Giants
Martin NYP: This is the Giants-Cowboys rematch no one expected
https://nypost.com/2017/12/09/this-is-the-giants-cowboys-rematch-no-one-expected/
Magliocchetti Inside Football: Preview: Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants
https://insidefootball.com/preview-dallas-cowboys-new-york-giants/
Duggan NJ.com: 7 reasons the Giants coach and GM jobs are highly desirable
http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2017/12/reasons_the_giants_coach_and_gm_jobs_are_desirable.html
Healy NYDN: Giants rookies taking disastrous season as learning experience
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/giants-rookies-disastrous-season-learning-experience-article-1.3686226
Coach
Kernan NYP: Steve Spagnuolo must make most of time in Giants spotlight
https://nypost.com/2017/12/09/steve-spagnuolo-must-make-most-of-time-in-giants-spotlight/
OC
Magliocchetti Inside Football: How Offensive Coordinator Mike Sullivan’s Role Will Change
https://insidefootball.com/offensive-coordinator-mike-sullivans-role-will-change/
Pflum BBV: Giants vs. Cowboys: What will the Giants’ offense look like?
https://www.bigblueview.com/2017/12/7/16742194/ny-giants-dallas-cowboys-offense-eli-manning-mike-sullivan-ben-mcadoo-evan-engram
QB
Maske Washington Post: Eli Manning is back under center for the Giants, and it could be a sight to behold Sunday
http://www.denverpost.com/2017/12/08/eli-manning-back-under-center-for-giants/
TE
Davison Fort Worth Star Telegram: Rookie tight end Evan Engram is the Giants’ biggest offensive threat
http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/article188947379.html
Defense
Traina Inside Football: Despite No Zeke, Giants Defense Still Wary of Cowboys’ Offense
https://insidefootball.com/despite-no-zeke-giants-defense-still-wary-cowboys-offense/
Pizzula BBV: Cowboys at Giants, Week 14: When the Cowboys have the ball
https://www.bigblueview.com/2017/12/8/16752238/cowboys-at-giants-week-14-when-the-cowboys-have-the-ball
Pflum BBV: Giants vs. Cowboys: Why doesn’t the Dallas offense look right?
https://www.bigblueview.com/2017/12/8/16737920/film-study-dallas-cowboys-offense-dak-prescott-tyron-smith-ezekiel-elliott-ny-giants
OLB
Traina Inside Football: Amid Upheaval of Team Leadership, Teammates Remember the ‘Forgotten’ Giant Leader
https://insidefootball.com/amid-upheaval-team-leadership-teammates-remember-forgotten-giant-leader/
NFL
Myers NYDN: Sunday Morning QB: Giants fans in love with Eli again
“Some more thoughts on the Giants:
- Jim Harbaugh is entrenched at his alma mater Michigan and there is no indication he has any intention to leave. But he’s worth a phone call from the Giants: He has NFL and Super Bowl head coaching experience and he’s great with QBs. But I can make a strong case that the Michigan job is superior to the Giants job: Power (he has his own kingdom in Ann Arbor, the best college town in America), money (he makes about $7 million per year in his seven-year deal that goes through 2021), his parents moved around the corner from him in Ann Arbor last year), his kids are attending the same elementary school he did when he was growing up with his father on Bo Schembechler’s staff. Besides, he is 0-3 against Ohio State and there is no way a Michigan man is going to allow that to be his legacy. If he leaves before the end of his fourth season, which is next year, he has to repay a portion of his $2 million signing bonus.
- Dave Gettleman has the perfect resume to take over for Reese as GM as long as John Mara and Steve Tisch are okay with him being 66 and don’t want someone younger. If Gettleman holds the job for four or five years and gets the Giants to the Super Bowl and develops his successor, then age is irrelevant. Gettleman worked for the Giants from 1998-2012 and then went out on his own and built an NFC championship team in Carolina in 2015. The Giants owners want a battle-tested GM to take over what is now an explosive situation.
- Gettleman is very close with former Giants GM Ernie Accorsi, who has been hired as a consultant by Mara to help pick a GM. You know what I would do? Try to convince Accorsi to take the job himself for a few years. He traded for Eli in a shrewd draft day deal in 2004 and he would find a way to get the Giants a franchise QB. No GM in this generation valued QBs more than Accorsi. He drafted John Elway in Baltimore (owner Robert Irsay traded him to Denver without telling Accorsi), manipulated to get Bernie Kosar in the supplemental draft when he was GM in Cleveland and made the greatest trade in Giants history when he acquired Manning. Accorsi is 76 years old. He retired after the 2006 season. He’s in good health but consulting is his limit.
- The Browns hired John Dorsey as GM less than 12 hours after firing Sashi Brown. I think Dorsey was second on the Giants’ list but he knew Gettleman was first. Two factors in play: He took the sure thing (if Cleveland can ever be a sure thing) and the Browns knew he was their guy and Browns owner Jimmy Haslam admitted they acted now to avoid competing with the Giants.
