NEW ORLEANS (AP) The New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are both defying expectations Authentic Bradley Chubb Jersey , albeit in markedly different ways.

Their divergent paths cross in a pivotal NFC South Division matchup on Sunday, with the Saints (5-2) aiming to consolidate their surprising hold on first place, and the Bucs (2-5) desperate to prevent their season from looking lost at the halfway point.

”We’ve been beating ourselves too often and somebody said a long time ago, more games in the NFL are lost than won, so it starts with not beating ourselves,” said Tampa Bay coach Dirk Koetter, whose team was widely expected to be a playoff contender after narrowly missing the postseason last season.

The Bucs have turned the ball over 12 times – tied for eighth most in the NFL. Tampa Bay has thrown eight interceptions – six by battered starting quarterback Jameis Winston – and has lost four fumbles.

”We have to win the turnover margin and we have to out-execute our opponent,” Keotter said. ”We’ve played well in spurts, but we just haven’t been consistent enough and the teams that have been beating us have beat us because they played better.”

While Saints quarterback Drew Brees had done a lot of winning in his 17-year career http://www.newenglandpatriotsteamonline.com/jason-mccourty-jersey , he’s riding his first five-game winning streak since 2013, which is also the previous time the Saints made the playoffs.

The previous six-game winning streak came in 2011, when the Saints fielded the league’s most potent offense.

This year’s Saints offense doesn’t look quite as dynamic as the ’11 edition, which set an NFL record with 7,474 yards.

It has looked more like the more balanced attack New Orleans had in 2009, which was good enough to propel the Saints to their only Super Bowl. But Brees contends the Saints still have plenty of potential to fulfil.

”We’re doing a lot of good things, but man just really scratching the surface in some areas,” Brees said. ”I feel like a lot of things can really bump us to the next level I think on both sides of the ball and yet we’re still finding ways to win games and we’re doing enough things well.

”That’s encouraging, but you also realize the games are only getting tougher and more important and more at stake and we’ve got to continue to fine tune and get better.”

Here are some other things to know about the Buccaneers and Saints:

MIXED FEELINGS: The Bucs have the NFL’s second-most productive passing attack in the NFL and are fourth in total offense Authentic Marquez Valdes-Scantling Jersey , yet they’re 18th in scoring at 21 per game and off to a 2-5 start.

The team has totaled 2,636 yards this season, most in franchise history through seven games. Part of that can be attributed to playing from behind much of time.

”With the statistics we have on offense, you can’t even imagine that we would be sitting in this position,” quarterback Jameis Winston said. ”But if we were sitting at 5-2, and we had worse stats, there really wouldn’t be a conversation.”

SECONDARY AMBITIONS: Saints safety Kenny Vaccaro sounds eager to see if New Orleans’ pass defense, which was statistically among the NFL’s worst the previous three seasons, can build on a string of solid performances throughout his club’s five-game winning streak.

That will mean containing receivers Mike Evans and DeSean Jackson Authentic Taron Johnson Jersey , and tight end Cameron Brate, who’ve helped the Bucs gain 295.4 yards per game through the air.

”Our mentality is we’ve moved past that bend-but-not-break thing where you give up yards and still win. We want keep stopping people,” Vaccaro said.

”This will be our biggest test to date. … We want to prove a point. We want to challenge these guys and we’ll find out exactly what type of secondary we have.”

CLOSING GAPS: The Saints’ defensive front has been susceptible to giving up sporadic big gains on the ground in recent weeks. Two games ago, they allowed a 46-yard TD run to Green Bay’s Aaron Jones.

Last week, Chicago’s Jordan Howard had a 50-yard run and QB Mitchell Trubisky scrambled for 46. Now New Orleans faces Bucs running back Doug Martin , who has 247 yards and two TDs rushing in three games since serving a four-game drug suspension.

DEFENDING BREES: Containing Saints quarterback Drew Brees is a challenge everywhere, but Tampa Bay has had a particularly difficult time slowing him and the Saints in the Superdome.

In his past six home games against the Bucs, Brees has thrown for 1,871 yards http://www.pittsburghsteelersteamstore.com/chukwuma-okorafor-jersey , 14 touchdowns and five interceptions for a 102.6 passer rating.

Tampa Bay has the league’s 30th-ranked pass defense and is last in the NFL with seven sacks.

