ...
Second-Ranked Ohio State Survives an Overtime Scare at No. 8 WisconsinNew York Times

all 368 news articles »

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GSP Is A Free Agent!
Jeff Fox via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here




Hey – you in the market for a 170-pound MMA fighter? If you are, do I have a deal for you! How’d you like to get your hands on the greatest welterweight fighter of all-time, Georges St-Pierre?! Because for promoters outside the UFC, that is actually an option now.

In a bombshell announcement, GSP stated on The MMA Hour today that he is out of his UFC contract and is a free agent. As he explains it (and as it is detailed on The MMA Hour‘s home site, MMA Fighting), the ongoing negotiations for his return to the UFC’s octagon have fallen apart, and he is free and clear of his contractual commitment to the promotion.

“You heard it right,” GSP told host Ariel Helwani. “I’m a free agent.”

Apparently he had a deal offered to him by former UFC boss Lorenzo Fertitta that the new ownership failed to agree with. And after a proposed fight with Robbie Lawler was scrapped because Lawler wanted to take time off, GSP was clear of his UFC contract (according to his lawyer).

“At least I’m a free man,” St-Pierre went on to state. “Now, I know I’m free. I have other options. I’m not caught up legally with a contract. I’m a free man.”

UFC representatives have yet to make a statement on the accuracy of GSP’s beliefs, but it’s safe to say we haven’t heard the last of this.





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Ohio State football: Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue visits Buckeyes practice - NCAA.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State football: Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue visits Buckeyes practice
NCAA.com
Cavs coach Tyronn Lue and general manager David Griffin stopped by No. 2 Ohio State's practice on Monday, bringing along the coveted Larry O'Brien trophy for all the Buckeyes to see. Lue and Griffin talked with players and coach Urban Meyer and posed ...

and more »

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Wisconsin close call could bolster Buckeyes for future challenges - Dayton Daily News
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Wisconsin close call could bolster Buckeyes for future challenges
Dayton Daily News
Wisconsin coach Paul Chryst and his staff took advantage of their extra week to prepare and hit Ohio State's defense with multiple plays designed to attack the Buckeyes' weak points. “But not every fight's going to be tilted one way,” Meyer said. “Just ...
Urban Meyer frustrated with 15-yard penalty called against himESPN
Ohio State football | Sideline penalty a bad call, Urban Meyer saysColumbus Dispatch
Defense holds the line for Buckeyes in winToledo Blade
CBSSports.com -cleveland.com
all 1,128 news articles »

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Redskins Ricky Jean Francois Picks Up Critical Sack Late in Team’s Victory Sunday Afternoon Over Division Rival Eagles
Anthony Brown via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 17, 2016) – Washington Redskins defensive endRicky Jean Francois picked up a crucial sack in the fourth quarter yesterday as the Redskins won their fourth straight game and held on to beat the division rival Philadelphia Eagles 27-20 Sunday afternoon at FedEx Field.

Days after making a trip to his father’s native Haiti to provide medical supplies for those effected by Hurricane Matthew, Jean Francois was instrumental in holding the Eagles to just six offensive points as he earned three tackles and was a consistent disruptor in his best game of the season.

“This was a tremendous team effort from start to finish and I’m just glad I could make a difference out there,” said Jean Francois. “We’re getting better every week and this win just shows that our hard work is going to keep paying off.”


Jean Francois delivered a game-changing sack on the final play before the two-minute warning, putting quarterback Carson Wentz on his back to set up a third and very long that the Eagles would not convert. The Eagles punted the ball away and never got it back as the Redskins ran out the clock to clinch another hard fought victory.

Mission to Haiti

Along with teammate and Haitian-American Pierre Garcon, Jean Francois delivered medical supplies to Haiti on the Monday before the game in an effort to help the nearly 1.4 million people who are in need of emergency aid.

“I’m incredibly blessed to be in the position that I’m in and I believe it’s important to never hesitate to help those in need,” said Jean Francois. “My heart is very heavy for those that are struggling and to see it firsthand is something that will always stick with me. Everything I do on and off the field is in honor of everyone working to make life better in Haiti.”

Jean Francois is continuing to champion the cause down in Haiti as he went to New York Monday morning to make media rounds at Sports Illustrated, ESPN, USA Today, Sirius XM and CBS Sports Radio. He largely spoke about his relief-providing trip and continued to raise awareness that resources and supplies are still needed in the weeks after Matthew.