- There’s no buzz for the Giants-Cowboys game, resulting in it being flexed out of the more attractive 4:25 p.m. slot so the Eagles-Rams game can go to the national audience as the doubleheader game. The Giants are 2-10. The Cowboys are 6-6 and barely in wild-card contention. They met on the same weekend last year. The Cowboys were 11-1. The Giants were 8-4.
- In week 5, the Giants played the Chargers. They were both 0-4. The Giants lost their two previous games on field goals on the final play in Philly and Tampa. The Chargers lost their opener in Denver, 24-21, and had a 44-yard field goal blocked with one second left that would have sent the game into OT. The next week they missed a 44-yard field goal with one second left in a 19-17 loss to Miami. Devastating losses for both teams. But the Chargers beat the Giants and are now 6-6. The Giants have won two games.
- While the Giants jump started the Chargers’ season, they destroyed the Broncos season. Big Blue was 0-5 before they beat the Broncos. Denver was 3-1 and the loss to the Giants was the first in the Broncos’ current eight-game losing streak. Unless the Giants decide rookie Davis Webb is the future, they will be competing with the Broncos to get a quarterback at the top of the 2018 draft.
- Steve Spagnuolo is a good man and he was the logical choice as the interim coach. But let’s not forget Mara wants to get a good look at Webb and Spags is trying to win games to secure the full-time job. Are the agendas conflicting? Spagnuolo offered no plan last week to get Webb on the field in the last four games. The Giants drafted Webb in the third round but their grades on him were much higher. They have to determine whether he will be better than Sam Darnold or Josh Rosen. Letting him play is the only way to find out.”
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/sunday-morning-qb-article-1.3687603
Benoit MMQB: The Panthers D Is Better Than Ever, Why Rivers Is Playing His Best Football, Jameis Winston Is Still Frustrating
https://www.si.com/nfl/2017/12/08/week-14-panthers-defense-philip-rivers-gerald-everett-jameis-winston-cowboys-run-game-giants
Breer MMQB: Pete Carroll: It’s the People, Not the Program That Keeps Seattle Seahawks Thriving
“4. Is Eli on the way out? It’s impossible to prognosticate Eli Manning’s future without knowing who’ll be making the football decisions for the Giants in 2018. But I certainly wouldn’t rule out staying, and for a couple reasons.
First, it wouldn’t be hard at all, logistically, for the team to both keep Manning and draft a Sam Darnold or Josh Rosen inside the Top 3 picks. Manning is set to make $33 million over the next two years, and a $16.5 million average would be a bargain for a starter in 2018. So the Giants could easily carry his number, and that of a rookie going at the top of the draft, who’d like be making around $7.5 million per. Those two figures, by the way, add to $24 million per, which is less than what five quarterbacks are making on their own.
Second, there’s no guarantee the new Giants leadership will be smitten with Rosen or Darnold, or anyone else, and there’s the chance some of the top QBs stay in school. Keeping Manning would give you flexibility to protect against all that—the same way hanging on to Sam Bradford protected the Eagles before they drafted Carson Wentz.
The caveat is that you’d want Manning to agree to it, and maybe he wouldn’t. But I think based on the value he puts on being a career Giant, he’d likely at least think about it. And if you could get him to do it, he’d probably be great for the young guy to be around and allow the club to wait on playing him. And listen, I know that a lot of people took what happened last week as a eulogy for Manning’s run as a Giant. But he’s back in the lineup this week, and I wouldn’t be totally shocked if he stays a while later.”
“1. I would not overlook Bill Belichick’s potential influence on the Giants’ search for a GM. Belichick’s long had a close relationship with owner John Mara, who’d surely seek his advice. And ex-Giants GM Ernie Accorsi has been retained as a consultant for the search, and Accorsi’s searches have, in the past, turned up Belichick protégés Thomas Dimitroff (Atlanta) and Bob Quinn (Detroit) as hires.
2. Accordingly, keep an eye on Patriots VP of player personnel Nick Caserio. In the past, there’s been perception that he had little interest in leaving New England, but the sense I’ve gotten is that he’s willing to listen, especially to a place like the Giants. Last year, when the Niners set their sights on Patriots OC Josh McDaniels, there was a second effort, after Caserio initially declined to interview in San Francisco, to poach the exec as part of a package deal.