”Anytime you’re playing a really good quarterback and he is able to stay in rhythm, it’s going to be a tough out,” said Bucs defensive coordinator Mike Smith, who also had plenty of experience facing Brees as Atlanta’s head coach.

”It’s going to be imperative that we try to get him flustered a little bit, whether it’s by changing up the coverage, whether it’s by adding extra rushers. There are different ways you can do it.”

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AP Sports Writer Fred Goodall in Tampa, Florida, contributed to this report.

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AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and http://twitter.com/AP-NFL

GREEN BAY Jaguars Logan Cooke Jersey , Wis. (AP) No one on the Green Bay Packers’ roster misses Aaron Rodgers more than Jordy Nelson – at least according to the stat sheet.

Nelson, the Packers 10th-year wide receiver and Rodgers’ go-to guy for much of his career, has seen his numbers drop off significantly since the two-time NFL MVP quarterback suffered a fractured right collarbone at Minnesota on Oct. 15. Backup quarterback Brett Hundley took over and has started the past four games – three of which the Packers have lost – and is set to start Sunday night’s game at Pittsburgh as well.

Before Rodgers’ injury, Nelson had caught 20 passes for 240 yards and a league-high six touchdowns from his longtime teammate and close friend — and those numbers include the team’s Week 2 loss at Atlanta, where Nelson played only seven offensive snaps and did not have a reception before exiting the game with a quadriceps injury.

Nelson caught five passes from Hundley for 50 yards against the Vikings after Rodgers left the game, but in Hundley’s four starts, Nelson has just 10 receptions for 92 yards. He also hasn’t caught a touchdown pass since Rodgers went down.

”You want to be a part of it more Authentic Justin Jones Jersey , but you have no control over it,” Nelson said Tuesday. ”I don’t want to sit here and say (Hundley) needs to throw me the ball because that’s definitely not the case. I’m going to do my job, they’re doing to do theirs. If we continue to do that and be more consistent in everyone doing that, we’ll be successful.”

With six games left, Nelson has caught 35 passes for 382 yards – putting him on pace for 56 receptions for 611 yards, both of which would be his lowest numbers since 2012, when he caught 49 passes for 745 yards and seven touchdowns while missing four games and parts of two others with hamstring injuries.

Nelson said the one thing he does not want to do is make Hundley feel obligated to throw him the ball more. Hundley has more readily connected with Davante Adams Authentic Sebastian Janikowski Jersey , who had eight catches for 126 yards in last week’s loss to Baltimore and leads the Packers in receptions (50) and receiving yards (620) this season.

”Brett feeling comfortable with Davante and being able to hit a couple big plays for him (is obvious),” Nelson said. ”You see that, and I think you see that with any quarterback in connection with the receiver. If you’re able to make some big plays for him, you feel more and more comfortable with it.

”It’s just sometimes the way it goes as a receiver. The quarterback feels comfortable with certain guys or whatever it is. I’m not saying he doesn’t feel comfortable with me, but that’s the way the games play out sometimes. I’m not worried about it. I don’t want him to feel like he needs to try to get me the ball or anything. He just needs to continue doing what he’s doing.”

JONES APOLOGIES

Rookie running back Aaron Jones apologized Tuesday after news broke that he is facing three charges and possible NFL discipline after an arrest Oct. 1 during a traffic stop. According to Wisconsin Circuit Court records, Jones has been charged with operating a vehicle with a controlled substance in his system, speeding (24 mph over the posted speed limit of 55) and operating a vehicle without a valid license. Jones’ arrest occurred a week before his breakout game at Dallas on Oct. 8 http://www.newyorkjetsteamonline.com/chris-herndon-jersey , and he entered a plea of not guilty on Nov. 15.

In his first public comments since the arrest came to light, Jones made a brief statement before asking that questions be limited only to football. Jones suffered a left knee injury Nov. 12 at Chicago and has been sidelined since.

”I owe an apology to my family, teammates, coaches, the fans and the Packers organization,” Jones said. ”I made a mistake, and I take full responsibility for it. And it won’t happen again.”

Jones Authentic Courtland Sutton Jersey , who leads the Packers in rushing (70 carries, 370 yards, three touchdowns) is expected to miss several more weeks with his knee injury, but he vowed to return this season.