“It’s going to be a long process for the country but the Haitian people are all about survival and working hard,” said Jean Francois. “I’m going to do whatever I can to help the cause and I hope I can inspire others to join in.”

To contribute to the relief effort please visit www.projectmedishare.org and find out how you can assist.



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Steelers ‘confident’ Ben Roethlisberger won’t miss extended time
Mike Batista via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

Ben Roethlisberger had surgery Monday morning on the torn meniscus in his left knee, and there’s a good chance he’ll return sooner rather than later.

Pro Football Talk reported before the surgery that it would be a “cleanup” as opposed to a “repair,” which should shorten his recovery time.

“Though we do not know a specific timetable for when he will be able to return to the field, we are confident this injury is not long-term,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said in a statement via Mark Kaboly of DK on Pittsburgh Sports.

Roethlisberger’s knee was injured during Sunday’s 30-15 loss at Miami. He played through the injury in the second half.

Landry Jones is set to start in place of Roethlisberger Sunday against the Patriots at Heinz Field. The Steelers have a bye in Week 8 and go to Baltimore in Week 9. Roethlisberger, who leads the league with 16 touchdown passes, could be back for that game.

For now, the Steelers (4-2) lead the AFC North because the Ravens also lost Sunday.



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Bellator 162 Pick ‘Em Contest
Jeff Fox via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here





So you think you know your MMA? You think you can predict who is going to win a fight and how? Time to prove it. We present to you The MMA Manifesto Pick ‘Em contest. We are now sponsored by McBryde Mats!

We are McBryde Mats, a sports mat manufacturer that’s based out of Lubbock, Texas. Our CEO, Clayton McBryde, founded the company in 2014 after plenty of research and consideration into the mat market – Today we pride ourselves on making the best quality mats at affordable prices to keep athletes in all sports categories safe from accidents and injury.



Make sure to check them out at their website, Facebook, and Twitter.

This week’s winner wins a one month subscription to UFC Fight Pass!

We also have prizes for the top point earner each month. October’s winner gets a month of free betting tips from The Fight Predictor, or a copy of the great MMA book The Professor in the Cage.



Next up: Bellator 162. All picks need to be submitted by 9:00 PM Eastern Fri, Oct 21st. If you don’t predict the correct winner of a match you don’t qualify for the bonus point given for predicting how the match will be won. Only one entry per person. Ties will be broken by the following, in order: 1) Most questions correct, 2) Most points earned from main event match, 3) Whoever entered their picks the earliest.



Good luck!






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Redskins fans should pay attention to the Raiders Stadium deal
Anthony Brown via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

Heads up, Redskins fans. Your future could be playing out in the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders Stadium deal.

Two stories caught my eye.


And this one.


The first story flags the process of how stadium deals come together. Public, meaning “government,” support is the first tangible step. The cost to the public is approaching one billion dollars.

States don’t usually build or own commercial sports stadiums. The sheer scale of such projects demand government commitment to build the infrastructure to support it. The league and the union make larger commitments, but States speak up first.

The Redskins have already started conversations with DMV jurisdictions … with the “M” and the “V” part anyway.

The second story highlights two points.

Business relationships with casino owners give pro sports leagues the hives.

The Black Sox scandal may be ancient history to you, but close association to gamblers carries real risk the NFL prefers to avoid altogether. Hog Heaven thinks they will be no more successful stopping Mark Davis than they were stopping his father, Al Davis.

Or, maybe not.

We are trying to figure out why the Redskins emailed Hog Heaven last year to “Like” the billion dollar MGM National Harbor on Facebook.

How will Daniel Snyder vote on the Raiders to Las Vegas and what’s in it for him?

The National Harbor development sits right off the Capital Beltway on the Potomac River. It is geographically ideal for a new Redskins stadium if one is not build in the District of Columbia.

Why DC won’t get a stadium — too many hurdles


D.C. is the fan sentimental favorite for a new stadium. We believe business and politics flips the normal order of preference of “DMV” to Virginia having the best shot. I read that most Redskins season ticket holders today are Virginians.

Prince Georges County, Maryland, won’t sit idle and let another jurisdiction steal its most prominent source of fame. Their allies in Annapolis are willing partners.

And then there is the District. They owner does not return their calls after the DC Council condemned the team name as racist. They seem perplexed that Daniel Snyder takes their refusal to say “Redskins” to be akin to not saying his own name. Beyond the District is federal hostility.