3. If Caserio were to leave, I’d be interested to see if Belichick were inclined to try and woo Falcons assistant GM Scott Pioli back home. Pioli’s done a fantastic job in helping to build an impressive Atlanta roster.”
https://www.si.com/nfl/2017/12/07/pete-carroll-seattle-seahawks-program-mmqb-nfl-notebook
Reid The Undefeated: Why the Browns’ firing of Sashi Brown is a problem
https://theundefeated.com/features/why-the-browns-firing-of-sashi-brown-is-a-problem/
Kilgore Washington Post: Alvin Kamara is helping lead a running back evolution in the NFL
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/sports/wp/2017/12/05/alvin-kamara-is-helping-lead-a-running-back-evolution-in-the-nfl/
Jeremiah NFL.com: Daniel Jeremiah's top 25 rookies: Saints' duo battle for No. 1 spot
15. Evan Engram Giants “The Giants' pass-catching corps is devastated by injuries, but Engram has been a steadying force as a rookie. He should quickly emerge as a top-five NFL tight end.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000888860/article/top-25-nfl-rookies-marshon-lattimore-alvin-kamara-top-list
Football Outsiders: 2017 SPECIAL TEAMS RATINGS
Bill Barnwell (@billbarnwell)
12/9/17, 2:41 AM
Football Outsiders “hidden” (luck-driven) special teams stats for 2017 are remarkable. Teams 2-32 range from +14.5 points to -12.5 points. First place: the Rams at +32.9 points
29 NYG
https://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/teamst
ARIZONA
Somers AZ Central: How have the Arizona Cardinals free-agency decisions worked out this season?
https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nfl/cardinals/2017/12/05/arizona-cardinals-roster-free-agency-decisions/924663001/
McManaman AZ Central: Arizona Cardinals found a 'hidden gem' in free-agent inside linebacker Josh Bynes
https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nfl/cardinals/2017/12/08/arizona-cardinals-josh-bynes-bruce-arians-ray-lewis-tennessee-titans/934969001/
BALTIMORE
Preston Baltimore Sun: Selfless, focused Ravens are handling their recent success well
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/ravens-insider/bs-sp-success-20171204-story.html
Lee Baltimore Sun: Ravens finally find their deep passing game
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/ravens-insider/bs-sp-ravens-offense-went-deep-against-detroit-20171203-story.html
Zrebiec Baltimore Sun: Loss of Jimmy Smith contributed to '16 demise, but Ravens think they're better equipped now
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/ravens-insider/bs-sp-ravens-moving-on-without-smith-20171204-story.html
Walker Baltimore Sun: Ravens at Work: Veteran punter Sam Koch remains fascinated with the 'fine details'
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-ravens-at-work-sam-koch-1206-story.html
BUFFALO
Rodak ESPN Buffalo: Season over for Jordan Matthews, Shaq Lawson of Bills
http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/21679858/jordan-matthews-shaq-lawson-buffalo-bills-placed-ir
CAROLINA
Person Charlotte Observer: Carolina Panthers made Devin Funchess their lead receiver. Now he’s showing why
http://www.newsobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article188178124.html
Person Charlotte Observer: Panthers’ Greg Olsen: ‘I’m not willing to throw in the towel’ on injury-laden season
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article188657934.html
Rodrigue Charlotte Observer: Analysis of Panthers OT Matt Kalil’s performance: Is he worth the money? Can he be?
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article188830389.html
CHICAGO
Chicago Tribune: Bears vs. Bengals: Can Bears take advantage of beat-up Bengals?
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-bears-bengals-prediction-time-tv-spt-20171208-story.html
Haugh Chicago Tribune: Pride all that's left for John Fox, but is this the end of his career?
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-bears-john-fox-haugh-20171209-story.html
Mulligan Chicago Tribune: Bears' coaching is bad, but team's talent level is worse
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-bears-sorry-state-mulligan-20171205-story.html
Rosenbloom Chicago Tribune: John Fox's latest dumb statement shows how he’s hurting Mitch Trubisky's progressb
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/rosenblog/ct-spt-bears-john-fox-hurting-mitch-trubisky-rosenbloom-20171205-story.html
Wiederer Chicago Tribune: Bears place Kyle Long on injured reserve for second straight season
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-bears-kyle-long-injured-reserve-20171205-story.html
CINCINNATI
Owaczarski Cin Enquirer: Struggling Chicago Bears present intriguing matchups for Cincinnati Bengals
https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/nfl/bengals/2017/12/05/struggling-chicago-bears-present-intriguing-matchups-cincinnati-bengals/924323001/
CLEVELAND
Cabot Cleveland Plain Dealer: Jimmy Haslam wants 'football-lifers' Hue Jackson and John Dorsey 'working together for a long time
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2017/12/jimmy_haslam_wants_football-li.html
Cabot Cleveland Plain Dealer: Browns' John Dorsey: 'Let's reawaken this sleeping giant'
“Haslam admitted that the Giants' coach and GM search affected the Browns' determination to land Dorsey.
"There will be a lot of changes made on [Jan. 1 and 2] in head coaches and GMs if this year follows the pattern," said Haslam. "We thought that it was important for us to get a jump on that to get the best person possible, which we think we did.”