”Definitely,” Jones said.

When betting in a game Authentic Sam Darnold Jersey , don聮t easily fall on schemes that promise you fast money. If you opt for a horse racing tips, it will not shake your world and make you the richest person in the world. These are just suggestions that you can consider. If you will take them wisely, you will be way ahead of others who are wagering in the same competitions as you do. You can earn a fortune through this but you have to make it work to your advantage. This means that you have to work extra hard by doing more research instead of just relying on the suggestions.

LOVE THE GAME. If you don聮t have passion for this, you will go nowhere. It doesn聮t matter if you have the money when you don聮t know anything about the sport. You have to understand it in order for you to love it.STUDY. STUDY. STUDY. Don聮t limit your knowledge to what the bookie tells you. Try to learn on your own so that you can get your fair share of the action. Visit the paddocks and don聮t hesitate to literally get down and dirty. This is where you will observe the horses Authentic Jihad Ward Jersey , their trainers, and their jockeys before the race. Evaluate how the equines act toward the people and try to check their behavior if they are agitated or calm.GET TO KNOW THE TRIO. These are the horses, jockeys, and trainers. Most horse racing tips emphasize these three. It is your job to learn about them since they are closely interrelated. Remember that the horse is the main star in the race. They are trained by the trainer and guided by jockey.

The three steps that have been mentioned will help you in understanding the horse racing tips. It will be up to you what equine to bet on and the type of bet to use. You do not only use your passion for this Cheap Chris Herndon Jersey , but you have to match it with diligence. There are tipster websites that you can check out. They will give you suggestions which you can play on betting exchange sites.

Getting the right information will cost you, and if you will sign-up with a tipster site, you will not have any problem. You can choose either to go for a standard or go with a pro membership. The standard type is ideal for people who do not spend most of their time on the computer. Whereas, the pro membership is for individuals who always stays connected through web.

To help you enjoy the race more Steelers Mason Rudolph Jersey , try to read and understand the racing forms. Ask for advice from people who are knowledgeable about this kind of game. It would also help if you will see the horses. The way they behave will greatly affect how they will play, so you better take note of that. With all these basic tips, your betting career will definitely flourish.

FOXBOROUGH Authentic Rick Leonard Jersey , Mass. (AP) The Patriots will be without starting cornerback Stephon Gilmore for the second straight week when New England hosts Atlanta on Sunday night.

Gilmore is out with a concussion and ankle injury. Joining him on the inactive list for the Patriots are linebacker Harvey Langi (back), cornerback Eric Rowe (groin) Authentic Mike Gesicki Jersey , defensive lineman Geneo Grissom, tackle Cam Fleming Authentic Antonio Callaway Jersey , offensive lineman Cole Croston and linebacker Elandon Roberts.

Inactive for Atlanta are linebacker Jordan Tripp (concussion), receivers Nick Williams and Marvin Hall Authentic Tracy Walker Jersey , safety Sharrod Neasman, guard Sean Harlow Cheap Marquez Valdes-Scantling Jersey , offensive tackle Austin Pasztor and defensive lineman Ahtyba Rubin.

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For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFL

FOXBOROUGH Authentic Taron Johnson Jersey , Mass. (AP) Tom Brady’s eyes widened when he was told that he didn’t even throw a pass in the direction of tight end Rob Gronkowski on Sunday – the first time in the three-time All-Pro’s career that he wasn’t targeted for an entire game.

”Really?” the Patriots quarterback said. ”I didn’t know that. I didn’t notice.”

Gronkowski was twice held without a catch last season, but his season-low for 2017 was two catches in the opener against Kansas City. He finished the regular season with 69 receptions for 1,084 yards and eight touchdowns.

Afterward Authentic Barkevious Mingo Jersey , he said he wasn’t surprised by the game plan.

And he said he wasn’t bothered by it, either.

”It was a coaching decision,” Gronkowski said. ”A coaching decision is a coaching decision.”

Gronkowski was due to receive a $2 million bonus if he caught 80 passes Cheap Kyzir White Jersey , had 1,200 receiving yards or played in 90 percent of the team’s snaps (which he also fell short of), according to ESPN. He will also earn the bonus if he is selected again to The Associated Press All-Pro team this week.