Hillary Clinton is the likely winner of the November elections. Whomever she appoints as Interior Secretary will likewise continue the department’s disdain for “Redskins.” D.C. could lobby for a change of heart. Their own reluctance to use the name weakens their case.

If Trump wins, Congress will flip to Democratic control in 2018. That may be better for the party, but worse for a Redskins return to the District.

Principled stand by DC, or shot an arrow in their foot? You decide.

And then there are the hard dollar hurdles for the District. It is not a State (although its people should have voting representation in Congress). They have neither the population nor financial resources to absorb the hits as well as Maryland or Virginia can.

DC committed $660 million to support the Nationals baseball stadium. It was bitterly resisted at the time, only to have every city leader take credit for it once built. Perhaps the success of that deal will make the sell easier for a new DC Redskins stadium now than in the 1990s when it was lost. My gut feel says no to that.

“D” faces more hurdles to winning the deal than the “M” and the “V” is all we are saying.



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Texans players disappointed in fans who left early
Mike Batista via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

Vince Wilfork and the Texans looked like they were ready to have a fork stuck in them Sunday night, because they looked done.

The Texans trailed the Colts 23-9 with seven minutes left, and fans started leaving early.

But Brock Osweiler threw two touchdown passes in the final two and a half minutes, and the Texans won 26-23 on Nick Novak’s 33-yard field goal in overtime.

“I hope their brisket turned out OK,” Wilfork said of the fans who left early, according to NFL.com. “They had to go home and check it.”

The Texans (4-2) remained atop the AFC South with the win while the Colts (2-4) dropped to last place in the division.

“It kind of sucks to be one of those fans, because when we come back and we win the game it sucks on your part because it shows your true colors.” Texans defensive back Charles James said.

Considering this was an AFC South game, the most surprising thing about fans leaving early is that in order to get up and leave, you have to be awake.



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Redskins fans were kinda wrong about this issue
Scott Hirsch via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

As we’ve discussed before, Redskins fans have been pretty accurate in their criticisms against the coaching staff, such as not hiring Wade Phillips for Defensive Coordinator (HUGE mistake there by Gruden), running the ball more (finally listening), stop with the predictable play calling, draft a dominant defensive end. The list goes on.

Of course, the coaches still need to understand Kirk Cousins needs to be babied as he does not have the confidence to through the deep ball and will not until they slowly build his confidence through the season. He isn’t where he was at the end of the last season as we all painfully know now (we also know a LOT of success was really Jordan Reed who is probably the easiest target in the NFL). He’s where he was near the beginning of last season with some small improvements.

There is one issue where Redskins fans can admit a bit of a mistake. Where Redskins fans fail usually is in patience. In this case, many fans were asking to change Jamison Crowder as the punt returner. The fans love Crowder as a slot receiver and wonder why he isn’t called for even more plays. But as a returner, he was one of the worst in the league last year. But this year, wow, what a change. He stopped his stutter steps and now hits an extra gear he didn’t have last year and is still shifty as heck. Now he is currently the best in the NFL with a punt return average over 500% of last year’s. Not bad, and hats off to Special Teams Coach Kotwica on this one.



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Week 6 Report Card: F is for Fire Everybody
Ryan Kennedy via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

I’d like to welcome you all to Rock Bottom. I suggest making yourselves comfortable, we’re going to be here a while.

With last night’s embarrassing 26-23 loss to the Houston Texans, the Indianapolis Colts accomplished the impossible. I’m not talking about blowing a 23-9 lead in the final three minutes to a Brock Osweiler led team. No, it’s much bigger than that. Last night the Colts did something that hadn’t been done in the history of this franchise: they made me hate them. Allow me to clarify:

I hate this team with my whole heart and soul.

It’s no secret that I’m firmly entrenched on the pessimistic side of the Colts fan spectrum. The beauty of pessimism is that you’re either right or pleasantly surprised. The first 28 minutes of last night’s game were pleasantly surprising. Frank Gore was breaking off runs, Luck was near perfect, the defense was actually getting pressure on the quarterback, the Corpse of Robert Mathis even reanimated itself to get a strip-sack. In the final two minutes of the half, when the offense normally kicks into gear, Luck threw a bad interception depriving the Colts of a chance at points before the halftime break.

Then the wheels came off.

