Month: January 2015

Earl Thomas to ‘play fearless’ despite shoulder injury

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By Nick Shook | NFL.com
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Earl Thomas isn’t the same man as he was two weeks ago, and he isn’t afraid to acknowledge it.

The safety suffered a dislocated shoulder in the second quarter of Seattle’s NFC Championship victory over the Green Bay Packers on Jan. 18, forcing him into the locker room before coming back to play the rest of the game. Almost immediately upon returning, Thomas made a tackle on bruising running back Eddie Lacy, proving a dislocation wouldn’t keep him from still using his physical capabilities.

One would be hard-pressed to find a player who isn’t willing to sacrifice much in order to play in the biggest game of his career. Thomas is no different, even if he’s admittedly not at 100 percent. Continue reading →

Jets’ Richardson on Rex Ryan hiring: ‘That’s hilarious’

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By Nick Shook | NFL.com
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Rex Ryan‘s final run in New York wasn’t one to write home about.

The Jets were among the worst in the league, finishing 4-12 as inconsistency at the quarterback position handcuffed a unit that ranked 22nd in total offense.

Despite the ugly finish, many players voiced their support for Ryan, a defensive coach who was undeniably loved by his players. Jets defensive end Sheldon Richardson was among the most emotional, nearly coming to tears while defending the coach following a 38-3 loss to Buffalo in Week 12.

His tone was a bit different on Sunday. Continue reading →

Cardinals’ Patrick Peterson relishes nature of Pro Bowl

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By Nick Shook | NFL.com
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The Pro Bowl offers plenty of unique sights, including neon-accented uniforms, Hall of Fame players as head coaches and a new, re-energized sense of competition usually saved for the games that, you know, count.

With the advent of the Pro Bowl draft also comes the opportunity for usual teammates to line up against each other, sparking a little bit of a backyard rivalry in an otherwise frivolous contest. It’s a chance that Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson relishes. Continue reading →

Browns’ Josh Gordon faces one-year banishment

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By Nick Shook | NFL.com
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Josh Gordon‘s career could be in jeopardy.

The Cleveland Browns‘ often-troubled wide receiver has tested positive for alcohol and faces a one-year banishment, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport and NFL Media’s Albert Breer reported.

Due to Gordon’s past DUI, alcohol is one of the substances for which he is tested. Gordon is in Stage Three of the program, and under Stage Three he is tested for alcohol for a minimum of two years. The failed test came after the conclusion of the 2014 regular season, Breer reported.

The receiver may appeal, but it’s unlikely to work, Rapoport added. Continue reading →

Doug Baldwin: Seahawks’ defense going to make plays

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By Nick Shook | NFL.com
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Since he cemented his place in Seahawks‘ lore with an iconic, acrobatic tipped pass for an interception, Richard Sherman has been the talk of Seattle — and the NFL as a whole.

But even after watching his teammate turn in another All-Pro season, Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin told NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport that while it would be wise for Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers to avoid Sherman on Sunday, he isn’t the only defender the Packers should fear. Continue reading →

Doug Marrone interviews for Bears’ head coaching job

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By Nick Shook | NFL.com
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Doug Marrone took a gamble leaving his job as head coach of the Buffalo Bills a few weeks ago. On Tuesday, he continued along the path of determining his next destination.

The former head coach of the Buffalo Bills interviewed with the Chicago Bears for their vacant head coaching position on Tuesday, the team announced. Marrone was one of two interviews for the job on the day, with the other going to Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin. Continue reading →

Tom Brady on Ravens’ complaints: Study the rules

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By Nick Shook | NFL.com
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New England completed the greatest playoff comeback in franchise history on Saturday, so it comes as no surprise that there were more than a few smiling faces around Gillette Stadium.

But one figure might need some help turning his frown upside down.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh was a bit peeved by the Patriots‘ unorthodox, if not questionable substitution tactics. Baltimore found success getting to New England quarterback Tom Brady, and Patriots coach Bill Belichick needed a stop-gap. Continue reading →

Fan vote favors semifinalist Isaac Bruce for HOF class

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By Nick Shook | NFL.com
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The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced the 2015 finalists live Thursday on Gold Jacket Finalists on NFL Network. But as with any round of cuts, objections follow.

Fans took to NFL.com’s Pro Football Hall of Fame Fan Vote to provide their input on who they think should be in the 2015 group, and the results essentially mirrored the actual finalists — save for one exception. Continue reading →