With the 26-6 victory over the New York Jets Authentic Terrell Edmunds Jersey , the Patriots (13-3) clinched the top seed in the AFC. They will have a bye in the first round of the playoffs and host the lowest remaining season the weekend of Jan. 13-14

”Everything’s good,” he said. ”We just won the AFC. We’re champions. We got the No. 1 seed. That was a big one right there.”

Jets (5-11) coach Todd Bowles said there was no specific plan to keep the ball away from Gronkowski. In all, Brady completed 18 of 37 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns.

”It just worked out that way Authentic Royce Freeman Jersey ,” he said. ”They have a lot of weapons. You pick your poison who you’re going to let (them) throw the ball to.”

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For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFL

EAST RUTHERFORD Cheap Alex McGough Jersey , N.J. (AP) Just when you thought things couldn’t get worse for the New York Giants, they delivered a holiday flop.

The Giants were once again disappointing, especially on offense, in the 20-10 Thanksgiving night loss to the Washington Redskins, dropping their record to 2-9, making the final five games of the season virtually worthless.

”I’m disappointed in the way the offense looked,” said beleaguered coach Ben McAdoo in a conference call Friday. ”We had a lot of unforced errors and that’s how usually it goes. We played a lot of younger players on a short week and they played like it. We need to be better and we will attack this last month head on.”

The Giants managed three points offensively, had one first down in the second half Authentic Tre'Quan Smith Jersey , and saw quarterback Eli Manning complete 13 of 27 passes for 113 yards, no touchdowns and one interception.

”It’s definitely been a frustrating year,” Manning said. ”Our defense is keeping us in games, but we’re not able to move the ball. Yeah, it’s frustrating. It’s not the style of football that I’m used to playing. It’s frustrating and it’s tough. We have to find out why we’re not doing things. We had some drops. I missed some throws. Everyone is contributing to our lack of success.”

It was Manning’s lowest passing production in almost 10 years, since he threw for 111 yards in Buffalo on Dec. 23, 2007. However, 36 of Manning’s passing yards came on the final drive with the outcome no longer in question. The Giants had 86 net yards passing Authentic Kemoko Turay Jersey , their lowest total since Oct. 28, 2007.

The Giants didn’t do much with their rushing attack, gaining 84 yards on 24 attempts (3.5 yards per carry). They converted on 2-of-14 third-down chances (14 percent).

Manning admitted the Giants have very little to play for now.

”It’s been a tough year,” Manning said. ”But we have five games left. It’s about pride now.”

Manning isn’t about to give up right now.

”We could be effective and it can work,” Manning said. ”We just have to find a way. We’re not doing our part. We have to score more points.”

Part of the problem is the team’s inability to catch Manning’s passes on a regular basis. Thursday night, the biggest culprit was promising rookie tight end Evan Engram, who had only three catches for 18 yards and dropped three passes.

”I thought Evan was pressing a bit, especially after he dropped the first one Authentic James Daniels Jersey ,” McAdoo said. ”He didn’t have good fundamentals. He doesn’t have a lot of experience playing in that kind of weather.”

If there was one positive to the Giants’ performance, it was their defensive effort. They had six sacks and a 53-yard interception return for a touchdown by cornerback Janoris Jenkins, who left the game with an ankle injury that McAdoo hinted might keep him out of action for an extended period.

”The effort is there on the defensive side of the ball,” linebacker Devon Kennard said. ”If we could eliminate some of the big plays, we would be in better shape. We still have a lot to play for. We know we can be better than what our record shows. I’m looking forward to doing good things over the next five weeks.”

Kennard, who had one of the Giants’ six sacks on Kirk Cousins, didn’t want to place the blame for the loss solely on the poor play of the offense.

”I think there are some things that we could have done defensively to put us in an even better spot,” Kennard said. ”If we played better in the second half Authentic Vinny Curry Jersey , then maybe things would have panned out differently. So I think we got to look at ourselves and figure out what we should do on the defensive side of the ball to put ourselves in a better position. We see the offense didn’t score a lot of points, so we got to get more turnovers. We have to make sure we eliminate the big plays and keep them out of field goal range. You can’t worry about the other side of the ball.”

The Giants will now get three days off.

”We will let the bodies rest and recover,” Manning said. ”We need to get away for a few days and get rejuvenated for the last five games. We have to make sure we put a better product on the field.”