If you watched the game you already now how bad it was. If you didn’t watch you’re probably better off for it. I imagine Chuck Pagano’s halftime speech went something like this,

“Ok guys, great start out there, but we’ve still got 30 minutes of football to play. We’re going to take everything we did well in the first half and scrap it. Vontae, you’ve been doing a helluva a job shutting down Deandre Hopkins, but I want Mathis to cover him now. Houston won’t see it coming. It’s important to keep them off balance. Defense, I want you to ease up on the tackling. Not only are you all apparently made of glass, but I want them to run so much they get winded. That’s how we stop the run right there. Andy, under no circumstances should you throw the ball away. Never give up, never surrender! For God’s sake hold on to that ball. Finally, if we find ourselves in a fourth and inches situation be sure to line up in the shotgun. Sure, any schmuck can literally just lean forward for a first down, but it’s too simple. We gotta out think ’em. I know football can be confusing sometimes, so don’t worry, I’ll be there to blow a timeout so we can all get back on the same page. Now get out there and chop some wood!”

That’s not verbatim, but I’m sure it’s close.

In summary, the Colts failed to clear even the lowest bar set for them. They are a bad team lead by an egregiously inept coach. They are consistently unprepared to snap the ball, even immediately following a time out. It feels like every big play is called back because of a holding penalty. The defense’s base formation is “running around looking confused.”

The worst part of it all though is Pagano and Grigson’s refusal to own up to their mistakes. And I hate them for it.

Grigson tried to do it in an interview last week, but then immediately threw Andrew Luck under the bus by saying the quarterback’s contract is holding the team back. Pagano is the worst. He insists that the Colts have a “good” defense. I think he really believes that. Well let me tell you, Chuck, any defense that gives up 14 points in under three minutes to Brock Osweiler is without question the worst in the league.

Admittedly, there were some bright spots last night. Between Vinatieri and Mcafee the Colts have the best special teams unit in the league. T.Y. Hilton is a beast, and it appears that given time the offensive line could become a serviceable unit. None of this, however, is enough to clean up the ugly mess this franchise has become.

You might think I’m being dramatic, but ask yourself this: when was the last time you enjoyed watching a Colts game? When was the last time you walked out of the stadium or turned off the tv after a game and felt good? My guess is that it’s been a while. In their current state the Colts are borderline unwatchable. Lucas Oil Stadium has been full of visiting fans this year because people don’t want to pay to watch this disaster. I don’t blame them one bit.

I loathe this team not only because of what it has become, but because of what it could be with even remotely competent people at the helm. The Indianapolis Colts can be rebuilt, but Jim Irsay has to burn it all down first. He shouldn’t wait until the season is over. He should do it today.

All that being said, am I going to watch next weeks game? You bet. Do I want them to win even though it may be in their best interest to lose? I sure do.

At the end of the day I’m like a kid at recess. Yes, I’m throwing rocks at the Colts, but it’s only because deep down I actually love them.

Report Card

Adam Vinatieri and Pat McAfee: A

Everyone else: F



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The Rankings: The Lightweights: Oct 17, 2016
Jeff Fox via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)





The Rankings are just that – The MMA Manifesto’s rankings of the best fighters in mixed martial arts today. Check back every Monday and Friday for our rankings of a different weight class. Next up: The Lightweight Rankings.

Voting Panel: Jeff Fox, Daniel Vreeland, Ryan MacDonald, and Ricky Leone.



*stipulations: 1) any fighter currently suspended or 2) inactive for at least 12 months (without an upcoming fight scheduled) are excluded from the rankings



CLICK ON FIGHTER’S NAME FOR DETAILED SCOUTING REPORT



The Lightweight Rankings




1) (Last rankings: 1) Eddie Alvarez – UFC Lightweight Champion – 40 points (out of 40)


BOSTON, MA – JANUARY 17: Eddie Alvarez reacts after defeating Anthony Pettis (not pictured) in their lightweight bout during UFC Fight Night 81 at TD Banknorth Garden on January 17, 2016 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Record: 28-4
Last Five Fights: 4-1
Record vs Top 10: 2-1 (W-dos Anjos, W-Aoki, L-Alvarez)
Next Fight: vs #6 Conor McGregor – UFC 205 – Nov 12th

Eddie Alvarez now has UFC gold to add to his extensive championship collection.



2) (2) Rafael dos Anjos – UFC – 31 points
Record: 25-8
Last Five Fights: 4-1
Record vs Top 10: 2-2 (L-Alvarez, W-Henderson, W-Diaz, L-Nurmagomedov)
Next Fight: vs #4 Tony Ferguson – TUF: Latin America 3 Finale: dos Anjos vs Ferguson – Nov 5th

King no more.