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2017/12/browns_john_dorsey_lets_reawak.html
Cabot Cleveland Plain Dealer: New Browns GM John Dorsey: We have ample time to make a plan at quarterback
“He said this about the team's quarterback situation: "That's why I was excited to get here and be around the group. I liked the rookie quarterback (DeShone Kizer) who is here now (when he was) coming out in the draft. We brought him out as one of the quarterbacks to interview (in Kansas City).
"This is a quarterback-driven league. To go farther and farther and farther, you need one of those guys. ... The draft is 4 1/2 months away, we have ample time to make a plan here. ... It's not a bad class."
[url]http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2017/12/new_browns_gm_john_dorsey.html[/url[
Cabot Cleveland Plain Dealer: Why Sashi Brown's plan for the Browns was ill-fated from the start
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2017/12/why_sashi_browns_plan_for_the.html
Cabot Cleveland Plain Dealer: Free agent bust Kenny Britt waived by the Browns in John Dorsey's 1st move
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2017/12/kenny_britt_being_released_by.html
DALLAS
Davison Fort Worth Star Telegram: Jerry Jones feels good about future of NFL
http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/article188140839.html
Moore Dallas Morning News: Why Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett is still on the hot seat
https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-cowboys/cowboys/2017/12/05/deja-vu-coaching-change-heading-cowboys-giants-game-familiar-territory-jason-garrett
Davison Fort Worth Star Telegram: Wholesale changes might give Giants a spark against favored Cowboys
http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/article188112599.html
Hill Fort Worth Star Telegram: Cowboys using new uniform color combination for game against Giants
http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/article188224279.html
Hill Fort Worth Star Telegram: Stephen Jones: Tight end Rico Gathers will not play for Cowboys this season
http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/article188165324.html
Archer ESPN Dallas: Cowboys set to go with three rookies in secondary against Giants
http://www.espn.com/blog/nfceast/post/_/id/79445/cowboys-set-to-go-with-three-rookies-in-secondary-against-giants
DENVER
Kosmider Denver Post: “It’s just all about pride.” Broncos playing for their future in NFL during final month of bitter season
http://www.denverpost.com/2017/12/05/broncos-playing-for-pride/
Kosmider Denver Post: DeMarcus Walker has faced a challenging rookie season. But the Broncos’ second-round pick believes he can close it strong
http://www.denverpost.com/2017/12/07/demarcus-walker-challenging-rookie-season-broncos/
DETROIT
Birkett Detroit Free Press: Mailbag: Should Detroit Lions tank? Who was Golden Tate's verbal shot at?
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2017/12/08/detroit-lions-tank-rebuild-golden-tate/933976001/
Birkett Detroit Free Press: Inside the Lions: 2 questions should decide Jim Caldwell's future
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2017/12/05/jim-caldwell-detroit-lions-coach/923309001/
Meinke Michigan Live: There's one Lions player left who has not missed a snap this season
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2017/12/graham_glasgow_is_the_lions_la.html
Birkett Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions' Matthew Stafford (hand) officially questionable vs. Bucs
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2017/12/08/detroit-lions-matthew-stafford-injury/935648001/
Birkett Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions' Kenny Golladay wants to be reliable deep threat
https://amp.freep.com/amp/936428001#click=https://t.co/AzW8ltKcSJ
Hawkins Detroit News: Bucs’ Brate-Howard duo poses riddle for TE-leery Lions
http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2017/12/08/bucs-brate-howard-duo-pose-riddle-te-leery-lions/108447318/
Birkett Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions' Quandre Diggs cool with playing safety, but just wants to play
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2017/12/08/detroit-lions-quandre-diggs-cool-playing-safety-but-just-wants-play/936552001/
GREEN BAY
Dougherty Mil JS: No John Dorsey, few clues on next Packers GM
http://www.packersnews.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/dougherty/2017/12/09/dougherty-no-john-dorsey-few-clues-next-packers-gm/936001001/
Wood Mil JS: Packers' resurgent run game awaits Aaron Rodgers' return
http://www.packersnews.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2017/12/08/packers-resurgent-run-game-awaits-aaron-rodgers-return/935962001/
Wood Mil JS: Persistent shoulder injuries plague Packers rookie CB Kevin King
http://www.packersnews.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2017/12/08/persistent-shoulder-injuries-plague-packers-rookie-cb-kevin-king/936148001/
HOUSTON
Wilson Houston Chronicle: Texans' Lamar Miller prepping for increased workload
http://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Texans-Lamar-Miller-prepping-for-increased-12416656.php
Wilson Houston Chronicle: Texans' DeAndre Hopkins: 'I'm a perfectionist'
http://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Texans-DeAndre-Hopkins-I-m-a-perfectionist-12416756.php
Wilson Houston Chronicle: Texans WR Braxton Miller improving each week
http://chron.com/sports/texans/article/Texans-WR-Braxton-Miller-improving-each-week-12406917.php