It could very be the final five games in McAdoo’s head coaching tenure with the Giants.

”We have a lot of young players who need to step up,” McAdoo said. ”We need those younger guys to grow up. We don’t have time. It has to be now.”

NOTES: Linebacker Curtis Grant (knee) and cornerback Donte Deayon (fractured forearm) appear lost for the season after suffering injuries Thursday night. Linebacker Deontae Skinner hurt his hamstring, and his status moving forward is questionable.

—

For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFL

When betting in a game Authentic Robert Griffin III Jersey , don聮t easily fall on schemes that promise you fast money. If you opt for a horse racing tips, it will not shake your world and make you the richest person in the world. These are just suggestions that you can consider. If you will take them wisely, you will be way ahead of others who are wagering in the same competitions as you do. You can earn a fortune through this but you have to make it work to your advantage. This means that you have to work extra hard by doing more research instead of just relying on the suggestions.

LOVE THE GAME. If you don聮t have passion for this, you will go nowhere. It doesn聮t matter if you have the money when you don聮t know anything about the sport. You have to understand it in order for you to love it.STUDY. STUDY. STUDY. Don聮t limit your knowledge to what the bookie tells you. Try to learn on your own so that you can get your fair share of the action. Visit the paddocks and don聮t hesitate to literally get down and dirty. This is where you will observe the horses http://www.miamidolphinsteamonline.com/kalen-ballage-jersey , their trainers, and their jockeys before the race. Evaluate how the equines act toward the people and try to check their behavior if they are agitated or calm.GET TO KNOW THE TRIO. These are the horses, jockeys, and trainers. Most horse racing tips emphasize these three. It is your job to learn about them since they are closely interrelated. Remember that the horse is the main star in the race. They are trained by the trainer and guided by jockey.

The three steps that have been mentioned will help you in understanding the horse racing tips. It will be up to you what equine to bet on and the type of bet to use. You do not only use your passion for this Chiefs Armani Watts Jersey , but you have to match it with diligence. There are tipster websites that you can check out. They will give you suggestions which you can play on betting exchange sites.

Getting the right information will cost you, and if you will sign-up with a tipster site, you will not have any problem. You can choose either to go for a standard or go with a pro membership. The standard type is ideal for people who do not spend most of their time on the computer. Whereas, the pro membership is for individuals who always stays connected through web.

To help you enjoy the race more Authentic Justin Reid Jersey , try to read and understand the racing forms. Ask for advice from people who are knowledgeable about this kind of game. It would also help if you will see the horses. The way they behave will greatly affect how they will play, so you better take note of that. With all these basic tips, your betting career will definitely flourish.

People have been picking up sticks to beat each other since time immemorial Raiders Arden Key Jersey , but the joong bong, the Korean Middle staff, is something really special in the world of martial arts. This is the most commonly taught weapon in the Korean martial art of Kuk Sul Won, though tournaments and ease of use have brought the joong bong into other arenas, like Tae Kwon Do.

I got my first look at joong bong technique a few years ago, when I was interviewing one of the advanced students at a Kuk Sool Won school in Milwaukee. She was giving me the run down on the basic kicking and striking techniques used when something caught my eye. Next to the fans and tridents Authentic Sylvester Williams Jersey , most people wouldn't have given the homely stick a second glance, but I could tell from the wear that this was a weapon that many students had trained with.

The joong bong itself varies depending on the school and the preference of the user. Usually, it is made out of wood or rattan and measures between 2 and half to three feet long. My friend mentioned that some heavy hitters like their joong bong to be made out of metal, and after I did a few passes with it, it makes sense; in terms of practicing, the heavier the stick is Authentic Darius Leonard Jersey , the better the workout you'll get.

She explained that the joong bong was the middle-sized staff that many students started off with, and is one of the easier weapons to master in the realm of Korean martial arts. She herself had started with the joong bong, and though she had progressed to a mastery of several other weapons, the joong bong remained one of her favorites. As I watched, she demonstrated some of the moves associated with this ancient weapon.

The joong bong is held at one end, rather than in the center. My friend emphasized that that this is used primarily for striking and as such Authentic Vita Vea Jersey , the tip should be aimed at the opponent's neck for maximum effectiveness. Slowly, she took me through the four basic striking techniques that make up her joong bong practice and then she sped it up. As I watched in awe, she became the center of a whirling storm, the slow exercises she had been demonstrating turning into a fierce burst of activity.