3) (tied) (3) Khabib Nurmagomedov – UFC – 27 points
Record: 23-0
Last Five Fights: 5-0
Record vs Top 10: 1-0 (W-dos Anjos)
Next Fight: vs #9 Michael Johnson – UFC 205 – Nov 12th

The Eagle knocked off any ring rust he had and chalked up his 23rd straight win.



3) (tied) (4) Tony Ferguson – UFC – 27 points


Tony Ferguson Abel Trujillo in their fight during the UFC 181 event at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on December 6, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Record: 22-3
Last Five Fights: 5-0
Record vs Top 10: 1-1 (W-Barboza, L-Johnson)
Next Fight: vs #2 Rafael dos Anjos – TUF: Latin America 3 Finale: dos Anjos vs Ferguson – Nov 5th

Eight straight wins for El Cucuy.



5) (6) Edson Barboza – UFC – 22 points
Record: 18-4
Last Five Fights: 3-2
Record vs Top 10: 1-1 (L-Ferguson, W-Johnson)
Next Fight: TBA

Junior has notched up back-to-back big wins over top-ranked opponents.



6) (NR) Conor McGregor – UFC – 15 points
Record: 19-3
Last Five Fights: 4-1
Record vs Top 10: 0-1 (W-Diaz, L-Diaz)
Next Fight: vs #1 Eddie Alvarez – UFC 205 – Nov 12th

The featherweight king will try to snatch the crown from another weight class next.



7) (7) Michael Chiesa – UFC – 14 points
Record: 14-2
Last Five Fights: 4-1
Record vs Top 10: 0-0
Next Fight: TBA

The TUF winner is starting to come into his own and become a real player at lightweight.



8) (8) Nate Diaz – UFC – 8 points
Record: 19-11
Last Five Fights: 3-2
Record vs Top 10: 2-3 (L-McGregor, W-McGregor, W-Johnson, L-dos Anjos, L-Henderson)
Next Fight: TBA

Nate Diaz has become one of the biggest stars in the sport.



9) (tied) (9) Shinya Aoki – ONE Lightweight Champion – 7 points
Record: 39-6, 1 NC
Last Five Fights: 5-0
Record vs Top 10: 1-1 (L-Alvarez, W-Alvarez)
Next Fight: vs Eduard Folayang – ONE Championship: Defending Honor – Nov 11th

Aoki hasn’t lost in over four years.



9) (tied) (9) Benson Henderson – Bellator – 6 points
Record: 24-6
Last Five Fights: 3-2
Record vs Top 10: 1-1 (L-dos Anjos, W-Diaz)
Next Fight: vs Michael Chandler – Bellator 165 – Nov 19th

Smooth technically got a win over Pitbull, but it was only due to a lucky break (bad pun).



9) (tied) (NR) Michael Johnson – UFC – 9 points
Record: 18-10
Last Five Fights: 3-2
Record vs Top 10: 2-1 (L-Diaz, W-Barboza, W-Ferguson)
Next Fight: vs #3 Khabib Nurmagomedov – UFC 205 – Nov 12th

The Menace appears to have his career headed in the right direction again. But he’s got a real tough fight next on the docket.



Dropped off: (5) Will Brooks

Bubbling under: Gilbert Melendez, Will Brooks, Justin Gaethje, Michael Chandler, Alex Oliveira




Rankings:

Heavyweightshttp://mma-manifesto.com/2016-articles/the-rankings-the-womens-bantamweights-jan-1-2016.html
Light Heavyweightshttp://mma-manifesto.com/2016-articles/the-rankings-the-womens-bantamweights-feb-5-2016.html
Middleweightshttp://mma-manifesto.com/2016-articles/the-rankings-the-womens-bantamweights-mar-11-2016.html
Welterweightshttp://mma-manifesto.com/2016-articles/the-rankings-the-womens-bantamweights-apr-15-2016.html
Featherweightshttp://mma-manifesto.com/2015-articles/the-rankings-pound-for-pound-sept-28-2015.html
Bantamweightshttp://mma-manifesto.com/2016-articles/the-rankings-the-womens-strawweights-may-23-2016.html
Flyweights
Women’s Bantamweights
Women’s Strawweights
Pound for Pound
Non-UFC Fighters


Check back on Monday for our Featherweight rankings





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