Wilson Houston Chronicle: Texans' Stephen Anderson not your prototypical tight end
http://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/texans/article/Texans-Stephen-Anderson-not-your-prototypical-12417763.php
Wilson Houston Chronicle: Texans' J.J. Watt: 'I'll be back next season'
http://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Texans-J-J-Watt-I-ll-be-back-next-season-12416135.php
INDIANAPOLIS
Holder Indianapolis Star: Colts center Ryan Kelly ruled out with concussion symptoms
https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2017/12/08/colts-center-ryan-kelly-ruled-out-concussion-symptoms/936607001/
Keefer Indianapolis Star: John Simon becomes 11th Colts starter to go on injured reserve
https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2017/12/05/john-simon-becomes-11-th-colts-starter-go-injured-reserve/925096001/
JACKSONVILLE
Reid Florida Times Union: Jaguars have taken advantage of fast starts, but can they do it against Seahawks
http://jacksonville.com/jaguars/sports/2017-12-05/jaguars-have-taken-advantage-fast-starts-can-they-do-it-against-seahawks
Reid Florida Times Union: 5 hot topics for Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette
http://jacksonville.com/jaguars/sports/2017-12-08/5-hot-topics-jaguars-running-back-leonard-fournette
Kaye WTLV Jacksonville: FORMER ALL-AMERICAN DEFENSIVE END HUNTER DIMICK TRANSITIONING TO FULLBACK ON JAGUARS' PRACTICE SQUAD
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/mobile/article/amp/sports/nfl/jacksonville-jaguars/former-all-american-defensive-end-hunter-dimick-transitioning-to-fullback-on-jaguars-practice-squad/497867267#click=https://t.co/8vaqEsgx0G
KANSAS CITY
Grathoff KC Star: The eerie similarities between 2017 Chiefs and 2011 Super Bowl champion Giants
http://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/for-petes-sake/article188125229.html
Paylor KC Star: Chiefs-Raiders scouting report, key players to watch and a prediction
http://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/red-zone/article188777794.html
Kerkhoff KC Star: After career day at wide receiver, speedy Tyreek Hill looks for more
http://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article188810589.html
Mellinger KC Star: He’s not ‘Kansas City Nice’ — Marcus Peters’ rocky relationship with Chiefs fans
http://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mellinger/article188867624.html
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
Woike LA Times: Staying healthy has been key factor in Chargers' resurgence
http://www.latimes.com/sports/chargers/la-sp-chargers-report-20171206-story.html
DiGiovanna LA Times: Injuries haven't kept Chargers' Keenan Allen from being one of best receivers in NFL
http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/chargers/sd-sp-chargers-keenan-allen-top-receiver-20171205-story.html
Woike LA Times: Chargers' defense seems to improve every week under new coordinator Gus Bradley
[url]http://www.latimes.com/sports/chargers/la-sp-chargers-report-20171207-story,amp.html[/url]
LOS ANGELES RAMS
Klein LA Times: Jared Goff and Carson Wentz are excited about first meeting on the field
http://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-rams-goff-wentz-20171206-story.html
Klein LA Times: Rams' Gurley wouldn't mind playing in Pro Bowl, but has something more super in mind
http://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-rams-report-20171207-story.html
Klein LA Times: Rams receiver Sammy Watkins looking forward to playing against Eagles and his brother, Jaylen
http://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-rams-watkins-20171208-story.html
Thiry LA Times: Meet the veteran at center of Rams' high-scoring attack
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-rams-goff-sullivan-20171205-story.html
Klein LA Times: Rams linebacker Connor Barwin has extra motivation to get back on the field against Eagles
http://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-rams-report-20171208-story.html
MIAMI
Kelly Sun Sentinel: There are lessons to be learned from Rick Spielman and Jeff Ireland's post-Dolphins success
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/fl-sp-dolphins-kelly-column-20171206-story.html
Jackson Miami Herald: The reasons behind Dolphins RB Kenyan Drake’s success as a starter
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/barry-jackson/article188178034.html
Lieser Palm Beach Post: Jay Cutler, Jarvis Landry connection working well for Dolphins
http://dailydolphin.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2017/12/08/jay-cutler-jarvis-landry-connection-working-well-for-dolphins/
Schad Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins: Offensive line suddenly has ‘chemistry’ and ‘rhythm
http://dailydolphin.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2017/12/08/miami-dolphins-offensive-line-suddenly-has-chemistry-and-rhythm/
Schad Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins’ OT Laremy Tunsil explains his lackluster second season
http://dailydolphin.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2017/12/08/miami-dolphins-ot-laremy-tunsil-explains-his-lackluster-second-season/
Perkins Sun Sentinel: Dolphins disregard statistics vs. Tom Brady and focus on winning
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/fl-sp-dolphins-20171208-story.html
Kelly Sun Sentinel: Dolphins cornerback Bobby McCain vows to keep composure against Patriots
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/fl-sp-dolphins-bobby-mccain-20171208-story.html
MINNESOTA
Tomasson Twincities.com: Vikings defense has been great, but is it headed for greatness?