She grinned at me when she finished up and asked if I cared to try. I was ready to go ahead so I stepped on the mat to face her, but she laughed.

"I was thinking about pairing you with one of our newer practitioners of joong bong," she said and pointed at a thirteen-year-old boy Authentic Josey Jewell Jersey , who was taking his own stick through the motions. I was going to laugh too, until I noticed how fast he was moving and how hard he could bring down his stick!

Article Tags: Joong Bong, Martial Arts

ENGLEWOOD Authentic Terrelle Pryor Sr. Jersey , Colo. (AP) Von Miller wants his teammates to chill out in the midst of an eight-game skid.

That’s why the Denver Broncos pass-rush specialist bought all of them a temperature-controlled mattress pad as a holiday gift – so they can get a restful night’s sleep even during the franchise’s worst losing streak in 50 years.

”I just like doing stuff for my teammates,” said Miller, who once gave the squad whiskey and underwear for a gift. ”I’m looking out for my guys.”

Despite facing constant double teams to keep him away from QBs, Miller is still assembling another fine season. He remains a sack away from becoming the first player in team history to turn in six 10-sack seasons.

”It’s kind of scary, because it shows me I’ve been in the league a long time,” said the 28-year-old Miller , whose team hosts the New York Jets on Sunday . ”I really don’t try to focus on that stuff. If this was the sixth time that I’ve led the NFL in sacks, I’d be doing back flips right now. You have to stay even-keeled and come to work and grind it out.”

These days, Miller feels like his role in the room and on the field is simple: Keep the team together. He’s stepping up to be even more of a leader under such trying times and with the fifth-ranked defense constantly carrying the load for a struggling offense. It’s what the leaders before him would’ve done Cheap Kerryon Johnson Jersey , players such as DeMarcus Ware, Peyton Manning, Brian Dawkins and even Tim Tebow.

”That’s what I can control. I can control my attitude and my energy,” said Miller, who signed a quarterback-like contract of $114.5 million two summers ago. ”I’ve had great examples of consistency from the leaders we had here before. I try to replicate that. I say all the time, `What would DeMarcus say or what would Peyton say? What would Tim Tebow do or Brian Dawkins?’ It’s an imprint they left behind on me and I’m trying to pay it forward.”

His message is getting across loud and clear.

”He keeps telling the guys, `Keep doing your job and make the plays you’re supposed to make and things will work out,”’ defensive coordinator Joe Woods said. ”Everything going on is disappointing, but he’s been a positive influence on the entire defense.”

No one more than fellow linebacker Shane Ray http://www.newenglandpatriotsteamonline.com/jason-mccourty-jersey , who listens carefully to all of Miller’s tips.

”When you’re in a room with a guy like that, who’s constantly coaching you and on your case, and sees the potential in you and decides to work with you, it says a lot,” said Ray, who missed the first six weeks of the season with a wrist injury. ”With everything that’s happened this season, as far as our record and how teams have attacked him and to be as productive as he is, it says a lot about who he is as a player. That’s why he’s the top outside linebacker in the league.”

Miller has at least a half-sack in eight games this season, including bringing down Dak Prescott and Philip Rivers twice. Of his 82 + career sacks http://www.newyorkgiantsteamonline.com/b.j.-hill-jersey , 15 have come against Rivers.

”Von’s a player that if you don’t game plan for Von, he can wreck the game,” coach Vance Joseph said. ”He’s a special player.”

The frustration of the fans over such a dreary season may be heard at Sunday’s home game. Miller understands. He constantly gets feedback on his social media accounts. And while he doesn’t respond to everything, he reads a vast majority of it.

”If we go get a win, I’m sure it will sway some fans right there,” Miller said. ”It’s been a tough season all the way around. You can’t sugarcoat it at all. It’s been a tough season for everybody.

”Adversity, it reveals character. We have a lot of high-character guys in the locker room.”

NOTES: OG Ron Leary (back), QB Paxton Lynch (ankle), NT Domata Peko (knee) and DE Zach Kerr (toe) didn’t practice Thursday. … With the cold temperatures Thursday Authentic Malik Jefferson Jersey , Joseph moved practice into the indoor facility – a move Ray realizes might be nitpicked. ”Everything you do when you’re losing is magnified,” Ray said. ”I guarantee they’re like, `You need to be outside to get toughness with all the losses they’ve had.’ Come on, really?”