http://www.twincities.com/2017/12/08/vikings-defense-has-been-great-but-is-it-headed-for-greatness/
Krammer Minn Star Tribune: Film review: How Vikings safeties helped ground the Falcons' fast offense
http://m.startribune.com/film-review-how-vikings-safeties-helped-ground-the-falcons-fast-offense/462061403/?section=sports
NEW ENGLAND
McBride Boston Globe: It takes more than one to replace Rob Gronkowski
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/patriots/2017/12/08/takes-more-than-one-replace-rob-gronkowski/T2JenZjvXmCuFwIKD80yiN/story.html
Howe Boston Herald: Howe: As hits keep coming, Patriots must limit pressure on Tom Brady
http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/patriots/2017/12/howe_as_hits_keep_coming_patriots_must_limit_pressure_on_tom_brady
Reiss ESPN Boston: Shaq Mason, Cameron Fleming highlight Pats' strength in developing O-linemen
http://www.espn.com/blog/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4808899/shaq-mason-cameron-fleming-highlight-pats-strength-in-developing-o-linemen
Reiss ESPN Boston: How Bill Belichick knows his O-linemen are in good condition
http://www.espn.com/blog/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4809023/how-bill-belichick-knows-his-o-linemen-are-in-good-condition
Thompson Boston Herald: Dolphins QB Jay Cutler out to change personal history vs. Patriots
http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/patriots/2017/12/dolphins_qb_jay_cutler_out_to_change_personal_history_vs_patriots
NEW ORLEANS
Morale Nola.com: Saints love Brandon Coleman for his 'selfless' style of play
http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2017/12/saints_love_brandon_colemans_s.html
Katzenstein Nola.com: Saints' Cameron Jordan hoping stellar season includes unique 'triple-double
http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2017/12/cameron_jordan_triple_double.html
NEW YORK JETS
Costello NYP: Jets shouldn’t be in a rush to give Todd Bowles an extension
https://nypost.com/2017/12/06/jets-shouldnt-be-in-a-rush-to-give-todd-bowles-an-extension/
Glauber Newsday: Josh McCown, in career season, will have career decision
https://www.newsday.com/sports/columnists/bob-glauber/jets-josh-mccown-1.15381586
OAKLAND
Paskal Raiders.com: Three Matchups We Watched In The Oakland Raiders Week 13 Win Over The New York Giants
http://raiders.com/news/article-1/Three-Matchups-We-Watched-In-The-Oakland-Raiders-Week-13-Win-Over-The-New-York-Giants/4bccacaf-7a7b-4b50-b5d0-6d695c50f77e
Schneidman SJ Mercury News: DeAndre Washington seizes Raiders’ No. 2 running back spot
http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/12/08/deandre-washington-seizes-raiders-no-2-running-back-spot/
McDonald SJ Mercury News: Raiders hope O-line is back to its big and nasty form against Chiefs
http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/12/08/raiders-hope-o-line-is-back-to-its-big-and-nasty-form-against-chiefs/
Gutierrez ESPN Oakland: NaVorro Bowman is having a settling effect on Raiders defense
http://www.espn.com/blog/afcwest/post/_/id/80444/navorro-bowman-is-having-a-settling-effect-on-raiders-defense
PHILADELPHIA
Berman Phil.com: Eagles' Carson Wentz, Rams' Jared Goff quickly entering class of playoff-caliber quarterbacks
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/philadelphia-eagles-carson-wentz-rams-jared-goff-playoff-caliber-quarterbacks-20171208.html
Bowen Phil.com: Eagles have concerns this week, but Carson Wentz isn't one of them
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/philadelphia-eagles-los-angeles-rams-dont-carson-wentz-shaky-jared-goff-20171207.html
Domowitch Phil.com: Rams' Jared Goff will get a little extra help against the Eagles
How Sean McVay is helping Jared Goff make pre-snap reads, Carson Wentz's flurry of rushing first downs and more in my Friday Eagles/NFL notes column:
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/rams-jared-goff-eagles-carson-wentz-20171208.html
McLane Phil.com: Eagles film breakdown: What happened to Carson Wentz in Seattle?