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For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFL

RENTON Chargers Kyzir White Jersey , Wash. (AP) Pete Carroll insisted again that he’s not going anywhere. He’s intent on remaining the leader of the Seattle Seahawks even if it means many of the faces he spoke to this week while closing out the 2017 season are gone by the time Carroll finally gets to coach his team again.

”I’m pumped up about it. I’m excited about that challenge,” Carroll said Tuesday. ”I’m upset that we have to face it this early. I’d like another six weeks here, that would be nice. But that’s not what this one is. We got to go after it. Nothing’s going to change other than maybe our resolve.”

For just the second time in his eight years in Seattle, Carroll spent Tuesday explaining why the Seahawks were not in the postseason. It’s the first playoff miss for Seattle since the 2011 season and with the rapid rise of division foe Los Angeles indicated – at least for one year – a significant change in the hierarchy of the NFC West.

Injuries played a major role in Seattle’s slide to 9-7. So, too, did inconsistency on offense Authentic Sam Hubbard Jersey , continued problems with penalties and salary cap constraints that limited adjustments the Seahawks could make during the season.

It’s likely to be a busy offseason as Seattle attempts to manage its tight cap situation while making key decisions about how to move forward and if it still is a championship contender needing slight tweaks or a major overhaul.

”I think there is a championship team sitting in this meeting room right here,” Carroll said.

Here are some of the issues to know about Seattle’s 2017 season and going into next year:

REDISCOVER THE RUN: Perhaps nothing irritated Carroll more, or had a great impact on the efficiency of the offense, than Seattle’s inability to run. It’s been a staple of Carroll’s program from the day he arrived in Seattle.

This year the Seahawks had one rushing touchdown by a running back. Quarterback Russell Wilson was the leading rusher with 586 yards, 346 more than any other player. Seattle had hopes for promising rookie Chris Carson, but he was sidelined by an ankle injury early in the season and never made it back. The lack of a running game affected Wilson as a passer as well Authentic Rasheem Green Jersey , as defenses didn’t have to commit an extra safety to stopping the run, leading to smaller throwing windows and some tentative decisions by Wilson.

”There are tremendous examples of teams around the league that have turned their fortunes around with a formula that should sound familiar to you: teams running the football, playing good defense and doing the kicking game thing,” Carroll said.

INJURY CONCERNS: Carroll wouldn’t get into specifics, but there is a chance Cliff Avril and Kam Chancellor have played their final games. Avril and Chancellor suffered neck injuries during the season. Carroll said on the radio Tuesday that both would have a ”hard time” playing football again. A couple of hours later, he softened his stance Authentic Jeremiah Attaochu Jersey , saying each have quality-of-life decisions to address with their football future.

”Both those guys are marvelous people and competitors and all that. We’d love to see them through the rest of their career. I don’t know what’s going to happen there,” Carroll said.

LEGION OF WHOM: If Chancellor does not return, it could be the start of a major makeover for Seattle’s secondary. Richard Sherman is coming off a torn Achilles tendon and was openly shopped by Seattle last offseason. Earl Thomas is entering the last year of his contract and his actions toward the end of the season indicated a desire to be elsewhere for the 2018 season.

A big key will be if Seattle can re-sign versatile safety Bradley McDougald after he played both free and strong safety this season.

HOME-FIELD AVERAGE: Seattle went 4-4 at home, its first .500 record at CenturyLink Field since 2011. The Seahawks have always thrived at home, but some of their uglier performances this year came in front of their own fans.

OFF THE FIELD: Seattle was among the most active teams in the league with a significant number of players participating in national anthem protests. The protests, on top of the incident Michael Bennett had with police in Las Vegas in August Authentic Mark Andrews Jersey , created a number of unexpected issues.

Carroll said he believed that only once this season – Seattle’s loss at Tennessee – did discussions of off-field issues affect the team’s performance. Seattle had long discussions following comments by President Donald Trump about NFL players and opted to remain in the locker room as a team during the anthem before that game.

”That was an extraordinarily heated time,” Carroll said. ”I think that was a different amount of emotional output that occurred before the game and it looked like it the way we played.”

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