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/philadelphia-eagles-film-analysis-seattle-seahawks-carson-wentz-nelson-agholor-doug-pederson-sheldon-richardson-20171205.html
Bowen Phil.com: Eagles' Zach Ertz isn't cleared, outlook for Sunday is cloudy
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/philadelphia-eagles-zach-ertz-not-cleared-los-angeles-rams-20171208.html
Vrentas MMQB: The Eagles Have Held It Together on the O-Line, With Some Help From Jason Peters
https://www.si.com/nfl/2017/12/07/philadelphia-eagles-offensive-line-rams-halapoulivaati-vaitai-jason-peters
Farmer LA Times: Long journey pits Eagles defensive end Chris Long against his former team, the Rams
http://www.latimes.com/sports/nfl/la-sp-eagles-long-farmer-20171207-story.html
Bowen Phil.com: Eagles' pass defense needs to be better against Jared Goff, Rams
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/philadelphia-eagles-los-angeles-rams-defense-schwartz-jared-goff-russell-wilson-20171205.html
McLane Phil.com: What's been up with injured Eagles rookie Sidney Jones?
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/philadelphia-eagles-rams-sidney-jones-rookie-cornerback-nfl-football-20171208.html
PITTSBURGH
Fittipaldo Pittsburgh Post Gazette: After an emotional week, Steelers seek normalcy and another AFC North title
http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2017/12/08/ryan-shazier-spinal-injury-vince-williams-jersey-steelers-ravens-prime-time-afc-north/stories/201712080136
Bouchette Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Are the Steelers now battle-tested or battle-scarred?
http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2017/12/05/ryan-shazier-injury-vontaze-burfict-juju-smith-schuster-suspension-frustrating-david-decastro/stories/201712050168
Fittipaldo Pittsburgh Post Gazette: As injuries mount, the Steelers' depth will be tested this week
http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2017/12/05/Ryan-Shazier-injury-Tyler-Matakevich-Joe-Haden-Cameron-Sutton-steelers-depth-chart/stories/201712050171
Cook Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Without Ryan Shazier and Joe Haden, the Steelers must dig deep
http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/ron-cook/2017/12/05/Ryan-Shazier-Joe-Haden-Steelers-patriots-ravens-coty-sensabaugh-cam-sutton/stories/201712060035
Fittipaldo Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Antonio Brown's injured toe is feeling better
http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2017/12/08/antonio-brown-fantasy-football-injury-probable-mike-mitchell-questionable/stories/20171208014
Bouchette Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Alejandro Villanueva reflects on the dangers of football and combat
One of Alejandro Villanueva's first missions in the military was to retrieve the limbs of a soldier from another company
http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2017/12/07/alejandro-villanueva-army-ranger-afghanistan-ryan-shazier-injury-spinal-cord-steelers-nfl/stories/201712070145
Bouchette Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Ryan Shazier's absence creates a hole in the Steelers defense
http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2017/12/08/ryan-shazier-surgery-update-sean-spence-lj-fort-keith-butler-arthur-moats/stories/201712070186
SAN FRANCISCO
Branch SF Chronicle: 49ers’ Lynch on Garoppolo: ‘I could have had five rings if I had a guy like that’
http://www.sfgate.com/49ers/article/49ers-Lynch-on-Garoppolo-I-could-have-had-12416546.php
Killion SF Chronicle: Jimmy Garoppolo the next Joe Montana? Hold those 49ers comparisons, please
http://www.sfchronicle.com/49ers/article/Garoppolo-the-next-Montana-Hold-those-49ers-12413886.php
Branch SF Chronicle: 49ers’ Trent Taylor raising his profile
http://www.sfgate.com/49ers/article/49ers-diminuitive-WR-Taylor-mentioned-with-12417407.php
Branch SF Chronicle: Dumervil hopes to make 49ers’ option decision obvious
http://www.sfgate.com/49ers/article/Dumervil-hopes-to-make-49ers-option-decision-12414439.php
Barrows Sac Bee: 49ers’ safety Adrian Colbert fueled by father, faith
http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nfl/san-francisco-49ers/article188920724.html
SEATTLE
Condotta Seattle Times: Analysis: Five new Seahawks who helped transform the season and what their futures may hold
https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/analysis-five-new-seahawks-who-helped-transform-the-season-and-what-their-futures-may-hold/
Bell News Tribune: Seahawks rookie lead RB Chris Carson has “setback” trying to return from injury
http://www.thenewstribune.com/sports/nfl/seattle-seahawks/seahawks-insider-blog/article188881534.html
Kelly The Ringer: The Most Unstoppable Play in Football Is Jimmy Graham Isolated in the Red Zone
https://www.theringer.com/nfl/2017/12/8/16748568/jimmy-graham-red-zone-isolated-touchdowns
Condotta Seattle Times: Seahawks’ Luke Joeckel says return to Jacksonville is just ‘another week’
https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/seahawk-luke-joeckel-says-return-to-jacksonville-is-just-another-week/
Condotta Seattle Times: Analysis: Why haven’t the Seahawks placed Kam Chancellor on injured reserve yet?
https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/why-isnt-seahawk-kam-chancellor-on-the-injured-reserve-list-yet-heres-why/
TAMPA BAY
Stroud TB Times: Jon Gruden says he can’t control speculation he will return to coaching, hoping Bucs finish strong
http://www.tbo.com/blogs/bucs/2017/12/08/jon-gruden-says-he-cant-control-speculation-he-will-return-to-coaching-hoping-bucs-finish-strong/
TENNESSEE
Wolf The Tennessean: Titans' Dick LeBeau: Larry Fitzgerald 'still damn productive' in 14th NFL season
http://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/nfl/titans/2017/12/08/titans-cardinals-dick-lebeau-larry-fitzgerald-still-damn-productive-14th-nfl-season/934686001/
WASHINGTON
Testfatsion Washington Post: Redskins mailbag: Is there any reason to be hopeful in 2018?
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/football-insider/wp/2017/12/05/redskins-mailbag-is-there-any-reason-to-be-hopeful-in-2018/?utm_term=.d4ca11528eee
Testfatsion Washington Post: Redskins’ Jordan Reed ruled out vs. Chargers; Trent Williams, Morgan Moses questionable
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/football-insider/wp/2017/12/08/redskins-jordan-reed-ruled-out-vs-chargers-trent-williams-morgan-moses-questionable/?utm_term=.7589a0d9a1f7
Keim ESPN Washington: Redskins like Samaje Perine's growth but need to see more for future
http://www.espn.com/blog/nfceast/post/_/id/79456/redskins-like-samaje-perines-growth-but-need-to-see-more-for-future
Clarke Washington Post: Redskins survey the offensive line carnage: ‘We’re just surviving, honestly.’
https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/redskins-survey-the-offensive-line-carnage-were-just-surviving-honestly/2017/12/08/a375773c-dc59-11e7-a841-2066faf731ef_story.html
Testfatsion Washington Post: Is Redskins left tackle Trent Williams a hoarder? His quarterback thinks so.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/football-insider/wp/2017/12/07/is-redskins-left-tackle-trent-williams-a-hoarder-his-quarterback-thinks-so/
Draft
Miller B/R: Matt Miller's Scouting Notebook: What Do NFL Teams Think of Heisman Finalists?
1. Cleveland: QB Josh Rosen, UCLA
2. NY Giants: QB Sam Darnold, USC
3. San Francisco: RB Saquon Barkley, Penn State
4. Denver: QB Josh Allen, Wyoming
5. Indianapolis: EDGE Bradley Chubb, NC State
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2748122-matt-millers-scouting-notebook-what-do-nfl-teams-think-of-heisman-finalists
Miller B/R: One Draft Prospect on Every NFL Team's Radar
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2747087-one-draft-prospect-on-every-nfl-teams-radar
QB
Breer MMQB: Baker Mayfield Is a First-Round NFL Draft Pick
https://www.si.com/nfl/2017/12/05/2018-draft-baker-mayfield-first-round-russell-wilson-johnny-manziel
RB
Dellinger NO Advocate: LSU RB Derrius Guice on NFL decision: 'I will not know until after the bowl game
http://www.montrosepress.com/national/sports/lsu-rb-derrius-guice-on-nfl-decision-i-will-not/article_0bb8b926-b619-5105-a938-b4354b88e540.html
Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks)
12/9/17, 12:34 AM
Finished up LSU RB Derrius Guice--I'm sticking with my young Frank Gore comp. Runs low to the ground, power, lateral quickness etc...really good football player.
Davis Sun Sentinel: Hurricanes star running back Mark Walton declares for NFL draft
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-hurricanes/fl-sp-hurricanes-mark-walton-draft-20171205-story.html
S
Deen Orlando Sentinel: FSU's Derwin James declares for 2018 NFL draft
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/florida-state-seminoles/chopping-block/os-sp-acc-fsu-derwin-james-nfl-draft-20171205-story.html
History
Kosmider Denver Post: Lessons from 1967: Hall of Famer Floyd Little knows what the current Broncos are experiencing — and he has a message for them
http://www.denverpost.com/2017/12/08/broncos-lessons-from-1967-floyd-little/
Giants Birthdays 12-09
Ray Agnew RDT FA-NE 1995 NYG 1995-1997 12-09-1967
Jim Finn FB FA-IND 2003 NYG 2003-2006 12-09-1976
Adam Gettis LG PSQ-PIT 2014 NYG 2014-2016 12-09-1988
Shayne Graham PK W-BAL 2010 NYG 2010 12-09-1977
Ryan Grant RB UDFA-2005 Notre Dame NYG PSQ 2015 NYG NFI 2006 12-09-1982
Leon Hall CB FA-CIN 2016 NYG 2016 12-09-1984
Terry Jackson LCB/RCB D5-SD State 1978 NYG 1978-1983 12-09-1955
